Alright, buckle up, future Southwest flyers! If you're looking to score your ideal spot on a Southwest flight, you've come to the right place. Unlike most airlines with assigned seats, Southwest operates on a unique open seating policy. This means that when you board, you get to pick any available seat. While this can sometimes feel like a scramble, with the right strategy, you can consistently snag a great spot. Let's dive into how to master the art of Southwest seating!
The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your Seats on Southwest Airlines
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| How To Pick Your Seats On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Engage Early – The Golden Rule of Southwest!
So, you've booked your Southwest flight. Exciting, right? Now, here's the absolute, most crucial step that determines your seating fate: checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Why is this so important? Southwest assigns boarding positions (A, B, or C, followed by a number 1-60) based on check-in time. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be. A lower number within Group A means you'll be among the first to board, giving you the widest selection of seats. If you wait, you risk being in Group B or even Group C, which significantly limits your choices.
Set a reminder! Seriously, set an alarm on your phone for precisely 24 hours before your flight. Whether it's 8:00 AM on a Monday, or 11:30 PM on a Tuesday, be ready to hit that "Check In" button.
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Boarding Process
Before you can pick your seat, you need to understand how you'll even get on the plane! Southwest's boarding is divided into three main groups: A, B, and C, each with positions 1-60.
Preboarding: This group boards first. It's reserved for passengers with disabilities who require assistance or extra time to board, and typically one companion. You'll need to speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the gate to determine eligibility. Note: Preboarders generally cannot occupy exit row seats.
Group A (A1-A60):
A1-A15: These are the prime positions, usually secured by passengers who purchased a Business Select fare (Southwest's highest fare class) or those who bought Upgraded Boarding (more on this later). This guarantees you first pick.
A16-A60: These positions are often filled by Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred members (Southwest's elite status holders) or those who purchased EarlyBird Check-In. If you check in exactly at the 24-hour mark, you have a good chance of landing in this part of Group A.
Family Boarding/Active Duty Military: This happens after the entire A group has boarded. If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you and one other adult can board during this time, regardless of your assigned boarding position. Active duty military in uniform also board here. This is a fantastic perk for families wanting to sit together.
Group B (B1-B60): These positions are typically for passengers who checked in a little later than the 24-hour mark, or if the flight is quite full. You'll still likely find a window or aisle seat, but your options for sitting together with a group might be more limited.
Group C (C1-C60): If you end up in Group C, it generally means you checked in much later. While you'll still get a seat, it will most likely be a middle seat, and finding seats together with your travel companions will be a challenge, especially on a full flight.
Step 3: Strategies for Securing a Better Boarding Position (and therefore, a better seat!)
Since open seating relies on your boarding position, here's how to improve your chances:
Sub-heading: The Free Method: Be Punctual!
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
Set your alarm and act fast! As mentioned, this is your best free bet. The moment that 24-hour window opens, go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest mobile app and check in. Every second counts!
Sub-heading: Paid Options for Priority Boarding
If you want to guarantee a better spot without the stress of being precise, consider these options:
Business Select Fare: This is Southwest's most expensive fare, but it guarantees you a boarding position in the highly coveted A1-A15 range. This is ideal if having first choice of seat is paramount to your travel experience, or if you're traveling on business and need to ensure a specific seat (like an aisle for quick exit). Business Select also comes with other perks like a free premium drink and higher Rapid Rewards earning.
EarlyBird Check-In: This is a popular add-on that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, before the general 24-hour check-in opens. While it doesn't guarantee an A position, it significantly increases your chances of getting into Group A or early Group B, giving you a better selection. The cost varies per flight. You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it later if it's still available.
Important Note: EarlyBird Check-In is subject to availability, so if you know you want it, purchase it sooner rather than later.
Upgraded Boarding: If you missed the EarlyBird window or still want to try for an even better position, Southwest sometimes offers Upgraded Boarding. This allows you to purchase an A1-A15 boarding position within 24 hours of your flight (usually at the gate or through the app/website if available). The cost can vary, but it's a great last-minute option if you're determined to get that perfect seat.
Tip: Check the Southwest app frequently in the hours leading up to your flight for Upgraded Boarding availability.
Sub-heading: Leveraging Rapid Rewards Elite Status
A-List and A-List Preferred: If you're a frequent Southwest flyer and have achieved A-List or A-List Preferred status, you and everyone on your reservation automatically receive priority boarding. Your boarding position will be reserved 36 hours before the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, giving you a strong chance of being in Group A. This is a fantastic benefit for loyal customers.
Step 4: The Boarding Process at the Gate
Once you have your boarding pass with your group and number (e.g., A32, B15, C40):
Listen for announcements: Gate agents will call groups to line up. First, preboarding, then A1-30, followed by A31-60.
