Have you ever felt that rush of excitement planning a trip, only to be met with confusion when it comes to booking your flight? Especially with an airline that does things a little differently? Well, if Southwest Airlines is your chosen carrier, you're in the right place! Unlike many other airlines with assigned seating, Southwest operates on a unique open-seating policy. This guide will walk you through every step of booking a seat (or, more accurately, securing a good boarding position!) on Southwest Airlines, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
Let's dive in!
Step 1: Getting Started – The Southwest Airlines Website or App
First things first, you'll want to head to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) or download their highly-rated mobile app. Both platforms are incredibly user-friendly and will be your primary tools for booking your flight.
Consider joining Rapid Rewards: Before you even search for a flight, I highly recommend signing up for Southwest's Rapid Rewards program. It's completely free, and you'll earn points on every flight, which can lead to free flights or other perks down the line. Plus, being a Rapid Rewards member can sometimes offer additional benefits, like early access to promotions.
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| How To Book A Seat On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Searching for Your Flight
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
Now that you're on the platform, it's time to find your perfect flight!
Input your travel details:
Origin and Destination: Enter your departure and arrival cities. Southwest has an extensive network, so you'll likely find a route that suits your needs.
Travel Dates: Select your desired departure and return dates for a round trip, or just your departure date for a one-way journey. You can even use their Low Fare Calendar if your dates are flexible to find the absolute cheapest days to fly.
Number of Passengers: Specify how many adults, children, and infants will be traveling.
Explore Fare Types: Southwest offers several fare types, each with different benefits and price points. Understanding these is crucial for making the right choice for your travel style:
Basic: The most economical option. While it’s non-refundable (except within the 24-hour cancellation policy), you will receive a flight credit if you cancel (which expires within 6 months for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025). Flight changes require a fare upgrade. You'll earn the fewest Rapid Rewards points with this fare.
Wanna Get Away Plus: A step up from Basic, offering more flexibility. This fare allows for free same-day confirmed changes (though taxes and fees may apply), and if you cancel, you get a transferable flight credit that's valid for 12 months. You'll earn more Rapid Rewards points than with Basic.
Anytime: This fare offers significant flexibility. It's fully refundable to your original form of payment if you cancel, and it includes EarlyBird Check-In (more on this later!) and priority lane access at the airport. You earn more Rapid Rewards points than Wanna Get Away Plus.
Business Select: Southwest's premium fare. This is fully refundable, includes a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, complimentary premium drink, free inflight internet, and allows two free checked bags. You also earn the most Rapid Rewards points.
Review Flight Options: Once you've entered your details, you'll see a list of available flights. Pay attention to the departure and arrival times, and the fare types available for each flight. Sometimes, a slightly different time can mean a significant price difference.
Step 3: Selecting Your Flight and Adding Enhancements
After choosing your preferred flight, you'll move to the passenger and add-on details.
Passenger Information: Carefully enter the full name, date of birth, and gender for each passenger as it appears on their government-issued ID. Double-check for any typos!
Optional Enhancements (Consider These Carefully!):
EarlyBird Check-In: This is a game-changer for many Southwest travelers. For an additional fee (which varies by route and demand, typically $15-$99 per one-way flight), Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight. This gives you a better boarding position (e.g., higher A group or earlier B group), which in turn gives you a better chance of choosing your preferred seat and securing overhead bin space. If having a specific seat (window, aisle, or sitting with your travel companions) is important to you, EarlyBird Check-In is highly recommended.
Upgraded Boarding: If EarlyBird Check-In isn't available or you decide against it, you might have the option to purchase an Upgraded Boarding position (A1-A15) within 24 hours of your flight's departure, subject to availability. This is purchased at the gate or through the app/website and can be pricier, but it guarantees you'll be among the first to board.
Bags: Remember Southwest’s incredible policy of two free checked bags for every passenger (with some exceptions for Basic and Wanna Get Away Plus fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, and for certain routes/weight limits). You typically won't need to add bags at this stage unless you anticipate exceeding the standard allowance or specific weight/size limits.
Step 4: Payment and Confirmation
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
This is the final hurdle!
Review Your Itinerary: Before entering your payment details, thoroughly review all the flight information, including dates, times, passenger names, and any add-ons. It's much easier to correct errors now than later.
Enter Payment Information: Input your credit card details or use any Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or Rapid Rewards points you wish to redeem. Southwest also offers a "Cash + Points" option if you want to use a combination.
