Ever stared down the long Southwest boarding line, wishing you were at the front, snagging that coveted window seat or overhead bin space? You're not alone! Southwest's unique open-seating policy means that a good boarding position is key to a comfortable flight. So, how do you get priority boarding on Southwest Airlines and leave the scrambling for the last middle seats to others? Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide!
The Southwest Boarding System: A Quick Refresher
Before we jump into the strategies, let's quickly review how Southwest's boarding works. Unlike most airlines with assigned seats, Southwest uses an open-seating system. Passengers are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position within that group (1-60+). Your boarding group and number (e.g., A35) will be displayed on your boarding pass. The goal? To get as close to A1 as possible!
Here's the general boarding order:
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Preboarding: Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device.
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A Group (A1-A60): This is where you want to be!
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Customers needing extra time: Those with disabilities who don't qualify for preboarding but need a little more time.
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Family Boarding/Active Duty Military: Passengers traveling with a child age six or younger (up to two adults per child) and active-duty military with ID.
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B Group (B1-B60+): The next group.
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C Group (C1-C60+): The last group to board.
Now that we understand the game, let's talk about winning it!
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| How Do You Get Priority Boarding On Southwest Airlines |
Getting Priority Boarding on Southwest Airlines: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Are You Ready to Master the Southwest Boarding Game?
Let's begin by considering your travel style and preferences. Do you always need that window seat? Are you traveling with a family and want to ensure you sit together? Or are you simply looking for the most efficient way to get on and off the plane? Your answers will help determine the best strategy for you. So, take a moment, grab a pen and paper (or your favorite note-taking app), and think about what "priority" truly means for your Southwest experience.
Step 2: Choose Your Boarding Strategy Wisely
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
There are several avenues to securing a better boarding position on Southwest. Let's break them down by effectiveness and cost.
Option 2.1: The "Pay to Play" Method
This is often the easiest and most guaranteed way to improve your boarding position, especially for occasional travelers.
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Sub-heading: Purchasing Business Select Fares
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What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class. While it comes at a premium, it consistently delivers the best boarding positions.
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Benefit: Business Select fares automatically come with an A1-A15 boarding position. This is the crème de la crème of Southwest boarding, almost guaranteeing you first pick of seats and overhead bin space. You also get a fully refundable ticket, two free checked bags, and bonus Rapid Rewards points.
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How to do it: Simply select the "Business Select" fare option when booking your flight on Southwest.com or through the Southwest app.
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Consideration: This is the most expensive option, so weigh the cost against your desire for early boarding and the other included benefits.
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Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In
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What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is an add-on that Southwest offers which automatically checks you in and assigns your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure – 12 hours before general check-in opens.
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Benefit: While it doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it significantly increases your chances of getting one, or at least a much better position than if you waited for the 24-hour mark. It's a fantastic option for those who might forget to check-in exactly at the 24-hour mark or simply want peace of mind.
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Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight, depending on the route's popularity and length.
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How to do it: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight, or you can add it later through your reservation details on Southwest.com or the Southwest app, up to 26 hours before your flight.
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Important Note: EarlyBird Check-In is subject to availability, so it's best to purchase it as early as possible if you want it.
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Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding
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What it is: Upgraded Boarding allows you to purchase an A1-A15 boarding position, if available, within 24 hours of your flight's departure or at the gate on the day of travel.
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Benefit: This is a great last-minute option if you didn't get the boarding position you wanted during regular check-in. It puts you in the very first group to board.
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Cost: The cost for Upgraded Boarding is typically between $30 and $80 per segment, per person, depending on the flight.
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How to do it: Look for the "Upgraded Boarding" option when you check in online or through the app within 24 hours of your flight. You can also ask a gate agent at the airport if Upgraded Boarding is available.
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Consideration: Availability is limited, so it's a gamble. Don't rely on this as your primary strategy.
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Option 2.2: The "Earn Your Way" Method (For Frequent Flyers)
If you fly Southwest frequently, earning elite status with their Rapid Rewards program is a fantastic way to consistently receive priority boarding.
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Sub-heading: A-List Status
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What it is: A-List is the first tier of elite status in Southwest's Rapid Rewards program.
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Benefit: As an A-List Member, you and everyone on your reservation automatically receive an earlier boarding position. Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours prior to departure, ensuring you get a better slot. You also get a 25% earning bonus on points, free same-day standby, and access to priority lanes at check-in and security.
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How to earn it: You can achieve A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. Tier qualifying points can also be earned through spending on eligible Rapid Rewards credit cards.
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Sub-heading: A-List Preferred Status
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What it is: A-List Preferred is the highest tier of elite status in Southwest's Rapid Rewards program.
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Benefit: All the benefits of A-List, but even better! You and everyone on your reservation also receive an earlier boarding position, automatic check-in 36 hours before departure, and a 100% earning bonus on points (double points!), free inflight internet, and two free checked bags.
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How to earn it: Achieve A-List Preferred by flying 40 qualifying one-way flights or earning 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
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Option 2.3: Special Circumstances
Southwest offers priority boarding in specific situations for certain travelers.
