Flying with Southwest Airlines is a unique experience, largely due to their signature open seating policy. Unlike most airlines that assign you a specific seat number, Southwest gives you the freedom to choose your own seat once you board the plane. This might sound a little chaotic to first-time flyers, but with a clear understanding of their boarding process, you can navigate it like a pro and even secure your preferred seat!
So, are you ready to master the Southwest boarding dance? Let's dive in!
The Southwest Airlines Boarding Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Southwest boarding process is all about your boarding position, which is determined by how early you check in. This position consists of a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60+).
Step 1: Understand the Open Seating Philosophy – No Assigned Seats, Just Freedom!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it's crucial to grasp the fundamental concept: Southwest does not have assigned seating. This means that when you get on the plane, you can pick any available seat. This flexibility is a hallmark of Southwest and often cited by loyal customers as a reason they prefer the airline. However, it also means that getting a good boarding position is key to getting your desired seat (window, aisle, or sitting with your travel companions).
Step 2: Checking In for Your Flight – The Race for a Better Boarding Position
This is arguably the most crucial step in the Southwest boarding process. Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in.
Online Check-in Window: Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time.
Tip: Set an alarm for 24 hours before your flight to check in as soon as the window opens. Even a difference of a few minutes can significantly impact your boarding position.
How to Check In:
Southwest Website or App: Go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest mobile app.
Enter Details: You'll need your confirmation number and the first and last name of a passenger on the itinerary.
Retrieve Boarding Pass: Once checked in, you'll receive your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+). You can then print your boarding pass or save it to your mobile device.
Late Check-in: If you check in later, you'll likely receive a higher number within a group or be placed in a later group (B or C), which means fewer seat choices.
Step 3: Understanding Boarding Groups (A, B, C) and Positions – Your Place in Line
Southwest utilizes three main boarding groups: A, B, and C, each with positions numbered 1 through 60 (or higher, depending on the flight's capacity).
Group A: These are typically the first to board.
A1-A15: Usually reserved for Business Select fare purchasers and those who buy "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate (if available). These are the best positions for seat selection and overhead bin space.
A16-A60: Often includes A-List and A-List Preferred members (Southwest's elite status holders) and those who purchased EarlyBird Check-In. If you check in right at the 24-hour mark, you have a good chance of landing in the latter part of Group A or early Group B.
Group B: These passengers board after Group A. If you check in slightly after the 24-hour mark, you'll likely be in this group. You'll still have a decent selection of seats, though popular spots (window/aisle in the front) might be taken.
Group C: These are the last to board. If you check in significantly late (e.g., at the airport a few hours before the flight), you'll likely be in Group C. Seat selection will be limited, and overhead bin space might be tight.
Step 4: Special Boarding Categories – Exceptions to the Rule
Southwest has a few special boarding categories that occur before or between the main groups.
Preboarding: This is for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, require assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device.
How to Qualify: You must speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate, who will ask questions to determine if you qualify. You'll receive a special boarding pass marked "PRBD."
Travel Companion: One travel companion may preboard with you.
Boarding Between A and B (with XT designation): Customers with disabilities who don't qualify for preboarding but need a little extra time to board can get an "XT" designation on their boarding pass from a Customer Service Agent. They board after Group A but before Family Boarding.
Family Boarding: This is a fantastic benefit for families!
Who Qualifies: Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding.
When it Occurs: Family Boarding takes place after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins boarding. This helps families secure seats together.
Important Note: If your entire family has "A" boarding passes, you should board in your assigned "A" position rather than waiting for Family Boarding, as you'll have even more seat choices.
Step 5: At the Gate – Lining Up and Boarding the Aircraft
Once you're at the airport and have your boarding pass:
Locate Your Gate: Check the airport monitors for your gate number.
Find Your Boarding Area: Near the gate, you'll see numbered poles or signs indicating where to line up for your specific boarding position (e.g., A1-A15, A16-A30, etc.).
Listen for Announcements: The gate agent will make announcements calling for preboarding, then Group A (in numerical order), followed by Family Boarding, then Group B (in numerical order), and finally Group C (in numerical order).
Be Ready: Have your boarding pass (paper or mobile) and a valid ID ready as you approach the gate agent.
