Flying Southwest Airlines is a unique experience compared to most other airlines, primarily because of its open seating policy. This means there are no pre-assigned seats when you book your ticket. Instead, your ability to snag your preferred spot hinges largely on your boarding position. So, if you're wondering "how do you get your seat on Southwest Airlines," buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the strategies that will help you master the Southwest boarding dance!
The Southwest Seating Philosophy: Freedom to Choose (with a Catch)
Southwest's open seating is a hallmark of its brand, rooted in efficiency and a "first-come, first-served" mentality once you're on the plane. While it offers the freedom to choose your seat, it also means that getting a good seat (like a window, aisle, or an exit row with extra legroom) depends heavily on how early you board. This system divides passengers into three main boarding groups: A, B, and C, each with numerical positions (1-60).
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| How Do You Get Your Seat On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Engage with Your Flight! Understand the Boarding Basics
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's make sure we're on the same page. When you fly Southwest, you're not getting a seat number on your boarding pass. Instead, you'll see a Group (A, B, or C) and a Position (a number from 1 to 60). This combination dictates your place in line at the gate.
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Group A: Boards first. These are the coveted positions, giving you the best choice of seats.
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Group B: Boards second. You'll still have a decent selection, but prime seats might be gone.
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Group C: Boards last. Prepare for middle seats, especially on full flights.
So, the core objective is simple: get the earliest boarding position possible! Now, let's explore how to achieve that.
Step 2: Strategize Before You Fly – Booking and Pre-Flight Options
The journey to a great seat on Southwest begins long before you even get to the airport.
Sub-heading: Choose Your Fare Wisely
Southwest offers various fare types, and some inherently come with better boarding positions.
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Business Select®: This is Southwest's highest fare class and guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position. If getting a specific seat is paramount and you're willing to pay a premium, this is your top choice. You'll be among the very first to board, allowing you to pick almost any available seat.
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Anytime Fares (Choice Preferred): These fares often include EarlyBird Check-In® as a benefit. While not guaranteeing A1-A15, it significantly improves your chances of getting an A or early B boarding position.
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Wanna Get Away Plus® (Choice) and Wanna Get Away® (Basic): These are the more economical options. You'll need to actively work to get a good boarding position with these fares, as they don't automatically include priority boarding benefits.
Sub-heading: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®
Tip: Write down what you learned.
This is one of the most popular and effective ways to improve your boarding position without buying a premium fare.
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What it is: EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in for your flight 36 hours before departure, ahead of the general 24-hour check-in window.
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Benefits: By checking in earlier, you are assigned an earlier boarding position, increasing your chances of getting an A or early B group. This means you'll have a better selection of seats and easier access to overhead bin space.
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How to Purchase: You can add EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or anytime up to 36 hours before scheduled departure (subject to availability). The cost varies ($15-$99 per one-way flight) based on the route's popularity and length.
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Is it Worth It? If you highly value having a choice of seat (window, aisle, or sitting with companions) and want to avoid the stress of checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark, then yes, EarlyBird Check-In is often worth the cost. It's especially beneficial for groups traveling together.
Sub-heading: Leverage Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred Status
For frequent Southwest flyers, elite status comes with significant boarding perks.
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A-List and A-List Preferred: Members automatically receive priority boarding, with their boarding positions reserved 36 hours before departure, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, but often resulting in even better positions. This benefit extends to everyone on the same reservation as the A-List member.
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How to Earn: You achieve A-List status by flying a certain number of qualifying one-way flights or earning tier qualifying points within a calendar year.
Step 3: The Crucial 24-Hour Mark: The Check-in Race
If you haven't purchased Business Select or EarlyBird Check-In, this is your absolute most important step to getting a good seat.
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The Golden Window: Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
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Set an Alarm: Seriously, set a reminder on your phone! The minute that 24-hour mark hits, be ready to check in. Boarding positions are assigned sequentially as people check in.
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How to Check-In:
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Go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest Airlines mobile app.
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Select "Check In."
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Enter your Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name.
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Click "Check In" (or "Retrieve reservation" on the app).
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You'll then be assigned your boarding group and position. The faster you do this, the better your position will be.
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Example: If your flight departs at 10:00 AM on a Friday, check-in opens at 10:00 AM on Thursday. Be there, fingers on the keyboard/phone screen!
Step 4: Day of Travel: At the Gate and Onboard
You've got your boarding pass, now what?
Sub-heading: Understand the Boarding Lane System
At the gate, you'll see numbered poles marking the boarding lines.
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Line Up: When your boarding group (A, B, or C) is called, find the correct numerical range on the poles (e.g., A1-A30, A31-A60) and line up according to your assigned position.
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Be Prepared: Have your boarding pass (digital or printed) and ID ready.
Sub-heading: Consider Upgraded Boarding (If Available)
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
If you ended up with a less-than-ideal boarding position (e.g., late B or C), there's still a chance to improve it.
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What it is: Southwest sometimes offers "Upgraded Boarding" for purchase at the gate, starting 24 hours before departure. This allows you to secure an A1-A15 boarding position if available.
