Flying Southwest Airlines is known for its unique open seating policy and "A, B, C" boarding groups. While this offers a lot of flexibility, it also means that getting a desirable seat can sometimes feel like a race! If you have specific needs or just want to ensure a smoother boarding experience, understanding how to preboard on Southwest is key.
Ready to conquer the Southwest boarding process? Let's dive in!
The Ultimate Guide to Preboarding on Southwest Airlines
Preboarding on Southwest Airlines is primarily reserved for passengers who require specific accommodations due to a disability or those traveling with very young children who need extra time to settle in. It's not about getting a head start for a window seat, but rather ensuring a comfortable and accessible travel experience for those who need it most.
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Boarding Philosophy
First things first, let's get a clear picture of how Southwest generally boards flights. Unlike most airlines with assigned seats, Southwest operates on an open seating basis. This means you pick your seat as you board. Your boarding position is determined by a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60).
A Group: Boards first. These are typically Business Select passengers, A-List/A-List Preferred members, or those who purchased Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In.
B Group: Boards after the A group.
C Group: Boards last.
Preboarding occurs before the A group even begins boarding. This is a crucial distinction.
Step 2: Who Qualifies for Preboarding?
Southwest has specific criteria for preboarding. It's not a "first-come, first-served" perk. You generally qualify for preboarding if you:
Sub-heading: Passengers with Disabilities
Need a specific seat to accommodate a disability: This could be for various reasons, such as needing extra legroom for a medical device, or a seat near the lavatory.
Need assistance boarding the aircraft: This includes individuals who may require a wheelchair, or who have mobility challenges and need more time to get down the aisle and into their seat.
Need to stow an assistive device: If you're traveling with a wheelchair, scooter, or other assistive device that needs to be gate-checked, preboarding allows you to do this before the main rush.
Have a cognitive or developmental disability: This may include individuals with autism or other intellectual disabilities who benefit from a less chaotic boarding environment. One travel companion may preboard with you. If you feel you need an exception to this, discuss your needs with a Customer Service Agent at the gate.
Sub-heading: Families with Young Children
Family Boarding (not strictly "Preboarding"): While not technically "preboarding" in the same category as those with disabilities, Southwest offers "Family Boarding" after the A group has boarded and before the B group. This is for families traveling with children six years of age or younger. Up to two accompanying adults can board with the child during family boarding. This is a great option for families who want to ensure they can sit together.
Important Note: If you simply need a little extra time to board or be seated but do not meet the criteria for preboarding due to a disability, you may be able to board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. A Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate can give you a new boarding pass marked with "XT" for "extra time."
Step 3: How to Request Preboarding
This is where the rubber meets the road!
Sub-heading: At the Airport (Recommended)
The most direct and reliable way to request preboarding is to speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport.
Approach the Ticket Counter or Departure Gate: As soon as you arrive at the airport, or once you're at your departure gate, seek out a Southwest Customer Service Agent. Don't wait until the last minute!
State Your Need Clearly: Politely explain your reason for needing preboarding. Be prepared to answer a few brief, fact-finding questions about your specific needs.
Example: "Hello, I need to request preboarding because I require extra time to get to my seat due due to a mobility issue," or "My child has a developmental disability and benefits from a calmer boarding process."
Receive Your New Boarding Pass: If you qualify, the agent will issue you a new boarding pass marked with "PRBD" (Preboard). This is your golden ticket!
Listen for Announcements at the Gate: Once at the gate, listen carefully for announcements. The gate agent will typically call for preboarding passengers before they even begin boarding the A group.
Line Up in the Designated Area: There will usually be a specific area near the gate where preboarding passengers gather.
Sub-heading: What to Expect During Preboarding
One Companion Allowed: Generally, one travel companion may preboard with you. If you have specific circumstances requiring more companions, discuss this with the gate agent.
Seat Selection: You will be able to choose any available seat on the aircraft, except for exit row seats. These seats have specific requirements for passengers who can assist in an emergency, which would conflict with the reasons for preboarding.
Stowing Assistive Devices: If you have an assistive device to gate-check, the flight attendants will assist you with stowing it.
Step 4: Alternative Ways to Improve Your Boarding Position (Not Preboarding)
While these don't fall under "preboarding" in the strict sense, they are ways to get an earlier boarding position on Southwest, which can be beneficial for seat selection.
Sub-heading: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®
Automatic Check-in: EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in and assigns you a boarding position 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This is before the general 24-hour check-in window opens.
