Do you dread the typical airline scramble for overhead bin space and the anxious wait to see if you'll get a decent seat, let alone sit with your travel companions? Southwest Airlines has long been famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective!) for its unique "open seating" policy, a significant departure from the assigned seating model most other airlines use. But how exactly does it work, and how does Southwest Airlines assign seats (or rather, boarding positions) to ensure some semblance of order? Let's dive deep into the world of Southwest's boarding process with a step-by-step guide to help you master it!
The Southwest Seating System: A Different Approach to Air Travel
First things first: Southwest Airlines does not assign seats. This is crucial to understand. Instead, they assign you a boarding position. This position, a combination of a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60), determines the order in which you get to board the plane and choose any available seat. The earlier you board, the more choices you have – simple as that!
Now, let's embark on our journey to understanding and navigating this system like a seasoned Southwest pro!
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| How Does Southwest Airlines Assign Seats |
Step 1: Get Ready to Play the Check-In Game!
This is where your Southwest seating strategy truly begins! Unlike other airlines where your seat is assigned when you book, with Southwest, your boarding position is largely determined by when you check in. So, are you ready to set an alarm?
Understanding the 24-Hour Window
The crucial window for general check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This means if your flight is at 3:00 PM on a Tuesday, check-in opens at 3:00 PM on Monday. Many experienced Southwest travelers set an alarm to check in precisely at this 24-hour mark. Why? Because the earlier you check in within this window, the better your boarding position (e.g., A30 will board before B1).
How to Check In
You have a few convenient ways to check in and secure your boarding pass:
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Online: This is the most popular and recommended method. Visit Southwest.com or use the Southwest mobile app. You'll need your confirmation number (a 6-digit code) and your last name.
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Mobile App: The Southwest app is incredibly user-friendly for check-in. It will store your boarding pass, making it easily accessible on your phone.
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Airport Kiosk: If you prefer, you can check in at a self-service kiosk at the airport.
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Ticket Counter: A Southwest agent at the ticket counter can also assist you with check-in.
Pro Tip: While you can check in at the airport, online or app check-in 24 hours prior is your best bet for a good boarding position. Waiting until you get to the airport often means you'll be assigned a later boarding group, severely limiting your seat choices.
Step 2: Boosting Your Boarding Position – The Early Bird and Elite Advantage
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
While the 24-hour check-in is the standard, Southwest offers ways to jump ahead in line, giving you a significantly better chance at your preferred seat. These options come with a cost or require frequent travel.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In®
This is Southwest's most popular add-on for those who want an edge. For a fee (which varies by flight, typically $15-$99 per one-way flight), EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This means you're checked in 12 hours before the general public, giving you a significant head start.
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Is it worth it? If you prioritize window or aisle seats, need overhead bin space, or are traveling with companions you want to sit with, EarlyBird can be a worthwhile investment. It doesn't guarantee an "A" boarding position, but it greatly increases your chances.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares
If you're looking for the absolute best boarding position, consider purchasing a Business Select fare. These are Southwest's highest fare class and come with a guaranteed boarding position in the A1-A15 group. This means you'll be among the very first to board, allowing you to snag virtually any seat you desire.
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Perks beyond boarding: Business Select fares also typically include a fully refundable ticket, two free checked bags, and bonus Rapid Rewards points.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Status
For frequent Southwest flyers, elite status is your golden ticket to early boarding.
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A-List Members: Automatically receive priority boarding positions, typically within the A group, 36 hours before departure. This benefit extends to everyone on their reservation.
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A-List Preferred Members: Enjoy the same priority boarding as A-List, but often receive even earlier A-group positions due to their higher tier. They also get two free checked bags and complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi.
Key Takeaway: These options essentially pre-check you in, securing a better boarding position before the mad dash at the 24-hour mark.
Step 3: Understanding Your Boarding Pass: Group and Position
Once you've checked in, your boarding pass will display your assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). For example, you might see "A32" or "B15."
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Group A: Boards first. These are typically Business Select passengers, A-List/A-List Preferred members, and early EarlyBird Check-In purchasers.
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Group B: Boards after Group A. This group often consists of those who checked in early within the 24-hour window or later EarlyBird Check-In purchasers.
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Group C: Boards last. If you check in late (closer to the flight's departure or at the airport without priority options), you'll likely be in Group C. Your seat choices will be the most limited.