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Cost: The price varies, typically ranging from $30-$80 per segment, per customer.
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How to Purchase: Ask a Southwest Gate Agent if Upgraded Boarding is available for your flight. You can often purchase it via the Southwest app or Southwest.com when you check in.
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When to Use It: This is a good option if you absolutely need a specific seat (like extra legroom or to sit with a travel companion) and missed out on earlier boarding options.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
Southwest has a specific policy for families.
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Who Qualifies: Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding.
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When it Happens: Family Boarding occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding.
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Benefit: This allows families to board together and find seats, ensuring younger children can sit next to an accompanying adult. If your family members already have A boarding passes, it's generally better to board with your assigned A positions.
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For Older Children (7-13): If you need assistance finding seats together for children aged 7-13, speak with a Gate Agent or Flight Attendant. While not guaranteed, they will do their best to help.
Sub-heading: Preboarding for Customers with Disabilities
Southwest offers preboarding for customers who need specific accommodations.
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Who Qualifies: Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.
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How to Request: Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. You may be asked questions to determine if you qualify.
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Companion: One travel companion may preboard with the customer.
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Note: If you preboard because you need a specific seat, discuss your needs with the Operations Agent before preboarding begins.
Sub-heading: Once Onboard: Seat Selection Strategies
You've made it onto the plane! Now the real "open seating" begins.
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Head to the Back (Often): Many passengers tend to fill seats at the front of the plane first. If you're in a later boarding group and want a better chance at a window or aisle seat, head towards the middle or back of the plane. You'll often find more open options there.
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Look for Exit Rows: These typically offer more legroom. However, you must be willing and able to perform exit row duties.
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Be Strategic with "Saved" Seats: While Southwest's official policy discourages "seat saving" for those with later boarding positions, it does happen. If you see items on a seat, you can politely ask if the seat is taken. Flight attendants will typically assist if there's a dispute, but generally, it's easier to find another open seat than to engage in a confrontation.
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Consider the "Empty Middle" Strategy: If the flight isn't completely full and you're in an earlier boarding group, you might be able to snag an aisle or window seat in a row where the middle seat remains empty. This often requires a bit of luck and observation.
Conclusion
Getting your preferred seat on Southwest Airlines is a game of strategy and timing. While there's no guaranteed "assigned" seat, understanding the boarding process and leveraging the available options can significantly improve your chances of a comfortable flight. From purchasing premium fares or EarlyBird Check-In to setting that crucial 24-hour check-in alarm, a little planning goes a long way in mastering the Southwest seating system!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
How to get an aisle or window seat on Southwest?
The best way is to secure an early boarding position (A group) through Business Select, EarlyBird Check-In, A-List status, or by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight. Once onboard, head towards the middle or back of the plane, as these areas often have more open window and aisle seats.
How to sit with my family on Southwest Airlines?
For families with children aged six or younger, utilize Southwest's Family Boarding, which occurs after the A group and before the B group, allowing up to two adults per child to board early. For older children or mixed groups, your best bet is to ensure everyone in your party gets the earliest possible boarding position (e.g., all purchase EarlyBird Check-In or check in simultaneously at the 24-hour mark) to maximize your chances of finding seats together.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest Airlines?
To get extra legroom, aim for an early boarding position (A group) and then head straight for the exit row seats. Be aware that you must meet the exit row requirements (e.g., be able-bodied and willing to assist in an emergency). Some newer Southwest fare bundles also offer "Extra Legroom" seats at the front of the cabin for purchase.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can upgrade your boarding position by purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate (or via the app/website at check-in) if available. This typically gets you an A1-A15 boarding position. The cost varies based on flight popularity and length.
How to check in for my Southwest flight?
You can check in for your Southwest flight online at Southwest.com, through the Southwest mobile app, at an airport self-service kiosk, or at the ticket counter. Online and mobile check-in open 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
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How to know my boarding group and position on Southwest?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and numerical position (1-60) will be printed on your boarding pass once you have checked in for your flight.
How to manage turbulence on Southwest Airlines with seating?
While no seat can eliminate turbulence entirely, seats over the wings generally provide the smoothest ride on an aircraft. If you're concerned about turbulence, aim for an early boarding position and try to secure a seat in this section.
How to avoid the middle seat on Southwest Airlines?
To avoid the middle seat, prioritize getting an A or early B boarding position. This gives you first pick of window and aisle seats. If you end up in a later boarding group, head towards the back of the plane, as middle seats tend to fill up first in the front.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines for special assistance?
If you have a disability and need a specific seat, assistance boarding, or to stow an assistive device, speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to request preboarding. You may be asked questions to determine eligibility.
How to get the best overall experience on Southwest with seating?
For the best overall experience, consider purchasing a Business Select fare or EarlyBird Check-In, or aim to achieve A-List status. These options provide the earliest boarding positions, giving you the widest choice of seats and minimizing stress about finding a desirable spot and overhead bin space.
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