Ah, the age-old Southwest Airlines seat selection question! Unlike most airlines that allow you to pick your seat at booking, Southwest operates on a unique open seating policy. This means there's no pre-assigned seat number on your boarding pass. Instead, it's all about your boarding position. The earlier you board, the more choices you have. So, let's dive into how you can maximize your chances of snagging that perfect window, aisle, or even a row for your whole family!
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Boarding Process – Your First and Most Crucial Insight!
Before we talk about choosing your seat, you need to grasp how Southwest boards its planes. This is the absolute foundation of getting the seat you want.
Southwest uses a "first-come, first-served" boarding system, organized into three main groups: A, B, and C, each with positions 1-60.
Group A (A1-A60): These are the first passengers to board. If you're in Group A, especially A1-A15, you'll have the widest selection of seats and overhead bin space.
Group B (B1-B60): These passengers board after Group A. You'll still have a decent chance of finding a good seat, perhaps a window or aisle, but likely not in the very front.
Group C (C1-C60): These are the last passengers to board. If you find yourself in Group C, be prepared for mostly middle seats, often towards the back of the plane.
Your boarding group and position are determined by when you check in for your flight.
Step 2: Mastering the Check-In Time – The Golden Rule of Southwest Seating
This is where the magic happens! Your boarding position is largely dictated by how early you check in.
The 24-Hour Mark: Southwest Airlines' online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Set an alarm! Be ready to check in the moment that window opens. Seriously, even a few minutes can make a difference in your boarding position.
Tip: If you're flying early in the morning, this might mean checking in in the middle of the night. If that's not feasible, consider the options in Step 3.
Using the Southwest App/Website:
Download the Southwest App: This is highly recommended. It makes checking in incredibly easy.
Have Your Confirmation Number Ready: You'll need your 6-digit confirmation code (or your Rapid Rewards number if you're a member) and your last name.
Tap to Check-In: At the 24-hour mark, open the app or go to Southwest.com and quickly navigate to the check-in section. Follow the prompts to complete your check-in.
Receive Your Boarding Pass: Once checked in, you'll be assigned your boarding group and position (e.g., A35, B22, C10). You can then get your mobile boarding pass or print it.
Step 3: Boosting Your Boarding Position – Strategies for a Better Seat
While checking in exactly at 24 hours is your primary free method, Southwest offers several ways to improve your boarding position and, consequently, your seat selection.
Sub-heading: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is a paid option that automatically checks you in and reserves your boarding position prior to the general 24-hour check-in window. This usually happens 36 hours before your flight.
Benefits: It significantly increases your chances of getting an A or early B boarding position without you having to set an alarm. This is particularly useful for early morning flights or if you know you'll be busy at the 24-hour mark.
Cost: The price varies depending on the route, ranging from approximately $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight.
How to Purchase: You can add EarlyBird Check-In during your initial booking or afterwards through your reservation details on Southwest.com or the app, typically up to 26 hours before departure (subject to availability).
Consider this if: You highly value getting a specific type of seat (window/aisle), you're traveling with a group and want to sit together, or you simply want to avoid the stress of the 24-hour check-in rush.
Sub-heading: Upgrade Your Fare to Business Select
What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class. It comes with a premium price tag but guarantees you a prime boarding position (A1-A15).
Benefits: This ensures you'll be among the very first to board, giving you absolute freedom to choose almost any available seat and secure overhead bin space.
Other Perks: Business Select also typically includes refundable fares, a complimentary premium beverage, and free Inflight Internet.
Consider this if: You need guaranteed early boarding and access to the best seats, and the additional cost aligns with your travel budget and priorities.
Sub-heading: Purchase Upgraded Boarding
What it is: If you didn't buy Business Select or EarlyBird Check-In, you might still have a chance to improve your boarding position by purchasing Upgraded Boarding. This is available starting 24 hours before your flight, either at the gate, ticket counter, or through the Southwest app/website.
Benefits: If available, it secures an A1-A15 boarding position.
Cost: Prices typically range from $30 to $80 per segment, per passenger, depending on the flight.
Availability: Upgraded Boarding is subject to availability. It's a limited number of spots, so it's not guaranteed.
Consider this if: You checked in and got a later boarding position (B or C), and you're willing to pay extra at the last minute to get a better seat.
Sub-heading: Achieve Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Status
What it is: These are Southwest's elite loyalty tiers.
Benefits: A-List members automatically receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are reserved 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, giving them excellent access to earlier boarding groups. A-List Preferred members get even higher priority.
How to Qualify: You earn status by flying a certain number of qualifying one-way flight segments or accumulating a specific amount of tier qualifying points within a calendar year.
Consider this if: You're a frequent Southwest flyer and can consistently meet the qualification requirements.
Step 4: Strategic Boarding at the Gate – Making Your Move
Once you have your boarding pass with your assigned group and position, it's time to head to the gate.
Line Up Strategically: Southwest gates have numbered poles (1-60) to help passengers line up in order within their group. When your group is called, find your spot in line.
Pre-Boarding: This is for passengers who need special assistance (e.g., wheelchair users, those needing extra time to board). If you qualify, contact a Southwest agent at the gate. Pre-boarders are not allowed to occupy exit row seats.
