Booking a flight on Southwest Airlines is a unique experience compared to many other airlines, primarily because of their open seating policy. This means there are no pre-assigned seats. Instead, your ability to pick your preferred seat depends entirely on your boarding position. Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to navigate this system and maximize your chances of getting the seat you want!
Ready to get started on your Southwest adventure? Let's figure out how to master their boarding process and snag that perfect window or aisle seat!
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Unique Boarding Process
Before we even talk about booking, it's crucial to grasp how Southwest's boarding works. Unlike airlines that let you pick a seat during booking, Southwest operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis once you're on the plane. Your boarding pass will display a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1-60+). This group and number determine your place in the boarding line.
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Group A: Boards first, generally gets the best pick of seats and overhead bin space.
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Group B: Boards after A, still a good chance of finding a decent seat, especially if you're flexible.
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Group C: Boards last, might have limited seat choices, often middle seats or seats towards the back.
Your goal is to get the earliest boarding position possible within your fare type.
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| How Do You Book A Seat On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Booking Your Flight on Southwest Airlines
The booking process itself is straightforward.
Sub-heading: Online Booking (Recommended)
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Visit the Official Website or App: Go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest Airlines mobile app. These are the most convenient ways to book.
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Enter Your Flight Details:
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Input your departure and arrival cities.
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Select your travel dates (one-way, round trip, or multi-city).
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Specify the number of passengers.
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Search for Flights: Click "Search" to view available flights and fares.
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Choose Your Fare Type: Southwest offers different fare types, each with varying benefits:
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Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away): Most restrictive, lowest price, earns fewer Rapid Rewards points. Flight changes are allowed but require a fare upgrade. Flight credits for cancellations may expire within six months.
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Wanna Get Away Plus: More flexible than Basic, allows same-day confirmed changes, and flight credits are transferable.
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Anytime: Higher fare, often includes EarlyBird Check-In, refundable tickets, and access to priority lanes.
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Business Select: Highest fare, offers guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, free inflight Wi-Fi, a complimentary premium drink, and earns the most Rapid Rewards points. This is your best bet for a prime seat.
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Select Your Desired Flight: Choose the flight times that work for you.
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Enter Passenger Details: Provide names, dates of birth, and Rapid Rewards numbers (if applicable) for all travelers. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid issues later.
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Add Extras (Optional, but Crucial for Seating): This is where you can influence your boarding position!
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EarlyBird Check-In: This is a popular add-on that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, giving you an earlier boarding position than those who check in at the standard 24-hour mark. It does not guarantee an A boarding position but significantly improves your chances. The cost varies per flight ($15-$99). This is highly recommended if you want a better seat.
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Travel Insurance: Consider if you need coverage for unforeseen circumstances.
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Car Rental/Hotel: You can book these directly through Southwest as well.
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Review and Pay: Double-check all flight details and passenger information. Enter your payment details to complete the booking. You'll receive a confirmation email with your reservation details.
Sub-heading: Booking by Phone
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
You can also book a flight by calling Southwest Airlines customer service. This is useful if you have complex travel needs, are booking for an unaccompanied minor, or prefer speaking to a representative. Be prepared to provide all your travel and passenger information.
Step 3: Checking In for Your Flight (The Seating Game Changer)
This is the most critical step for securing a good seat on Southwest.
Sub-heading: Online Check-In (Highly Recommended)
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Be Ready 24 Hours Before Departure: Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Set an alarm! The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be.
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Go to Southwest.com or the App: Navigate to the "Check In" section.
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Enter Your Information: Input your confirmation number (from your booking email) and your first and last name.
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Retrieve Boarding Pass: Once checked in, you'll receive your boarding group and position. You can print your boarding pass, send it to your email, or access it directly in the Southwest app.
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If You Purchased EarlyBird Check-In: Your boarding position will be automatically reserved 36 hours prior to departure. You still need to check in within the 24-hour window to retrieve your boarding pass.
Sub-heading: Other Check-in Options
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Airport Kiosk: You can check in at a self-service kiosk at the airport, but your boarding position will likely be less favorable than if you checked in online precisely at the 24-hour mark.
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Ticket Counter: A Southwest agent can check you in at the ticket counter. Again, this is usually for later boarding positions.
Step 4: Boarding the Aircraft and Choosing Your Seat
On the day of your flight, head to your gate.
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Line Up by Group and Position: Southwest gates have numbered poles. When your boarding group is called (A, then B, then C), line up according to your position number. For example, if you are A35, you'll stand between poles A31 and A60.
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Board the Aircraft: Once your group is called, you'll proceed down the jet bridge and onto the plane.
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Choose Any Available Seat: This is the moment of truth! Once you're on board, simply select any open seat that you like.
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If you have an A group position, you'll have the best selection (window, aisle, front of the plane).
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B group will still have good options, perhaps not directly at the front but usually a window or aisle.
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C group may find primarily middle seats or seats towards the back of the aircraft.
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QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
If you're traveling with a child six years old or younger, Southwest offers "Family Boarding." This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins. This allows up to two adults traveling with a child 6 or under to board earlier and secure seats together. If your entire family has "A" boarding passes, you should board in your assigned position.
Sub-heading: Preboarding
Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device may qualify for preboarding. Speak to a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine if you qualify.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can secure a better boarding position by: 1) Purchasing a Business Select fare, which guarantees an A1-A15 position. 2) Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure. 3) Checking in online exactly 24 hours before your flight departs. 4) Achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status with Rapid Rewards. 5) Purchasing an Upgraded Boarding position at the gate (A1-A15) if available.
How to sit together on Southwest Airlines with a group?
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
For groups, especially with children 6 and under, utilize Family Boarding (after A group, before B group). For adults traveling together, the best way to sit together is for everyone in your party to have an early boarding position (e.g., all purchase EarlyBird Check-In or check in simultaneously at the 24-hour mark) so you can board together and find available seats.
How to check in for a Southwest flight online?
Go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest app, click "Check In," enter your confirmation number and last name, and follow the prompts. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest?
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it to an existing reservation (up to 26 hours before departure). Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight, assigning you an earlier boarding position.
How to find my Southwest Airlines confirmation number?
Your confirmation number is typically a 6-character code (letters and numbers) found in your booking confirmation email from Southwest Airlines. You can also retrieve it on the Southwest website or app by entering your name and flight details.
How to change a flight on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
Southwest has a flexible change policy with no change fees (fare difference may apply). You can modify your flight online through the "Change Flight" option in your reservation on Southwest.com or the app.
How to get a refund for a canceled Southwest flight?
If Southwest cancels your flight, you are generally entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment. You can initiate this process through their website, app, or by contacting customer service.
How to add a pet to a Southwest Airlines reservation?
To travel with a small domestic cat or dog in the cabin, you must call Southwest Airlines to make a reservation for your pet, as space is limited. There is a pet fare, and specific carrier requirements apply.
How to understand Southwest's baggage policy?
Southwest Airlines generally allows two checked bags free of charge per ticketed customer, provided they meet weight and size limits (50 lbs and 62 inches linear dimensions). Carry-on is one bag plus one personal item. Specific fare types and A-List/A-List Preferred members may have different benefits.
How to get A-List status on Southwest Airlines?
You can earn A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in one calendar year. Benefits include priority boarding, a free checked bag, and an earning bonus on points.
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