You're about to embark on a journey with Southwest Airlines, and if you're used to traditional airlines with pre-assigned seats, you might be scratching your head. Fear not! Southwest's unique open seating policy is designed to be efficient and, once you understand it, quite liberating. Forget the stress of seat assignments and get ready to master the art of the Southwest boarding process.
Let's dive into the fascinating world of Southwest Airlines seating!
The Southwest Difference: No Assigned Seats, Just Open Opportunity
Unlike most airlines where you select your seat during booking or check-in, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served basis once you board the aircraft. This means there are no assigned seats on your boarding pass. Instead, you'll receive a boarding group and a number within that group, which dictates your place in line to board the plane. Once on board, you pick any available seat that suits your fancy.
This system has its pros and cons, but with a little preparation, you can definitely make it work to your advantage.
 |
| How Does Seating Work With Southwest Airlines |
A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Southwest Airlines Seating
Step 1: Engage with Your Flight's Check-in Time – It's Your Golden Ticket!
Okay, listen up! This is arguably the most crucial step to securing your preferred seat on a Southwest flight. Because boarding order is largely determined by when you check in, being prompt is key.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Check-in Window
Southwest Airlines allows you to check in for your flight exactly 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. Set an alarm on your phone! Seriously. If you're aiming for a better boarding position (and therefore, a better chance at your desired seat), checking in right at the 24-hour mark is your best bet.
-
How it works: When you check in online or through the Southwest app, you'll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within that group (e.g., A15, B32, C45). The lower your number, the earlier you board.
-
Why it matters: The earlier you board, the more seat choices you'll have. This is especially important if you're traveling with family or prefer a window/aisle seat.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
Step 2: Understanding Your Boarding Group: A, B, and C
Once you've checked in, your boarding pass will display your assigned group and number. Let's break down what each means:
Sub-heading: Group A: The Early Birds Get the Worm (or the Window Seat!)
If you land in Group A (typically A1-A60), congratulations! You'll be among the first to board the plane. This group usually gets first dibs on overhead bin space and their pick of window or aisle seats.
-
How to get into Group A:
-
Business Select Fares: These are Southwest's highest fare class and automatically come with A1-A15 boarding positions, ensuring you're among the very first on the plane.
-
EarlyBird Check-In®: For a fee, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In. Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, giving you a significantly earlier boarding position than general check-in at 24 hours. While not a guaranteed A group, it greatly increases your chances.
-
Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Members: These elite frequent flyer tiers receive priority boarding, often securing A-group positions.
-
Checking in exactly 24 hours out: For the budget-conscious traveler, this is your free path to the best possible boarding position. Be fast!
-
Sub-heading: Group B: The Middle Ground
Passengers in Group B (typically B1-B60) board after Group A. You'll still have a decent selection of seats, though many window and aisle seats, especially towards the front, might be taken. You'll likely find good options in the middle and rear of the plane.
-
Expectation: You might need to be a bit more strategic in your seat selection if you have specific preferences, but you'll almost certainly find a comfortable seat.
Sub-heading: Group C: The Last but Not Least (Usually)
Group C (typically C1-C60) boards last. If you find yourself in this group, be prepared for mostly middle seats, often towards the back of the plane. Overhead bin space might also be tighter.
-
Tips for Group C:
-
Don't panic! Even in Group C, you can sometimes snag a decent seat. Look for rows where two people are sitting in the window and aisle, hoping to keep the middle seat open – they might be willing to shift over if you ask politely.
-
Consider checking your luggage if you have a full-sized carry-on, as overhead bin space can be limited.
-
Be open-minded about your seat. Sometimes a middle seat near the front can be more comfortable than a window seat in the very last row.
-
Step 3: The Boarding Process at the Gate
Once you're at the gate, you'll see large poles or signs marked with numbers (e.g., A1-30, A31-60, B1-30, etc.).
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
-
Line Up! When your group is called, find your numerical position in the designated boarding area. Southwesters are generally quite good about self-organizing into these lines.
-
Preboarding and Family Boarding:
-
Preboarding: This happens before Group A is called. It's for passengers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. One travel companion can preboard with them.
-
Family Boarding: This happens after Group A and before Group B. If you're traveling with a child age six or younger, two accompanying adults can board with them during Family Boarding, regardless of their assigned boarding position. This is a huge perk for families to secure seats together.
-
Step 4: Onboard: The Seat Selection Scramble (or Breeze!)
Once you step onto the plane, it's time to choose your seat!
-
Be Decisive: Scan the cabin quickly for open seats. Don't wander aimlessly; make a quick decision.
