It's no secret that Southwest Airlines operates a unique boarding system: open seating. This means no assigned seats! While this offers a sense of freedom, it also means that getting your preferred seat is a bit of a strategic game. But don't worry, fellow traveler! This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the tips and tricks to significantly increase your chances of snagging that perfect spot on your next Southwest flight.
Your Quest for the Perfect Seat on Southwest Airlines Begins!
So, you've booked your Southwest flight, bags are packed, and anticipation is building. But then that familiar thought creeps in: "Where will I sit?" On Southwest, that's not a trivial question. Unlike airlines with assigned seating, your boarding position dictates your selection. The earlier you board, the more options you'll have. Ready to master the Southwest boarding dance and claim your ideal seat? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Boarding Process – The A, B, C's of Success
Before we strategize, let's make sure we're on the same page about how Southwest boards its planes. It's a system designed around efficiency and first-come, first-served selection.
Groups (A, B, C): Passengers are assigned to one of three boarding groups: A, B, or C. Group A boards first, followed by B, then C.
Positions (1-60+): Within each group, you'll have a number (e.g., A1, A15, B30, C45). This number indicates your specific boarding order within your assigned group. So, A1 boards before A2, B1 before B2, and so on.
Open Seating: Once you board, you can choose any available seat on the plane. This is where your boarding position truly matters – the earlier you board, the more choices you'll have for window, aisle, front, or even that elusive empty middle seat.
The Goal: To secure the earliest possible boarding position, ideally within the A group, to maximize your seat selection opportunities.
Step 2: The Golden Rule: Check-In Precisely 24 Hours Before Departure
This is, hands down, the most crucial step for most Southwest flyers. Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in online.
The 24-Hour Window: Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Not a minute before, not a minute after.
Be Prepared: Set an alarm! Seriously, set multiple alarms. Whether you're at work, at home, or on the go, make sure you're ready to hit that "Check In" button the moment the clock strikes the 24-hour mark.
Use the App or Website: The Southwest Airlines mobile app or their website are the quickest ways to check in. Have your confirmation number handy and be logged in if you have an account. Every second counts.
Why it Matters: The earlier you check in, the lower your boarding number will be, placing you higher up in the A or B group. This gives you a significant advantage in the open seating scramble.
Step 3: Strategic Investments for Priority Boarding
While the 24-hour check-in is king for general passengers, Southwest offers several options to guarantee a better boarding position, especially if you prioritize seat selection.
Sub-heading: Option 3a: Business Select Fares – The Ultimate Priority
What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class. It's designed for travelers who need maximum flexibility and, most importantly, guaranteed early boarding.
The Perk: Purchasing a Business Select fare automatically assigns you a boarding position between A1 and A15. This means you'll be among the very first people on the plane, giving you prime choice of seats.
Added Benefits: Beyond top-tier boarding, Business Select fares also include a complimentary premium drink on board, bonus Rapid Rewards points, and full refundability.
Consideration: Business Select tickets are typically the most expensive fare option. Weigh the cost against your desire for a specific seat and the other included benefits.
Sub-heading: Option 3b: EarlyBird Check-In – A Popular Choice for Better Odds
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is an add-on service you can purchase (usually at the time of booking or up to 36 hours before departure) that automatically checks you in before the traditional 24-hour window.
The Perk: While EarlyBird Check-In doesn't guarantee an A boarding position (unless you're an A-List member, more on that below), it significantly improves your chances of getting into the A or early B group. Your boarding position is reserved 36 hours prior to the flight, based on the time you purchased EarlyBird relative to others.
When to Buy: It's generally best to purchase EarlyBird Check-In as soon as possible after booking your flight, as positions are assigned based on purchase time.
Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies by flight, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight.
Who Benefits: This is ideal for those who want a better chance at a good seat without springing for Business Select, or who simply want to avoid the 24-hour check-in scramble. It's especially useful for families or groups who want to sit together.
Sub-heading: Option 3c: Upgraded Boarding – Last-Minute Improvement
What it is: If you find yourself with a less-than-ideal boarding position after the 24-hour check-in (think C group), you might have the option to purchase "Upgraded Boarding."
The Perk: If available, Upgraded Boarding can be purchased at the airport kiosk or gate, or sometimes through the Southwest app, starting 24 hours before departure. It assigns you a boarding position in the A1-A15 range.
Availability: This is not guaranteed and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. It's often limited, so inquire early if you're interested.
Cost: The cost typically ranges from $30 to $50 per segment, per customer.
When to Use: This is a good option if you missed your 24-hour check-in, or if you unexpectedly find yourself with a C group boarding pass and really want to improve your chances of a preferred seat.
Step 4: Leveraging Southwest Elite Status and Credit Cards
Southwest offers benefits to loyal flyers and credit card holders that can significantly enhance your boarding experience.
Sub-heading: Option 4a: A-List and A-List Preferred Status
What it is: A-List and A-List Preferred are Southwest's elite tiers in their Rapid Rewards program, earned by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning tier qualifying points.
The Perk: A-List and A-List Preferred members (and everyone on their reservation) receive priority boarding, with their boarding positions automatically reserved 36 hours prior to the flight. This almost always results in an A group boarding pass.
