It's an excellent question, and a common point of discussion for first-time (and even frequent) Southwest flyers! Unlike most airlines that allow you to pick your seat during booking, Southwest operates on a unique open seating policy. This means you don't select a specific seat number when you purchase your ticket. Instead, your goal is to secure the best possible boarding position to give you the most choice once you step onto the plane.
Ready to conquer the Southwest seating game? Let's dive in!
How to Select a Seat on Southwest Airlines: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Welcome aboard, future Southwest traveler! So, you're wondering how to snag that perfect window seat or ensure you're sitting next to your travel companions on Southwest Airlines, are you? Well, you've come to the right place! Unlike many airlines, Southwest doesn't assign specific seats. Instead, it's all about your boarding position. The earlier you board, the more choices you'll have. This guide will walk you through every strategy to maximize your chances of getting your preferred spot.
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Open Seating Philosophy (Engage!)
First things first, let's get acquainted with Southwest's unique approach. Imagine a bus, but in the sky! That's essentially the Southwest seating model. When you board a Southwest flight, you'll find no pre-assigned seat numbers on your boarding pass. Instead, you'll see a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a boarding position (1-60).
The Golden Rule: The lower your boarding position number, the earlier you get on the plane, and the more seat options you'll have. This is key to understanding how to "select" your seat on Southwest.
Step 2: The Critical 24-Hour Check-In Window
This is arguably the most crucial step in the Southwest seating strategy.
Sub-heading: Set Your Alarms!
Southwest Airlines opens online check-in exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. This isn't a suggestion; it's a commandment if you want a good seat! Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in. The quicker you are, the better your chances of getting into Group A or early Group B.
Sub-heading: How to Check In
Via Southwest.com: Go to Southwest.com, click on "Check In," and enter your confirmation number and your first and last name.
Via the Southwest App: Download the Southwest Airlines app (highly recommended!). It's even easier to check in on the go. Open the app, tap "Check In," and input your details.
Pro Tip: Have your confirmation number handy and be ready to hit "check in" as soon as the 24-hour mark arrives. If you're traveling with others, you can check in everyone on your reservation at the same time to ensure they get sequential boarding positions.
Step 3: Boosting Your Boarding Position (Optional but Effective)
While checking in exactly 24 hours out is powerful, there are ways to get an even earlier boarding position, often guaranteeing you a spot in the coveted A Group.
Sub-heading: Option A: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®
What is it? EarlyBird Check-In is a paid add-on that Southwest offers. If you purchase it, Southwest will automatically check you in and assign your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is 12 hours before general check-in opens, giving you a significant advantage.
Benefits: * Automatic Check-in: No need to set alarms or scramble at the 24-hour mark. * Better Boarding Position: While it doesn't guarantee A1-A15, it significantly increases your chances of getting an A or early B boarding pass, giving you more seat choices and earlier access to overhead bin space. * Peace of Mind: Especially useful for early morning flights or when you know you'll be busy at the 24-hour mark.
How to purchase: You can usually add EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or at a later time through your reservation details on Southwest.com or the app, up to 36 hours before departure. Note: It's subject to availability and the price varies.
Sub-heading: Option B: Upgrade Your Fare to Business Select®
For the ultimate in boarding priority, Business Select fares automatically come with a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position. This is the absolute best way to ensure you're among the very first to board, giving you your pick of seats. This option is typically more expensive but comes with other perks like a free premium drink.
Sub-heading: Option C: Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Status
If you're a frequent Southwest flyer and have achieved A-List or A-List Preferred status through their Rapid Rewards program, congratulations! You automatically receive priority boarding. A-List members get an earlier boarding position, and A-List Preferred members and everyone on their reservation get an even earlier position. Your boarding positions will be automatically reserved 36 hours prior to your flight.
Sub-heading: Option D: Upgraded Boarding at the Gate
If you missed out on EarlyBird or didn't book Business Select, you might still have a chance. Southwest sometimes offers Upgraded Boarding for purchase starting 24 hours before departure or at the gate. This is typically for an A1-A15 boarding position and is subject to availability. It's a great last-minute option if getting a prime seat is important to you.
Step 4: The Boarding Process at the Gate
Once you have your boarding pass (with your group and number), the next step is the actual boarding process.
Sub-heading: Listen for Announcements
At the gate, listen carefully for boarding announcements. Southwest boards in groups: A, then B, then C. Within each group, passengers board in numerical order (e.g., A1-A30, then A31-A60, and so on).
Sub-heading: Line Up at the Numbered Posts
Southwest gates have numbered posts or signs (e.g., A1-5, A6-10). When your group is called, find your designated place in line between the posts corresponding to your boarding position.