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Sub-heading: Family Boarding
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What it is: This is a special boarding period for families traveling with young children.
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Benefit: If you are traveling with a child six years old or younger, up to two adults traveling with that child may board during Family Boarding. This occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins boarding, allowing families to secure seats together.
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How to do it: Simply listen for the Family Boarding announcement after the A group has boarded. Head to the gate area when called.
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Sub-heading: Active Duty Military
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What it is: Southwest honors active-duty U.S. military personnel.
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Benefit: Active-duty members of the U.S. Military (with a valid military ID) who did not receive an "A" boarding pass are invited to board between the A and B groups during Family Boarding.
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How to do it: Present your valid military ID to the gate agent.
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Sub-heading: Preboarding for Customers with Disabilities
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What it is: Southwest provides preboarding for customers with disabilities who require specific accommodations.
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Benefit: This allows customers who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, require assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device to board before general boarding (even before A1). One travel companion may preboard with you.
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How to do it: Speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. They will ask questions to determine if you qualify and, if so, issue you a new boarding pass marked "PRBD."
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Important Note: If you simply need a little extra time to board but don't qualify for preboarding, you may board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. Request an "XT" marked boarding pass from a Customer Service Agent.
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Step 3: Be Prepared and Timely
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Regardless of your chosen strategy, timing is crucial with Southwest.
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Sub-heading: Check-in Exactly 24 Hours Before Your Flight
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Importance: For most fare types (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime), your boarding position is determined by when you check in. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be.
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Action: Set a reminder on your phone for exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. As soon as that clock hits, be ready to check in online or via the Southwest app. Even a few seconds can make a difference!
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Sub-heading: Have Your Confirmation Number Ready
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Action: Make sure you have your six-character confirmation number readily available when it's time to check in. This will expedite the process.
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Sub-heading: Download the Southwest App
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Action: The Southwest app is a quick and efficient way to check in, get your mobile boarding pass, and even add Upgraded Boarding if available.
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Step 4: Understand the Boarding Process at the Gate
Once you have your boarding pass and a hopefully fantastic boarding position, here's what to expect at the gate.
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Sub-heading: Line Up at Your Designated Position
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Action: Southwest gate areas have numbered posts (e.g., 1-5, 6-10, etc.). When your boarding group (A, B, or C) is called, find your designated place in line according to your boarding position (e.g., A35 would stand between posts 31 and 35).
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Tip: Don't crowd the boarding area before your group is called. Southwest agents appreciate an orderly process!
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Sub-heading: Board When Your Group is Called
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Action: Listen for the gate agent to call your boarding group and position range. Board the aircraft in numerical order within your group.
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Sub-heading: Choose Your Seat and Stash Your Bags
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Action: Once on board, choose any open seat that appeals to you. Early boarders have the pick of window, aisle, or even exit row seats (if eligible). Don't forget to store your carry-on luggage efficiently in the overhead bins.
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By following these steps and understanding the nuances of Southwest's boarding process, you'll be well on your way to securing priority boarding and starting your trip with ease and comfort.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get an A boarding pass on Southwest?
You can get an A boarding pass on Southwest by purchasing a Business Select fare, buying EarlyBird Check-In, or purchasing Upgraded Boarding if available. For frequent travelers, achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status also guarantees an A boarding position.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest?
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
To use EarlyBird Check-In, simply purchase it during your flight booking process or add it to an existing reservation up to 26 hours before departure. Southwest will then automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight, assigning you an earlier boarding position.
How to check in for a Southwest flight for the best boarding position?
For the best boarding position without purchasing add-ons or having elite status, check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time online or via the Southwest app. Be prompt, as boarding positions are assigned based on check-in time.
How to board Southwest with a family and young children?
If you're traveling with a child age six or younger, you and up to two accompanying adults can board during "Family Boarding," which occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins. Listen for the announcement at the gate.
How to get priority boarding on Southwest with a disability?
Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device can request "Preboarding" from a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. Those needing extra time can board between the A and B groups.
How to achieve A-List status with Southwest Rapid Rewards?
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
You can achieve A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. These points can also be earned through spending on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
How to purchase Upgraded Boarding on Southwest?
Upgraded Boarding can be purchased within 24 hours of your flight's departure via Southwest.com, the Southwest app, or by asking a gate agent at the airport, if available. This secures you an A1-A15 boarding position.
How to fly Southwest as an active duty military member for priority boarding?
Active-duty U.S. military members with a valid military ID who did not receive an "A" boarding pass are invited to board between the A and B groups during Family Boarding. Simply present your ID to the gate agent.
How to get two free checked bags on Southwest and priority boarding?
Purchasing a Business Select fare or achieving A-List Preferred status with Southwest Rapid Rewards will grant you two free checked bags in addition to priority boarding.
How to know your boarding group and position on Southwest?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) will be clearly printed on your boarding pass, whether it's a mobile boarding pass on the app or a printed one.
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