You're ready to fly Southwest, but you've heard whispers about their unique seating. No assigned seats? How does that even work? Don't worry, you're not alone! While many airlines offer the comfort of pre-assigned seats, Southwest has historically operated on a "first-come, first-served" open seating model. This means that once you board, you pick any available seat.
However, it's crucial to note a significant change: Southwest Airlines is introducing assigned seating, with new fare bundles and the ability to select seats at booking or check-in, depending on your fare type, starting as early as May 28, 2025, for travel beginning in Q1 2026. This is a major shift from their long-standing policy. This guide will cover both the current "open seating" experience and the upcoming "assigned seating" process to prepare you for your flight, no matter when you're flying!
Understanding the Southwest Seating System: A Paradigm Shift
For decades, Southwest's open seating model meant that your boarding position was paramount. The earlier you boarded, the better your chances of snagging your preferred seat (window, aisle, front of the plane, etc.). This fostered a unique "boarding game" among frequent Southwest flyers.
Now, with the introduction of assigned seating, Southwest is evolving. This means a more traditional approach for some fares, offering the ability to secure a specific seat in advance. This change aims to broaden their appeal and address customer feedback, as many travelers prefer knowing their seat before they even arrive at the airport.
Let's break down how to "reserve" your seat (or at least secure the best possible position) on Southwest, both now and in the near future.
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| How Do You Reserve Seats On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Engage with Your Flight Booking – The Foundation of Your Seat Strategy!
Ready to embark on your Southwest journey? Your strategy for securing your preferred spot begins the moment you book your flight. This isn't just about picking your destination and dates; it's about making choices that directly impact your boarding experience and, soon, your ability to reserve a specific seat.
Sub-heading: Understanding Fare Types and Their Impact
Southwest offers various fare types, and each comes with different perks that influence your boarding position or seat selection:
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Basic (New Fare - launching May 28, 2025): This will replace the Wanna Get Away® fare and is designed for cost-effective travel. With a Basic fare, you will have a Standard seat assigned at check-in. This fare is nonrefundable and will not allow for changes unless you upgrade to a higher fare.
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Choice (New Fare - launching Q3 2025): This will replace Wanna Get Away Plus®. With Choice, you'll have the ability to select a Standard seat at the time of booking, when available. It also includes transferable flight credit and flexibility for same-day changes.
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Choice Preferred (New Fare - launching Q3 2025): This will replace Anytime fares. With Choice Preferred, you can select a Preferred seat (or any Standard seat) at the time of booking, when available. It offers earlier boarding, refundability, and day-of-travel perks.
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Choice Extra (New Fare - launching Q3 2025): This will replace Business Select®. Choice Extra will include the ability to select an Extra Legroom seat at the time of booking, two free checked bags, earlier boarding, refundability, and the highest Rapid Rewards® points earn ratio.
Action: When booking, consider your priorities. Are you willing to pay a little extra for the peace of mind of an assigned seat, or are you comfortable with a more flexible approach? Think about your travel style!
Step 2: The Crucial Check-In Phase – Your Gateway to Boarding Priority (and now, Seat Selection!)
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
This is where the magic (or the strategic hustle!) happens. Your check-in time directly influences your boarding position.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Window: Your Best Friend (for current open seating)
For the traditional open seating model, the most critical factor is when you check in. Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
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Be Ready to Click: Set a reminder, an alarm, or even a timer! At the 24-hour mark, be on the Southwest website or mobile app ready to check in. The earlier you check in, the lower your boarding group letter (A, B, or C) and number (1-60) will be.
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Why it Matters: A lower boarding number (e.g., A1-A15) means you board first, giving you the widest selection of open seats on the aircraft. As boarding progresses through B and C groups, fewer desirable seats (window, aisle, front, or adjacent seats for companions) will be available.
Sub-heading: The Power of EarlyBird Check-In® (for current open seating and some new fares)
If you don't want to play the 24-hour check-in game, or if you simply want an advantage, EarlyBird Check-In® is a fantastic option. This paid service automatically checks you in and assigns you a boarding position before the regular 24-hour check-in window opens.
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How it Works: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In® when you book your flight or add it to an existing reservation up to 36 hours prior to departure. Southwest automatically assigns your boarding position beginning 36 hours before your flight. While it doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it significantly increases your chances of getting an earlier boarding group (typically A or early B), offering a better selection of seats.
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When to Consider It: If you're traveling with family or friends and want to sit together, or if you simply prefer a window or aisle seat, EarlyBird Check-In® can be a worthwhile investment, especially on popular routes or full flights.
Sub-heading: A-List and A-List Preferred Status: The VIP Treatment
Southwest's Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members automatically receive priority boarding.
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Automatic Early Check-In: If you have A-List or A-List Preferred status, your boarding position will be automatically reserved 36 hours prior to your flight's departure, similar to EarlyBird Check-In. This consistently places you in the A group, giving you prime pick of available seats.
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Family Benefits: A-List and A-List Preferred members, along with everyone on their reservation, receive an earlier boarding position.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding (Available at the Gate)
For a last-minute boost, Southwest sometimes offers "Upgraded Boarding" for purchase at the gate, typically for an A1-A15 boarding position. This is subject to availability and can be a good option if you missed the 24-hour check-in window and want to secure a prime spot.
Step 3: Boarding the Aircraft – The Moment of Truth
Once you have your boarding pass with your assigned group and number, it's time to head to the gate.
