Flying Southwest Airlines is a unique experience, largely due to their open seating policy. Unlike most airlines where you're assigned a specific seat, Southwest gives you a boarding position, which then determines when you get to pick your seat from any available on the plane. And when it comes to getting your preferred seat, overhead bin space, and generally a more relaxed boarding experience, nothing beats being in Group A.
So, how do you unlock the coveted "Group A" status on Southwest? Let's dive into the strategies, tips, and tricks to maximize your chances!
How Do You Get Group A on Southwest Airlines? Your Ultimate Guide!
Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever felt that rush of anxiety as you watch the boarding groups fill up, hoping you won't be stuck in the dreaded Group C? Well, you're in the right place! Getting into Southwest's Group A can significantly improve your flight experience, giving you first pick of seats and overhead bin space. Let's break down exactly how you can make that happen, step-by-step.
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Boarding Process (And Why Group A Matters!)
Before we jump into the "how," it's crucial to understand the "why." Southwest Airlines operates on an open-seating policy. This means there are no assigned seats when you book your ticket. Instead, you're assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position within that group (1-60+). Your boarding pass will display this combination, for example, "A35."
Why is Group A so important?
Prime Seat Selection: Group A passengers are the first to board, giving them the absolute best choice of seats. Want a window? An aisle? Closer to the front or exit? Group A makes it highly likely you'll get exactly what you want.
Overhead Bin Space: This is a big one! With early boarding, you'll have ample space for your carry-on luggage directly above your seat, avoiding the scramble and potential gate-checking later.
Reduced Stress: Boarding first means less worrying about finding a good seat or a place for your bag. You can settle in, relax, and enjoy the pre-flight buzz.
Southwest calls groups in order: Pre-Board (for those needing assistance), then A, then Family Boarding (for those with children 6 and under), then B, and finally C. Within each group, you board in numerical order.
Step 2: Master the 24-Hour Check-in Window (The Free Method!)
This is the most common and free way to improve your boarding position. Southwest's check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Your boarding position is largely determined by when you check in, with earlier check-ins receiving better positions.
Be Ready to Pounce: Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's departure. For example, if your flight departs at 3:00 PM on Friday, check-in opens at 3:00 PM on Thursday.
Fast Internet Access: Use a device with a strong internet connection. Every second counts!
Mobile App vs. Website: Both work equally well. Many frequent Southwest flyers swear by using the Southwest mobile app for quick check-ins. Have your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards login ready.
Avoid Delays: Don't wait even a minute past the 24-hour mark. If you're a few minutes late, you could find yourself in a higher A number or even pushed into Group B, especially on popular routes or busy travel days.
Pro Tip: If you have multiple people on the same reservation, checking in simultaneously will ensure they receive consecutive or very close boarding positions.
Step 3: Invest in Business Select Fares (The Guaranteed A1-A15 Method!)
If you want an almost guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, purchasing a Business Select fare is the way to go. This is Southwest's highest fare class and comes with a premium price tag, but also offers significant perks.
Guaranteed Early Boarding: Business Select passengers are automatically assigned one of the first 15 boarding positions (A1-A15). This means you're among the very first people on the plane.
Additional Perks: Beyond priority boarding, Business Select typically includes:
Higher Rapid Rewards Points Earning: You'll earn more points per dollar spent.
Complimentary Premium Drink: Enjoy a free alcoholic beverage or other premium drink onboard.
Free Same-Day Flight Changes and Standby: More flexibility if your plans change.
Refundable Fare: Full refund if you cancel your flight.
When to Consider Business Select: If having a specific seat (like a window up front) is paramount, or if you're on a critical business trip where every minute counts, the added cost might be justified.
Step 4: Purchase Upgraded Boarding (The Day-of-Travel Option!)
Didn't snag an A position during the 24-hour check-in, and don't want to shell out for Business Select? Upgraded Boarding is your next best bet! This option allows you to purchase a boarding position in the A1-A15 group, if available.
Availability: Upgraded Boarding spots are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the airport on the day of travel. They become available after Business Select passengers and A-List/A-List Preferred members have been assigned their positions.
Where to Purchase:
Ticket Counter: Ask a Southwest agent at the check-in counter upon arrival at the airport.
Gate: Inquire at the gate before boarding begins.
Southwest Mobile App: Sometimes, it's available for purchase through the app within 24 hours of departure.
Cost: The price for Upgraded Boarding typically ranges from $30 to $80 per segment, depending on the route and demand. It's a non-refundable purchase.
When to Use It: This is a great option if you're traveling on a particularly full flight, absolutely need overhead bin space, or want to ensure you can sit with your travel companions.
Step 5: Leverage Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Status (The Frequent Flyer Advantage!)
For loyal Southwest flyers, achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status automatically grants you a better boarding position.
How to Earn Status:
A-List: Fly 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year.
A-List Preferred: Fly 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year.
Automatic Boarding Position: A-List and A-List Preferred members (and everyone on their reservation) get their boarding positions automatically reserved 36 hours prior to departure. This puts them ahead of general passengers checking in at the 24-hour mark. While it doesn't guarantee A1-A15, it almost always secures an "A" boarding position.
