Oh, the age-old question for Southwest Airlines flyers! If you're used to picking your seat weeks in advance, Southwest's "open seating" policy can feel like a bit of a mystery. But fear not, intrepid traveler! It's less about a traditional seat selection process and more about mastering the art of the boarding position. Let's dive deep into how you can give yourself the best shot at your preferred spot on a Southwest flight.
How Do You Select Your Seats on Southwest Airlines? A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Open Seating System
Southwest Airlines operates on a first-come, first-served seating model. This means there are no pre-assigned seats. Instead, your ability to "select" your seat is directly tied to when you board the plane. The earlier you board, the more choices you have. Simple, right? Well, there are layers to this onion!
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Boarding Philosophy – It's All About the Numbers!
Are you ready to become a Southwest boarding pro? The very first thing to grasp is that your "seat selection" journey begins long before you even see the aircraft. Southwest uses a system of boarding groups and positions: A, B, and C, each with numbers 1 through 60.
Group A boards first, then Group B, and finally Group C.
Within each group, you board in numerical order (A1, A2, A3... up to A60, then B1, B2, etc.).
Your boarding position is the single most critical factor in determining your seat options. The lower your number within a group (e.g., A15 is better than A45), and the earlier your group (A is better than B, B is better than C), the more seats you'll have to choose from. Think of it as a friendly competition for prime real estate on the plane!
Step 2: Strategize Your Check-In Time – The 24-Hour Dash
Since boarding positions are largely determined by when you check in, this is where your proactive planning really pays off.
Sub-heading: The Standard 24-Hour Check-In
Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Set an alarm! This is not a drill. Being even a few minutes late can significantly impact your boarding position, especially on popular routes.
How to do it: You can check in on the Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) or, even easier, via the Southwest Airlines mobile app. Make sure you have your confirmation number handy.
Sub-heading: Why the Rush? The Logic Behind It
The sheer volume of passengers checking in precisely at the 24-hour mark means that those who hit "check-in" fastest will secure the best A-group positions. If you check in later, you'll likely fall into the B or even C group. The difference between A15 and B30 could mean the difference between your preferred window seat and a middle seat in the back.
Step 3: Invest in a Better Boarding Position (Optional, but Often Worth It!)
While checking in 24 hours out is the basic strategy, Southwest offers ways to further improve your odds for a better seat. These come with an extra cost but can be invaluable for peace of mind or specific seating needs.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In: Your Automatic Advantage
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is a paid service that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is 12 hours before general check-in opens.
Benefits: It gives you a significantly better chance of securing an A or early B boarding position. You won't need to worry about being glued to your phone at the 24-hour mark.
Cost: Prices vary ($15-$99 per person, per one-way flight) based on the popularity and length of the flight.
When to buy: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it later, up to 36 hours before departure, subject to availability. Purchasing it earlier generally leads to a better boarding position among other EarlyBird purchasers.
Who it's great for: Travelers who highly value seat choice, those traveling in groups who want to sit together, or anyone who simply wants to reduce pre-flight stress.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding: Last-Minute Boost
What it is: If you didn't purchase EarlyBird or still ended up with a less-than-ideal boarding position, you might have the option to purchase an "Upgraded Boarding" position at the gate or through the Southwest app within 24 hours of departure.
Benefits: This can move you into an A1-A15 boarding position, which is the best you can get after pre-boarders.
Cost: Typically $30-$80 per segment, per customer, subject to availability and demand.
When to buy: This is usually available starting 24 hours before your flight, if there are positions left. It's a first-come, first-served offering for this upgrade.
Who it's great for: Those who need a guaranteed early boarding position at the last minute, or for business travelers who value quick deplaning.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fare: Guaranteed A1-A15
What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class.
Benefits: It automatically guarantees you a boarding position in the A1-A15 group, along with other perks like a complimentary premium drink and expedited security (where available).
Cost: This is the most expensive fare option.
Who it's great for: Business travelers or those for whom a guaranteed early boarding position and associated perks are paramount, regardless of cost.
Step 4: Leverage Elite Status or Special Circumstances
Southwest's Rapid Rewards program offers elite tiers that come with boarding advantages. There are also specific boarding policies for families and those needing assistance.
Sub-heading: A-List & A-List Preferred Status
What it is: These are Southwest's elite statuses, earned by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning tier qualifying points.
Benefits: A-List and A-List Preferred members (and everyone on their reservation) automatically receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are reserved 36 hours before the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, often landing them in the A group. A-List Preferred members also get free in-flight Wi-Fi.
