Ah, the perennial question for anyone flying Southwest: "How does seating work?!" If you're used to assigned seats, Southwest's system can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. But fear not, intrepid traveler! By the end of this lengthy guide, you'll be a Southwest seating guru, ready to conquer the open skies with confidence (and hopefully, a window seat!).
Step 1: Embrace the "Open Seating" Concept (and don't panic!)
First things first, let's address the elephant in the boarding area: Southwest Airlines does not have assigned seats. That's right, you won't find a specific seat number like 12A or 23F on your boarding pass. Instead, Southwest operates on an "open seating" policy, meaning that once you board the aircraft, you choose your own seat from what's available.
Now, before you break into a cold sweat thinking it's a free-for-all, there's a highly structured system to determine who boards when. This is the key to getting the seat you want.
Step 2: Understanding Your Boarding Position: The A, B, and C Groups
Your boarding pass will display a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1-60+). This combination dictates your place in line at the gate.
Group A: These are the lucky ones! A1-A60 get to board first.
Group B: B1-B60 board after Group A.
Group C: C1-C60+ are the last to board.
Your goal, if you have a preference for seat location or want to sit with companions, is to secure the earliest possible boarding position.
Step 3: The Golden Rule: Check-In Exactly 24 Hours Before Departure!
This is, arguably, the most critical step for getting a good boarding position on Southwest Airlines without paying extra.
Set an Alarm: Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. Not 24 hours and one minute, not 23 hours and 59 minutes – precisely 24 hours. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you.
Be Ready: Have your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards number and your last name handy.
Check-in Online or via the App: As soon as that 24-hour mark hits, go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest Airlines app and check in. The faster you are, the earlier your boarding position will be within your fare class.
Think of it as a digital dash for the best seats! Every second truly counts here.
Step 4: Strategies for Boosting Your Boarding Position (Beyond the 24-Hour Dash)
While the 24-hour check-in is foundational, Southwest offers several ways to improve your chances of a coveted A group position:
Sub-heading: Option 4.1: Business Select Fares
What it is: This is Southwest's highest fare class.
The Benefit: Business Select fares guarantee you an A1-A15 boarding position. This is the ultimate way to ensure you're among the first to board and have your pick of almost any seat.
Consideration: It's often the most expensive fare option, so weigh the cost against your desire for priority boarding.
Sub-heading: Option 4.2: EarlyBird Check-In
What it is: A paid service that automatically checks you in prior to the 24-hour mark.
The Benefit: Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight departs, often securing you a better boarding position than if you waited for the 24-hour window. While it doesn't guarantee an A group, it significantly increases your chances of getting an A or early B position.
Consideration: Costs between $15 and $25 per one-way flight, per person. It's a popular option, so even with EarlyBird, you might still find yourself in a higher A or early B group if many others purchased it.
Sub-heading: Option 4.3: Upgraded Boarding
What it is: An option to purchase an A1-A15 boarding position at the gate or through the Southwest app within 24 hours of departure.
The Benefit: If available, this is your chance to snag a premium boarding spot even if you didn't purchase Business Select or EarlyBird.
Consideration: It's subject to availability and can range from $30 to $80. You can only purchase it after you've checked in and received your initial boarding position, so it's a bit of a gamble. This is a good option if you realize your initial boarding position is poor and you really want a better seat.
Sub-heading: Option 4.4: A-List and A-List Preferred Status
What it is: Southwest's elite loyalty program tiers.
The Benefit: A-List members (and everyone on their reservation) receive priority boarding by being automatically checked in 36 hours prior to departure, typically resulting in an A or early B boarding position. A-List Preferred members get an even earlier auto check-in.
Consideration: Requires a significant amount of flying or spending to achieve this status.
Sub-heading: Option 4.5: Southwest Credit Cards
What it is: Certain co-branded Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
The Benefit: Some cards offer benefits like upgraded boarding credits or travel credits that can cover the cost of Upgraded Boarding.
Consideration: Requires holding a specific credit card and meeting its spending requirements.
Step 5: Boarding the Aircraft: The Gate Experience
Once you have your boarding pass with your group and number, the actual boarding process is surprisingly orderly:
Listen for Announcements: The gate agent will announce when it's time for each group to line up.
Find Your Spot: You'll see numbered poles or signs at the gate indicating where each boarding position should line up (e.g., A1-A15, A16-A30, etc.). Find your designated spot in line.
Pre-Boarding: Before Group A boards, Southwest allows "Pre-Boarding" for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. One travel companion can pre-board with them. They also have a separate "extra time" boarding for those who need a little more time but don't qualify for full pre-boarding, which happens between the A and B groups.