Family Boarding: This is a fantastic benefit for families! If you're traveling with a child six years old or younger, up to two adults accompanying the child can board after the A group and before the B group. This is regardless of your assigned boarding position and ensures you can find seats together.
Note: If you and your child already have A boarding passes, you should board with your assigned positions instead of waiting for Family Boarding.
Upon Boarding the Aircraft:
Walk Past the Front: Many people tend to stop at the first available seats in the front. If you have an A or early B position, don't be afraid to walk further back. Often, more desirable window or aisle seats can be found towards the middle or even the rear of the plane.
Look for Empty Rows: Especially on less full flights, you might find an entire empty row, which is a dream come true for extra space!
Consider Exit Rows: If you meet the safety requirements, exit rows offer significantly more legroom. These are often snapped up quickly by A-group boarders.
Be Mindful of Saved Seats: While passengers are technically allowed to save seats for companions, it's generally frowned upon if the plane is full and others are looking for seats. Flight attendants may ask people to move items from empty seats.
Communicate with Flight Attendants: If you have specific needs or are struggling to find seats for your party, kindly ask a Flight Attendant for assistance. They can often help guide you to available spots.
Step 5: In-Flight Considerations – Making the Most of Your Chosen Seat
Once you've settled into your seat, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Overhead Bin Space: An earlier boarding position not only helps with seat choice but also ensures you have ample overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage. If you board later, be prepared to potentially gate-check your bag if the overhead bins are full.
Legroom: Southwest's standard seats offer decent legroom, but if you value more space, try for an exit row or a bulkhead seat (the first row in a section, facing a wall). These are typically the first to be taken.
Window vs. Aisle: This is a personal preference. Window seats offer views and a wall to lean on, while aisle seats provide easy access to the lavatory and the ability to stretch your legs in the aisle. Middle seats are generally the least desirable.
Seat Comfort: While Southwest generally has one cabin type, the newer aircraft might have slightly different seat designs. All seats are generally designed for comfort on short to medium-haul flights.
In-flight Entertainment: Southwest offers free in-flight entertainment (movies, TV shows) and messaging on WiFi-enabled aircraft. Make sure to download the Southwest app before your flight to access these features.
Key Takeaways for Southwest Seat Selection:
Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight. This is your best free strategy.
Consider EarlyBird Check-In for peace of mind and a better boarding position.
Business Select guarantees prime boarding, but comes at a higher cost.
Upgraded Boarding is a last-minute option if available.
A-List/A-List Preferred status offers consistent priority.
Families with children 6 and under get Family Boarding.
Walk further back on the plane for more seat options.
Be polite and communicate with flight attendants if you need assistance.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Get a Window Seat on Southwest Airlines?
To get a window seat, your best bet is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight or purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Business Select. The earlier you board, the more likely you are to find an available window seat, especially in the front or middle sections of the plane.
How to Get an Aisle Seat on Southwest Airlines?
Similar to a window seat, securing an aisle seat on Southwest Airlines relies on having an early boarding position. Check in precisely 24 hours before departure, or consider investing in EarlyBird Check-In or a Business Select fare to increase your chances.
How to Sit Together on Southwest Airlines with My Family?
If you're traveling with a child six years old or younger, take advantage of Family Boarding, which occurs after Group A but before Group B. This allows up to two adults per child to board together and find seats. For older children or larger groups, aim for early check-in (24-hour mark) or EarlyBird Check-In for everyone in your party to maximize your chances of sitting together.
How to Get an Exit Row Seat on Southwest Airlines?
Exit row seats offer more legroom and are highly sought after. To get one, you'll need a very early boarding position (typically A1-A30). This usually means purchasing Business Select, securing EarlyBird Check-In with a very early purchase time, or being an A-List/A-List Preferred member. You must also meet the airline's safety requirements for sitting in an exit row.
How to Get a Better Boarding Position on Southwest Airlines?
To get a better boarding position on Southwest, the most effective methods are to: 1) check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, 2) purchase EarlyBird Check-In, 3) buy a Business Select fare, 4) purchase Upgraded Boarding (if available) at the gate, or 5) have A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to Check In for a Southwest Airlines Flight Early?
Southwest Airlines online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. For an even earlier check-in (approximately 36 hours prior), you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in.
How to Avoid a Middle Seat on Southwest Airlines?
To avoid a middle seat on Southwest, strive for an early boarding position. This means checking in precisely at the 24-hour mark, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying Business Select. The later you board (Group C), the higher your likelihood of ending up in a middle seat.
How to Know My Boarding Group and Position on Southwest Airlines?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be assigned and displayed on your boarding pass once you have successfully checked in for your flight. You can access your boarding pass through the Southwest Airlines app, on their website, or by printing it at the airport.
How to Get More Legroom on Southwest Airlines?
The best way to get more legroom on Southwest Airlines is to secure an exit row seat or a bulkhead seat (the very first row in each section of the plane). Both of these options typically require an early boarding position as they are highly desirable and usually taken by those in the A group.
How to Change My Seat on Southwest Airlines After Boarding?
Once you are on board a Southwest Airlines flight, you cannot "change" your seat in the traditional sense, as there are no assigned seats. However, if you've chosen a seat and later see a more desirable open seat (e.g., if a passenger moved or the flight isn't full), you are generally free to move to that open seat before the aircraft doors close and before departure. Always confirm with a flight attendant if you're unsure or if the flight is particularly full.
