Understanding the Southwest Airlines Seating Philosophy: The Art of Open Seating
Unlike other airlines where you pick your seat when you book your ticket or at check-in, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served basis once you board the plane. This means there are no pre-assigned seats. Instead, your goal is to get a better boarding position, which directly translates to an earlier chance to choose your seat. This system, while seemingly chaotic to some, is actually preferred by many Southwest loyalists for its perceived fairness and flexibility.
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of how this all works, step by step.
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| How Does Seating On Southwest Airlines Work |
Step 1: Get Ready to Play the Check-In Game!
So, you've booked your Southwest flight. Exciting! Now, the very first and most crucial step to securing a good seat is understanding the importance of check-in. This isn't just about getting your boarding pass; it's about getting your boarding position.
What is a Boarding Position?
When you check in for your Southwest flight, you'll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). For example, your boarding pass might say "A35" or "C12." This combination dictates when you'll get to board the plane.
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Group A: Boards first. These are the coveted positions, giving you the widest selection of seats.
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Group B: Boards after Group A. You'll still have a decent chance at a window or aisle, but prime seats might be taken.
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Group C: Boards last. If you're in Group C, you'll likely be looking at middle seats, especially on full flights.
The lower your number within your group, the earlier you board. So, A1 is the first person on the plane, and C60 is among the last.
The 24-Hour Rule: Your Boarding Battle Begins!
Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is your golden window to secure the best possible boarding position for free.
Pro-Tip: Set an alarm on your phone for 24 hours and 5 minutes BEFORE your flight's departure. This gives you a few minutes to get ready and be right there when check-in opens. Every second can count, especially on popular routes or busy travel days!
Step 2: Strategies for Scoring an Early Boarding Position
While checking in exactly 24 hours out is the free and most common method, Southwest offers several other ways to improve your boarding position. These options can be a game-changer, especially if you prioritize a specific seat or are traveling with a group.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
Sub-heading: Option 2.1: Pay for Priority with Business Select
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What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class. When you purchase a Business Select fare, you are guaranteed an A1-A15 boarding position. This means you'll be among the very first people on the plane, almost certainly allowing you to pick any available seat.
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Who it's for: Frequent business travelers, those who absolutely must have a specific seat (like an exit row or bulkhead), or anyone willing to pay a premium for guaranteed early boarding and extra perks.
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Pros: Guaranteed early boarding, premium seat selection, bonus Rapid Rewards points, complimentary premium drink, and more.
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Cons: Significantly more expensive than other fare types.
Sub-heading: Option 2.2: Invest in EarlyBird Check-In
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What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is an optional add-on that Southwest offers. If you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest will automatically check you in and assign your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is 12 hours before general check-in opens.
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Who it's for: Most travelers who want a better-than-average boarding position without paying for Business Select. It's particularly useful for families (with older children not eligible for family boarding), those traveling with carry-on luggage, or anyone who doesn't want the stress of checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark.
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Pros: Automatically get a better boarding position (often in the A or early B group), less stress about manual check-in, better chance for overhead bin space.
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Cons: An additional cost per person, per one-way flight. While it improves your chances, it does not guarantee an A boarding position. Positions are assigned based on the time of EarlyBird purchase relative to others within the same fare product.
Sub-heading: Option 2.3: Leverage Your Elite Status (A-List/A-List Preferred)
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What it is: Southwest's Rapid Rewards program offers elite status tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred. Members with these statuses receive priority boarding.
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A-List: Automatically assigned a boarding position 36 hours before departure, typically in the A group.
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A-List Preferred: Also automatically assigned a boarding position 36 hours before departure, with a higher priority than A-List, usually ensuring a very early A group position (often A16-A30 after Business Select).
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Who it's for: Frequent Southwest flyers who have earned status through qualifying flights or tier qualifying points.
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Pros: Guaranteed early boarding for yourself and anyone on your reservation, along with other perks like bonus points, free Wi-Fi (for A-List Preferred), and dedicated customer service lines.
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Cons: Requires significant travel or spending to achieve status.
Sub-heading: Option 2.4: Upgraded Boarding at the Gate
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What it is: On the day of departure, if available, Southwest may offer "Upgraded Boarding" for purchase at the gate or through the Southwest app within 24 hours of departure. This allows you to purchase an A1-A15 boarding position.
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Who it's for: Last-minute decision-makers, those who missed the 24-hour check-in window and desperately want a good seat, or if you're willing to pay a bit more for a prime spot on a full flight.
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Pros: Potentially snagging an A1-A15 position if you missed other opportunities.
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Cons: Availability is not guaranteed and is often limited. It can be more expensive than EarlyBird Check-In.
Step 3: Understanding the Boarding Process at the Gate
Once you have your boarding pass with your assigned group and number, the next phase of the Southwest seating experience begins at the gate.
