Tired of the assigned seat scramble? Ever wondered what it's truly like to fly Southwest Airlines with their unique open seating policy? You're in the right place! Unlike most airlines that hand you a specific seat number, Southwest embraces a "first-come, first-served" approach, which can be both liberating and, at times, a bit of a strategic game. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of Southwest's seating, helping you master the art of getting your preferred spot.
Understanding the Southwest Seating Philosophy
Southwest Airlines has been a pioneer in the low-cost carrier model, and its open seating policy is a core part of that identity. The idea is simple: no assigned seats, just boarding groups and positions. This system aims to streamline the boarding process and keep flights on schedule. While it might seem chaotic at first, once you understand the rhythm, you can often secure a surprisingly good seat.
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| How Is Seating On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Engage with Your Flight – The All-Important Check-In!
Ready to conquer the open skies (and open seats) with Southwest? The journey to your ideal seat actually begins 24 hours before your flight takes off. This is where the magic (or the mayhem, depending on your preparation) happens!
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Check-In Window
Southwest's check-in window opens exactly 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is your prime opportunity to secure the best possible boarding position. Why is this so crucial? Because your boarding position directly translates to how early you get to board the plane and, therefore, how many seat choices you have.
Sub-heading: Setting Your Alarm (Seriously!)
For popular routes or peak travel times, setting an alarm for precisely 24 hours before your flight is not an exaggeration. Think of it as a friendly competition for those coveted window or aisle seats near the front! If you're a few minutes late, you could find yourself in a much later boarding group.
Sub-heading: How to Check In
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Southwest App: This is by far the easiest and most recommended method. Download the Southwest Airlines app, enter your confirmation number, and hit "Check In" as soon as the clock strikes 24 hours.
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Southwest.com: You can also check in via their website by navigating to the "Check In" section and entering your details.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
Step 2: Decoding Your Boarding Pass: A, B, C, and Numbers
Once you've successfully checked in, your boarding pass will reveal your fate: a combination of a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60+). This combination is your boarding position.
Sub-heading: The Boarding Groups Explained
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Group A (A1-A60): These are the cr�me de la cr�me of boarding positions. Passengers in Group A get to board first, giving them the widest selection of seats. If you snag an A1-A15, you're practically guaranteed your pick of the plane.
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Group B (B1-B60): This is the next group to board. While you'll still have a decent selection of seats, the prime spots (window/aisle in the front) might be taken. You'll likely still find a window or aisle seat further back.
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Group C (C1-C60+): These are the last to board. If you find yourself in Group C, be prepared for mostly middle seats, often towards the back of the aircraft. Don't despair entirely, though – sometimes a little luck (and a friendly fellow passenger) can still work in your favor.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Numbers
The number indicates your position within your assigned group. So, A1 boards before A2, B10 before B11, and so on. When your group is called, you'll line up in numerical order at the gate.
Step 3: Strategies for Achieving a Better Boarding Position
While checking in exactly 24 hours out is your primary weapon, there are several other tactics you can employ to improve your chances of an early boarding position.
Sub-heading: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
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What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is a paid option that automatically checks you in and assigns you a boarding position before the traditional 24-hour mark (typically 36 hours prior to departure).
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Benefits: This is an excellent option if you don't want to set an alarm or are worried about forgetting to check in. It generally secures you a better boarding position than manual check-in, though it doesn't guarantee an A group.
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Cost: The price varies by flight.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares
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The ultimate advantage: If you're looking for a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, purchasing a Business Select fare is your ticket. These fares are Southwest's highest tier and come with a host of other benefits, including a complimentary premium drink and free Wi-Fi.
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Consideration: This is the most expensive fare option, so weigh the cost against the value of guaranteed early boarding for your specific needs.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding
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Last-minute opportunity: If you missed the 24-hour check-in window or didn't purchase EarlyBird, you might still have a chance to improve your position. Southwest often sells "Upgraded Boarding" positions (usually A1-A15) at the gate or through the Southwest app/website within 24 hours of departure, if available.
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How it works: These are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and can be a lifesaver if you find yourself with a C group boarding pass and really need a specific seat.
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Cost: The price varies based on the popularity and length of the flight.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Status
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
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Loyalty perks: If you're a frequent Southwest flyer and have achieved A-List or A-List Preferred status, you automatically receive priority boarding.
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A-List: You and everyone on your reservation get an earlier boarding position (generally within the A or early B group).
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A-List Preferred: You and everyone on your reservation get an even better, earlier boarding position, often within the A group. A-List Preferred also comes with free inflight internet and up to two complimentary premium drinks.
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Step 4: The Boarding Process at the Gate
Once your boarding pass is in hand and your boarding group is called, it's time to navigate the physical boarding process.
Sub-heading: Lining Up (and the "Sacred Posts")
Southwest has a unique gate setup. You'll notice numbered poles or markers at the gate area. When your boarding group and position are called (e.g., "Group A, positions 1 through 30, please begin boarding"), you'll find the corresponding marker and line up in numerical order. It's a remarkably efficient system when everyone cooperates!
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Sub-heading: Preboarding and Family Boarding
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Preboarding: Southwest offers preboarding for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. You must speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine if you qualify. One travel companion may preboard with you.