Sub-heading: Lining Up: The Southwest Dance
Southwest has a unique boarding process where passengers line up according to their assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60).
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
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Find Your Spot: Look for the numbered poles or signs in the boarding area that correspond to your position. For example, if you're B35, you'll stand between the B30 and B35 markers.
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Orderly Process: Passengers board in numerical order within each group. Group A boards first, then Group B, and finally Group C.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding (for current open seating and some new fares)
Southwest offers "Family Boarding" for families traveling with children aged six or younger.
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When it Happens: Family boarding occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group.
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Who Qualifies: Up to two accompanying adults can board with a child aged six or younger during this period. This is a great benefit for ensuring families can sit together.
Sub-heading: The Seat Selection (for current open seating)
Once your group is called and you're on the plane, it's time to find your seat!
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Open Seating Rules: With the current open seating model, you simply choose any available seat. This means if you're in an early A group, you'll likely have your pick of window or aisle seats, often in the front of the plane. If you're in the C group, you might be looking at middle seats towards the back.
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Special Needs: Passengers with disabilities or those requiring assistance will pre-board before Group A.
Step 4: Navigating Assigned Seating (For travel beginning Q1 2026 onwards)
This is the big change! If your travel is in Q1 2026 or later, and depending on the fare bundle you've purchased, your seat reservation process will look more familiar to other airlines.
Sub-heading: Seat Selection at Booking
For "Choice," "Choice Preferred," and "Choice Extra" fares, you will have the ability to select your seat at the time of booking.
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Online or App: When you purchase these fares on Southwest.com or through the Southwest mobile app, you'll be presented with a seat map to choose your preferred spot. This is a significant convenience for many travelers.
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Premium Options: "Choice Extra" fares will allow selection of Extra Legroom seats, while "Choice Preferred" will offer Preferred seats or any Standard seat.
Sub-heading: Seat Assignment at Check-in
For the "Basic" fare (replacing Wanna Get Away®), your seat will be assigned at check-in.
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Automatic Assignment: Similar to how boarding positions are currently assigned, your seat will be automatically assigned to you when you check in for your flight. While you won't get to pick, it removes the pressure of the open seating scramble.
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Potential for Upgrade: If you purchase a Basic fare and later decide you'd like to select a specific seat, you may have the option to upgrade to a "Choice," "Choice Preferred," or "Choice Extra" fare to gain that capability, if available.
Step 5: Post-Booking Modifications and Day-Of Travel Tips
Even after booking and checking in, there are still a few things to keep in mind.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
Sub-heading: Changing Your Seat (with Assigned Seating)
If you have an assigned seat (with Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra fares), Southwest will likely allow you to change your seat selection prior to departure, subject to availability. Check the "Manage Reservation" section on their website or app.
Sub-heading: What if the Flight is Full?
Even with assigned seating, full flights can mean limited options. If you're on a Basic fare and assigned a middle seat, or if your preferred aisle/window isn't available, remember that Southwest aims to get everyone to their destination.
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Flexibility is Key: A packed plane means you might need to be flexible with your seat choice.
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Gate Agent Assistance: In rare cases, if you have a specific need (e.g., medical reasons requiring a particular seat), you can speak to a Southwest Gate Agent.
Sub-heading: Utilizing the Southwest Mobile App
The Southwest mobile app is your best friend for managing your flight experience.
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Check-in: Easily check in from your phone.
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Boarding Pass: Access your mobile boarding pass.
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Flight Status: Monitor flight status, gate changes, and delays.
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Manage Reservations: Make changes to your booking (including seat changes once assigned seating is fully rolled out for your fare).
10 Related FAQ Questions:
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest Airlines seating, starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to get the best seat on Southwest Airlines (for current open seating)?
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Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight. This is the most effective way to get an early boarding position (A group) and therefore, your pick of seats. Consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In® for automatic earlier check-in.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In® on Southwest Airlines?
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You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In® during the initial booking process on Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app, or you can add it to an existing reservation up to 36 hours before your flight.
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
How to know your boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
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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 family on Southwest Airlines?
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Families with children aged six or younger can utilize Family Boarding, which occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group. Up to two accompanying adults can board with the child.
How to check in for a Southwest Airlines flight online?
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You can check in online via Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app starting 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
How to change your seat on Southwest Airlines (with assigned seating, for future travel)?
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For fares that allow seat selection (Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, starting Q1 2026), you will likely be able to modify your seat selection through the "Manage Reservation" section on Southwest.com or the mobile app, subject to availability.
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest Airlines?
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Check in precisely at the 24-hour mark, purchase EarlyBird Check-In®, have A-List or A-List Preferred status, or purchase a Business Select®/Choice Extra fare.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest Airlines?
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With the new fare bundles (starting Q1 2026), the "Choice Extra" fare will include the ability to select an Extra Legroom seat at the time of booking. For current open seating, being in an early boarding group gives you the best chance to grab a seat in an exit row, which offers more legroom.
How to use a mobile boarding pass on Southwest Airlines?
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After checking in via the Southwest mobile app, you can save your mobile boarding pass to your phone's wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Pay) and present it at security checkpoints and the boarding gate.
How to tell if a Southwest flight has open seating or assigned seating?
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This depends on your travel date and fare type. For flights booked for travel before Q1 2026, it will be open seating. For flights booked for travel in and after Q1 2026, the specific fare you purchase (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra) will determine if you get an assigned seat or one assigned at check-in. Always check the details of your fare bundle at the time of booking.
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