Find your place in line: Southwest gates have numbered poles or signs. Find the set of numbers that corresponds to your boarding position and stand between them. This helps keep the boarding process organized.
Be ready to board: Have your boarding pass (digital or printed) and ID ready.
Step 5: Choosing Your Seat Onboard: The Art of the Dash
This is where the "picking your seat" truly happens! Once you step onto the aircraft, it's an open race. Here's how to strategize:
Sub-heading: Popular Seat Choices and Why
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Front of the Plane: Many people gravitate towards the front for quicker deplaning, especially if they have a tight connection.
Exit Rows: These offer significantly more legroom. To sit in an exit row, you must be 15 years or older, willing and able to assist in an emergency, and understand the instructions. Flight attendants will verify this.
Window Seats: Great for views and leaning against the wall to sleep.
Aisle Seats: Easy access to overhead bins, restrooms, and for stretching your legs.
Back of the Plane: Often the last to fill up. If you're in a later boarding group and want a better chance of an aisle or window, head straight to the back. Sometimes you can even score an empty middle seat next to you!
Bulkhead Rows (Row 1): These are the very first row of seats. They offer extra legroom because there's no seat in front of them, but they also have a solid wall (bulkhead) which means no under-seat storage for takeoff and landing, and tray tables typically come from the armrest.
Sub-heading: Consider Your Travel Needs
Traveling with a group? If you're in an early boarding group, you'll have an easier time finding multiple seats together. If you're in a later group and must sit together (e.g., with small children older than six), consider having one person from your party board first to "hold" seats, or be prepared for the possibility of splitting up.
Need to work? An aisle seat might be preferable for ease of getting up.
Prone to motion sickness? A window seat over the wing often provides the most stable ride.
Tall? Aim for an exit row or bulkhead if you can get it.
Sub-heading: The "Dash" Strategy
Once on the plane, don't dawdle. Walk with purpose down the aisle.
Scan quickly for your desired seat type (window, aisle, exit row).
If you're looking for seats together, try to make eye contact with your travel companions and signal your chosen row.
Be decisive. Hesitation can mean losing out on your preferred seat to someone else.
Step 6: The "Reserved" Seat Exception
While Southwest is open seating, there's one notable exception: the "Customer of Size" policy. If a passenger requires more than one seat to comfortably and safely accommodate themselves, they can purchase an additional seat and have it reserved. Southwest will refund the cost of the extra seat after travel. If you are a Customer of Size, you can preboard and place a "Seat Reserved" document on the adjoining seat.
Step 7: Patience and Politeness
Even with the best strategy, sometimes flights are full, and options are limited. Be patient and polite with your fellow passengers and the flight crew. Everyone is just trying to get to their destination comfortably. If you end up in a middle seat, make the best of it, maybe strike up a conversation with your neighbors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Seating
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
How to get an A boarding position on Southwest?
You can get an A boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing a Business Select fare, buying EarlyBird Check-In, purchasing Upgraded Boarding, or by being a Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred member.
How to sit with my family on Southwest?
Check in as early as possible (24 hours prior) to get good boarding positions. If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you can utilize Family Boarding after the A group has boarded. If your group has early boarding positions, board together and claim seats in the same row.
How to get an exit row seat on Southwest?
To get an exit row seat, you need to board early (Group A is ideal). Once on the plane, head directly to the exit rows (usually rows 14 and 15 on most Boeing 737s, but check the specific aircraft's seat map if available) and claim an open seat. Remember you must meet the exit row requirements.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest?
The best way to avoid a middle seat is to get an early boarding position (Group A or early B). If you're in a later group, head towards the back of the plane, as these seats often fill last.
How to check in for a Southwest flight?
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
You can check in online at Southwest.com, via the Southwest mobile app, at a self-service kiosk at the airport, or at the ticket counter. Online and app check-in begin 24 hours before departure.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during the booking process on Southwest.com or later by managing your reservation on the website or app, if it's still available for your flight.
How to know my boarding group and position on Southwest?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be printed on your boarding pass once you have checked in for your flight.
How to use Upgraded Boarding on Southwest?
Upgraded Boarding can be purchased at the gate on the day of travel, or sometimes through the Southwest app or website within 24 hours of your flight, if available. It moves you to an A1-A15 boarding position.
How to find out what type of plane Southwest is using for my flight?
While Southwest primarily operates Boeing 737s, the specific model (e.g., 737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX) can sometimes be found on your flight details in the Southwest app or website, or by looking up your flight number on a flight tracking website. Different models might have slight variations in seat configuration.
How to get a good seat if I'm in Group C on Southwest?
If you're in Group C, your options will be limited. Your best bet is to head towards the very back of the plane as soon as you board, as some window or aisle seats might still be open there. Be prepared for a middle seat, and embrace the opportunity to meet new people!
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