Flying Southwest Airlines often sparks questions about seating, and for good reason! Unlike most airlines that assign you a specific seat the moment you book, Southwest has a unique "open seating" policy. This means you don't get an assigned seat number when you buy your ticket. Instead, you get a boarding position, and that determines when you get to choose your seat. It's a system that can be a bit different, but once you understand it, you can master it!
So, are you ready to dive into the world of Southwest seating and ensure you get the best possible spot on your next flight? Let's break it down, step by step!
Understanding the Southwest Airlines Seating System
The core of Southwest's seating policy revolves around their unique boarding process. It's all about groups and numbers. When you check in for your flight, you'll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within that group (typically 1-60). This combination, like A30 or B45, tells you exactly where you stand in line to board the aircraft. Once you're on board, any available seat is yours to claim.
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| How Does Southwest Airlines Do Seating Now |
Step 1: Get Your Boarding Pass - The Earlier, The Better!
This is perhaps the most crucial step in securing your preferred seat on Southwest. Your boarding position is largely determined by when you check in for your flight.
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Online Check-in Window: Southwest Airlines opens online check-in exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time.
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The Race to Check-in: To get a desirable boarding position (ideally in the A group, or early B), you need to be ready to check in the moment that 24-hour window opens. Set an alarm! Many seasoned Southwest flyers do this religiously.
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What You Get: Upon checking in, your boarding pass will display your assigned group and number (e.g., A25, B18, C50). This isn't your seat number, but your spot in the boarding line.
Step 2: Decoding Your Boarding Group (A, B, C)
Southwest uses three main boarding groups, called in sequence:
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
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Group A: These are the first passengers to board the aircraft. This group typically consists of:
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Business Select fare purchasers (guaranteed A1-A15).
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A-List and A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards members.
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Passengers who purchased Upgraded Boarding (if available).
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EarlyBird Check-In purchasers, with earlier check-in times within that category.
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Those who checked in right at the 24-hour mark (if not covered by the above).
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Group B: These passengers board after Group A. If you check in diligently at the 24-hour mark, you'll often find yourself in the B group. You'll still have a good selection of window or aisle seats, and often two seats together if you're traveling with a companion.
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Group C: These are the last passengers to board. If you check in late, or if the flight is very full, you might end up in Group C. While you'll still get a seat, your choices will be more limited, likely to middle seats.
Step 3: Strategic Boarding - Lining Up at the Gate
Once your boarding group is called at the gate, you'll notice numbered poles or markers. These indicate where you should line up based on your assigned position.
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Numerical Order: Find the section that corresponds to your boarding position (e.g., A1-A30, A31-A60, etc.) and stand in numerical order within that range.
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Be Ready to Board: When your group is called, have your boarding pass ready and proceed down the jet bridge.
Step 4: The Open Seating Experience - Choosing Your Spot
This is where the "open seating" truly comes into play. Once you step onto the aircraft, it's first come, first served for any available seat.
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Speed is Key: Walk purposefully down the aisle and identify your desired seat quickly.
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Window, Middle, or Aisle? Consider your preference. Window seats offer views, aisle seats offer easy access, and middle seats... well, they're middle seats.
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Finding Multiple Seats: If traveling with companions, try to find a row with enough open seats together. You can politely ask other passengers if seats are taken or if they would mind shifting to accommodate your group.
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Overhead Bin Space: An earlier boarding position also means better access to overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage.
Ways to Improve Your Boarding Position
While checking in exactly 24 hours ahead is key for most, Southwest offers several options to increase your chances of getting an earlier boarding position and thus a better seat choice.
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
Purchasing Higher Fare Classes:
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Business Select: This is Southwest's highest fare class and guarantees you an A1-A15 boarding position. This means you'll be among the very first to board, giving you virtually your pick of seats. It also comes with other perks like a complimentary premium drink and extra Rapid Rewards points.
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Anytime Fares: These fares offer more flexibility than the standard "Wanna Get Away" fares and also receive priority over EarlyBird Check-In for Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares.
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Wanna Get Away Plus: This relatively newer fare class offers more flexibility than the basic Wanna Get Away, including transferable flight credits and same-day flight changes without a fare difference. While it doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it does get priority over basic Wanna Get Away fares if EarlyBird is purchased.
