Let's talk about Southwest Airlines seats! Many travelers find themselves wondering about the seating experience before flying with Southwest, especially given their unique open seating policy. Unlike most airlines that assign you a specific seat number when you book, Southwest embraces a "first-come, first-served" approach once you board. This can be a delightful sense of freedom for some, and a source of anxiety for others. But don't worry, we're going to break down everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines seats, from their comfort to how to get the best one!
Understanding the Southwest Seating Philosophy: Open Seating
Before we dive into the specifics of the seats themselves, it's crucial to understand Southwest's open seating policy. This is the cornerstone of their boarding and seating experience. Essentially, there are no assigned seats. Once your boarding group is called and you step onto the plane, you are free to choose any available seat.
This system has its pros and cons:
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Pros: Flexibility to choose a window, aisle, or middle seat, sit with your travel companions easily (especially if you board early), and potentially even snag an entire row to yourself on a less-full flight.
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Cons: Can lead to stress if you have a strong preference for a certain seat or are traveling with a large group and board later, as desirable seats might already be taken.
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to navigate this system and maximize your chances of getting the seat you want.
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| How Are Southwest Airlines Seats |
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Conquering Southwest Airlines Seating
Step 1: Engage Early - Check-In is Your Best Friend!
Alright, let's kick things off right away! Have you ever set an alarm for something other than waking up? Well, with Southwest, your new best friend is a 24-hour pre-departure alarm!
This is arguably the most critical step in securing a good seat on Southwest. Unlike other airlines where you might casually check in hours before, with Southwest, your boarding position (and thus your choice of seat) is largely determined by how early you check in.
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How it works: Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. The earlier you check in within that 24-hour window, the lower your boarding number will be (e.g., A1-A15, then A16-A30, and so on). A lower number means you board earlier, and boarding earlier means more seat choices!
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Actionable Tip: Set an alarm on your phone for exactly 24 hours before your flight. Be ready to hit that check-in button as soon as it opens. Seriously, every second counts!
Sub-heading: Understanding Boarding Groups and Positions
Southwest categorizes passengers into three main boarding groups: A, B, and C. Within each group, you'll have a number (e.g., A1, A25, B30, C50).
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Group A: These are typically the first to board. This group includes Business Select passengers (who automatically get A1-A15), A-List and A-List Preferred members, and those who purchased EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding.
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Group B: Boards after Group A.
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Group C: Boards last. If you check in late, you'll likely find yourself in Group C, which significantly limits your seat options.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Step 2: Consider Enhancing Your Boarding Position (Optional but Recommended)
While checking in exactly 24 hours prior is powerful, there are ways to guarantee a better boarding position, especially if your schedule makes that timing difficult or if you simply want extra peace of mind.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In
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What it is: For a fee, Southwest's EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, ahead of the general 24-hour window. This usually secures you a better boarding position within Group A or early Group B.
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Who it's for: This is great for travelers who don't want to worry about setting an alarm or those who prioritize an earlier boarding position.
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Cost: The price varies depending on the flight and demand, but it's generally a worthwhile investment for a smoother experience.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding
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What it is: If you didn't purchase EarlyBird Check-In or still ended up with a later boarding position, you might have the option to purchase "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate or during check-in (if available). This typically moves you into the A1-A15 boarding positions.
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Who it's for: Ideal for last-minute decision-makers or those who find themselves with a less-than-ideal boarding group and want to ensure a good seat.
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Availability: It's subject to availability and can sell out, so it's not a guaranteed option.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares & Elite Status
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Business Select: These are Southwest's highest fare class and automatically come with A1-A15 boarding, ensuring you are among the first to board and have the pick of the cabin.
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A-List & A-List Preferred: Southwest's Rapid Rewards elite status tiers offer priority boarding. A-List members typically get A16-A30 positions, while A-List Preferred members often get A1-A15. These tiers are earned through frequent flying.
Step 3: Boarding the Aircraft: The Art of the Open Seat Grab
Once your boarding group and number are called, it's showtime! Line up according to the illuminated poles at the gate. When the gate agent announces your group, proceed down the jet bridge.
Sub-heading: Strategic Seat Selection Tips
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Assess the Cabin Quickly: As you step onto the plane, do a quick visual scan. Don't dally in the aisle. Look for rows that appear emptier.
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Rear of the Plane Advantage: Often, people tend to fill up the front of the plane first. If you have a later boarding position (B or C group), head towards the back of the aircraft. You'll frequently find more open window and aisle seats there.
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Look for Empty Rows: On less crowded flights, you might spot an entire empty row. This is the holy grail for comfort! If you find one, grab an aisle or window seat first, and then move your belongings to the other seats to signal they're "taken" by your invisible travel companions (within reason and if the flight isn't full).
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Bulkhead Seats: The very first row (bulkhead) offers ample legroom as there are no seats in front of you. However, there are no under-seat storage options, and you'll need to stow all your belongings in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing. These seats are often the first to go.