Boarding the Plane: Once your group and position are called, proceed down the jet bridge and onto the aircraft. Remember, it's open seating, so find any available seat that suits you!
Step 6: Finding Your Seat and Stowing Luggage – The Onboard Experience
Once you step onto the plane, it's a first-come, first-served free-for-all for seats.
Seat Selection:
Strategy for Early Boarders (A Group): If you're in Group A, you'll have the pick of the litter. Most people head for window and aisle seats towards the front. Consider going a little further back for more options if the front is crowded.
Strategy for B or C Groups: If you're in Group B or C, don't despair! Often, middle seats towards the front fill up first. Head towards the back of the plane where you might find more open window or aisle seats, or even a full row to yourself on less crowded flights.
Travelers with Companions: If you're traveling with others and want to sit together, especially if you have a later boarding position, you might need to split up initially or ask someone to move (politely!). Most people are accommodating if asked kindly.
Overhead Bin Space:
Southwest allows one carry-on bag and one personal item. Your carry-on goes in the overhead bin, and your personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack) goes under the seat in front of you.
Early Boarders Advantage: Being in an earlier boarding group gives you better access to overhead bin space near your seat. Later boarders might have to stow their bags further down the aisle.
Improving Your Boarding Position on Southwest
While checking in exactly 24 hours prior is the primary method, there are a few ways to boost your chances of a better boarding position:
Purchase Business Select Fares: These premium fares automatically guarantee you an A1-A15 boarding position. They are typically the most expensive fare option.
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In: This is a popular add-on that Southwest offers.
How it Works: Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, 12 hours before general check-in opens. This significantly increases your chances of getting an A or early B boarding position.
Cost: The price varies but typically ranges from $15-$99 per person, per one-way flight.
Availability: It's subject to availability and can sell out, especially on popular routes. It's best to purchase it when you book your flight.
Earn Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Status: These are Southwest's elite status tiers.
Benefits: A-List and A-List Preferred members (and everyone on their reservation) automatically receive priority boarding positions (usually in the A group) and are checked in 36 hours before the flight.
How to Earn: This status is earned by flying a certain number of qualifying one-way flights or earning a specific amount of tier qualifying points within a calendar year.
Purchase Upgraded Boarding at the Gate: If available, you can sometimes purchase an A1-A15 boarding position at the gate on the day of departure.
Availability: This is not guaranteed and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis if there are unassigned A1-A15 positions.
Cost: The cost varies, usually between $30 and $50.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Southwest Airlines boarding process:
How to get an A boarding position on Southwest?
The best ways to get an A boarding position are to purchase a Business Select fare, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, or have A-List or A-List Preferred elite status. Checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight can also land you in Group A, though it's not guaranteed.
How to check in for a Southwest flight?
You can check in for your Southwest flight online at Southwest.com or via the Southwest mobile app, starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Simply enter your confirmation number and the first and last name on the reservation.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In with Southwest?
If you've purchased EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight. You still need to retrieve your boarding pass within 24 hours of departure, but your boarding position will be reserved earlier.
How to manage carry-on luggage on Southwest?
Southwest allows one carry-on bag (fitting in the overhead bin) and one personal item (fitting under the seat in front of you). Be mindful of their size limits (24" L + 16" W + 10" H for carry-ons).
How to handle family boarding on Southwest?
Families traveling with a child aged six or younger can use Family Boarding, which occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins. Up to two adults per qualifying child can board.
How to get assistance with boarding if I have a disability?
Customers with disabilities can request preboarding if they need a specific seat, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate.
How to know your boarding group and position?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) will be displayed on your boarding pass once you have successfully checked in for your flight.
How to find a good seat once on a Southwest flight?
If you have an early boarding position (Group A), you'll have many choices. If you're in Group B or C, consider heading towards the back of the plane, as seats there often remain open longer.
How to change your flight on Southwest after checking in?
If you need to change your flight after checking in, you can typically do so online or through the Southwest app. Be aware that your boarding position for the new flight will be based on the check-in time for that specific flight.
How to get a better boarding position if EarlyBird Check-In is sold out?
If EarlyBird Check-In is unavailable, your best bet is to check in precisely 24 hours before your flight. Alternatively, you can inquire about purchasing an Upgraded Boarding position (A1-A15) at the gate on the day of departure, subject to availability.