Sub-heading: The Lined-Up System
Southwest has a unique, self-organizing boarding process. You'll notice stanchions or poles at the gate with numbers indicating boarding positions (e.g., A1-5, A6-10, etc.).
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When your group is called, you'll line up in numerical order between the two poles corresponding to your boarding position. For example, if you have B28, you'd stand between the B26-30 poles.
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Be mindful of your position! While people are generally courteous, ensure you're in the correct spot to avoid delaying the process or being out of order.
Sub-heading: The Boarding Order (More Than Just A, B, C)
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
The actual boarding order goes like this:
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Preboarding: This is for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. They are allowed one companion. You must speak to a gate agent to be approved for preboarding. Crucially, preboarders cannot occupy exit row seats.
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A1-A15: Business Select passengers and those who purchased Upgraded Boarding.
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A16-A60: A-List/A-List Preferred members and those with early EarlyBird Check-In positions.
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Customers with disabilities needing extra time: If you don't qualify for preboarding but need a bit more time to board, you can typically board after the "A" group but before family boarding. Again, speak to a gate agent.
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Family Boarding: This is a fantastic benefit for families! If you are traveling with a child aged six (6) or younger, you and up to two accompanying adults can board between the A and B groups. This ensures families with young children have a better chance of finding seats together.
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B1-B60: General boarding for those with B group positions.
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C1-C60: General boarding for those with C group positions.
Step 4: Making Your Seat Selection Onboard
This is it! You've boarded the plane, and now it's time to choose your seat.
Sub-heading: The Dash for Your Preferred Spot
Once you step onto the aircraft, it's a brisk walk (no running, please!) to find your desired seat.
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Window or Aisle? This is the classic debate. Early boarders have their pick.
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Exit Rows: These typically offer more legroom but come with specific requirements (see FAQ section). Flight attendants will verify these requirements.
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Bulkhead Rows: These are the first row in each section, often offering extra legroom as there's no seat in front of you. However, there's no under-seat storage, and your personal item must go in the overhead bin.
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Near the Front/Back: Consider your preference for quick deplaning (front) or a quieter spot (sometimes the back).
Sub-heading: The Unspoken Etiquette of Open Seating
While Southwest's system is open, there are some unwritten rules:
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Don't be a "seat saver" for multiple people far behind you. While it's generally accepted to save one adjacent seat for a companion who is boarding directly after you, saving an entire row for a C group passenger when you're A group is frowned upon and often not permitted by flight attendants, especially on full flights.
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Be considerate of others. If you're an aisle person, don't hog the window and middle.
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Utilize overhead bin space efficiently. Don't spread your belongings across multiple bins if you only need one.
Step 5: The Post-Boarding Experience
Once everyone is seated, you're ready for your flight!
Sub-heading: Adjusting Your Comfort
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Southwest planes generally have a standard 31-32 inches of seat pitch in regular rows. Exit rows and bulkhead seats offer a few extra inches.
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While most Southwest planes do not recline significantly (or at all, on some newer configurations), be mindful of the person behind you if your seat does recline.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
Sub-heading: What if I didn't get my ideal seat?
Don't fret! Even if you end up in a middle seat, Southwest's friendly crew and direct flights often make for a pleasant experience. On shorter flights, the middle seat might not be as much of a concern.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about Southwest Airlines seating, answered quickly:
How to get an A boarding pass on Southwest?
The best ways are by purchasing a Business Select fare, having A-List/A-List Preferred status, or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In. Otherwise, check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure.
How to board Southwest first with a family?
If you are traveling with a child aged six (6) or younger, you and up to two accompanying adults can utilize Southwest's Family Boarding, which occurs between the A and B groups.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest?
You can purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate or through the Southwest app within 24 hours of departure, if available, to get an A1-A15 position.
How to know my Southwest boarding group and position?
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (1-60) will be printed on your boarding pass, which you receive after checking in.
How to get an exit row seat on Southwest?
Board as early as possible (A group positions are best). Once on board, head directly to an available exit row seat. Be prepared for flight attendants to verify you meet the safety requirements.
How to sit together on Southwest with a group?
The best way is for everyone in your group to get the earliest possible boarding positions. For families with young children (6 and under), use Family Boarding. If not, consider EarlyBird Check-In for everyone in the group. Designate one "scout" to board first and hold adjacent seats if possible.
How to check in for Southwest Airlines online?
Go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest mobile app. Select "Check In," enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name, then click "Check In" or "Retrieve reservation."
How to get a mobile boarding pass for Southwest?
After checking in online via the Southwest app or mobile website, you can save your boarding pass to Apple Wallet (iOS) or Google Pay (Android).
How to change my seat on Southwest after boarding?
Once you've chosen a seat, you generally don't change it unless there's a specific issue or a flight attendant directs you to do so. Southwest's open seating means you pick once and stay.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you initially book your flight, or add it later to an existing reservation on Southwest.com or through the app, up to 36 hours before departure.
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