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Exit Row Seats: These also offer significantly more legroom. To sit in an exit row, you must be able-bodied and willing to assist in an emergency. Flight attendants will verify this. Similar to bulkhead, these are highly sought after.
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Over the Wing: For nervous flyers, seats over the wings tend to offer a smoother ride with less turbulence.
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Avoid the Last Row: Generally, the very last row of seats does not recline, and you'll be close to the lavatories, which can mean more foot traffic and noise.
Step 4: Understanding Southwest Seat Dimensions and Comfort
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
So, what about the actual seats? Southwest operates a fleet primarily of Boeing 737 aircraft (737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8). The seat dimensions are fairly consistent across their fleet, generally falling in line with typical economy class seating.
Sub-heading: Seat Pitch and Width
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Seat Pitch: This is the distance from any point on a seat to the same point on the seat directly in front of it. Southwest generally offers a seat pitch of 31-33 inches depending on the aircraft type. This is often considered slightly more generous than some other domestic carriers.
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Boeing 737-700: Approximately 31 inches
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Boeing 737-800 & 737 MAX 8: Approximately 32-33 inches
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Seat Width: The width of Southwest seats is typically around 17-17.8 inches.
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Comfort: While not luxury, Southwest seats are generally regarded as reasonably comfortable for economy class. They are upholstered with a standard cushion. For taller passengers, the extra legroom in bulkhead and exit rows can make a significant difference.
Sub-heading: Recline and Amenities
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Recline: Most Southwest seats do recline, allowing for a bit of relaxation. However, as mentioned in Step 3, be mindful of the exit rows and the very last row, as these seats typically do not recline.
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In-Seat Power: Southwest is gradually introducing in-seat power (USB-A and USB-C ports) to its aircraft. However, it's not yet available on all planes, so it's always wise to charge your devices beforehand.
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Seatback Screens: Southwest flights do not have seatback entertainment screens.
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Inflight Entertainment: Instead, they offer a free Inflight Entertainment Portal accessible on your personal device (phone, tablet, laptop) via Wi-Fi. This portal includes a flight tracker, free live TV, movies, and TV series on demand. Headphones are required for audio.
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Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi internet access is available for a fee (currently $8 per device per flight, subject to change), though A-List Preferred members and those with certain Southwest credit cards may get it for free. Free texting (iMessage and WhatsApp) is available to all.
Step 5: Special Seating Considerations
Southwest strives to accommodate all passengers. If you have specific needs, they have policies in place to help.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
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Who Qualifies: If you are traveling with a child aged six years old or younger, up to two accompanying adults can board during Family Boarding. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins.
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Benefit: This allows families to find seats together without needing a top-tier boarding position.
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Important Note: This benefit is specifically for families with children aged six or younger. If your children are older, you will board in your assigned group.
Sub-heading: Passengers Needing Special Assistance (Preboarding)
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Eligibility: Preboarding is available for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, require assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.
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How to Arrange: Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket or departure gate counter. They will ask questions to determine if you qualify and provide a special boarding pass (marked with PRBD).
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Companion: One travel companion may preboard with you.
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Extra Time: Customers with disabilities who don't qualify for preboarding but need a little extra time to board can board between the "A" and "B" groups (before Family Boarding). Request this from a Customer Service Agent at the gate to receive a boarding pass marked with "XT."
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines seats, with quick answers:
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
How to get the best seat on Southwest Airlines?
The best way is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to get an early boarding position (A group). Alternatively, purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding, or fly Business Select.
How to ensure I sit with my family on Southwest?
If traveling with a child aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding. Otherwise, aim for an early boarding position by checking in on time or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In. Heading towards the back of the plane often yields more available seats together.
How to get more legroom on Southwest Airlines?
Focus on securing a bulkhead seat (first row) or an exit row seat. These offer significantly more legroom than standard economy seats.
How to choose a window or aisle seat on Southwest?
Your ability to choose depends entirely on your boarding position. The earlier you board, the more options you'll have for window or aisle seats. Head to the back of the plane if you have a later boarding group, as these seats are often still available.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest?
Boarding as early as possible is key. If you have a later boarding position, strategically look for rows with only a window or aisle seat taken, hoping the middle remains empty or is occupied by a single traveler who might be willing to swap if needed.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
How to recline my seat on Southwest Airlines?
Most seats on Southwest aircraft recline. Simply press the button on the armrest to adjust the seatback. Remember that exit row seats and the very last row typically do not recline.
How to know if my Southwest flight has in-seat power?
Southwest is retrofitting planes with in-seat power (USB-A and USB-C), but it's not on all aircraft yet. There's no way to guarantee it beforehand; it's best to charge devices fully.
How to use inflight entertainment on Southwest?
Connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network on your personal device (phone, tablet, laptop). Open your browser, and it should redirect you to the free Inflight Entertainment Portal, offering movies, live TV, and more.
How to purchase Wi-Fi on a Southwest flight?
Connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network on your device. Once on the portal, you'll see an option to purchase internet access for $8 per device per flight.
How to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest?
A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards members receive complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer statement credits for Wi-Fi purchases, effectively making it free.
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