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Family Boarding: This occurs after the "A" group has boarded but before the "B" group. It's for families traveling with a child age six or younger. Up to two adults traveling with the child can board during this time.
Step 5: Choosing Your Seat Onboard
This is the moment of truth! Once you step onto the plane, it's an open race for the available seats.
Sub-heading: Where to Find the "Best" Seats
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Front of the Plane: These seats are highly sought after for quick deplaning.
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Exit Rows: Offer significantly more legroom. However, you must meet specific requirements to sit in an exit row (e.g., be willing and able to assist in an emergency) and preboarders cannot sit here.
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Bulkhead Seats (Row 1): Also offer extra legroom as there's no seat in front of you. However, you'll need to store all your belongings in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing.
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Seats Over the Wings: Often provide a smoother ride, which can be beneficial if you're sensitive to turbulence.
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Back of the Plane: While not as convenient for deplaning, the very back of the plane can sometimes offer a chance at an empty middle seat if the flight isn't completely full. It's also a good strategy for groups wanting to sit together, as there's often more availability.
Sub-heading: Avoiding the Recline-Restricted Seats
Be aware that some seats on Southwest aircraft do not recline. These typically include:
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
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The row directly in front of the exit row.
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The exit rows themselves.
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The very last row of seats on the airplane. If reclining is important to you, avoid these rows.
Sub-heading: The "Stare Down" for an Empty Middle
On flights that aren't completely full, a common Southwest strategy is to look for a row with an empty middle seat. If you're quick, you can often grab an aisle or window and hope the middle stays open. A polite nod or glance can sometimes deter others from taking that last spot!
Step 6: The Future of Southwest Seating (Updates from May 2025 onwards)
Southwest is evolving its offerings! As of May 28, 2025, they've introduced new fare bundles and enhanced benefits that do impact seating choices.
Sub-heading: New Fare Bundles and Seat Selection
Southwest has introduced new fare bundles that offer varying levels of benefits, including seat selection for some:
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Choice Extra (formerly Business Select): Includes an Extra Legroom seat (or any seat) and Early boarding (guaranteed A1-A15).
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Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime): Includes a Preferred seat (or any Standard seat) and Early General boarding.
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Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus): Allows selection of a Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours of departure (when available). General boarding.
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Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away Basic): Assigned a Standard seat in the back at check-in. Last boarding.
Sub-heading: Extra Legroom and Preferred Seats
Southwest is now actively rolling out "Extra Legroom" seats (at the front of the cabin and near exit rows, with up to five additional inches of legroom on some aircraft) and "Preferred" seats (standard legroom seats near the front). While some fare types now include these, you may also be able to select them for a fee.
Sub-heading: Enhanced A-List Perks
A-List and A-List Preferred members will see enhanced benefits, including the ability to select Preferred or Standard seats at the time of booking (coming soon) and the option to choose an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours of departure at no additional cost (if available).
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a window seat on Southwest Airlines? To get a window seat, aim for the earliest possible boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, upgrading your boarding at the gate, or flying Business Select/having A-List status. Once onboard, head directly to an available window seat.
How to get an aisle seat on Southwest Airlines? Similar to getting a window seat, securing an early boarding position is key. Check in promptly at 24 hours, consider EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding, and as soon as you board, look for an open aisle seat.
How to sit with my family on Southwest Airlines? If traveling with a child aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding which occurs after Group A. Otherwise, try to check in as early as possible (24 hours out) to get contiguous boarding positions. If that fails, board with the earliest position in your group and politely ask other passengers if they'd be willing to switch to allow your family to sit together, especially if you're offering an equivalent or better seat.
How to get more legroom on Southwest Airlines? For more legroom, aim for exit row seats or bulkhead seats (Row 1). These are highly sought after, so an early boarding position (A1-A15 from Business Select or Upgraded Boarding) is generally necessary. Also, with the new fare bundles, some tiers now include "Extra Legroom" seats.
How to board Southwest Airlines if I need special assistance? If you have a disability and need a specific seat, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device, speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate before boarding begins to request preboarding. You may bring one companion.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest Airlines? The best way to avoid a middle seat is to secure an early boarding position (A group, or early B). This gives you more options. If you end up in a later group, look towards the back of the plane for rows with empty middle seats, or politely ask if someone is willing to swap.
How to check in for my Southwest flight? You can check in for your Southwest flight via the Southwest Airlines app or on Southwest.com, starting exactly 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Enter your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards number and your last name.
How to get a free checked bag on Southwest Airlines? Southwest Airlines famously offers two free checked bags (within size and weight limits) for every passenger on most fare types. However, as of May 28, 2025, Basic fares may incur bag fees. Business Select, A-List, and A-List Preferred members continue to receive free checked bags.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest Airlines? You can upgrade your boarding position by purchasing "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate or through the Southwest app/website within 24 hours of departure, if available. This typically secures you an A1-A15 position. Alternatively, purchasing a Business Select fare guarantees an A1-A15 position.
How to know if my flight will be full on Southwest Airlines? Southwest does not typically disclose exact passenger counts. However, you can sometimes gauge fullness by checking seat maps on sites like SeatGuru (though they show generic maps, not live availability for Southwest) or by observing how quickly boarding positions are assigned as the 24-hour mark approaches. Flights to popular destinations or during peak travel times are more likely to be full.
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