The Art of Landing Your Perfect Seat on Southwest Airlines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ever wondered how to snag that coveted window seat, or ensure your family sits together on a Southwest flight? Unlike most airlines that assign seats during booking, Southwest operates on a unique open seating policy (though this is set to change in early 2026 for flights booked in the latter half of 2025). This means understanding their boarding process is key to getting the seat you desire. Don't worry, we're here to demystify it all for you!
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| How Do You Select Seats On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Strategist: Understanding Southwest's Boarding System
Alright, future travelers! Before we dive into the "how-to," let's play a little game. Imagine you're at the airport, excited for your trip. You look at your boarding pass, and instead of a seat number, you see something like "A35" or "B20." What does that even mean?
This is the heart of Southwest's system. They don't assign specific seats. Instead, they assign you a boarding position, which is a combination of a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). The lower your number within your group, the earlier you board, and the more seat choices you'll have. Simple, right? But getting that low number is where the strategy comes in.
Step 2: The Cornerstone of Success: Early Check-In
This is arguably the most critical step in securing a desirable seat on Southwest.
Sub-heading: Why the 24-Hour Mark is Your Best Friend
Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in. The faster you check in after that 24-hour window opens, the better your chances of getting a low boarding number (think A1-A60, or at least a good spot in Group B).
Set a Reminder: Seriously, put it in your calendar, set an alarm, do whatever it takes! A few minutes can make a big difference.
Be Ready with Your Confirmation Number: Have your confirmation number handy so you can quickly access your reservation.
Check-in Online or via the App: Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app are your go-to tools for checking in promptly.
Step 3: Boosting Your Boarding Position (Optional, but Highly Recommended for Preferred Seating)
While checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark is crucial, there are ways to guarantee a better boarding position, especially if you have specific seat preferences.
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
Sub-heading: The Power of EarlyBird Check-In®
EarlyBird Check-In is a paid option that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, giving you a significant head start over the general public.
How it Works: When you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in. This happens before the traditional 24-hour check-in opens, virtually guaranteeing you an earlier boarding position.
Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies (from $15-$99 per person, per one-way flight as of late 2024/early 2025), depending on the route and demand.
When to Purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking or add it later, up to 26 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, subject to availability. It's generally best to purchase it as early as possible for the best results.
Is it Worth It? If you absolutely want a window or aisle seat, or if you're traveling with companions and want to sit together, EarlyBird Check-In can be a worthwhile investment. It significantly reduces the stress of rushing to check in precisely at the 24-hour mark.
Sub-heading: The Benefits of Business Select Fares
If you're looking for the ultimate boarding position, Southwest's Business Select fare is your answer.
Guaranteed A1-A15: Business Select passengers are guaranteed a boarding position in the A1-A15 group, meaning they are among the very first to board the aircraft.
Premium Perks: This fare also comes with other benefits like a complimentary premium beverage, FlyBy Lane access, and bonus Rapid Rewards points.
Higher Cost: Naturally, Business Select fares are the most expensive option, so consider if the guaranteed early boarding and additional perks align with your travel budget and priorities.
Sub-heading: A-List Status: Rewarding Loyalty
Southwest's Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members enjoy priority boarding benefits.
Automatic Early Check-In: A-List and A-List Preferred members (and those on their reservation) are automatically checked in 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In. This generally places them within the A boarding group.
Enhanced Seat Selection (Coming Soon): Starting May 28, 2025, A-List and A-List Preferred members will have the ability to select Preferred or Standard seats at the time of booking. A-List Preferred members will also have access to Extra Legroom seats at booking, while A-List members can select them within 48 hours of departure, if available.
How to Earn: A-List status is earned by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning a specific amount of tier qualifying points within a calendar year.
Step 4: Special Boarding Circumstances
Southwest also has provisions for certain passengers to board earlier than their assigned group.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
This is a lifesaver for families traveling with young children.
Who Qualifies: Families traveling with a child six years old or younger can utilize Family Boarding.
When it Happens: Family Boarding occurs after the A group has boarded, but before the B group.
How to Use It: You don't need to do anything special during check-in. Simply wait near the gate after the A group has boarded, and the gate agent will announce Family Boarding. Up to two adults can board with the child. This ensures you'll be able to find seats together.
Pro Tip: If you have an A boarding pass, you should board with the A group as that's earlier than Family Boarding.
Sub-heading: Pre-boarding for Passengers with Disabilities
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
Southwest prioritizes passengers with disabilities who need extra assistance or a specific seat.
Eligibility: Pre-boarding is available for customers who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, require assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.
How to Request: Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate to determine if you qualify. You may be asked questions about your needs.
Companions: One travel companion may pre-board with you.
Important Note: Passengers who pre-board cannot occupy an exit row seat.
Extra Time: If you simply need a little extra time to board or be seated but don't qualify for pre-boarding, you may board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. Ask a Customer Service Agent for an "XT" (Extra Time) boarding pass.
Step 5: The Onboard Strategy: Finding Your Seat
Once your boarding group is called and you're on the plane, it's time to execute your seat selection.