Added Benefits: A-Listers also enjoy benefits like a dedicated A-List phone line, priority check-in lanes, and free same-day standby. A-List Preferred adds free in-flight internet and two free checked bags.
For Frequent Flyers: If you fly Southwest often, working towards A-List status is one of the best ways to consistently get a good seat.
Sub-heading: Option 4b: Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
The Perk: Several Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits that can help with boarding. Some cards, like the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and Plus cards, provide complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins per year. Others, like the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card, offer Upgraded Boarding credits.
How to Use: If your card offers EarlyBird Check-In, remember to use it when booking or shortly after. If it offers Upgraded Boarding, you can apply those credits at the gate or through the app if Upgraded Boarding is available.
Financial Advantage: If you're a regular Southwest flyer, the annual fee on some of these cards can be easily offset by the value of these boarding perks, along with other benefits like bonus points.
Step 5: Onboard Strategy: Choosing Your Ideal Seat
Even with an excellent boarding position, knowing what you want and how to get it can make a difference.
Sub-heading: 5a: Know Your Preferences
Window Seat Enthusiast? Head straight for the windows, typically starting from the front and working your way back.
Aisle Access? Aim for an aisle seat, especially if you anticipate needing to get up frequently. These also tend to fill up quickly.
Legroom Lover? The bulkhead rows (the very front row of the plane) and exit rows offer significantly more legroom. Be aware: Exit row passengers must be able and willing to assist in an emergency, and typically cannot stow bags in front of them for takeoff/landing. Bulkhead seats do not have under-seat storage in front of you, but the extra legroom is a trade-off for many. These are highly sought after.
Smoothest Ride? Seats over the wings generally experience less turbulence.
Quick Exit? Seats toward the front of the plane will get you off faster.
Quiet Zone? The front of the plane tends to be quieter than the back, which is closer to the engines and lavatories.
Sub-heading: 5b: The "Empty Middle Seat" Gamble
If your flight isn't completely full, a popular strategy is to find a row with two people already in the window and aisle seats, leaving the middle seat open. Many passengers will pass by these rows hoping for an entirely empty row. If you're willing to risk it, sometimes that middle seat will remain open, giving you extra space! This strategy works best if you have a mid-to-late B or C boarding position and are looking for more room rather than a specific window or aisle.
Sub-heading: 5c: Family Boarding (For Families with Young Children)
The Perk: Southwest offers "Family Boarding" after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins. This allows up to two adults traveling with a child age six or younger to board together.
Benefit: This is a fantastic perk for families, as it significantly increases your chances of finding seats together without having to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for everyone.
Step 6: Last Resort & Important Considerations
Sometimes, despite all your best efforts, you might end up with a C group boarding pass. Don't despair!
Head to the Back: Often, the very back rows of the plane are the last to fill up. You'll almost always find an open seat there, even if it's a middle.
Be Flexible: If you're flying solo, you'll have an easier time finding a single open seat than a group trying to sit together.
Consider Layovers: If your flight has a layover but isn't a direct flight, your boarding position for the second segment is determined by your check-in time for the first segment. So, a good check-in time for your initial flight sets you up for both legs.
The Final Word: Patience and Preparedness
Getting a good seat on Southwest Airlines is largely about patience and preparedness. By understanding their unique boarding process and proactively utilizing the tools and services they offer, you can dramatically improve your in-flight experience. Whether it's setting that 24-hour alarm, investing in EarlyBird, or leveraging your elite status, a little effort goes a long way in securing your preferred spot. Happy flying!
FAQs: How to Get a Good Seat on Southwest Airlines
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest?
The most effective ways are to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase a Business Select fare, or have A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to get the best seat on Southwest without paying extra?
Set an alarm and check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This gives you the best chance for a low boarding number in the A or early B group.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest?
The best way is to utilize Family Boarding (if traveling with a child 6 or younger), or for older children/adults, purchase EarlyBird Check-In for everyone on the reservation and check in exactly 24 hours before departure.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest?
Aim for the bulkhead rows (the very first row) or the exit rows. These seats offer significantly more legroom, but are highly sought after, so an early boarding position is crucial.
How to check in for Southwest flights to get a good seat?
Use the Southwest Airlines app or website to check in precisely 24 hours before your flight. Have your confirmation number ready.
How to buy EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking your flight, or add it to an existing reservation up to 36 hours before departure, via the Southwest website or app.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest at the airport?
If available, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding at the airport kiosk or gate, starting 24 hours before departure. This will assign you an A1-A15 boarding position.
How to get a window or aisle seat on Southwest?
Secure an early boarding position (ideally in the A group) by checking in early, purchasing Business Select or EarlyBird Check-In, or having A-List status. This allows you to board among the first and choose your preferred seat.
How to deal with a C group boarding pass on Southwest?
Head towards the back of the plane when you board, as these rows are often the last to fill. You might also find an empty middle seat if the flight isn't completely full.
How to know which seats recline on Southwest?
Generally, most seats on Southwest planes recline, except for seats in exit rows, the row directly in front of an exit row, and the very last row of the aircraft.