Family Boarding: This is a fantastic perk for families! After the A group has boarded (and after any pre-board or extra time passengers), Southwest offers "Family Boarding." Up to two accompanying adults can board with a child aged six or younger. This is your chance to ensure your family can sit together.
Board by Group and Number: Once pre-board and family boarding are complete, the gate agent will call each group (A, B, then C) in numerical order (e.g., A1-15, then A16-30, and so on).
Step 6: Onboard: The Seat Selection "Race"
This is where the "open seating" truly comes into play. Once you step onto the plane:
Scan for Seats: Quickly look down the aisles for available seats. Keep in mind that people might be holding seats for companions with later boarding positions (this is a contentious but common practice).
Be Decisive: If you see a seat you want, go for it! Don't hesitate, as others behind you are also looking.
Consider Your Needs:
Window Seat Lover? Head straight to the windows.
Aisle Access Preferred? Aim for the aisle seats.
Extra Legroom? The exit rows typically offer more legroom, but you must be willing and able to assist in an emergency. Passengers who pre-board cannot sit in exit rows. Southwest is also introducing "Extra Legroom" seats as a purchasable option with certain fare types (like Choice Extra) or through upgrades.
Traveling Together? If you're with companions and have early boarding positions, you'll have a good chance of finding seats together. If you have a later position, you might need to spread out and try to find two middle seats, or ask someone to move (politely!).
Pro Tip: Flight attendants often stand in an empty row near the middle of the plane during boarding. If you need a seat and they're standing in an unoccupied row, it's perfectly fine to politely ask if those seats are available.
Step 7: Managing Carry-on Luggage
Open seating means a bit more strategy for your carry-on:
Overhead Bins: If you have an A or early B boarding position, you'll likely have your pick of overhead bin space directly above your seat.
Later Boarding: If you're in the B or C group, overhead bin space closer to your chosen seat might be limited. You may need to place your bag further back or forward, or even gate-check it if the bins are full. This is another reason an early boarding position is so valuable.
Personal Item: Your personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack) should always fit under the seat in front of you.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest Airlines seating:
How to get a window seat on Southwest?
Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight departs to secure an early boarding position (ideally A group), which gives you the best chance to grab a window seat once onboard. Alternatively, purchase Business Select, EarlyBird Check-In, or an Upgraded Boarding position if available.
How to sit with my family on Southwest?
For families with children aged 6 or younger, utilize Family Boarding which occurs after the A group. For older children, check in simultaneously exactly 24 hours before the flight to get consecutive boarding numbers, or consider EarlyBird Check-In for everyone on the reservation.
How to ensure extra legroom on Southwest?
Purchase a Business Select fare, which guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position, allowing you to select an exit row (if eligible and willing to assist in an emergency). Southwest is also introducing "Extra Legroom" seats that can be selected with certain fare types (like Choice Extra) or through upgrades.
How to pre-board on Southwest due to a disability?
Inform a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. You'll be asked questions to determine if you qualify based on needing a specific seat for your disability, assistance boarding, or stowing an assistive device. One companion can pre-board with you.
How to check in for my Southwest flight?
You can check in online at Southwest.com, via the Southwest Airlines mobile app, or at a self-service kiosk/ticket counter at the airport, starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure.
How to change my boarding position on Southwest?
You cannot directly "change" your assigned boarding position after check-in. However, you can purchase an Upgraded Boarding position (A1-A15) at the gate or via the app within 24 hours of departure, if available.
How to get an A group boarding pass on Southwest?
Purchase a Business Select fare, acquire A-List or A-List Preferred status, purchase EarlyBird Check-In (though not guaranteed A), or check in exactly 24 hours before your flight as quickly as possible.
How to avoid the middle seat on Southwest?
Secure an early boarding position (A group is best) by checking in precisely 24 hours before your flight, or by purchasing Business Select, EarlyBird Check-In, or an Upgraded Boarding position. The earlier you board, the more likely you are to find an aisle or window seat.
How to deal with seat savers on Southwest?
While seat saving is a common practice, it's generally frowned upon by many passengers. Southwest's official stance is that seats cannot be "saved." If you need a seat and someone is holding it for a later-boarding companion, you can politely ask if the seat is available. Flight attendants usually enforce a "no seat saving" policy if asked.
How to travel with a lap infant on Southwest and get seats together?
Inform Southwest you're traveling with a lap infant. You'll need proof of age (birth certificate/passport). You can utilize Family Boarding after the A group to secure seats together. Note that lap infants do not get a baggage allowance, but car seats and strollers fly free.
