You've just booked a flight with Southwest Airlines, and a friend asks, "So, where are you sitting?" You pause, a slight frown on your face. "Well, that's the Southwest question, isn't it?"
If you're used to other airlines where you pick your seat the moment you book, Southwest's system can feel a little... different. But don't worry! It's not a free-for-all. It's a structured open seating policy, and once you understand it, you can master it to get the best possible seat for your journey.
Ready to demystify Southwest's unique seating system and learn how to navigate it like a pro? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the Core Concept - Open Seating!
First things first: Southwest Airlines does NOT assign seats. That's right, there are no pre-assigned seat numbers on your boarding pass like "23A" or "15F." Instead, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served basis once you get on the plane. This means that when you board, you can choose any open seat available.
Why do they do this? Southwest aims for efficiency and quick turnarounds at the gate. By not assigning seats, they believe they can board planes faster, which helps them keep their costs down and their fares competitive.
Engage with me right now! Have you ever flown Southwest before? What was your experience with their open seating? Share in the comments below!
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| How Do The Seats Work On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Decoding Your Boarding Pass - Groups and Positions
While there are no seat assignments, Southwest does have a very specific system for who boards when. This is where your boarding group and position come into play.
Your boarding pass will show a Group (A, B, or C) and a Position (a number from 1 to 60). For example, you might see "A32" or "B15." This combination dictates your place in the boarding line.
Sub-heading: The A, B, C Groups Explained
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Group A: These are the first passengers to board the aircraft. If you're in Group A, you'll have the best selection of seats, including window, aisle, and those coveted front-of-the-plane spots.
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Group B: These passengers board after Group A. You'll still find a good number of seats available, though prime spots might be taken. You'll likely have to choose between remaining window/aisle seats or a middle seat.
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Group C: This is the last group to board. Passengers in Group C will have the most limited choice of seats, often ending up in middle seats towards the back of the plane.
Sub-heading: Your Boarding Position Number
Within each group, your number (1-60) indicates your specific place in line. So, A1 boards before A2, A2 before A3, and so on, all the way to C60. The lower the number, the earlier you board within your group.
The key takeaway? The earlier your boarding group and position, the better your chances of getting your preferred seat.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Step 3: Strategies for Getting a Better Boarding Position
Since an early boarding position is your golden ticket to seat selection freedom, let's explore how you can improve your chances.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Check-In Rule
This is the most crucial and free way to get a better boarding position. Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
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Be Ready: Set an alarm! At the 24-hour mark, log in to the Southwest website or use their mobile app to check in immediately. Every second counts, especially on popular flights. The sooner you check in, the lower your boarding number will be within your assigned group.
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Multiple Passengers? If you're traveling with others on the same reservation, checking in simultaneously will typically give everyone in your party consecutive boarding positions, allowing you to sit together.
Sub-heading: Investing in EarlyBird Check-In
For those who don't want the stress of the 24-hour dash, Southwest offers EarlyBird Check-In. This is a paid service that automatically checks you in and assigns you a boarding position before the general 24-hour check-in window (typically 36 hours before departure).
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Benefits: It generally secures you a better boarding position (often in the A or early B group), giving you more choice on the plane. It's especially useful for early morning flights or if you'll be busy at the 24-hour mark.
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Cost: The price varies based on the popularity and length of the flight, but it's typically a reasonable fee per one-way flight.
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Important Note: While EarlyBird Check-In aims for a better position, it does not guarantee an A group boarding pass. It prioritizes you based on when you purchased EarlyBird, relative to others who also purchased it and fare type.
Sub-heading: The Business Select Fare
If you prioritize guaranteed early boarding, consider purchasing a Business Select fare. These are Southwest's most flexible and expensive tickets, but they come with a significant perk:
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Guaranteed A1-A15 Boarding: Business Select passengers are automatically assigned one of the first 15 boarding positions (A1-A15). This means you'll be among the very first to board, virtually guaranteeing your choice of seat.
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Other Perks: Business Select also includes a complimentary premium drink, faster Rapid Rewards earning, and fully refundable tickets.
Sub-heading: A-List and A-List Preferred Status
Frequent Southwest flyers can earn elite status through their Rapid Rewards program.
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A-List Members: Automatically receive priority boarding, typically within the A group, though not necessarily A1-A15. Their boarding positions are reserved 36 hours before the flight.
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A-List Preferred Members: Get even higher priority boarding, often placing them within the first few positions of the A group. They also receive two free checked bags and free in-flight internet.
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How to Earn: Status is earned by flying a certain number of qualifying one-way flights or earning a specific amount of "tier qualifying points" in a calendar year.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding at the Gate
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
Sometimes, even if you didn't purchase EarlyBird or a Business Select fare, you might have a chance to snag a better boarding position at the gate.
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Availability: Upgraded Boarding allows you to purchase an A1-A15 boarding position, if available, starting 24 hours before departure or at the gate.
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Cost: This is a separate fee and is subject to availability. It can be a good last-minute option if you're determined to get a good seat.
Step 4: Special Boarding Situations
Southwest also has provisions for certain passengers to board outside the regular A, B, C group order.
Sub-heading: Pre-boarding
Pre-boarding is for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, require assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device.
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How to Qualify: You'll need to speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. They will ask questions to determine if you qualify.
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Companion: One travel companion may preboard with the eligible passenger.
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Important: If you preboard, you cannot occupy an exit row seat.
Sub-heading: Customers Needing Extra Time / Family Boarding
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Extra Time: Customers with disabilities who simply need a little extra time to board or be seated (but don't qualify for pre-boarding) can board between the A and B groups, before Family Boarding. You'll need an "XT" marked on your boarding pass, which can be obtained from a Customer Service Agent.
