Oh, the classic Southwest Airlines boarding process! It's truly unique compared to other airlines, and it definitely sparks a lot of questions. If you've ever found yourself wondering how many people are actually in each of those A, B, and C groups, or how to get a better spot, you're in the right place! Let's dive deep into the fascinating world of Southwest boarding.
Understanding Southwest's Boarding Groups: A Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest Airlines famously operates with an "open seating" policy. This means no assigned seats when you book your ticket. Instead, your boarding experience hinges entirely on your assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (a number from 1 to 60+). This combination determines your place in the boarding line and, ultimately, your choice of seat on the aircraft.
Step 1: Are you ready to crack the code? Let's start by understanding the basic structure!
Imagine the gate area as a waiting room for a very popular concert, and your boarding pass is your ticket for a specific entry time. Southwest breaks down the boarding process into three main groups: A, B, and C. Each of these groups is further divided into positions, generally from 1 to 60.
Group A: These are the early birds, the ones who get first pick of seats. If you're in Group A, especially A1-A15, you're pretty much guaranteed your preferred seat – be it a window, aisle, or even a coveted exit row.
Group B: This is the middle ground. You'll still likely find a decent selection of seats, but the prime window and aisle spots, especially towards the front of the plane, might be taken.
Group C: If you find yourself in Group C, you're among the last to board. This usually means you'll be looking at middle seats, often towards the back of the aircraft. Don't despair entirely, though; sometimes you can still snag an aisle or window if the flight isn't completely full or if families have opted for middle seats together.
So, while there are nominally 60 positions within each group (A1-A60, B1-B60, C1-C60), the actual number of people in each group on a given flight can fluctuate. This is because certain passengers receive priority boarding, and not all positions within A1-A15 are always sold as Business Select.
Step 2: Unveiling the Priority Powerhouses – Who Boards First?
Before the general A, B, and C groups are called, several categories of passengers get to board the plane. Understanding these can help you manage your expectations, especially if you have a later boarding position.
Sub-heading: Pre-boarding Passengers
This group typically includes individuals who require special assistance, such as those with disabilities or who need extra time to board. It's essential to communicate your needs to a Southwest agent at the gate before boarding begins to be accommodated in this group.
Sub-heading: Business Select & Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15)
These are the premium positions.
Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class, and it automatically guarantees you a boarding position within A1-A15.
Upgraded Boarding is an option you can purchase within 24 hours of your flight (if available), allowing you to secure an A1-A15 position. This is often the best way to get a guaranteed early spot if you didn't buy a Business Select fare.
Sub-heading: A-List and A-List Preferred Members
Southwest's loyal frequent flyers with A-List or A-List Preferred status also receive priority. They are typically assigned boarding positions within the A group, often before regular A-group passengers and sometimes even between the A and B groups if they didn't get a top A position. This benefit usually extends to everyone on their reservation.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
This is a fantastic perk for families! If you're traveling with a child aged six years old or younger, up to two adults can board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins. This allows families to find seats together more easily. If the family already has "A" boarding passes, they should board with their assigned "A" position.
Sub-heading: Active Duty Military Personnel
Active duty military members, often in uniform, are also given the courtesy of boarding between the A and B groups.
Step 3: The Great Race to Check-In – How Your Boarding Position is Determined
This is where the real strategy comes into play for most Southwest flyers. Since there are no assigned seats, your boarding position (and thus your seat choice) largely depends on when you check in.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Window
For most passengers, check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is the crucial moment! The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be. Many seasoned Southwest travelers set alarms or use apps to be ready to hit that "check-in" button the moment the window opens.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In
If you want to avoid the 24-hour check-in scramble, EarlyBird Check-In is your friend. For a fee, Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, significantly increasing your chances of getting an A or early B boarding position. The earlier you purchase EarlyBird, the better your chances within that group. It's a popular option for those who prioritize a good seat and overhead bin space.
Sub-heading: Fare Type Matters
Believe it or not, the type of fare you purchase also plays a role in your boarding position, even within the 24-hour check-in window or with EarlyBird. Higher fare classes (like Anytime or Business Select) generally receive better boarding positions than the Wanna Get Away fares, assuming all other factors are equal.
Step 4: The Gate Dance – Lining Up and Boarding
Once you have your boarding group and position (e.g., A35 or B12), the process at the gate is fairly straightforward, though it can look a bit like a well-organized human conveyor belt!
