Ready to unravel the mystery of Southwest Airlines' seating? Unlike most airlines that assign you a specific seat the moment you book, Southwest famously operates on a unique "open seating" policy. This means you get to choose your seat when you board the plane, but your ability to grab that coveted window or aisle seat depends entirely on your boarding position.
Let's dive into the fascinating world of Southwest's boarding process and how it dictates your on-board comfort!
Understanding the Southwest Boarding Process: Your Key to Seat Selection
The core of Southwest's seating strategy revolves around its boarding groups and positions. Instead of a seat number, you'll receive a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). This combination determines your place in line to board the aircraft. The earlier you board, the more seats you'll have to choose from.
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| How Are Seats Chosen On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Getting Your Boarding Position – The Race Against the Clock (or a Little Extra Cash!)
This is where the magic (or madness, depending on your perspective!) of Southwest seating truly begins. Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in for your flight.
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The Golden 24-Hour Mark: Free and Fierce
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Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. If you're aiming for the best possible boarding position without paying extra, set an alarm! Being among the very first to check in when the window opens can significantly increase your chances of securing an "A" group boarding pass, especially A16-A60.
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Pro Tip: Have your confirmation number handy and be ready to click "Check In" right on time! The Southwest app can make this process even faster.
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EarlyBird Check-In: Pay for Peace of Mind
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For those who prefer to avoid the 24-hour check-in scramble, Southwest offers EarlyBird Check-In. This paid service automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, guaranteeing you a better boarding position than those who wait for the standard 24-hour window.
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What to Expect: While EarlyBird Check-In doesn't guarantee an A1-A15 spot (those are typically reserved for Business Select fares or Upgraded Boarding), it does significantly improve your chances of getting an "A" or early "B" boarding position, giving you a wider selection of seats.
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The cost for EarlyBird Check-In varies, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight segment.
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Business Select Fare: Premium Boarding Guaranteed
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If you're willing to pay a premium for your ticket, a Business Select fare comes with an automatic A1-A15 boarding position. This is the highest boarding priority available and ensures you'll be among the very first passengers on the plane, giving you first pick of virtually any seat.
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Beyond Boarding: Business Select also includes other perks like priority security lane access (where available) and extra Rapid Rewards points.
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Upgraded Boarding: Last-Minute Boost
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Didn't get the boarding position you hoped for? Southwest offers Upgraded Boarding for purchase, subject to availability, starting 24 hours before departure or at the gate. This allows you to snag an A1-A15 boarding position.
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The cost for Upgraded Boarding can range from $30 to $149 per segment, per customer, and is often a good option for those who truly prioritize getting a specific seat.
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A-List and A-List Preferred Status: Loyalty Pays Off
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Frequent flyers who achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status through Southwest's Rapid Rewards program receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are automatically reserved 36 hours prior to the flight, placing them at the front of the "A" group (or even A1-A15 for A-List Preferred).
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Bonus for Status Holders: A-List and A-List Preferred members and everyone on their reservation get an earlier boarding position.
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Step 2: The Boarding Groups – Lining Up for Your Seat
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
Once you have your boarding pass with your assigned group and number (e.g., A35, B12, C48), the real-world boarding process at the gate comes into play.
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Preboarding: Special Circumstances First
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Before any groups are called, Southwest allows preboarding for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, require assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. One travel companion may preboard with them.
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Customers who simply need a little extra time to board or be seated, but don't qualify for full preboarding, may board between the "A" and "B" groups.
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The "A" Group: The Early Birds
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The "A" group boards first, starting with A1 and progressing up to A60. If you're in this group, you'll have the best selection of seats on the plane.
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Strategy Tip: Most people tend to fill seats at the front of the plane first. If you prefer a window or aisle seat towards the rear, an early "A" position might allow you to snag those before they're gone.
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Family Boarding: A Special Consideration
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After the "A" group has boarded, and before the "B" group begins, Southwest offers Family Boarding. This is for families traveling with a child six years old or younger. Up to two adults traveling with such a child may board during this time, regardless of their assigned boarding position.
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This is a fantastic benefit for families, ensuring they can find seats together.
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The "B" Group: Mid-Flight Choices
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The "B" group boards after Family Boarding. You'll still find a decent selection of seats, though the very front and some window/aisle seats may already be taken.
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Where to Look: Don't be afraid to walk towards the back of the plane; often, good window or aisle seats open up there as people fill the front.
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The "C" Group: The Final Frontier
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The "C" group boards last. While it might seem daunting, it's rare that there are no seats available. You'll likely find middle seats remaining, and perhaps some window or aisle seats in the very back or dispersed throughout the cabin.
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Embrace the Middle: Sometimes, if a flight isn't completely full, being in the "C" group might even result in an entire row to yourself if you're strategic about where you sit!
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Step 3: Onboard Seat Selection – Your Moment of Truth
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Once you step onto the plane, it's truly a first-come, first-served dash for open seats.
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No Assigned Seats: Freedom to Choose
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Unlike other airlines, there are no seat numbers printed on your boarding pass, and no seat map to consult beforehand. You simply walk down the aisle and pick any open seat that catches your eye.
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This can be exhilarating for some and anxiety-inducing for others!
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Strategy for Success:
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Prioritize: Decide what's most important to you: window, aisle, front, back, or being near a specific person.
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Look for Clusters: If you're traveling with companions, quickly scan for rows with enough open seats together. Don't be shy about asking if a single person in a row would mind moving to accommodate your group.
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Overhead Bin Space: An earlier boarding position also means more access to overhead bin space. If you have a larger carry-on, this is a definite perk.
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Exit Rows: Exit row seats offer more legroom but come with specific requirements (e.g., being able to operate the exit door, willing to assist in an emergency). Flight attendants will verify these requirements. Note: Preboarding passengers cannot occupy exit rows.
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FAQs: Your Quick Guide to Southwest Seating
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest's seating, with quick answers to help you navigate your next flight:
How to get the best seat on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
The best way is to get an early boarding position. This can be achieved by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, buying a Business Select fare, or having A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to sit together with family on Southwest Airlines?
If you're traveling with children aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding (which occurs after Group A). Otherwise, aim for an early boarding position for your entire party by checking in early or using EarlyBird Check-In.
How to check in early for Southwest Airlines?
Check in online at Southwest.com or via the Southwest app exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. For an automatic early check-in, purchase EarlyBird Check-In.
How to get a window seat on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
To increase your chances of getting a window seat, aim for an "A" or early "B" boarding position. The earlier you board, the more options you'll have.
How to get an aisle seat on Southwest Airlines?
Similar to window seats, securing an "A" or early "B" boarding position is your best bet for an aisle seat.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest traditionally doesn't have "extra legroom" seats for purchase in the way some other airlines do. However, you can secure more legroom by choosing an exit row (if you meet the requirements) or by getting an early boarding position and finding a seat that feels more spacious to you. Note: Southwest has introduced "Extra Legroom" seats as a purchasable option with certain fare bundles, particularly on flights booked for travel on or after May 28, 2025. These are typically located at the front of the cabin and near exit rows.
How to upgrade your boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
You can purchase Upgraded Boarding starting 24 hours before your flight or at the gate, subject to availability. This typically grants you an A1-A15 boarding position.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines?
Preboarding is for passengers with disabilities who need specific seating accommodations, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine eligibility.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest Airlines?
Get an "A" or early "B" boarding position. Passengers in the "C" group are most likely to end up in a middle seat.
How to know your boarding position for Southwest Airlines?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and number (1-60) will be displayed on your boarding pass, which you receive after checking in.
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