The Unconventional Charm: Your Ultimate Guide to Boarding Southwest Airlines
Ever wondered why everyone talks about "the Southwest scramble"? Or perhaps you've heard whispers of "boarding groups" and "open seating" and felt a tiny bead of sweat form on your brow? Fear not, fellow traveler! Southwest Airlines has a unique, yet surprisingly efficient, boarding process that, once understood, can make your journey far less stressful and even quite enjoyable. Ready to master the art of the Southwest board? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Embrace the "No Assigned Seats" Philosophy! (Your First Mindset Shift)
Before we even talk about check-in, the most crucial thing to understand about Southwest Airlines is this: they do not assign seats. That's right. No pre-selecting your window or aisle. No guaranteed spot next to your travel companion. Instead, Southwest operates on an "open seating" policy. This means that once you're on the plane, you can choose any available seat.
Now, this might sound chaotic, but it's actually quite simple. Your goal with Southwest isn't to get "your" seat, but to get a good boarding position. The earlier you board, the more seat choices you'll have. This is where the strategy comes in!
Step 2: Mastering the Check-In Game: Your Key to a Better Boarding Position
Your boarding position on Southwest Airlines is determined primarily by when you check in. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding group and number will be.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Rule: Your Boarding Pass Lottery
The Golden Window: Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is your prime opportunity to snag a desirable boarding position. Set an alarm, make a reminder, do whatever you need to do to be ready right at that 24-hour mark.
How it Works: When you check in, you'll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1-60) within that group. For example, you might get "A35" or "B12." Group A boards first, then Group B, then Group C. Within each group, passengers board in numerical order. So, A1 boards before A2, and so on.
Why it Matters: A lower number within Group A means you'll be among the first to board, giving you the widest selection of seats – window, aisle, front of the plane, back of the plane, seats together with your travel companions, and ample overhead bin space. As you move into Group B and especially Group C, your options will become more limited.
Sub-heading: Boosting Your Chances: EarlyBird Check-In
If the thought of hovering over your computer or phone 24 hours before your flight makes you anxious, Southwest offers a paid service called EarlyBird Check-In.
What it Is: EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in starting 36 hours before your flight. This gives you a significant advantage over those checking in manually at the 24-hour mark.
Benefits: While it doesn't guarantee an A boarding position (as A-List members and Business Select fares get priority), it greatly increases your chances of getting an earlier boarding position within Group A or a very good position in Group B. This translates to a better seat selection and earlier access to overhead bin space.
Cost: The cost of EarlyBird Check-In varies by flight, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight.
When to Purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking or add it later, up to 26 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, subject to availability. It's generally recommended to purchase it as early as possible if you want the best possible EarlyBird position, as positions are assigned based on the time stamp of the EarlyBird purchase relative to others in the same fare product.
Sub-heading: The Premium Path: Business Select & Upgraded Boarding
For those who want the best possible boarding position guaranteed, there are two options:
Business Select Fares: These are Southwest's highest fare class and automatically include an A1-A15 boarding position, along with other perks like a complimentary premium drink and priority security lane access. If you purchase a Business Select fare, you're practically guaranteed to be among the first people on the plane.
Upgraded Boarding: If you didn't purchase a Business Select fare, you might have the option to purchase "Upgraded Boarding" within 24 hours of your flight, if available. This allows you to upgrade your boarding position to an A1-A15 spot.
Cost: Upgraded Boarding generally costs between $30 and $149 per segment, depending on the route and demand.
Availability: These A1-A15 spots are limited and subject to availability, so it's not always an option. You can typically purchase it at the check-in counter or at the gate.
Step 3: Arriving at the Gate: The Boarding Line Dance
Once you have your boarding pass with your assigned group and number, the next step is to head to your gate.
Look for the Pillars: At Southwest gates, you'll see clearly marked boarding pillars or signs with numbers indicating the boarding positions. These are typically set up in two rows. For example, you might see "A 1-30" on one side and "A 31-60" on the other.
Find Your Place: When your boarding group is called, find your designated place in line between the corresponding numbered posts. This is where the "scramble" aspect comes in for some people, but it's really just lining up in an orderly fashion.
