The Southwest Seating Shuffle: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Your Preferred Spot
Ever wondered how to navigate the unique world of Southwest Airlines' open seating policy? Unlike most airlines that assign you a specific seat the moment you book, Southwest embraces a "first-come, first-served" approach. This means that while you don't reserve a seat, you do get a boarding position that heavily influences your choice. Intrigued? Let's dive in and master the art of the Southwest seating shuffle!
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| How Do You Get Your Seats On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Boarding Process - Your Gateway to a Better Seat
The entire Southwest seating experience hinges on their boarding process. Forget seat numbers; instead, focus on your Boarding Group (A, B, or C) and your Boarding Position (1-60) within that group. This combination determines your place in line at the gate.
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Preboarding: This is the first group to board, reserved for passengers with disabilities who need extra time or assistance, and typically one companion. You'll need to speak to a Southwest agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine eligibility.
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Group A (Positions 1-60): The coveted "A" group! Passengers in this group board first, giving them the widest selection of seats. The first 15 positions (A1-A15) are generally for Business Select fares and Upgraded Boarding purchases.
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Family Boarding: This happens after the A group has boarded and before the B group. It's a lifesaver for families, allowing up to two adults traveling with a child aged six or younger to board early and find seats together.
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Group B (Positions 1-60): The next in line. While not as good as A, an early B position can still get you a decent seat.
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Group C (Positions 1-60): The last group to board. If you're in the C group, especially later positions, you'll likely be choosing from middle seats or whatever is left.
Your goal is to get the earliest boarding position possible within these groups!
Step 2: Checking In – The Race Against the Clock
This is arguably the most crucial step for securing a good seat on Southwest. Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in for your flight.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Check-In Window
Southwest Airlines opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is your free opportunity to snag a good boarding position.
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Set an Alarm: For crucial flights, set an alarm for 24 hours and 1 minute before your flight. Be ready to check in the moment the window opens.
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Use the App or Website: Both the Southwest Airlines app and their website offer a quick and efficient online check-in process. Have your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards number ready.
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Don't Delay: Even a few minutes can make a significant difference, especially on popular routes. The sooner you check in, the lower your boarding number will be (e.g., A10 is better than A40).
Step 3: Enhancing Your Boarding Position – Optional Strategies for the Best Seats
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
While the 24-hour check-in is free, Southwest offers a few paid options that guarantee a better boarding position.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In – The Automatic Advantage
EarlyBird Check-In is a paid add-on that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight. This gives you a significant advantage over those waiting for the 24-hour window.
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When to Purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it later (up to 26 hours before departure), subject to availability.
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Cost: The price varies depending on the route, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight. Factor this into your budget.
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Who Benefits Most:
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Travelers who value seat choice: If you absolutely want an aisle, window, or front-row seat.
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Groups traveling together: Increases your chances of sitting as a group.
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Passengers unable to check in precisely at the 24-hour mark: Provides peace of mind.
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Busy flights: On full flights, EarlyBird can be a game-changer.
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Sub-heading: Business Select Fares – The Premium Experience
Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class and comes with a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position. This is the best way to ensure you're among the first to board.
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Included Perks: Beyond the prime boarding position, Business Select fares often include a complimentary premium drink and higher Rapid Rewards point earning rates.
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Higher Cost: Naturally, Business Select tickets are more expensive than Wanna Get Away or Anytime fares.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding – Last-Minute Boost
If available, you can purchase an Upgraded Boarding position (typically A1-A15) starting 24 hours before departure or at the gate.
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Availability: This option is subject to availability and can sell out quickly, especially on popular flights.
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Cost: The cost typically ranges from $30-$50 per segment.
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When to Consider: If you missed the 24-hour check-in or EarlyBird, and you really want a good seat, this is your last chance.
Step 4: At the Gate – Lining Up for Success
Once you have your boarding pass with your group and position, it's time for the physical boarding process at the gate.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Spot in Line
Southwest gates have numbered poles or signs that correspond to boarding positions (e.g., A1-A15, A16-A30, etc.).
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Listen for Announcements: Gate agents will call boarding groups in order (Preboarding, A, Family Boarding, B, C).
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Line Up in Order: When your group and position range are called, find your designated spot in line. Standing in the correct position ensures a smooth process.
Step 5: Onboard – Claiming Your Seat
This is it! Once you step onto the plane, it's open seating.
Sub-heading: Strategies for Seat Selection
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Move Quickly: Don't hesitate! Head directly to the area of the plane where you want to sit.
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Consider Your Priorities:
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Window or Aisle? If you have a preference, prioritize it.
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Front of the plane: Offers quicker deplaning, but fills up fast.
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Back of the plane: Often has more open seats, especially middle ones, and can be quieter.
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Exit Rows: Offer extra legroom but have specific requirements (e.g., must be 15 or older, willing to assist in an emergency). Flight attendants will verify these requirements.
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Be Polite: While it's open seating, avoid saving multiple seats for people not yet on board if the flight is full. This is generally frowned upon.
Important Note: Southwest's Potential Shift to Assigned Seating
It's crucial to be aware that Southwest Airlines has announced plans to transition to assigned seating, potentially beginning in late 2025 and fully transitioning by early 2026. This would be a significant departure from their long-standing open seating policy. While the exact details of how this will impact their current boarding groups and other benefits are still being ironed out, it's a change to keep an eye on. For now, the open seating system described above remains in effect.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a window seat on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
To get a window seat, you need an early boarding position (A group or early B group) by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying Business Select. Once on board, move quickly to an available window seat.
How to get an aisle seat on Southwest Airlines?
Similar to a window seat, aim for an early boarding position (A or early B group) through timely check-in or paid options. Upon boarding, proceed directly to an available aisle seat.
How to sit together on Southwest Airlines with family or friends?
The best way to sit together is to have early boarding positions for everyone in your group. This can be achieved through EarlyBird Check-In for all, Business Select fares, or diligent 24-hour check-in. If traveling with a child aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding (after Group A, before Group B) to board together.
How to get better boarding position on Southwest Airlines for free?
The primary free method is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time online via the Southwest app or website. The earlier you check in, the better your assigned boarding position will be.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest Airlines?
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In either during your initial flight booking 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, securing an earlier boarding position.
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
How to know your boarding group and position on Southwest Airlines?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (1-60) will be displayed on your boarding pass once you have checked in for your flight.
How to change your seat on Southwest Airlines after boarding?
Once you have boarded a Southwest flight, you can choose any available open seat. There is no formal "changing" of a pre-assigned seat as there are no pre-assigned seats. You simply pick an open one.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines?
Preboarding is for passengers with disabilities who require extra time or assistance. You must speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to request and verify eligibility for preboarding.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines does not have a dedicated "extra legroom" seating class that can be purchased in advance. Your best bet for more legroom is to secure an early boarding position (A group) and try to grab an exit row seat or a bulkhead seat (the very front row of a section, facing a wall) as soon as you board, as these typically offer more space.
How to check in for a Southwest Airlines flight?
You can check in for a Southwest Airlines flight online (via their website or app) starting 24 hours before departure, at an airport self-service kiosk, at the ticket counter, or curbside at participating airports. EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in.
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