-
Look for Opportunities:
-
Window/Aisle: If you're in an earlier group, head straight for your preferred window or aisle.
-
Middle Seats: If you're in a later group, look for an empty middle seat. Sometimes, if two people are spread out, you can politely ask if one of them would mind moving to sit together.
-
Exit Rows: These typically offer more legroom but have restrictions (you must be able to assist in an emergency and cannot preboard if you plan to sit here).
-
Rear of the Plane: Often, people congregate towards the front, leaving more open seats (including windows and aisles) in the back. If you don't mind being in the rear, you might find a gem.
-
-
Overhead Bins: Place your carry-on luggage in an overhead bin above your chosen seat or in one nearby. Remember, if you're in a later boarding group, bin space can be tight.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Flight!
Once you're settled, that's it! You've successfully navigated the Southwest seating system. Lean back, relax, and enjoy your journey.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Southwest's Open Seating
Like any system, Southwest's open seating has its unique characteristics:
Advantages:
-
Flexibility: You're not tied to a specific seat. If your travel plans change or you want to sit with someone different, you have that flexibility up until boarding.
-
Faster Boarding (Potentially): In theory, not having to find a specific seat number can speed up boarding. However, this can be offset by passengers "hunting" for the perfect spot or trying to save seats.
-
Fairness (in theory): Everyone has an equal shot at a good seat based on their check-in time (or fare/status).
-
No Seat Selection Fees: Unlike many airlines that charge for seat selection, Southwest offers this choice for "free" (if you're early enough!).
Disadvantages:
-
The "Scramble": For some, the open seating can feel chaotic or stressful, especially for those who prefer predictability.
-
Difficulty for Groups/Families: While Family Boarding helps, larger groups might still struggle to sit together without purchasing EarlyBird or Business Select.
-
Seat Saving: While Southwest discourages it, passengers sometimes try to "save" seats for companions in later boarding groups, which can lead to friction. Flight attendants generally don't enforce strict "no seat saving" rules unless it causes a significant disruption.
-
Overhead Bin Anxiety: If you're in a later group, you might find yourself with limited overhead bin space, requiring you to gate-check your bag.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a window or aisle seat on Southwest Airlines?
To increase your chances of getting a window or aisle seat, check in as close to exactly 24 hours before your flight as possible, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, or opt for a Business Select fare. The earlier you board, the more options you'll have.
How to sit with my family on a Southwest Airlines flight?
If you're traveling with a child age six or younger, utilize Southwest's Family Boarding which occurs after Group A and before Group B. Two adults per family can board with the child. For older children or larger groups, checking in early or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In for everyone on the reservation will give you the best chance to sit together.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can upgrade your boarding position by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In during booking or up to 36 hours before departure, or by buying an Upgraded Boarding position at the gate on the day of travel (subject to availability). Business Select fares also automatically come with a premium A-group position.
How to check in for a Southwest Airlines flight to get a good boarding position?
Set an alarm and check in online or via the Southwest app exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is the primary factor in determining your boarding group and number.
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
How to find out my boarding group and number for Southwest Airlines?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and number (1-60) will be displayed on your boarding pass once you have successfully checked in for your flight. You can access your boarding pass through the Southwest app or by printing it.
How to handle limited overhead bin space on Southwest Airlines?
If you're in a later boarding group (especially C), be prepared for potentially limited overhead bin space. Consider checking your luggage to avoid the hassle, or be ready to place your personal item under the seat in front of you. Flight attendants will assist with finding space if needed.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines?
Preboarding is for passengers with disabilities who require a specific seat, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate to determine if you qualify and receive a special boarding pass.
How to get an extra seat on Southwest Airlines if I am a Customer of Size?
Southwest has a Customer of Size policy that allows individuals who require more than one seat to purchase an additional seat. This extra seat is refundable after travel. Alternatively, you can discuss your needs with a Customer Service Agent at the gate, and if space is available, you may be accommodated with a complimentary additional seat.
How to use Rapid Rewards A-List benefits for boarding?
A-List and A-List Preferred members automatically receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are reserved for them 36 hours prior to the flight, typically placing them in the A group. They still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve their boarding passes.
How to avoid the "cattle call" feeling of Southwest boarding?
While the open seating can feel a bit like a "cattle call" to some, you can mitigate this by checking in early to secure a better boarding position. This allows you to board earlier and pick your preferred seat with less stress. Alternatively, purchasing Business Select or EarlyBird Check-In guarantees a better position.
 |
