You've landed on the right page if you're wondering how Southwest Airlines handles seat assignments! Unlike most airlines that give you a specific seat number when you book, Southwest operates on a unique "open seating" policy. This means you get to choose your seat once you board the plane. Sounds simple, right? It is, but there's a method to the madness of getting the best seat. Let's dive in!
Understanding the Southwest Airlines Boarding Process: Your Key to Seat Selection
Southwest Airlines uses a system designed to encourage timely check-in and reward those who prioritize getting on the plane earlier. It's all about your boarding position.
Step 1: Embrace the 24-Hour Check-In Window!
Are you ready to play the Southwest seating game? The very first, and arguably most critical, step in securing your preferred seat on a Southwest flight is to check in as close to 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time as possible. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a golden rule for Southwest flyers!
Why is this so important? Because Southwest assigns boarding positions based primarily on when you check in. The earlier you check in, the earlier your boarding position will be. An earlier boarding position means you'll be among the first to step onto the plane, giving you the widest selection of available seats.
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Set a Reminder: Seriously, set an alarm on your phone! 24 hours before your flight is prime check-in time.
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Be Ready to Click: Have your confirmation number handy and be logged into the Southwest app or website when that window opens.
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Don't Delay: Even a few minutes can make a difference in your boarding group and position.
Step 2: Decoding Your Boarding Pass: Groups and Numbers
Once you've checked in, your boarding pass won't show a seat number, but it will display a crucial piece of information: your boarding group and boarding position.
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
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Your Boarding Group (A, B, or C):
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Group A: These are the coveted spots! If you're in Group A, you'll be among the first 60 people to board. This group typically includes those who checked in earliest, Business Select fares, and A-List/A-List Preferred members (more on those later!). Scoring an A boarding pass significantly increases your chances of getting your desired seat.
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Group B: This is the next tier, typically boarding after Group A. You'll still have a decent selection of seats, but prime window and aisle seats might be starting to fill up.
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Group C: If you're in Group C, you've checked in later in the game. While you'll still get a seat, your choices might be limited to middle seats, especially on full flights.
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Your Boarding Position (1-60):
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Within each group (A, B, or C), you'll have a number from 1 to 60. This indicates your specific place within that group. So, A1 will board before A2, B15 before B16, and so on.
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At the gate, you'll see numbered pillars. When your group is called, you'll line up between the two pillars corresponding to your boarding position (e.g., A1-30 or B31-60).
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Step 3: Boarding the Aircraft: The Open Seating Reality
This is where the magic (or mild chaos, depending on your perspective!) of Southwest's open seating truly unfolds.
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Listen for Announcements: The gate agent will announce when each group is called to line up, and then when each section within the group (e.g., A1-30, then A31-60) can begin boarding.
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Find Your Spot in Line: Locate the numbered poles at the gate and stand in your assigned position. Resist the urge to cut the line; it's generally frowned upon and monitored by staff.
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Step Aboard and Choose: Once your turn comes, you'll walk onto the plane. This is your moment! Scan the cabin for an empty seat that suits your preference.
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Window or Aisle? If you have an early boarding position, you'll likely have your pick.
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Front, Middle, or Back? Consider how quickly you want to deplane or if you prefer a quieter spot.
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Sitting with Companions: If you're traveling with others, especially those with later boarding positions, you might want to consider saving a seat for them. A common courtesy is to place a small personal item (like a jacket or magazine) on the seat you're saving, but be prepared that flight attendants may ask you to remove it if the flight is very full and people are looking for seats. The best strategy for groups is to have everyone check in as early as possible to get close boarding positions.
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| How Will Southwest Airlines Assign Seats |
Strategies for a Better Boarding Position (and Seat!)
While checking in 24 hours prior is the baseline, there are ways to improve your chances of a prime boarding position:
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Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In® – The Convenience Factor
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Southwest offers "EarlyBird Check-In" as an add-on purchase. If you buy this, Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight. This gives you a significant advantage over those who wait for the standard 24-hour window.
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Benefits: An earlier boarding position (often in the A or early B group), potentially better seat selection, and earlier access to overhead bin space.
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Consideration: It's an additional cost per segment, per person. Weigh whether the convenience and potential for a better seat are worth the expense for your travel plans.
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Sub-heading: Business Select Fares – The Top Tier
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If you purchase a Business Select fare, you are guaranteed a boarding position between A1 and A15. This is the absolute best boarding position you can get.
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Benefits: First pick of seats, guaranteed overhead bin space, premium drink coupon, and fully refundable tickets.
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Consideration: Business Select fares are typically the most expensive option.
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Sub-heading: A-List and A-List Preferred Status – Frequent Flyer Perks
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Southwest's Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members automatically receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are reserved 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In. A-List Preferred members often get even higher priority than A-List.
