Flying Southwest Airlines is a unique experience, largely due to their distinctive boarding process. Unlike most airlines that assign specific seats, Southwest operates on an open seating policy. This means that once you board, you can choose any available seat. While this offers a sense of freedom, it also means your boarding position is absolutely crucial for getting your preferred seat, especially if you're traveling with family or want window/aisle options.
If you're new to the "Southwest Shuffle," or even if you've flown with them before and want to master the art of boarding, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, helping you understand how to maximize your chances of getting the best possible boarding position.
Understanding the Southwest Boarding System: The ABCs of Getting Onboard
Southwest Airlines uses a system of boarding Groups (A, B, and C) and Positions (1-60+). Your boarding pass will display a combination, like A35 or B12, indicating your place in line. The goal is to get as close to A1 as possible!
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| How Does Southwest Airlines Boarding Work |
Step 1: Get Ready to Engage – It All Starts Before You Pack Your Bags!
Alright, aspiring Southwest boarding masters, let's kick things off! Before you even think about packing your lucky socks or deciding between that extra pair of shoes, the journey to a great boarding position begins.
Have you ever felt that pre-flight anxiety about getting a good seat, especially on a full flight? Southwest's system is designed to reward preparedness, so let's dive into how you can set yourself up for success from the very beginning.
Step 2: The Critical 24-Hour Window – Don't Miss It!
This is arguably the most important step for most Southwest flyers.
Sub-heading: Online Check-in – Your Free Ticket to a Better Position
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Your boarding position (e.g., B27) is largely determined by when you check in. The earlier you check in, the better your position will be.
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Set an Alarm: Seriously, set an alarm for 24 hours before your flight's departure. If your flight is at 3:00 PM on a Friday, be ready to check in at 3:00 PM on Thursday.
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Have Your Info Ready: You'll need your confirmation number and the first and last name of a passenger on the itinerary.
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Check-in Method:
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Southwest Website: Go to Southwest.com, click "Check In," and enter your details.
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Southwest Mobile App: The app is often the fastest way. Open it up, tap "Check In," and follow the prompts.
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Why it Matters: Even a few seconds can make a difference. If you check in at 24 hours and 10 seconds, someone who checked in at 24 hours flat will likely get a better position.
Sub-heading: Automatic Check-in Options for a Head Start
If you don't want the stress of a 24-hour dash, Southwest offers ways to automatically get a better position.
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EarlyBird Check-In®:
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What it is: For a fee (typically $15-$99 per person, per one-way flight), Southwest will automatically check you in and assign your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is 12 hours before general check-in opens.
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Benefits: Greatly increases your chances of getting an A or early B group position, leading to better seat selection and overhead bin space.
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Who it's good for: Travelers who prioritize seat choice, those with carry-on bags, or families who don't qualify for Family Boarding but want to sit together.
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How to purchase: You can add EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it to an existing reservation up to 36 hours before departure (subject to availability).
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Business Select® Fares:
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The Premium Option: If you purchase a Business Select fare, you are guaranteed a boarding position between A1 and A15. This is the absolute best way to ensure you're among the first to board.
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Additional Perks: Business Select also includes bonus Rapid Rewards points, a complimentary premium drink, and more flexibility with flight changes.
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Who it's good for: Business travelers, those who absolutely need a specific seat (like an exit row), or anyone who values the earliest possible boarding position above all else.
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Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Members:
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Elite Status Perks: If you're a loyal Southwest flyer and have achieved A-List or A-List Preferred status through the Rapid Rewards program, you'll automatically receive priority boarding. This means you'll be among the first to board, often getting an A group position without needing to purchase EarlyBird or Business Select.
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Step 3: At the Gate – The Line-Up Logistics
Once you've checked in and have your boarding pass (digital or printed) with your group and position, it's time to head to the gate.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Spot in Line
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Look for the Poles: At every Southwest gate, you'll see numbered poles or signs. These are clearly marked for each boarding position within the A, B, and C groups (e.g., A1-A15, A16-A30, etc.).
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Line Up When Called: The gate agent will announce when it's time for each group to line up.
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First Call: Pre-board. This is for passengers with specific needs (see Step 4).
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Second Call: A Group. If you're in the A group, find your corresponding number range on the poles and line up.
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Next: Family Boarding. This occurs after the A group has boarded (see Step 5).
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Then: B Group.
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Finally: C Group.
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It's crucial to be attentive to the gate announcements! Don't be "that person" who misses their group call.
Step 4: Special Boarding Privileges – Who Gets to Go First?
Southwest offers specific boarding accommodations for certain passengers.
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
Sub-heading: Preboarding – For Those with Specific Needs
Preboarding occurs before the A group is called. This is specifically for:
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Customers with Disabilities: If you need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, require assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device (like a wheelchair).