Complete Purchase: Click the "Purchase" or "Book" button to finalize your reservation.
Confirmation Email: You'll receive a confirmation email with your itinerary and confirmation number. Keep this email safe, as you'll need the confirmation number for check-in and managing your reservation.
Step 5: Post-Booking – Preparing for Your Flight (The "Seat" Part!)
Remember, Southwest doesn't assign seats. Instead, they have an open seating policy based on your boarding position. This is where your strategy comes into play!
Understanding Boarding Positions:
Southwest assigns passengers to one of three boarding groups: A, B, or C.
Within each group, you'll receive a position number, from 1 to 60+. (e.g., A15, B30, C5)
The earlier your check-in time, the lower your boarding number will be, and the better your chance of getting your preferred seat.
Check-In is Key:
Online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Set an alarm! Seriously, if you want a good boarding position and haven't purchased EarlyBird Check-In or Business Select, be ready to check in the moment it opens.
Go to Southwest.com or the app, enter your confirmation number and last name, and check-in. You'll then receive your boarding pass with your assigned group and number.
At the Gate:
Once at the gate, you'll see numbered poles. Line up according to your assigned boarding group and position. For example, if you're B25, you'll stand between the B21-B25 and B26-B30 markers.
When your group is called, you'll board the plane in numerical order.
Onboard – Choosing Your Seat:
This is the "open seating" part! Once you're on the plane, simply choose any available seat.
Tips for finding a good seat: Many people tend to fill the front of the plane first. If you're looking for a window or aisle seat, or trying to sit together as a group, sometimes heading towards the back of the plane can offer more options. Flight attendants are usually happy to help if you need to find seats together.
Family Boarding: If you are traveling with a child age six or younger, up to two adults traveling with that child can board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins. This is a great perk to ensure families can sit together.
By following these steps, you'll navigate the Southwest booking and boarding process like a seasoned pro!
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about flying Southwest Airlines:
How to change a flight on Southwest Airlines? You can usually change your flight online via Southwest.com or the Southwest app. For Basic fares, you'll need to upgrade to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare first. Changes can be made up to 10 minutes before your original scheduled departure.
How to cancel a flight on Southwest Airlines? You can cancel your flight online. Business Select and Anytime fares are refundable to your original form of payment. Wanna Get Away Plus and Wanna Get Away fares will result in a transferable flight credit (valid for 12 months for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025). Basic fares offer a flight credit that expires in 6 months if canceled. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you can receive a refund to your original payment method.
How to get a good boarding position on Southwest? The best ways are to purchase a Business Select fare (guaranteed A1-A15), purchase EarlyBird Check-In (automatic check-in 36 hours before departure for an earlier position), or check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight departs.
How to get a refund from Southwest Airlines? Refunds to your original payment method are available for Business Select and Anytime fares if canceled. For any fare, if Southwest significantly delays or cancels your flight, you are eligible for a full refund to your original payment method if you choose not to travel. You can also receive a refund if you cancel any fare type within 24 hours of booking.
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
How to check in for a Southwest Airlines flight? Online check-in is available 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time via Southwest.com or the Southwest app. You can also check in at the airport via a self-service kiosk or ticket counter.
How to add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing Southwest reservation? If available, you can add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing reservation on Southwest.com up to 36 hours prior to your scheduled flight time.
How to use Rapid Rewards points to book a Southwest flight? When searching for flights on Southwest.com or the app, select the "Points" option instead of "Dollars" before searching. You can then use your accumulated Rapid Rewards points to book your flight. There's also a "Cash + Points" option if you don't have enough points for the full fare.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines? Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an approved pet carrier in the cabin on domestic flights. A pet fare applies, and space is limited, so it's best to call Southwest to make a reservation in advance. Pets must remain in their carrier at all times and the carrier counts as your carry-on item.
How to travel as an unaccompanied minor on Southwest Airlines? Southwest allows children aged 5-11 to travel as unaccompanied minors (UMs) on nonstop flights or flights with a stop but no change of planes. A UM service charge applies per way. Bookings can be made online or by phone, and specific parent/guardian information is required for drop-off and pick-up.
How to find my Southwest Airlines confirmation number? Your confirmation number is typically a six-character alphanumeric code and can be found in your booking confirmation email from Southwest Airlines. If you can't find it, you might be able to retrieve it on Southwest.com by entering your name and flight details, or by contacting customer service.
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