Are you curious about how to navigate the boarding process on Southwest Airlines? You've come to the right place! Southwest's unique open-seating policy means understanding their boarding groups is key to a smooth travel experience. Let's dive in and demystify the system together!
Southwest Airlines, renowned for its "Bags Fly Free" policy and friendly service, also stands out with its open seating approach. Unlike most airlines where you're assigned a specific seat at booking, Southwest gives you the freedom to choose any available seat once you board. This makes your boarding position incredibly important, as it directly impacts your choice of seats and overhead bin space.
The Core: A, B, and C Boarding Groups
At its heart, Southwest Airlines utilizes three primary boarding groups: A, B, and C. Within each of these groups, passengers are assigned a numerical position from 1 to 60 (or higher on very full flights). So, you'll receive a boarding pass with a designation like A35, B12, or C48. This combination tells you exactly where you'll line up at the gate.
Here's how the general order works:
Group A (A1-A60): These are the first to board, typically getting the best choice of seats (window/aisle, front of the plane) and overhead bin space.
Group B (B1-B60): Board after Group A. You'll still have a decent selection of seats, though prime spots might be taken.
Group C (C1-C60+): These passengers board last. On full flights, you might find yourself in a middle seat, potentially towards the back of the aircraft.
But it's not just A, B, and C. There are also specific "sub-groups" and ways to influence your position within these groups.
Step 1: Understanding Your Boarding Pass - Your Golden Ticket to the Line
The moment you check in for your Southwest flight (which, for most, is 24 hours before departure), you'll be assigned your boarding group and position. This information will be clearly displayed on your boarding pass.
Look closely! Your boarding pass will show a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (e.g., "A35"). This is your unique boarding position.
Don't lose it! While digital boarding passes on the Southwest app are convenient, having a screenshot or a physical copy can be helpful.
Engage with this first step: Take a moment to imagine you're holding your boarding pass right now. What group and number would you hope to see? Do you prefer a window, aisle, or doesn't it matter as much to you? Share your ideal boarding position in your mind!
Step 2: The Art of Checking In - Your Key to a Better Boarding Position
Since Southwest doesn't assign seats, your boarding position is largely determined by when you check in. The earlier you check in (relative to others on your flight), the better your assigned position.
Sub-heading: The Standard 24-Hour Check-in
For most passengers, check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Set an alarm! Many savvy Southwest travelers set a reminder to check in right at the 24-hour mark. Even a minute can make a difference in your assigned number.
Use the Southwest app or website. These are the fastest and most reliable ways to check in.
Sub-heading: Getting a Head Start: EarlyBird Check-In
If you want a better chance at an earlier boarding position without the 24-hour dash, Southwest offers EarlyBird Check-In®.
What it is: For a fee (which varies by flight, typically $15-$99 one-way), Southwest will automatically check you in beginning 36 hours before your flight's departure. This is 12 hours before general check-in opens.
Benefits: While it doesn't guarantee an A position, it significantly increases your chances of getting one, or at least a good B position. This is particularly valuable for travelers who want to ensure they can sit together or get a window/aisle seat.
Important Note: EarlyBird Check-In is non-refundable. If you change or cancel your flight, you generally won't get your EarlyBird fee back.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares and Elite Status
Certain fare types and elite status with Southwest's Rapid Rewards program also grant you preferential boarding.
Business Select: These are Southwest's highest fare class and come with a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position. This is the absolute best way to ensure you're among the very first to board.
A-List and A-List Preferred: Members with Southwest's elite status (A-List and A-List Preferred) automatically receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are assigned 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, but often get better positions within that window.
Step 3: Special Boarding Privileges - Beyond A, B, C
Beyond the standard A, B, and C groups, Southwest also has specific categories that board at different times to ensure a smooth and equitable process.
Sub-heading: Preboarding
This is the very first group to board, even before A1.
Who qualifies: Passengers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, require assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device.
How to request: Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. They will ask "fact-finding questions" to determine eligibility. You'll receive a special boarding pass marked "PRBD" if approved.
Important restriction: Preboarders cannot occupy an exit row seat.
Sub-heading: Extra Time Boarding
For those who don't qualify for Preboarding but still need a little more time.
Who qualifies: Customers with disabilities who simply need extra time to board.
How to request: Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. You'll receive a boarding pass marked "XT".
When they board: This group boards after the "A" group has completely boarded, but before Family Boarding and the "B" group.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding and Active-Duty Military
This group boards after the A group (and any Extra Time boarders) but before the B group.