Step 5: On the Plane: Choose Your Seat!
This is where your diligent efforts pay off! Once you step onto the aircraft, it's open season.
Sub-heading: Early Boarders (A Group & Early B Group)
Window or Aisle? With an early boarding position, you'll have your pick. Many prefer window seats for the view or aisle seats for easy access to the lavatory or overhead bin.
Front vs. Back: The front of the plane fills up fastest. If you want to be among the first off the plane, aim for the front rows. If you prefer a quieter ride or want to maximize your chances of having an empty middle seat next to you on a less-than-full flight, head towards the back.
Exit Rows: These offer extra legroom but come with restrictions (e.g., you must be able to assist in an emergency, no carry-on bags on the floor during takeoff/landing). Flight attendants will verify eligibility.
Bulkhead Rows: These are the seats directly behind a dividing wall. They offer ample legroom but usually have immovable armrests (where tray tables are stored) and no under-seat storage in front of you.
Sub-heading: Mid to Late Boarders (Late B Group & C Group)
Don't despair! Even with a later boarding position, you can still find a decent seat.
Head to the Back: Often, people fill up the front and middle first. The back of the plane, especially the last few rows, might still have open window or aisle seats.
Look for Pairs: If you're traveling with someone, look for two empty seats together, even if it's a middle and an aisle/window.
Consider a Middle Seat (Strategically): Sometimes, taking a middle seat in an emptier row means you might still end up with an empty seat next to you if the flight isn't full.
Sub-heading: Special Circumstances
Families with Children (6 and Under): Southwest offers Family Boarding after the A group and before the B group. This allows families traveling with a child age six or younger (and up to two accompanying adults) to board together and find seats.
Passengers with Disabilities/Special Needs: If you require preboarding due to a disability, need a specific seat to accommodate your disability, or need assistance boarding, speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. They can provide a "Preboarding" (PRBD) or "Extra Time" (XT) designation on your boarding pass, allowing you to board early or between groups.
Step 6: Onboard Courtesy (The Unwritten Rules)
Once you're on the plane, remember that open seating relies on a bit of communal understanding.
Don't "Seat Hog": Try not to spread your belongings across multiple seats to discourage others from sitting there, especially on a full flight.
Be Prepared: Have your carry-on ready to quickly stow in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Communicate: If you need to sit with someone and are struggling to find seats together, politely ask other passengers if they'd be willing to shift. Often, people are accommodating.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest Airlines?
To get an A boarding group, check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, upgrade to a Business Select fare, or be a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest Airlines?
For families with children aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding, which occurs after the A group. Otherwise, ensure everyone checks in at the exact 24-hour mark or purchase EarlyBird Check-In for all travelers on the reservation to secure closer boarding positions.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest Airlines?
On Southwest, extra legroom is typically found in the bulkhead rows (the first row of seats in each section) and exit rows. To increase your chances, aim for an A group boarding position by checking in early or purchasing EarlyBird/Business Select.
How to check in for my Southwest flight online?
Go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest Airlines app, select the "Check In" option, and enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name. Be ready to do this 24 hours before departure.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for my Southwest flight?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during your initial booking process on Southwest.com or the Southwest app. If you've already booked, you can add it to your reservation details online or via the app up to 36 hours before your flight, subject to availability.
How to find my boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
Your boarding position (e.g., A35) will be displayed on your boarding pass, which you can print, view in the Southwest app, or receive as a text after checking in.
How to know which seat is best on Southwest Airlines?
"Best" is subjective! For quick exit, choose front rows. For smoothest ride (less turbulence), choose seats over the wings. For maximum legroom, aim for bulkhead or exit rows (if eligible). For potential empty middle seat, try the very back.
How to change my seat on Southwest Airlines after checking in?
You cannot "change" your seat on Southwest in the traditional sense as seats are not assigned. Your boarding position determines your access to available seats. If you want a better selection, you'd need to improve your boarding position through options like Upgraded Boarding at the gate (if available). Once on the plane, you pick any open seat.
How to board Southwest Airlines if I have special needs or a disability?
Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. They can assess your needs and may provide a "Preboarding" (PRBD) or "Extra Time" (XT) designation on your boarding pass, allowing you to board before others or between groups.
How to get two seats together on a full Southwest flight?
Your best bet is to secure the earliest possible boarding positions for both travelers by checking in exactly 24 hours before departure or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In. If you have an A group position, you'll have many choices. If not, head towards the back of the plane, as seats there tend to fill last. If you're struggling, politely ask other passengers if they might be willing to move to accommodate you.