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Sub-heading: The Dash for Your Desired Spot
Be Decisive: Look for your preferred seat as soon as you step on board. Don't linger in the aisle.
Window vs. Aisle: If you prefer a window seat for views or an aisle seat for easy access to the restroom, head straight for it.
Middle Seat Strategy: Often, the middle seats are the last to be taken. If you're traveling with someone, you might find two middle seats together if you board later.
Rear of the Plane: Many passengers tend to fill seats at the front of the plane first. If you're in a later boarding group, you might find more open options towards the back.
Exit Rows: These seats offer more legroom but come with specific requirements. You must be 15 years or older and willing and able to assist in an emergency. Flight attendants will verify this. If you pre-board, you cannot sit in an exit row.
Sub-heading: Saving Seats (with a Caveat)
While some passengers try to "save" seats for companions arriving later, Southwest's policy is generally open seating.
Flight Attendant Discretion: Flight attendants may ask passengers to move bags from unoccupied seats to allow other passengers to sit.
Best Practice: If you want to sit with someone, especially if they have a later boarding position, your best bet is to ensure both of you have the earliest possible boarding positions.
Step 6: What's Changing: Southwest's Shift to Assigned Seating (Early 2026)
It's important to note that Southwest Airlines is transitioning from its open seating policy to a new assigned seating model starting in the first half of 2026, with bookings for these flights becoming available in the second half of 2025. This will significantly alter the seat selection process.
Sub-heading: New Fare Options and Seat Choices
With the new system, Southwest will introduce new fare bundles and seating options:
Extra Legroom Seat: Located at the front of the cabin and near exit rows, offering up to five additional inches of legroom. These will come with enhanced snacks and complimentary premium beverages.
Preferred Seat: Standard legroom seats located near the front of the cabin.
Standard Seat: Standard legroom seats located in the back of the cabin.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
Sub-heading: How Seat Selection Will Work Under the New System
At Booking: Passengers will generally be able to select their seats at the time of booking, depending on the fare bundle purchased.
A-List and Companion Pass Benefits: A-List Preferred members will be able to select any available seat, including Extra Legroom, at booking. A-List members will be able to select Standard seats at booking and Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours of departure if available. Companion Pass holders will also be able to select seats for their designated companion at booking.
Basic Fares: For Basic fares, a standard seat will be assigned at check-in.
This is a significant change, so keep an eye on Southwest's official announcements as they roll out the new system!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get the best seat on Southwest Airlines?
The best way to get the best seat is to secure an early boarding position. This can be done by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, buying a Business Select fare, or having A-List status.
How to get an A boarding pass on Southwest?
To get an A boarding pass, you need to either purchase a Business Select fare, purchase EarlyBird Check-In (which checks you in 36 hours prior), or be an A-List/A-List Preferred member (who also get automatic early check-in). Otherwise, be the first to check in right at the 24-hour mark for your flight.
How to use Southwest's EarlyBird Check-In?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it to an existing reservation up to 26 hours before departure, subject to availability. Southwest will then automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight.
How to sit together on Southwest with family?
The most reliable way to sit together with family is to utilize Family Boarding if you have a child aged six or younger. Otherwise, ensure everyone in your party has an early boarding position (e.g., through EarlyBird Check-In or by checking in promptly at the 24-hour mark) to increase your chances of finding seats together.
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
How to pre-board on Southwest Airlines?
Pre-boarding is available for passengers with disabilities who need a specific seat, assistance boarding, or to stow an assistive device. Speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to request and qualify for pre-boarding.
How to get an exit row seat on Southwest?
To get an exit row seat, you'll need an early boarding position to ensure it's available. Once on board, you can select an exit row seat if you meet the specific safety requirements (e.g., being 15 years or older and able to assist in an emergency). Remember, you cannot occupy an exit seat if you pre-board.
How to change your seat on Southwest Airlines (after boarding)?
Once you've boarded and selected a seat, you generally cannot change your seat unless there are unoccupied seats available and a flight attendant approves it. Southwest has an open seating policy, so your initial choice upon boarding is usually your final seat.
How to manage seat selection for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest?
Southwest does not allow specific seat selection for unaccompanied minors. They will be escorted onto the aircraft by an Employee before general boarding begins and introduced to the Flight Attendant, who will help them find a suitable seat. Unaccompanied minors must travel on nonstop or direct flights that do not require a change of planes.
How to select seats with a Southwest Companion Pass?
Under the current open seating model, Companion Pass holders rely on the same boarding strategies as other passengers. However, with the upcoming assigned seating changes (starting early 2026 for flights booked in late 2025), Companion Pass holders will be able to select seats for themselves and their designated companion at the time of booking.
How to know if your Southwest flight has the new assigned seating?
As of late 2024/early 2025, Southwest still operates on an open seating model. The new assigned seating policy is expected to roll out for flights operating in the first half of 2026, with bookings for these flights starting in the second half of 2025. Check Southwest's official website or your booking confirmation for details on your specific flight.
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