Listen for Announcements: The gate agent will make announcements, calling for pre-boarders first, then Group A (usually in segments, like A1-A15, then A16-A30, etc.), followed by special boarding groups, then Group B, and finally Group C. Pay attention to these announcements.
Sub-heading: Special Boarding Groups and Considerations
Southwest has a few special boarding categories that board before the general groups:
Preboarding: This is for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. You must request preboarding from a Southwest customer service agent at the ticket counter or gate. One companion may preboard with you.
Customers Needing Extra Time: If you have a disability but don't qualify for preboarding and just need a little extra time to board or be seated, you can board between the A and B groups, before Family Boarding. Speak to a Customer Service Agent to get a new boarding pass marked with "XT."
Family Boarding: This is a fantastic perk for families! If you are traveling with a child six years old or younger, up to two adults traveling with that child may board during Family Boarding. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding. This helps ensure families can find seats together. If your entire family already has "A" boarding passes, you should board in your assigned positions.
Active Duty Military: Active duty military personnel in uniform may also board during Family Boarding.
Step 4: Stepping Aboard: The Open Seating Advantage
Once your group is called and you've made your way through the gate, you're on the plane!
Choose Your Seat: This is where the open seating truly comes into play. Any open seat is yours for the taking! Want a window? Grab it! Prefer an aisle? It's yours! Want to sit in the back for a quicker exit? Head there!
Stow Your Carry-On: Place your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin directly above your chosen seat, or slide it under the seat in front of you. Be mindful of space, especially on fuller flights.
Find Your Travel Companions: If you're traveling with others and managed to get consecutive boarding numbers, head down the aisle together and find a row with enough open seats. Politely ask if seats are being held if you see bags on empty seats. While it's common for people to try and "save" seats for companions, the official policy is open seating, so you generally have the right to ask them to move their belongings. However, sometimes it's easier to just find another open seat to avoid awkwardness.
Step 5: Relax and Enjoy Your Flight!
Once you're seated, buckle up, put your personal items away, and prepare for takeoff! You've successfully navigated the Southwest boarding process.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
How to get an "A" boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can get an "A" boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In (which checks you in 36 hours prior), or by purchasing a Business Select fare or Upgraded Boarding to an A1-A15 spot.
How to check in for a Southwest Airlines flight?
You can check in online at Southwest.com or via the Southwest Airlines mobile app starting 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name to retrieve your boarding pass.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest Airlines?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight, or you can add it to an existing reservation up to 26 hours before departure, subject to availability, through the Southwest website or app.
How to find my boarding group and position on Southwest Airlines?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (1-60) will be clearly displayed on your boarding pass, whether it's a mobile pass or a printed one.
How to board with a family on Southwest Airlines?
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, up to two adults in your party can board during "Family Boarding," which occurs after Group A and before Group B.
How to get a window or aisle seat on Southwest Airlines?
To increase your chances of getting a window or aisle seat, aim for the best possible boarding position (e.g., in Group A or early Group B) by checking in early or purchasing EarlyBird/Upgraded Boarding. Once on the plane, any open seat is yours.
How to know when to line up at the gate for Southwest Airlines?
Listen for announcements from the gate agent. They will call for pre-boarders first, then Group A (often in sections), followed by special groups like Family Boarding, then Group B, and finally Group C. Line up only when your specific group is called.
How to get an extra seat or preboard on Southwest Airlines for a disability?
Customers with disabilities needing a specific seat or assistance can request preboarding from a Southwest customer service agent at the ticket counter or gate. Those needing extra time but not preboarding can board between A and B groups by getting an "XT" marked boarding pass from an agent.
How to sit with someone on Southwest Airlines if we have different boarding positions?
If you have different boarding positions, the person with the earlier boarding position should board first and save an open seat for the person with the later boarding position. If traveling with a child, they can board with the adult with the earlier position, or utilize Family Boarding if eligible.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest Airlines?
To best avoid a middle seat, aim for a good boarding position (Group A is ideal). The earlier you board, the more choice you'll have for window or aisle seats. If you find yourself in a later boarding group, head further back in the plane, as people often fill seats closer to the front first.