Who it's great for: Frequent Southwest flyers who have achieved these loyalty tiers.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
What it is: Southwest offers a dedicated Family Boarding period.
Benefits: Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board after the A group and before the B group. This ensures families can find seats together.
How it works: You don't need to do anything special during check-in. If you have an A boarding pass, board with your A group. If you have a B or C pass and qualify for family boarding, simply wait for the gate agent to announce "Family Boarding."
Important Note: This is specifically for children six and under. If your child is older, you'll need to rely on your assigned boarding position or one of the other methods to secure seats together.
Sub-heading: Pre-boarding
What it is: This is for passengers who need assistance boarding or extra time.
Benefits: These passengers board before the A group.
How it works: Speak with a Southwest gate agent upon arrival if you or a travel companion require pre-boarding due to a disability or need for assistance.
Step 5: The Boarding Process at the Gate – Your Moment of Truth!
Once you have your boarding group and position (e.g., A35, B12, C48), here's what to expect at the gate:
Sub-heading: Lining Up
Southwest gate areas typically have numbered poles or signs indicating where to line up for your boarding position (e.g., A1-30, A31-60).
When your group is called, find your designated spot in line. Don't be shy about asking someone if you're in the right place!
Sub-heading: On the Plane – The Actual "Seat Selection"
Once you step onto the aircraft, it's a visual scavenger hunt!
Look for open seats. Don't assume the first few rows are the only good ones. Often, people gravitate to the front, leaving more open aisle or window seats further back.
Window vs. Aisle: If you have an early boarding position (A group), you'll likely have your pick. As boarding progresses, these become scarcer.
Middle Seats: These are usually the last to be filled. If you have a C boarding pass, be prepared for a middle seat, or get lucky if a pair of window/aisle seats opens up.
Saving Seats: Southwest's policy does not explicitly allow saving seats for others in your party if they have a later boarding position. While you might see people try, flight attendants can ask them to move. The best way to sit together is to have good boarding positions for everyone in your group.
Exit Rows: These typically offer more legroom but come with restrictions (e.g., passengers must be at least 15 years old and willing/able to assist in an emergency). Flight attendants will verify eligibility.
Step 6: Post-Boarding – The Flight Attendant Factor
Sometimes, even with the best planning, you might not get your ideal seat.
If you're flying with a child slightly older than the Family Boarding age limit and can't find seats together, politely speak with a flight attendant. While not guaranteed, they often do their best to facilitate passengers swapping seats to keep families together, especially with young children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Seat Selection
Here are 10 common questions related to Southwest Airlines seating:
How to get the best seat on Southwest Airlines? The best way to get the best seat is to secure an A boarding position. This can be achieved by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or having A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to sit with my family on Southwest if we have different boarding positions? If you're traveling with a child age six or under, use Family Boarding. Otherwise, the best strategy is for everyone in your party to check in as early as possible (ideally at the 24-hour mark) or purchase EarlyBird Check-In to increase the chances of getting good, close boarding positions.
How to guarantee a window or aisle seat on Southwest? While no seat is guaranteed due to open seating, purchasing Business Select or Upgraded Boarding, or having A-List/A-List Preferred status, gives you the highest probability of boarding in the A group, offering the most choices for window or aisle seats.
How to check in for Southwest Airlines to get a good boarding position? Check in online at Southwest.com or via the Southwest mobile app exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Set an alarm!
How to know my boarding group and position on Southwest? Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be displayed on your boarding pass once you have checked in for your flight.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest flights? You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during the initial booking process on Southwest.com, or add it to an existing reservation later, up to 36 hours before departure, subject to availability.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest at the airport? You can inquire about purchasing an "Upgraded Boarding" position at the gate counter on the day of your flight, subject to availability. This typically moves you into the A1-A15 group.
How to take advantage of Family Boarding on Southwest? If you are traveling with a child aged six or younger, simply wait for the gate agent to announce "Family Boarding" after the A group has boarded but before the B group. Up to two adults per child can board.
How to know if my Southwest flight has assigned seats (future changes)? Southwest Airlines has announced a shift to assigned seating starting in the first half of 2026. For flights operating before this time, the open seating policy remains. For future travel, check the Southwest website or your booking details carefully for specific policies applicable to your flight date.
How to ensure overhead bin space on Southwest? A better boarding position (e.g., A group) allows you to board earlier, giving you first access to available overhead bin space before it fills up.