Additional Benefits for Elite Members:
Priority Lanes: Access to dedicated check-in and security lines.
Bonus Points: Earn more Rapid Rewards points on flights.
Free Same-Day Standby: Flexibility for flight changes.
Two Free Checked Bags (A-List Preferred)
Step 6: Utilize Southwest Credit Card Benefits (The Smart Cardholder Play!)
Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits that can help you secure an "A" boarding position.
Complimentary Upgraded Boardings: Some premium Southwest credit cards (like the Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card or Performance Business Credit Card) reimburse cardholders for a certain number of Upgraded Boardings each anniversary year (e.g., up to four per year). This is essentially getting a free shot at A1-A15!
EarlyBird Check-In: Some cards also offer complimentary EarlyBird Check-In credits. While EarlyBird doesn't guarantee Group A, it significantly increases your chances of getting an A or early B position.
Step 7: Consider EarlyBird Check-In (The Convenient Option!)
EarlyBird Check-In is a paid service that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, before the general 24-hour check-in window opens.
How it Works: For a fee (typically $15-$99 per person, per one-way flight), Southwest will automatically check you in.
Does it Guarantee Group A? No, it does not guarantee an A boarding position. Business Select passengers and A-List/A-List Preferred members are assigned their positions even earlier. However, EarlyBird Check-In significantly increases your chances of getting an "A" or early "B" boarding position, especially on less crowded flights.
When to Buy: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking or add it later, up to 26 hours before departure. It's often best to purchase it as early as possible, as positions within the EarlyBird pool are assigned based on purchase time.
Value Proposition: If you value convenience, cannot reliably check in exactly at the 24-hour mark, or are traveling with family and want to sit together, EarlyBird Check-In can be a worthwhile expense.
Step 8: Know About Family Boarding (For Travelers with Young Children)
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, Southwest offers a special "Family Boarding" window.
When it Occurs: Family Boarding takes place after Group A has boarded and before Group B begins boarding.
Who Qualifies: Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding.
Important Note: If the adults and children already have "A" boarding passes, they should board in their assigned A position rather than waiting for Family Boarding. Family Boarding is designed to help those who don't have early boarding positions secure seats together. While it doesn't get you into Group A, it's a valuable option for families to ensure they sit together.
Summary of Strategies to Get Group A:
Check in precisely 24 hours before departure (Free, best for those with good timing).
Purchase a Business Select fare (Guaranteed A1-A15, highest cost).
Buy Upgraded Boarding at the airport (A1-A15, if available, moderate cost).
Attain Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status (Automatic early boarding for frequent flyers).
Use a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card with Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird benefits ( leverages credit card perks).
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In (Increases A/early B chances, convenience for a fee).
By understanding these methods and applying them strategically, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the perks of Group A boarding on your next Southwest flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest boarding:
How to check my Southwest boarding position before the flight?
You will see your assigned boarding group and position (e.g., A35) on your mobile boarding pass or printed boarding pass after you check in, which is available 24 hours before your flight.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest?
The best way to ensure your family sits together is by getting an A boarding position for everyone (via Business Select, Upgraded Boarding, or very fast 24-hour check-in) or by utilizing Family Boarding if you're traveling with children aged six or younger.
How to know if Upgraded Boarding is available for my flight?
You can inquire about Upgraded Boarding availability at the Southwest ticket counter or gate on the day of your flight. Sometimes, it's also shown as an option on the Southwest app within 24 hours of departure.
How to get A-List status faster with Southwest?
You can earn A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year. Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards can also help you earn Tier Qualifying Points through spending.
How to use a Southwest credit card benefit for upgraded boarding?
If your Southwest credit card offers upgraded boarding reimbursements, you'll typically purchase the Upgraded Boarding at the airport or through the app as usual, and the cost will be reimbursed as a statement credit later. Check your specific card's benefits for details.
How to check in for my Southwest flight exactly 24 hours before?
Set an alarm for the precise minute your flight departs, 24 hours prior. Have your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards login ready, and use the Southwest app or website on a reliable internet connection to check in immediately when the window opens.
How to handle connecting flights and boarding positions on Southwest?
Your boarding position is assigned per segment. If you have a layover, you'll need to check in for each subsequent flight segment at its respective 24-hour mark (unless you have EarlyBird, Business Select, or A-List status which handles it automatically).
How to decide between EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding?
EarlyBird Check-In is for convenience and increases your chances of an early boarding position (A or early B). Upgraded Boarding guarantees an A1-A15 position but is only available on the day of travel and costs more. If a guaranteed early spot is critical, and available, Upgraded Boarding is better. If convenience and a good (but not guaranteed A1-A15) position is your goal, EarlyBird is a good choice.
How to determine the best seat to pick once I board?
If you're in Group A, you'll have your pick. Consider whether you prefer a window view, easy aisle access, or a seat near the front for a quicker exit. If you're in later groups, look for open window or aisle seats towards the back first, as the front tends to fill quickly.
How to know if my flight is eligible for EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In is generally available for most Southwest-operated flights. You can check for its availability when you book your flight or by looking up your reservation on the Southwest website or app. It's usually not available for flights booked through partner airlines.
