It's the ultimate dream of any Southwest Airlines flyer: that glorious, empty seat next to you. No elbow wars, no accidental knee bumps, just pure, unadulterated personal space. Southwest's open seating policy, while sometimes a source of mild chaos, also presents a unique opportunity to strategically claim your comfort. So, are you ready to learn the secrets to maximizing your chances of an empty neighboring seat? Let's dive in!
How to Keep the Seat Next to You Empty on Southwest Airlines
Achieving that coveted empty seat on Southwest isn't an exact science, but it's a blend of timing, strategy, and a little bit of luck. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you tip the odds in your favor.
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| How To Keep The Seat Next To You Empty On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Master the Art of Early Check-In (It's Crucial!)
This is, hands down, the most important step. Southwest's open seating means boarding order is largely determined by when you check in. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position (A, B, or C, followed by a number 1-60), and the more choices you'll have for seats.
1.1. Set a Reminder for T-24 Hours
Southwest online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Not 24 hours and one minute, not 23 hours and 59 minutes – precisely 24 hours.
Be diligent! Set an alarm on your phone, put a sticky note on your computer, whatever it takes. This is your prime window.
1.2. Consider EarlyBird Check-In (The Paid Advantage)
If you can't be at your computer or phone exactly 24 hours out, or if you simply want an extra edge, EarlyBird Check-In is your friend.
What it is: For a fee (typically $15-$99 one-way per person), Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight. This generally secures you a much better boarding position than manually checking in at 24 hours, putting you ahead of most other passengers.
Is it worth it? For a desired empty seat, absolutely. It significantly increases your chances of getting into the highly desirable A or early B groups.
1.3. Business Select Fares & A-List Status (The Ultimate Head Start)
If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, you might already have these advantages:
Business Select Fares: These automatically get you into the A1-A15 boarding group, guaranteeing you the first pick of seats.
A-List Preferred & A-List Members: These elite status tiers also come with priority boarding, automatically checking you in 36 hours before departure and placing you ahead of regular EarlyBird Check-In passengers.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Step 2: Strategic Seat Selection on Board
Once you've secured a good boarding position and you're finally stepping onto the plane, your next move is critical.
2.1. Don't Be Afraid to Head to the Back
It's a common psychological phenomenon: people tend to fill seats from the front of the plane backward. If you have a B or C boarding pass, resist the urge to snag the first available middle seat you see.
Often, the rows towards the back of the plane will have more open seats. Head there first to survey your options.
2.2. The "Window-Aisle" Gambit (for Solo Travelers)
This is a classic maneuver. If you're traveling alone and see a row with an open window and an open aisle seat, take the window seat.
Why this works: Most people despise the middle seat. By taking the window, you force a potential third passenger to choose the undesirable middle, or, more likely, they'll move on in search of a more comfortable aisle or window seat elsewhere. If the plane isn't completely full, this significantly increases your odds of the middle seat remaining empty.
Be prepared: If the flight is full, someone will eventually take that middle seat. Be gracious and move your belongings.
2.3. Observe and Adapt
As people board, keep an eye on the flow.
Are there many solo travelers or mostly groups?
Are people spreading out or sticking together?
Look for rows where someone has already taken the window or aisle, leaving the middle open. This is often a good sign, as the remaining passenger might be trying the same strategy!
Step 3: Subtle Deterrents (Use with Caution!)
While Southwest doesn't officially allow seat saving, there are subtle (and polite) ways to make the seat next to you less appealing. Remember: The goal is to make the seat look less attractive, not to be a nuisance or prevent someone from sitting there if the flight is full.
3.1. The "Spread" Technique (Subtle Version)
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Once you're seated, gently place a small item on the middle seat – not a whole carry-on, but something like a book, a jacket, or your headphones.
The idea is to give the impression that someone might be sitting there, or that the space is slightly occupied, without outright blocking it.
Avoid: Spreading out too much, putting your feet up, or making it impossible for someone to sit down. This is about subtle discouragement, not territorial claims.