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Family Boarding: This is a fantastic perk for families! If you are traveling with a child six years old or younger, you and up to two accompanying adults can board after the A group and before the B group. This allows families to find seats together without the need for EarlyBird Check-In or an A group boarding pass.
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Tip: Even if your child is slightly older but you have a younger child with you, the entire family can still board during Family Boarding.
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Sub-heading: Unaccompanied Minors
Children aged 5-11 traveling alone (Unaccompanied Minors) are typically pre-boarded by a Southwest Employee before general boarding begins. This ensures they are seated and introduced to the Flight Attendant.
Step 5: Onboard: Finding Your Seat
Once your boarding group is called and you're on the plane, the real "open seating" experience begins!
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Look for Open Seats: Walk down the aisle and find any open seat that suits you.
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Common Strategies:
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Window vs. Aisle: If you have an early boarding position, you'll have your pick. If you're in a later group, you might need to be flexible.
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Front vs. Back: Seats at the front of the plane fill up fastest, as they offer quicker deplaning. The back of the plane usually has more open seats, especially middle ones.
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Middle Seat Strategy: If you're in a later boarding group and aiming for a window or aisle, sometimes you can find a row with a single middle seat open. Politely ask if anyone is saving the window or aisle, and if not, you've found your spot!
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Overhead Bin Space: An earlier boarding position also means better access to overhead bin space. If you're in a later group, be prepared to stow your bag further back or forward, or even gate-check it.
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Don't "Save" Seats (Generally): While some passengers try to save seats for companions, Southwest's policy is generally that seats cannot be saved. However, in practice, people often hold a seat for a family member or friend who is boarding immediately behind them. If you see a seat with a bag on it but no person, it's polite to ask if it's taken before sitting down.
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Exit Row Seating: Exit rows offer more legroom but come with responsibilities. Passengers in exit rows must be able-bodied and willing to assist in an emergency. Flight Attendants will verify this. Remember, if you preboard, you cannot sit in an exit row.
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Bulkhead Seating: These are the seats directly behind a physical divider (the "bulkhead") separating sections of the plane (e.g., separating the galley from the first row of seats). They offer ample legroom but usually have no under-seat storage in front of you.
Step 6: Tips for a Smooth Southwest Seating Experience
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
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Set an Alarm: For the 24-hour check-in, set a reminder on your phone.
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Consider EarlyBird: If peace of mind is worth the cost, especially for important trips or when traveling with a group.
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Download the App: The Southwest app makes checking in and managing your flight easy.
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Be Flexible: If you're in a C group, accept that you might get a middle seat. A positive attitude goes a long way!
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Communicate with Your Party: If you're traveling with friends or family, discuss your seating strategy beforehand. Will you try to sit together? Are you okay being separated?
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Listen to Gate Announcements: Gate agents often provide updates on boarding, gate changes, and special assistance.
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Don't Rush the Gate: There's no need to crowd the gate area until your boarding group is called. Southwest has clearly marked poles for A1-30, A31-60, etc., where you line up.
Understanding and leveraging Southwest's open seating system can turn what seems like a chaotic process into a manageable and even advantageous one. With a little preparation and strategy, you can significantly improve your chances of getting the seat you want and enjoy a comfortable flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Seating
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest?
You can get an A boarding group by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing a Business Select fare, having A-List or A-List Preferred status, or buying Upgraded Boarding at the gate (if available).
How to guarantee I sit with my family on Southwest?
If you're traveling with a child 6 years old or younger, utilize Family Boarding (after Group A, before Group B). For older children or adults, your best bet is to check in precisely 24 hours before your flight to get contiguous boarding positions and board together. Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In can also help.
How to find out my boarding position on Southwest?
Your boarding group and position (e.g., A32, B15) will be assigned when you check in for your flight and will be displayed on your mobile boarding pass or printed boarding pass.
How to change my seat after boarding on Southwest?
Once onboard, you can choose any open seat. If you've chosen a seat and then see a more desirable one become available before the cabin doors close, you can typically move. Once the doors close and the plane pushes back, you should remain in your assigned seat for safety reasons.
How to get more legroom on Southwest?
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Look for seats in the bulkhead row (the first row in a cabin section) or exit rows. These typically offer more legroom. To secure them, you'll need an early boarding position (A group is ideal).
How to preboard on Southwest?
Preboarding is for passengers with disabilities who need specific seating accommodations or assistance. Speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine if you qualify and receive a "PRBD" boarding pass.
How to sit alone on Southwest if the flight isn't full?
Board towards the back of the plane, about three-quarters of the way back. Often, these rows are the last to fill up, increasing your chances of having an empty middle seat next to you if the flight isn't at full capacity.
How to get the "extra legroom" seat behind the exit row on Southwest?
On some Boeing 737 aircraft (like the -800 and MAX 8), there's a window seat right behind the exit row that offers significantly more legroom due to the cabin configuration. These are highly sought after (e.g., 16A or 16F on the 737-800/MAX 8) and require an early A boarding position.
How to know which side of the plane to sit on for the best view?
This depends entirely on your route! For example, flying west might give you sunset views on the left, while flying east might offer sunrise on the right. You can often check flight paths or ask online travel communities for specific recommendations for your route.
How to utilize the "Customers of Size" policy on Southwest?
Southwest offers a generous "Customer of Size" policy. If you need an additional seat for comfort and safety, you can purchase an extra seat at the time of booking (book as "XS" for the second seat), or if the flight is not full, you can be accommodated with a complimentary additional seat by speaking to a Customer Service Agent at the gate. If you purchase an extra seat in advance, you can request a refund for the second seat after travel if there were open seats on your flight.
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