Adding On Services:
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EarlyBird Check-In®: For a fee (which varies by flight), Southwest will automatically check you in beginning 36 hours before your flight. This gives you a significant advantage over those who wait for the standard 24-hour check-in window, generally securing a good A or early B boarding position. It does not guarantee an A position, but it greatly increases your chances of a better spot.
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Upgraded Boarding: If available, you can purchase an Upgraded Boarding position (A1-A15) starting 24 hours before your flight's departure, or at the gate. This is a great option if you missed the 24-hour check-in window and still want an early spot. Prices vary.
Earning Elite Status:
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A-List and A-List Preferred: Southwest's frequent flyer elite statuses come with automatic priority boarding. If you're an A-List or A-List Preferred member, Southwest automatically reserves your boarding position 36 hours prior to departure, typically placing you in the A group. You still need to check in to receive your boarding pass.
Special Boarding Provisions:
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Family Boarding: If you are traveling with a child six years old or younger, you and up to one other adult can board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the A group has boarded but before the B group. This is a huge benefit for families, ensuring you can sit together.
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Preboarding: This is for passengers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, require assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. You must speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to request preboarding. One travel companion may preboard with you.
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Customers Needing Extra Time: If you don't qualify for preboarding but need a little extra time to board or be seated due to a disability, you may board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent for an "XT" marked boarding pass.
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Active Duty Military: Active duty military personnel in uniform may also board during Family Boarding, after the A group.
Tips for a Smooth Southwest Seating Experience
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Download the Southwest App: This is your best friend for checking in quickly, accessing your mobile boarding pass, and monitoring flight status.
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Be Proactive: Don't wait until the last minute to check in, especially if you have a strong preference for your seat.
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Consider Your Travel Companions: If you're traveling with others and want to sit together, having everyone in your group check in at the exact same time (or purchasing EarlyBird for everyone) will help. For families with young children, utilize Family Boarding.
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Look for Exit Row Seats (if applicable): These often offer more legroom but come with restrictions (must be able to operate the exit door, be 15 years or older, etc.).
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Head to the Back: Often, the back of the plane has more open seats, especially middle seats that people avoid initially. If you're looking for a row to yourself or with your companion, sometimes the very last rows can offer more space.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines seating and their quick answers:
How to get the best boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
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The best way for most people is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Set an alarm!
How to guarantee an A1-A15 boarding position on Southwest?
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Purchase a Business Select fare or buy an Upgraded Boarding position (if available) at check-in or the gate.
How to get EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest flights?
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You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during your initial booking, or add it to your existing reservation up to 36 hours before departure, subject to availability.
How to use Family Boarding on Southwest Airlines?
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
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If you're traveling with a child age six or younger, you and one other adult can board during the Family Boarding call, which occurs after the A group and before the B group. No special arrangement is needed beforehand.
How to board early on Southwest if I have a disability?
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Request Preboarding at the ticket counter or gate if you need a specific seat, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. Alternatively, if you need extra time but don't qualify for preboarding, you can board between the A and B groups by speaking with a Customer Service Agent.
How to get seats together on Southwest with open seating?
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The best methods are to get an early boarding position (by checking in on time, purchasing EarlyBird/Upgraded Boarding, or having elite status) or by utilizing Family Boarding if eligible. Once on board, walk quickly to find an open row.
How to find my boarding group and position on Southwest?
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Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (e.g., 1-60) will be clearly displayed on your boarding pass once you have checked in for your flight.
How to change my seat on Southwest after boarding?
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Once you're on the aircraft, you are free to sit in any available open seat. If you've chosen a seat and see a more desirable one later, you can move, provided it's still open.
How to know if a flight is full on Southwest before boarding?
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While Southwest doesn't typically disclose exact passenger numbers, generally, if you receive a C boarding position, it indicates a very full flight with limited seat choices remaining.
How to find extra legroom seats on Southwest Airlines?
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Southwest does not have "extra legroom" seats for sale like other airlines, but the bulkhead rows (the very first row after the galley/lavatories) and exit rows offer more space. These are first-come, first-served based on your boarding position, and exit row seats have specific passenger requirements.
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