3.2. Maintain "Quiet Presence"
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When people walk by, avoid making direct eye contact that might invite them to ask about the seat.
Be engaged with your phone, a book, or just looking out the window. A friendly, but not overly inviting, demeanor can subtly suggest the seat is not "up for grabs."
3.3. The "Pseudo-Occupied" Look
If you have a travel pillow or a small blanket, position it in a way that makes the middle seat look like it's briefly vacated, rather than entirely empty.
For example, drape your blanket over the back of the middle seat, or place your neck pillow on the headrest.
Step 4: The "Last Resort" Strategies (When All Else Fails)
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the plane starts filling up.
4.1. The "Polite Ask" (If You See a Pair)
If you see two people boarding together and they are eyeing your row with an empty middle, you can politely offer them the aisle or window seat in your row, suggesting they can sit together if they take the window/aisle in a different row.
"Excuse me, it looks like there are two of you, and there's an empty window and aisle in row X, if you'd like to sit together." This is a long shot, but sometimes people appreciate the suggestion.
4.2. Embrace It
If someone does sit next to you, be a good sport. Acknowledge them with a small smile or nod. Remember, everyone wants a comfortable flight.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Related FAQ Questions
How to get an A boarding pass on Southwest?
You can get an A boarding pass by purchasing a Business Select fare, having A-List or A-List Preferred elite status, or by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In. Otherwise, you must check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
How to choose the best seat on Southwest for an empty middle?
For the best chance of an empty middle, aim for an early boarding position (A or early B). Once on board, consider sitting in a window seat in a row where the aisle seat is already taken by another solo traveler. Alternatively, head towards the back of the plane, as these seats often fill last.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In to get an empty seat?
EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure, securing you a better boarding position. A better boarding position means you board earlier, giving you more choices of seats, which in turn increases your odds of finding a row with an open middle seat or implementing the "window-aisle" strategy.
How to avoid the middle seat on Southwest?
To avoid the middle seat, secure an A or early B boarding pass through early check-in, EarlyBird Check-In, or elite status. Board promptly and head towards the back of the plane or look for rows where the window and aisle seats are open (take the window).
How to save a seat on Southwest (unofficially)?
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Unofficially, you can place a small, personal item (like a jacket, book, or headphones) on the middle seat to make it appear subtly occupied. However, do not place large carry-ons or refuse to move your belongings if someone asks to sit there, as this is against policy and considered rude.
How to deal with someone trying to sit in the empty seat next to me?
If someone approaches, be polite. If the flight isn't full and you've used a subtle deterrent, you might simply say, "Oh, I was hoping to keep a little extra space for now, but if the flight fills up, you're welcome to it." If the flight is clearly full, remove your items gracefully and let them sit.
How to know if a Southwest flight is full before boarding?
You can sometimes gauge flight fullness by observing the boarding groups. If most of the C group is still waiting, the flight is likely quite full. You can also politely ask a gate agent or flight attendant if the flight is expected to be full, though they may not always disclose this information.
How to increase my chances of an empty row on Southwest?
While difficult, your best bet for an entire empty row is to fly during off-peak times (e.g., mid-week, early morning, or late night flights), on less popular routes, and with an early boarding position. Once on board, head to the very back of the plane and look for completely empty rows.
How to use Southwest's "Customer of Size" policy for an empty seat?
Southwest has a "Customer of Size" policy that allows passengers who require more than one seat for comfort or safety to purchase an additional seat. This additional seat is refundable after travel. While designed for specific needs, it does guarantee an empty seat next to you. However, you cannot purchase an extra seat solely for the purpose of keeping the seat next to you empty if you do not meet the criteria for a Customer of Size.
How to use the Southwest app for boarding and seating strategy?
The Southwest app is invaluable. Use it to set reminders for check-in, check in exactly at the 24-hour mark, and retrieve your boarding pass. While it won't show you the real-time seat map during boarding, having your boarding pass ready allows you to quickly assess your group and position and plan your on-board strategy.
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