Getting seats next to each other on Southwest Airlines can feel like a game of strategy, given their unique open seating policy. Unlike most airlines where you select your seat at booking, Southwest lets you choose your spot once you're on board. But don't despair! With a little planning and quick action, you can significantly increase your chances of sitting with your travel companions.
The Southwest Seating Challenge: A Quick Overview
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's understand the core concept: Southwest Airlines operates on a first-come, first-served boarding system. This means your ability to choose a good seat (or seats together) is directly tied to your boarding position. The earlier your boarding position, the earlier you get on the plane, and the more seat choices you have.
So, are you ready to conquer the Southwest seating puzzle and ensure you and your travel buddies aren't separated by a stranger and a snack cart? Let's get started!
Step 1: Understand the Boarding Process and Your Group
This is where your journey to side-by-side seating begins. Southwest's boarding process is divided into three main groups: A, B, and C, each with numbers from 1 to 60.
Group A: These are the golden tickets for seat selection. Passengers in this group board first.
Group B: You'll still have a decent selection of seats in this group, often able to find two seats together.
Group C: This group boards last, and your choices will be more limited. You might find yourselves scattered if the flight is full.
Your boarding group and number are assigned when you check in for your flight. This leads us to our next crucial step...
Step 2: Master the Art of Early Check-In
This is arguably the most critical step for securing seats together on Southwest. Your boarding position is determined by when you check in.
Sub-heading 2.1: The 24-Hour Check-In Window
Be Ready at T-Minus 24 Hours: Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Set an alarm! Be at your computer or have the Southwest app open and ready to go the moment that 24-hour mark hits. Even a difference of a few seconds can impact your boarding position significantly, especially on popular routes.
Multiple Travelers on One Reservation: If you're all on the same reservation, checking in simultaneously will ensure you receive sequential (or very close) boarding positions, increasing your chances of sitting together.
Having Your Confirmation Number Handy: You'll need your confirmation number and the first and last name of one passenger on the itinerary to check in. Keep this information readily accessible.
Sub-heading 2.2: Consider EarlyBird Check-In (For a Fee)
The Convenience Factor: If the thought of a frantic 24-hour check-in race stresses you out, EarlyBird Check-In is your best friend. For an additional fee per person, per one-way flight, Southwest will automatically check you in and assign your boarding position starting 36 hours before your flight's departure. This is a full 12 hours before general check-in opens.
Improved Boarding Position: While EarlyBird doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it significantly improves your chances of getting one, or at least a very early B position. This can be invaluable, especially for families or groups who absolutely need to sit together.
Purchase Early: EarlyBird Check-In is subject to availability and can sell out, especially on popular flights. Purchase it as early as possible during your booking process or immediately after.
When It's Most Useful: This is highly recommended for:
Families with older children (children 7-13, as younger children have Family Boarding options).
Groups of friends or colleagues who want to ensure they can chat during the flight.
Travelers who prefer window or aisle seats and want to guarantee a better selection.
Step 3: Leverage Special Boarding Categories
Southwest offers certain boarding advantages for specific passenger groups. Know if you qualify!
Sub-heading 3.1: Family Boarding
For Families with Young Children: If you're traveling with a child six years old or younger, you're eligible for Family Boarding. This occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins boarding.
Who Can Board: Up to two adults traveling with the child can board during Family Boarding.
No Pre-Arrangement Needed: You don't need to arrange this beforehand. Simply listen for the announcement at the gate.
The Benefit: This is a fantastic perk that almost guarantees you'll find seats together with your little ones, as many seats will still be available.
Sub-heading 3.2: Preboarding (Special Assistance)
For Passengers Needing Extra Time: If anyone in your party requires extra time or assistance to board the aircraft (e.g., due to a disability, mobility issues, or needing a specific seat for medical reasons), they may be eligible for preboarding.
How to Request: Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the gate before boarding begins. They will assess the situation and provide a preboarding pass if appropriate.
The Advantage: Preboarding is the earliest boarding opportunity, allowing you to select seats before anyone else. If you genuinely qualify, this is the most reliable way to get multiple seats together.
Important Note: This is not intended for general convenience but for genuine assistance needs.
Step 4: Consider Fare Types and Elite Status
Certain Southwest fare types and Rapid Rewards elite statuses come with built-in boarding advantages.
Sub-heading 4.1: Business Select Fares
Premium Boarding: If you purchase a Business Select fare, you are automatically assigned one of the first 15 boarding positions (A1-A15). This guarantees you early access to the plane and the best selection of seats.
Ideal for Guaranteed Seating: If sitting together is non-negotiable and budget allows, Business Select is the most straightforward way to ensure it.
Sub-heading 4.2: A-List and A-List Preferred Status
Elite Benefits: Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members automatically receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are reserved 36 hours before departure, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, but it's a benefit of their status.