Step 4: The Gate Experience: Lining Up and Boarding
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
When it's time to board, Southwest has a very specific, and sometimes chaotic, lining-up process at the gate.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Spot
You'll notice numbered poles or stanchions at the gate, typically marked A1-A30, A31-A60, B1-B30, etc.
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Listen for the gate agent's announcements. They will call each boarding group and instruct them to line up according to their number. For instance, "Group A, positions 1 through 30, please line up at the poles."
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Find your corresponding number and stand in line.
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Once your group is called, you'll proceed to the gate agent to scan your boarding pass.
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Sub-heading: Special Boarding Exceptions
Southwest offers certain exceptions for early boarding:
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Pre-boarding: This is for customers who require assistance boarding the aircraft or need a specific seat to accommodate a disability. This occurs before the A group.
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Family Boarding: If you are traveling with a child aged six years or younger, up to two adults per child can board between the A and B groups, regardless of their assigned boarding position. This is a huge perk for families who want to ensure they sit together. Note: If you already have A-group boarding passes, use those and don't wait for family boarding.
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Unaccompanied Minors: These passengers also pre-board.
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Active Duty Military: Often allowed to board after the A group.
Important Note: While Southwest has stated they are planning to begin offering assigned and premium seating in the second half of 2025 and operating with it in 2026, as of now (July 2025), the open seating policy and boarding process described above are still in effect. This future change could significantly alter the current step-by-step guide.
Step 5: Onboard: The Seat Selection Dash!
Once you're on the plane, the real "open seating" experience begins!
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Walk down the aisle: Look for any unoccupied seat. There are no pre-assigned seats, so it's truly first-come, first-served.
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Be decisive: Especially if you're in a later boarding group, seats can fill up quickly. Have a general idea of where you'd like to sit (window, aisle, front, back).
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Don't save seats: Southwest's policy discourages saving seats for companions who are boarding in a later group. While you might see people try this, it's generally frowned upon and flight attendants may ask you to release the seat.
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Overhead bins: Your early boarding position also grants you better access to overhead bin space. Later boarders may find themselves gate-checking their carry-on bags.
Insider Tip: If you're in a later boarding group and looking for two seats together, sometimes the very back of the plane or the middle seats might be your best bet. Don't be afraid to ask flight attendants if you need assistance finding a seat, especially if traveling with small children.
Conclusion: Mastering the Southwest Seating Dance
While Southwest's open seating can feel a bit like a game of musical chairs, understanding the system empowers you to play it strategically. By checking in promptly, considering EarlyBird Check-In or Business Select, and knowing the boarding process, you can significantly improve your chances of getting your desired seat and a smooth start to your journey. Happy flying!
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get an "A" boarding position on Southwest?
You can get an "A" boarding position by purchasing a Business Select fare, having A-List or A-List Preferred status, or by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In and checking in automatically before the general public.
How to check in for a Southwest flight?
You can check in for a Southwest flight online via Southwest.com, using the Southwest mobile app, at an airport self-service kiosk, or at the ticket counter.
How to buy EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during the initial booking of your flight on Southwest.com or the app, or you can add it to an existing reservation up to 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, subject to availability.
How to sit with my family on Southwest?
If traveling with a child aged six or younger, you can utilize Family Boarding, which occurs after the A group and before the B group. Alternatively, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In for everyone on your reservation or securing A-List/Business Select status will increase your chances of sitting together.
How to change my seat on Southwest?
Southwest does not assign seats, so you cannot "change" a seat in advance. Your boarding position determines when you board, and then you select any available seat on the aircraft.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
How to know my Southwest boarding group and position?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be displayed on your boarding pass after you have checked in for your flight.
How to get a window seat on Southwest?
To increase your chances of getting a window seat, aim for an earlier boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying Business Select/with elite status.
How to pre-board on Southwest?
Pre-boarding is available for customers who require assistance boarding the aircraft or need a specific seat to accommodate a disability. You should speak with a Southwest gate agent for this.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest?
The best way to avoid a middle seat is to secure an early boarding position (A group, or early B group) by checking in precisely at the 24-hour mark, or by paying for EarlyBird Check-In or a Business Select fare.
How to manage my Southwest reservation after check-in?
Even after checking in, you can typically still manage aspects of your reservation, such as viewing your boarding pass, within the Southwest app or on their website. However, you cannot change your boarding position once it's assigned, and as Southwest has open seating, there's no "seat change" option.
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