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Benefits: Consistently strong boarding positions, dedicated check-in and security lanes, bonus points, and other perks depending on the tier.
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How to Earn: This status is earned by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning a specific amount of tier qualifying points within a calendar year.
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Sub-heading: Family Boarding – For Travelers with Young Children
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Southwest offers a dedicated "Family Boarding" period. This happens after the "A" group has boarded but before the "B" group begins.
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Who Qualifies: Up to two adults traveling with a child age six or younger.
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Benefit: This allows families to board earlier and find seats together, without needing to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for everyone or secure an early check-in time. If your family already has A boarding passes, you should board with your assigned group.
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Sub-heading: Preboarding – For Special Assistance Needs
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Southwest provides preboarding for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device.
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How to Qualify: You'll need to speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine if you qualify. You may be asked questions about your needs.
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Important Note: Preboarded passengers cannot occupy exit row seats.
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What's Changing for Southwest Airlines Seating? (Effective Q3 2025/Q1 2026)
As of information available in July 2025, Southwest Airlines is in the process of rolling out some significant changes to its fare structure and, by extension, its seating options. While the core "open seating" concept will largely remain, there will be new fare bundles offering more direct seat selection benefits.
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New Fare Bundles: Southwest is introducing new fare products that will align with more direct seat selection options.
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Choice Extra: This fare (replacing Business Select) will include the ability to select an Extra Legroom seat at the time of booking.
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Choice Preferred: This fare (replacing Anytime) will include the ability to select a Preferred seat (standard legroom, near the front of the cabin) at the time of booking.
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Choice: This fare (replacing Wanna Get Away Plus) will include the ability to select a Standard seat at the time of booking.
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Basic: This new entry-level fare (replacing Wanna Get Away) will have a Standard seat assigned at check-in and will be non-refundable.
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Extra Legroom and Preferred Seats: These new designated seat types will offer more direct benefits for those who purchase the higher-tier fares. While the open seating policy means you still pick your physical seat upon boarding, these new fare categories provide a guaranteed opportunity to select a specific type of seat if available at the time of booking, or earlier boarding to access them.
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A-List and A-List Preferred Benefits: These elite members will continue to receive priority boarding. A-List Preferred members will also get to select available seats, including Extra Legroom, at no additional cost. A-List members can select standard seats for free at booking, and if extra legroom seats are available within 48 hours of departure, they can select one for free.
These changes are expected to begin rolling out for bookings in Q3 2025 for travel starting in Q1 2026. It's crucial to check Southwest's official website for the most up-to-date information on these new fare products and their associated seating benefits.
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get an A boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
To maximize your chances of getting an A boarding position, check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Alternatively, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, a Business Select fare, or achieve A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to save a seat for someone on Southwest Airlines?
While not officially endorsed, passengers commonly save seats by placing a small personal item (like a jacket or bag) on the desired seat. However, this is at the discretion of flight attendants, especially on full flights where they may ask you to move your items to free up the seat. The best way to sit together is for all travelers to get early boarding positions.
How to check in for Southwest Airlines to get a good seat?
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
Check in online via the Southwest website or mobile app precisely 24 hours before your flight departs. Setting an alarm is highly recommended to ensure you're among the first to check in.
How to use Family Boarding on Southwest Airlines?
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you can board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins. Up to two adults can accompany the child. No special action is needed during check-in; just listen for the announcement at the gate.
How to upgrade your boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can upgrade your boarding position to A1-A15 at the gate on the day of your flight, if available, for a fee. This is called Upgraded Boarding.
How to fly with a child (ages 7-13) on Southwest Airlines and ensure they sit with an adult?
For children aged 7-13, Southwest does not offer specific family boarding. You will board with your assigned group. However, if you need to ensure a child sits with an accompanying adult, speak with the Gate Agent or Flight Attendant, and they will do their best to accommodate your request.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines for special assistance?
If you have a disability and require preboarding due to needing a specific seat, assistance boarding, or stowing an assistive device, speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. They will assess your needs and provide a special boarding pass (marked PRBD) if you qualify.
How to know your boarding position before checking in on Southwest Airlines?
You cannot know your exact boarding position before checking in. Your position is determined at the moment of check-in, or 36 hours prior for EarlyBird Check-In purchasers and A-List members.
How to change your seat after boarding on Southwest Airlines?
Once you have boarded and selected a seat, you generally cannot change your seat unless there's a compelling reason (e.g., a maintenance issue with your seat) and a Flight Attendant assists you. The open seating policy means your choice is made upon entry.
How to get extra legroom seats on Southwest Airlines?
With the upcoming fare changes (starting Q3 2025 for Q1 2026 travel), purchasing a Choice Extra fare will allow you to select an Extra Legroom seat at the time of booking. A-List Preferred members will also have this benefit. Otherwise, these seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis during boarding, making an early boarding position crucial.
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