Let's unravel the mystery of Southwest Airlines' unique seating system! If you're used to picking your exact seat weeks in advance, get ready for a different kind of boarding experience. Southwest operates on an open seating policy, which means there are no pre-assigned seats. Instead, your goal is to secure the best possible boarding position to give you the most choice when you step onto the plane.
Step 1: Embrace the Southwest Way – No Assigned Seats!
Are you ready to redefine your understanding of airline seating? Forget about hunting for seat maps and agonizing over window vs. aisle days before your flight. With Southwest, it's all about the boarding order. This can feel a little different, but many frequent Southwest flyers love the flexibility it offers. The key takeaway here is: your seat isn't assigned, you choose it when you board. This means getting on the plane earlier gives you more options.
Step 2: Understanding Boarding Groups and Positions
When you check in for your Southwest flight, you won't get a seat number. Instead, you'll receive a boarding pass with a Group letter (A, B, or C) and a Position number (1-60).
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Group A: These are the first passengers to board. If you're in Group A, especially positions A1-A15, you'll have the widest selection of seats and ample overhead bin space.
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Group B: This group boards after Group A. You'll still have a good chance of finding a desirable seat, though your options might be slightly more limited than Group A.
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Group C: This is the last group to board. While you'll definitely get a seat (Southwest doesn't oversell flights beyond capacity), your choices might be restricted to middle seats, especially on full flights.
Within each group, the lower your number, the earlier you board. So, A1 boards before A2, B1 boards before B2, and so on.
Step 3: How Your Boarding Position is Determined (The Race Against the Clock!)
Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in for your flight. Southwest's online check-in window opens 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled local departure time.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Mark is Your Best Friend
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Be Prepared: Set a reminder on your phone! As soon as the 24-hour mark hits, check in online immediately. This is the single most effective way to improve your boarding position without paying extra.
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Desktop vs. App: You can check in on Southwest.com or via the Southwest mobile app. Both work equally well, so choose whichever is most convenient for you.
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Speed is Key: The system assigns positions on a first-come, first-served basis once check-in opens. Every second counts!
Step 4: Ways to Improve Your Boarding Position (Beyond Being a Speed Demon)
While checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark is crucial, Southwest offers several options to help you secure an even earlier boarding position. These often come with an additional cost or are benefits of elite status.
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| How Do You Get Your Seat Assignment On Southwest Airlines |
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In: Pay for Peace of Mind
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What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is a paid add-on that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, giving you a significant head start over the general 24-hour check-in.
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Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies (typically $15-$99 per person, per one-way flight) based on the popularity and length of the flight.
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When to Buy: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it later, up to 36 hours prior to departure, subject to availability. Purchasing it earlier often yields a better position within the EarlyBird group.
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Who Benefits: This is ideal for those who highly value seat choice, want to guarantee sitting with travel companions, or simply don't want the stress of rushing to check in at the 24-hour mark.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares: The Ultimate Priority
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Premium Option: If you purchase a Business Select fare, you are automatically assigned an A1-A15 boarding position. This guarantees you one of the very first spots on the plane.
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Included Perks: Business Select fares also typically include other benefits like a free premium drink and fully refundable tickets. This is the most direct way to ensure an excellent boarding position.
Sub-heading: A-List and A-List Preferred Status: Loyalty Pays Off
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Frequent Flyer Benefits: Southwest's Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members automatically receive priority boarding positions.
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A-List: Members typically receive a boarding position before those with EarlyBird Check-In.
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A-List Preferred: These members receive the highest priority after Business Select, often landing in the A1-A15 range.
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Companion Pass: If you have a Companion Pass, your companion will receive a sequential boarding position when you check in, or a reserved position if you or your companion are A-List/A-List Preferred.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding: Last-Minute Boost
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Day-of-Travel Option: If you didn't purchase EarlyBird or a Business Select fare, you might have the option to purchase "Upgraded Boarding" at the airport on the day of your flight.
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Limited Availability: This allows you to upgrade to an A1-A15 boarding position if available, typically starting from $30 per segment. It's offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate or ticket counter.
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Good for Urgent Needs: This can be a lifesaver if you absolutely need an early boarding spot for a specific reason (e.g., traveling with a large carry-on, wanting a window seat).
Step 5: The Boarding Process at the Gate
Once you have your boarding pass with your Group and Position, here's what to expect at the gate:
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
Sub-heading: Lining Up is Key
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Numbered Poles: Southwest gates have numbered poles. When your boarding group is called, find your designated place in line according to your number. For example, if you're B35, you'll stand by the pole marked "B31-B60" and position yourself between B34 and B36.
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Listen to Announcements: Gate agents will make announcements calling each group (A, then B, then C) and their corresponding numbers. Pay attention!
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Preboarding: Customers with disabilities who need specific seating or assistance board first.
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Family Boarding: After Group A has boarded, but before Group B, Southwest offers "Family Boarding." This allows up to two adults traveling with a child age six or younger to board together. This is a great perk for families who want to ensure they sit together.
Sub-heading: Choose Your Seat Onboard
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First Come, First Serve: Once you step onto the plane, it's open seating. Simply walk down the aisle and choose any available seat that appeals to you.
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Strategy (Optional): Many people head to the back of the plane as seats in the front tend to fill up first. If you want a window or aisle seat, look for rows that still have both open.
Step 6: Managing Your Boarding Pass
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Mobile Boarding Pass: The easiest way to manage your boarding pass is through the Southwest mobile app. After checking in, you can view your boarding pass directly in the app or save it to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay for quick access.
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Print at Home: You can print your boarding pass from Southwest.com.
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Airport Kiosk/Ticket Counter: If you prefer, you can also get a printed boarding pass at a self-service kiosk or the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How To's)
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
How to get a good seat on Southwest Airlines? To get a good seat, aim for an early boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying Business Select.
How to check in for a Southwest flight? You can check in online via Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app, or at the airport using a self-service kiosk or the ticket counter, starting 24 hours before departure.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest? Purchase EarlyBird Check-In when booking your flight or add it later. Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before departure, securing an earlier boarding position.
How to sit together with family on Southwest? Check in as early as possible (24-hour mark or with EarlyBird Check-In) to get good boarding positions. Utilize Family Boarding (if applicable) after Group A, or consider purchasing Business Select fares for guaranteed early boarding.
How to change your Southwest boarding position? Your assigned boarding position cannot be changed once issued, but you can potentially upgrade your boarding position to A1-A15 at the gate on the day of travel if Upgraded Boarding is available for purchase.
How to know your Southwest boarding group? Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be displayed on your boarding pass after you check in for your flight.
How to board with a companion pass on Southwest? Your companion will receive a sequential boarding position to yours upon check-in. If you or your companion are A-List/A-List Preferred, you will both receive reserved boarding positions.
How to get an A group boarding pass on Southwest for free? The most reliable way to get an A group boarding pass for free is by having A-List or A-List Preferred elite status with Southwest. Otherwise, checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark is your best bet for a good, possibly A group, position.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines? Preboarding is for Customers with disabilities who need specific seating or assistance. Speak to a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine if you qualify.
How to find your seat once on a Southwest plane? Once you board the plane, look for any open seat that appeals to you. There are no assigned seats, so you simply choose an empty one and sit down.
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