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How to Qualify: Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. They will assess your needs and may issue you a new boarding pass marked "PRBD."
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Important Note: If you preboard, you cannot occupy an exit row seat. One travel companion may preboard with you.
Sub-heading: Extra Time (XT) Boarding
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For those needing a little more time: If you have a disability but don't qualify for preboarding, and simply need a bit of extra time to board or get seated comfortably, you can board between the A and B groups, before Family Boarding.
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How to Qualify: A Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate can provide you with a new boarding pass marked "XT."
Step 5: Family Boarding – A Lifeline for Parents
Southwest understands the challenges of traveling with young children.
Sub-heading: Policy for Families with Young Children
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Who Qualifies: Up to two adults traveling with a child who is six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding.
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When it Happens: Family Boarding takes place after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding.
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The Benefit: This ensures that families can find seats together, which is a huge relief when traveling with little ones, without needing to scramble for a good boarding position through early check-in.
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Important Note: If all adults and children in your family already have "A" boarding passes, you should board in your assigned "A" position rather than waiting for Family Boarding.
Step 6: Boarding the Aircraft – The Open Seating Experience
Once your group is called and you've found your place in line, you'll proceed down the jet bridge and onto the plane.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Sub-heading: The Freedom of Choice (and the Need for Speed!)
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Pick a Seat, Any Seat: This is where Southwest's open seating policy truly comes into play. There are no assigned seats! You are free to choose any available seat.
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Strategy for Seating:
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Early Boarders (A group): You'll have the pick of the litter. Want a window? Aisle? Front of the plane? Exit row (if you qualify and didn't preboard)? The choice is yours.
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Mid-Boarders (B group): You'll still have a decent selection, but prime spots might be taken. Consider heading towards the middle or back of the plane, as many people tend to fill the front first.
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Late Boarders (C group): This is where it gets a bit like a game of Tetris. You'll likely be looking for scattered single seats or the less desirable middle seats. Don't be afraid to walk towards the back; sometimes there are more open seats there.
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Overhead Bin Space: An earlier boarding position also means earlier access to overhead bin space. This is a significant advantage, especially on full flights where overhead space can become scarce.
Step 7: The "Seat Saving" Debate (and Southwest's Stance)
Ah, the age-old Southwest debate! Can you save a seat for a companion with a later boarding pass?
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Southwest's Unofficial Stance: While Southwest doesn't have a strict written rule against it, the general consensus and what Flight Attendants typically enforce is that you can't save seats for people who haven't boarded yet.
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The Reality: You will occasionally see people attempt to save seats by placing personal items on them. However, Flight Attendants often ask people to remove items from empty seats to make room for boarding passengers.
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Best Practice: If you want to sit with someone, the best strategy is for everyone in your group to aim for the best possible boarding position. If one person has an A pass and another has a C pass, it's highly unlikely they'll sit together on a full flight.
And there you have it! A detailed breakdown of the Southwest Airlines boarding process. By understanding these steps and utilizing the tips, you'll be much better equipped to navigate the unique world of Southwest boarding and enjoy a smoother travel experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How To's with Quick Answers)
How to get a good boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
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Check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or achieve Rapid Rewards A-List status.
How to check in for a Southwest flight?
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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.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for a Southwest flight?
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You can add EarlyBird Check-In during the initial booking process on Southwest.com or later via your reservation details, up to 36 hours before departure (subject to availability).
How to find my boarding group and position on Southwest?
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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, whether it's a mobile pass or a printed one.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines?
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Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate if you have a disability requiring a specific seat, boarding assistance, or device stowage. They will determine if you qualify and issue a special boarding pass.
How to use Family Boarding on Southwest Airlines?
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If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, up to two adults can board during Family Boarding, which occurs after Group A and before Group B. No prior arrangement is needed.
How to find an open seat on a Southwest flight?
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Once onboard, you can choose any available seat. If you have a later boarding position, head towards the middle or back of the plane as seats in the front tend to fill up first.
How to change my boarding position on Southwest after checking in?
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Generally, once you've checked in and received a boarding position, it cannot be changed unless you purchase an Upgraded Boarding position (A1-A15) at the gate on the day of travel, subject to availability.
How to sit with my family on Southwest Airlines?
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The best way is for everyone in your party to obtain the best possible boarding positions (e.g., through early check-in or EarlyBird), or, if eligible, utilize Family Boarding.
How to know when to line up at the gate for Southwest?
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Listen carefully to the gate agent's announcements. They will call each boarding group (Pre-board, A, Family Boarding, B, C) when it's time to line up at the designated numbered poles.
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