Traveling with Others: A-List and A-List Preferred members and everyone on their same reservation will receive these improved boarding positions. This is a huge advantage for groups traveling with an elite member.
Sub-heading 4.3: Upgraded Boarding
Last-Minute Option: If you didn't purchase EarlyBird and your assigned boarding position isn't ideal, you might have the option to purchase an Upgraded Boarding position at the gate or through the Southwest app on the day of travel.
Limited Availability: This is subject to availability and is typically for positions A1-A15. It can be a bit pricey but is a good last-ditch effort if you absolutely need to board early.
Step 5: Boarding Day Strategies
Even with a good boarding position, there are a few tactics you can employ on the day of your flight.
Sub-heading 5.1: Arrive at the Gate Early
Be Ready to Line Up: Even if you have a good boarding position, being at the gate before your group is called ensures you're ready to line up immediately. This prevents you from being stuck at the back of your boarding group.
Identify Seat Vacancies: Once you're on the plane, don't just stop at the first available seat. Quickly scan down the aisles to identify rows with multiple open seats. Often, people fill the front of the plane first, leaving more options towards the back.
Sub-heading 5.2: The "Saved Seat" Dilemma (Use with Caution!)
The Unofficial Rule: Southwest's open seating often leads to passengers attempting to "save" seats for companions who are boarding later. While technically not against the rules, it's generally frowned upon by fellow passengers and can sometimes lead to awkward situations.
Best Practice: If you have an A boarding position and your companion has a B or C, you can go in and sit in a row and politely indicate that the adjacent seat is for your companion. However, be prepared to release the seat if someone with an earlier boarding number needs it and no other options are available. Do not try to save an entire row if you only have one companion.
The Flight Attendant's Role: Flight attendants typically do not enforce seat-saving and may ask you to release a saved seat if the flight is full and other passengers need a place to sit.
Sub-heading 5.3: Ask Fellow Passengers (As a Last Resort)
Be Polite and Prepared to Compromise: If, despite your best efforts, you and your companions are separated, you can politely ask a fellow passenger if they would be willing to switch seats.
Offer an Incentive (Optional): Sometimes, offering to buy a drink or snack can sweeten the deal, especially on longer flights.
Be Understanding: Not everyone will be willing or able to move, so be prepared to accept their decision gracefully.
Step 6: Flexibility is Your Friend
Even with the best strategies, there are no guarantees with Southwest's open seating.
Consider Connecting Flights: On flights with multiple segments, seats might open up at intermediate stops. If you're unable to sit together on the first leg, keep an eye out for opportunities on the subsequent legs.
Manage Expectations: Especially on very full flights, you might have to accept sitting a row apart or with one person in an aisle and another in a window. Remember that the flight is usually short, and you'll be reunited soon!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to ensure seats next to each other on Southwest Airlines for a family with young children?
Leverage Family Boarding! If you're traveling with a child six years old or younger, up to two adults can board after Group A and before Group B, giving you a great chance to find multiple seats together.
How to get good boarding positions without paying for EarlyBird Check-In?
Set an alarm and check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time online or via the Southwest app. Being prompt is key to getting a better boarding number.
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is worth the cost?
EarlyBird Check-In is worth it if guaranteed early boarding and better seat selection are important to you, especially for groups or families who want to sit together without the stress of the 24-hour check-in race.
How to deal with a saved seat situation on Southwest?
If someone is trying to save a seat, politely ask if the seat is available. If they say no and are saving it for a later-boarding companion, you can usually find another open seat. Flight attendants generally don't enforce saved seats.
How to change a seat if you don't like where you're sitting after boarding?
Once onboard, you cannot change your assigned seat, as there are no assigned seats. However, if there's an open seat elsewhere that you prefer and it remains empty before departure, you can move. Always check with a flight attendant before moving if in doubt.
How to find out your boarding position after checking in?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and number (1-60) will be displayed on your mobile boarding pass (in the Southwest app) or on your printed boarding pass.
How to get an A boarding position consistently on Southwest?
Consistently getting an A boarding position requires either purchasing Business Select fares, having A-List or A-List Preferred elite status, or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In and checking in very early within the 36-hour window.
How to board with a companion if they have a much later boarding position?
Your best bet is to ensure the person with the earlier boarding position boards first and tries to find a row where they can politely indicate the adjacent seat is for their companion. Alternatively, purchase EarlyBird Check-In for both or try to buy an Upgraded Boarding position at the gate.
How to get assistance with seating if you have a disability on Southwest?
If you require extra time or assistance due to a disability, speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the gate before boarding. You may be eligible for preboarding, allowing you to select a suitable seat early.
How to check if a flight is full before boarding to gauge seating availability?
While Southwest doesn't publicly display real-time seat maps for open seating, you can often get an idea of flight fullness by checking the availability of different fare types when booking. A flight with very few or only expensive fares left is likely to be full.