Sub-heading: Finding Your Spot
Southwest gate areas have numbered poles or stanchions. You'll simply find the section that corresponds to your boarding position. For example, if you're A35, you'll stand between the "31-35" and "36-40" markers, or whatever the specific gate layout indicates.
Sub-heading: Listening for the Call
The gate agent will announce when it's time for each group to board. They'll typically call in blocks, like "Group A, positions 1 through 30, you may now board," followed by "Group A, positions 31 through 60." Then, after the various priority boarders (families, military, A-Listers who didn't get an A spot) are called, Group B will be summoned, and finally Group C.
Sub-heading: The Onboard Strategy
Once you're on the plane, it's open seating! Move quickly down the aisle to find your desired spot. Many people head straight for window or aisle seats, and often, the front of the plane fills up first. If you're in a later boarding group, consider heading towards the back, where you might still find an aisle or window seat available.
How Many People Are Really in Each Group?
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer isn't a fixed number. While Southwest assigns positions 1-60 for each of the A, B, and C groups, it doesn't mean there are exactly 60 people in each group on every flight.
Here's why:
Aircraft Size: Southwest primarily operates Boeing 737 aircraft. Different models have different seating capacities. A Boeing 737-700 typically has 143 seats, while a 737-800 or MAX 8 has 175 seats.
Variable Passenger Count: Not every flight is completely full. A flight with 50 people won't have a full C group.
Business Select Sales: The A1-A15 positions are reserved for Business Select fares or Upgraded Boarding purchases. If fewer than 15 Business Select tickets are sold, those positions remain open or are filled by Upgraded Boarding purchases.
Cancellations/No-Shows: People's travel plans change, and passengers might cancel or miss their flights after checking in.
Priority Boarding Interjections: As discussed, A-List/A-List Preferred, Family Boarding, and Active Duty Military board between groups, effectively shifting the "flow" of passengers.
So, while the system allocates up to 60 positions per group, the actual number of passengers associated with those positions on any given flight will vary based on the factors above. It's more accurate to think of A1-A60, B1-B60, and C1-C60 as potential slots in the boarding order rather than a rigid count of people in each group.
The Future of Southwest Boarding?
It's worth noting that Southwest Airlines has been in discussions about potentially moving towards assigned seating and a different boarding structure with more groups in the future. As of mid-2025, the current open seating and A, B, C group system is still in place, but stay tuned to Southwest's official announcements for any significant changes!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest's boarding process:
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest?
To increase your chances of getting an A boarding group, purchase a Business Select fare, buy EarlyBird Check-In, or purchase Upgraded Boarding (if available) within 24 hours of your flight. Failing that, check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure.
How to check in for a Southwest flight?
You can check in for your Southwest flight online at Southwest.com, through the Southwest Airlines mobile app, or at the airport kiosk/ticket counter, starting 24 hours before your flight.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight, or add it to an existing reservation through your Southwest account or by calling customer service, up to 36 hours before departure.
How to get a good seat if you have a C boarding pass on Southwest?
If you have a C boarding pass, consider heading towards the back of the plane as soon as you board, as window and aisle seats may still be available there. Sometimes, middle seats towards the front are taken, but an entire row in the back might be empty.
How to board with a child aged six or younger on Southwest?
If traveling with a child six years old or younger, up to two adults can board during Family Boarding, which takes place after Group A has boarded and before Group B begins.
How to know your boarding position before checking in on Southwest?
You cannot know your exact boarding position before checking in. Your position is assigned at the time of check-in based on factors like fare type, check-in time, and any purchased add-ons like EarlyBird Check-In.
How to change your boarding group on Southwest?
You cannot "change" your assigned boarding group directly. Your group and position are assigned at check-in. To potentially get a better position, you would need to purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate (if available for A1-A15).
How to find your boarding gate at the airport for Southwest?
Your boarding gate number will be displayed on your boarding pass (digital or printed) and on airport monitors. Listen for announcements from the gate agent.
How to deal with limited overhead bin space with a late boarding group on Southwest?
If you have a late boarding group (especially C), assume overhead bin space will be limited. Be prepared to gate-check your bag if necessary, or pack lighter with a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.
How to board a connecting flight on Southwest?
If you have a connecting flight, your boarding pass for the subsequent flight will typically be assigned when you check in for your initial flight. You will follow the same boarding process for your connecting flight as you did for your first segment.
