Flying Southwest Airlines is a unique experience compared to most other airlines. While other carriers assign you a specific seat when you book your ticket, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served open seating policy. This means that once you board the plane, you can choose any available seat. While this offers flexibility, it also introduces a strategic element to your travel.
Ready to master the Southwest boarding game? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the Core Concept: Open Seating
Imagine walking onto a bus and picking any empty seat. That's essentially what Southwest Airlines offers. No pre-assigned seats. Your goal, therefore, is to board the plane as early as possible to get your preferred seat. This is where your boarding position becomes crucial.
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| How Does Southwest Airlines Open Seating Work |
Step 2: Grasp the "A, B, C" Boarding System
Southwest Airlines organizes its passengers into three main boarding groups: A, B, and C. Within each group, you'll have a specific number, ranging from 1 to 60. So, your boarding pass will display something like "A35" or "B12".
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Group A: These passengers board first. If you're in Group A, especially A1-A15, you'll have the widest selection of seats and ample overhead bin space.
Group B: After Group A has boarded, Group B is called. You'll still have a decent chance of finding a good seat, though window and aisle seats might start to fill up.
Group C: These are the last passengers to board. If you're in Group C, be prepared for potentially limited seat choices, often the middle seats towards the back of the plane.
Sub-heading: Special Boarding Categories
Before the general "A" group boards, there are a few exceptions:
Preboarding: This is for passengers with disabilities who need assistance boarding, extra time, or a specific seat to accommodate their disability. You'll need to speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine if you qualify and receive a "PRBD" boarding pass. Note: Preboarders cannot occupy exit row seats.
Customers needing extra time: If you don't qualify for preboarding but need a little extra time to board or get seated (e.g., due to an injury), you may board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. Again, speak to a Customer Service Agent for an "XT" boarding pass.
Family Boarding: If you're traveling with a child age six or younger, up to two adults may board during Family Boarding. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding. This is a fantastic perk for families wanting to ensure they can sit together. If your family already has A boarding passes, you should board in your assigned positions.
Active Duty Military: Active military personnel in uniform may also board during the Family Boarding period.
Step 3: Master the Check-in Timeline for a Better Boarding Position
This is arguably the most critical step in the Southwest open seating game. Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in for your flight.
The 24-Hour Mark: Online check-in for Southwest flights opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Pro Tip: Set an alarm! Be ready to check in the moment that 24-hour window opens. Every second counts, especially for popular routes.
You can check in via the Southwest Airlines website or their mobile app.
Upon checking in, you'll receive your boarding pass with your assigned group and number.
Step 4: Strategies to Improve Your Boarding Position (and Seat Choice!)
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
While checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark is your primary free strategy, Southwest offers several ways to virtually guarantee a better boarding position:
Sub-heading: Paid Options for Early Boarding
EarlyBird Check-In: This is a paid service that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This gives you a significant advantage over those checking in at the 24-hour mark, often securing you an A or early B boarding position.
Consideration: EarlyBird Check-In costs vary per segment and is non-refundable. It doesn't guarantee an A position, but it significantly increases your chances.
Upgraded Boarding: If available, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding to get an A1-A15 position. This option is typically available 24 hours before the flight via the Southwest app or website during check-in, or at the gate.
Benefit: This is the best way to ensure you're among the first to board and get your pick of seats. The cost varies based on the flight's popularity and length.
Business Select Fares: If you purchase a Business Select fare, you are automatically assigned an A1-A15 boarding position. This is the most expensive fare type but includes other perks like a free premium drink and priority security lane access.
Sub-heading: Elite Status Perks
A-List and A-List Preferred Status: Southwest's Rapid Rewards elite members (A-List and A-List Preferred) receive priority boarding.
A-List members and those on their reservation get an earlier boarding position, typically at the end of the A group or early B. Their boarding positions are automatically reserved 36 hours prior to the flight.
A-List Preferred members receive all A-List benefits plus even better priority.
These statuses are earned by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning a specific amount of tier qualifying points within a calendar year.
Step 5: The Boarding Process at the Gate
Once you have your boarding pass with your group and number, here's what to expect at the gate:
Line Up: Southwest gates have numbered poles or signs indicating where each boarding position should line up (e.g., A1-5, A6-10). When your group is called, find your designated spot in line.
Boarding Calls: Gate agents will call boarding groups in order: Preboarders first, then "A" group in numerical order (A1-A60), followed by passengers needing extra time, then Family Boarding/Active Military, then "B" group (B1-B60), and finally "C" group (C1-C60).
Walk On and Choose: Once your group is called and you've lined up, you'll proceed down the jet bridge and onto the aircraft. This is your moment! Scan the cabin for your preferred seat.
Tip for groups: If you're traveling with others and want to sit together, the person with the earliest boarding position should board first and politely try to hold seats for the rest of your party. This is a commonly accepted practice on Southwest, but be mindful of others.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Step 6: Choosing Your Seat on Board
Now that you're on the plane, it's time to pick your spot. Here are some common seating considerations:
Window Seat: Offers views and a place to lean your head.
Aisle Seat: Provides easy access to the lavatory and allows you to get up without disturbing others.
Middle Seat: Generally the last resort, but sometimes unavoidable.
Front of the Plane: Typically allows for quicker deplaning.
Back of the Plane: Often has more empty seats, especially on less full flights, offering a better chance of an empty middle seat next to you. Also closer to the lavatories if you need frequent access.
Exit Row: Offers extra legroom, but you must be willing and able to assist in an emergency and meet specific criteria. Flight attendants will verify this. Note: Preboarders cannot sit here.
Over-wing Seats: Generally provide a smoother ride with less turbulence.
Remember: The earlier you board, the more options you'll have!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines' open seating:
How to get the best seat on Southwest Airlines? The best way is to secure an early boarding position, ideally A1-A15. This can be achieved by booking a Business Select fare, purchasing Upgraded Boarding, having A-List/A-List Preferred status, or by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
How to check in for Southwest Airlines flight? You can check in online via the Southwest Airlines website or their mobile app starting 24 hours before your flight. You'll need your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards number. You can also check in at the airport kiosks or ticket counters.
How to use Southwest Airlines Family Boarding? If you're traveling with a child age six or younger, up to two accompanying adults can board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the "A" group and before the "B" group. Simply listen for the announcement at the gate.
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest Airlines without paying? The best free method is to check in precisely 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Be ready right at the exact minute to maximize your chances of a good position.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest? You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight, or add it to an existing reservation online, via the app, or by calling Southwest Airlines. Availability may be limited.
How to find out your Southwest Airlines boarding group and position? Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be clearly printed on your boarding pass once you have checked in for your flight.
How to board with a companion on Southwest Airlines? If you are traveling with a companion and want to sit together, the person with the earliest boarding position should board first and attempt to save seats for the rest of your party. This is a common practice on Southwest.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest Airlines? To get extra legroom, aim for an exit row seat. You'll need to board early enough to select one and be willing and able to assist in an emergency. Passengers with A1-A15 boarding positions have the best chance.
How to avoid middle seats on Southwest Airlines? The most effective way to avoid middle seats is to secure an early boarding position (A group or early B group). The earlier you board, the more window and aisle seats will be available.
How to track your bags with Southwest Airlines? Southwest Airlines offers digital bag tracking through their app and website, allowing you to monitor your checked luggage throughout your journey.
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