Who qualifies for Family Boarding: Up to two adults traveling with a child age six or younger. This allows families to board together and find seats.
Who qualifies for Active-Duty Military: Active-duty military personnel in uniform.
Important Note: If the family or military member already has an "A" boarding pass, they should board with their assigned "A" position.
Step 4: The Boarding Area Experience - Lining Up and Getting Onboard
Once your boarding group is called, it's time to head to the gate area.
Sub-heading: The Numbered Posts
Southwest gates are famously equipped with numbered posts, usually in increments of five (e.g., 1-5, 6-10, etc.).
Find your spot: When your group (A, B, or C) is called, locate the numbered posts corresponding to your boarding position. For example, if you are B35, you'll stand between the posts for B31-35 or B31-40, depending on the gate setup.
Line up numerically: Within your designated section, you'll line up in numerical order. B35 will be behind B34 and in front of B36. It's a self-policing system, and generally, people are quite respectful of the order.
Sub-heading: The Call to Board
The gate agent will announce when each group is ready to board.
Listen carefully! They'll typically call in blocks (e.g., "Group A, positions 1 through 30, you may now board").
Present your boarding pass: When it's your turn, show your boarding pass to the gate agent.
Enjoy open seating! Once on board, you're free to choose any available seat. Head towards the front for more options, or to the back if you prefer a quieter spot.
Step 5: What Happens If You Rebook or Change Your Flight?
Life happens, and sometimes you need to change your flight. How does this impact your boarding group?
Sub-heading: Rebooking and Boarding Position
Original position usually not guaranteed: If you change your flight (either a voluntary change or due to an airline-initiated delay/cancellation), your original boarding position is generally not guaranteed.
New assignment: You will likely be assigned a new boarding group and position based on the check-in time for your new flight, or based on the reaccommodation process if Southwest rebooks you due to disruption.
Tip: If you're rebooked due to a delay or cancellation, Southwest will often try to re-accommodate you with a comparable boarding position, but it's not always possible. If you want a better chance, check in as soon as possible for your new flight, or consider purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate if available.
Sub-heading: Same-Day Changes and Standby
Southwest offers flexible same-day changes and standby options, particularly for higher fare classes or elite members.
Same-Day Change: If you make a confirmed same-day change to an earlier or later flight, your boarding position will be assigned based on when you check in for the new flight, or if you had EarlyBird or A-List, it will try to re-apply those benefits.
Same-Day Standby: If you list for standby, you'll be assigned a boarding position only if you are cleared for the flight, and your position will be determined at that time, usually after all confirmed passengers. A-List and A-List Preferred members get priority on the standby list.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines boarding groups:
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest Airlines?
Purchase a Business Select fare, buy EarlyBird Check-In, achieve A-List/A-List Preferred status, or check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure.
How to find your boarding group and position?
It's printed clearly on your Southwest boarding pass, whether it's a physical copy or on the Southwest mobile app.
How to line up at the Southwest gate?
Look for the numbered silver posts at the gate. Find the section that corresponds to your boarding position (e.g., A1-5, A6-10) and line up numerically within that section.
How to board with a child on Southwest Airlines?
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you and one other adult can utilize Family Boarding, which occurs after Group A but before Group B.
How to upgrade your boarding position at the gate?
Southwest sometimes offers "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate for a fee, allowing you to secure an A1-A15 position if available. Inquire with the gate agent.
How to know if you qualify for Preboarding on Southwest?
Preboarding is for passengers with disabilities who need a specific seat, assistance boarding, or to stow an assistive device. Speak to a Southwest agent at the counter or gate to determine eligibility.
How to check in for your Southwest flight?
You can check in online at Southwest.com, via the Southwest mobile app, or at the airport kiosk, starting 24 hours before your flight.
How to get a good seat if you have a C boarding pass?
On full flights, C group passengers often get middle seats. Consider heading towards the back of the plane, as those seats sometimes fill up last, or look for rows where one person is already seated and an aisle or window is open.
How to handle a rebooked flight's boarding position?
Your original boarding position is generally not guaranteed. You'll receive a new one based on the rebooking. Check in for your new flight as soon as possible.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In effectively?
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In as early as possible after booking your flight, as positions are assigned based on the time of purchase within the EarlyBird group. This gives you the best chance at an earlier position within the EarlyBird pool.