How to Purchase: You can typically add EarlyBird Check-In when you purchase your flight, or add it later through the Southwest website or app up to 36 hours before departure.
Cost: The cost varies by flight, typically ranging from $15-$25 per person, per one-way flight.
Benefit: While it doesn't guarantee an A1-A15 position, it significantly increases your chances of getting an A or early B group position.
Sub-heading: Purchase Upgraded Boarding
Guaranteed A1-A15 Position: If available, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding to secure an A1-A15 boarding position.
When to Purchase: This is usually available 24 hours before your flight's departure, and often available for purchase at the gate on the day of travel.
Cost: Costs range from $30-$100 per segment, per Customer, depending on the popularity and length of the flight.
Availability: Upgraded Boarding is not always available, as it depends on how many A1-A15 positions are already taken.
Sub-heading: Attain A-List or A-List Preferred Status
Frequent Flyer Perk: These are Southwest's elite status tiers for frequent flyers.
Automatic Early Position: A-List and A-List Preferred members (and everyone on their reservation) receive an automatically assigned boarding position 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, but it's a benefit of their status.
How to Earn: You earn A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. A-List Preferred requires more.
Additional Benefits: These tiers come with many other perks, including priority lanes, earning bonuses, and more.
Sub-heading: Book a Business Select Fare
Premium Fare: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class.
Guaranteed A1-A15: These tickets automatically include a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position.
Higher Cost: This is typically the most expensive fare option.
Sub-heading: Utilize Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Benefits
Cardholder Perks: Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins or Upgraded Boarding credits. Check your specific card's benefits.
Step 5: Arrival at the Gate and Boarding Process
Even if you've secured preboarding, knowing the gate process is essential.
Arrive Early: Always arrive at your gate with plenty of time before scheduled departure. This is especially important if you need to speak with a Customer Service Agent for preboarding.
Locate the Boarding Area: Southwest gates have numbered poles (1-60) where passengers line up according to their boarding position.
Listen for the Preboarding Call: The gate agent will announce "preboarding" first, inviting those with "PRBD" on their boarding passes to come forward.
Proceed to Board: Present your "PRBD" boarding pass to the gate agent and board the aircraft. Find an available seat, remembering no exit rows.
Family Boarding: If you are using Family Boarding (for children 6 and under), listen for the announcement after the A group has boarded.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to navigate Southwest's unique boarding system and ensure a smooth start to your journey, especially if you require special assistance.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to request preboarding on Southwest Airlines?
You can request preboarding by speaking with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport ticket counter or at your departure gate. Explain your need for assistance, and if you qualify, they will issue you a new boarding pass marked "PRBD."
How to qualify for preboarding on Southwest Airlines?
You typically qualify for preboarding if you have a disability requiring a specific seat, need assistance boarding, need to stow an assistive device, or have a cognitive/developmental disability that benefits from a calmer boarding process.
How to use Family Boarding on Southwest Airlines?
Family Boarding is available for families traveling with children aged six years or younger. It occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group. Simply listen for the gate agent's announcement.
How to get an earlier boarding position on Southwest Airlines if you don't qualify for preboarding?
You can get an earlier boarding position by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, purchasing Upgraded Boarding (if available), holding A-List or A-List Preferred status, or purchasing a Business Select fare.
How to know if you have "PRBD" on your Southwest boarding pass?
If you've been granted preboarding, your physical or mobile boarding pass will clearly display "PRBD" (Preboard) as your boarding group/position.
How to ensure I can sit with my travel companion if I preboard?
One travel companion is generally allowed to preboard with you. If you need more than one, you should discuss this with the Customer Service Agent at the gate.
How to avoid sitting in an exit row if I preboard?
Passengers who preboard on Southwest Airlines are not permitted to sit in exit row seats. Flight attendants will guide you to other available seats.
How to request extra time to board if I don't need full preboarding?
If you need a little extra time to board or get seated but don't meet the full preboarding criteria, you can ask a Customer Service Agent for a boarding pass marked "XT" (Extra Time), allowing you to board between the A and B groups, before Family Boarding.
How to check in for a Southwest flight to maximize my boarding position (without preboarding)?
For general passengers, the best way to maximize your boarding position is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time online or via the Southwest app.
How to get priority boarding as an A-List or A-List Preferred member on Southwest?
As an A-List or A-List Preferred member, your boarding position is automatically assigned 36 hours before departure. You and those on your reservation will receive an earlier boarding position. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding pass.
