You've booked your Southwest Airlines flight – exciting! But then it hits you: "Wait, how do I pick my seat?" Unlike most airlines with assigned seating, Southwest operates on a unique "open seating" policy. This means there are no pre-assigned seats, and your ability to snag that coveted window, aisle, or even a row with your travel companions depends entirely on your boarding position.
Fear not, fellow traveler! This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to navigate the Southwest Airlines seating landscape, from understanding their unique boarding process to maximizing your chances of getting your preferred spot. Let's dive in!
The Southwest Seating Philosophy: First Come, First Served
Southwest Airlines has long championed its open seating model, which is a core part of its low-fare, no-frills approach. While other airlines often prioritize "first class" or "premium economy" passengers with pre-selected seats, Southwest aims for a more egalitarian experience. Everyone gets the same basic seat, and your choice comes down to when you board the plane.
This system, while sometimes a source of confusion for first-time flyers, is designed to facilitate faster boarding times and, in turn, contribute to Southwest's impressive on-time performance.
 |
| How Do I Choose Seats On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Boarding Process (This is crucial!)
Before you can even think about picking a seat, you need to grasp how Southwest gets passengers onto the plane. It's not a free-for-all, but rather a highly organized system based on three boarding groups and a numerical position within each group.
Your Boarding Pass: Your Golden Ticket (to a seat)
When you check in for your flight (more on that in Step 2!), you'll be assigned a boarding pass with a group letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). This combination dictates your place in the boarding line.
Group A: These are the first to board, typically getting the best choice of seats.
Group B: You'll board after Group A, and usually still have a decent selection of window or aisle seats, or even a pair of seats together.
Group C: These are the last to board, and while you'll always find a seat, your options will be significantly more limited, often leaving only middle seats or seats towards the very back of the plane.
Lining Up at the Gate: The Southwest Shuffle
At the gate, you'll notice numbered posts (1-30 and 31-60) in two separate lines. When your group is called (e.g., "Group A, positions 1-30, please line up"), you'll find your designated spot based on the number on your boarding pass. It's a remarkably efficient system once you get the hang of it!
Step 2: Mastering the Check-In Game: Your Key to a Better Boarding Position
Since your boarding position is the primary determinant of your seat choice, your check-in time is paramount.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Rule: Set Your Alarms!
Southwest Airlines opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is your prime window of opportunity! The earlier you check in within this 24-hour window, the better your boarding position will generally be.
Pro Tip: Set an alarm on your phone for a few minutes before the 24-hour mark. Be ready to hit that "check-in" button the moment it becomes available!
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Sub-heading: Don't Rely on Airport Check-in Alone
While you can check in at the airport, it significantly reduces your chances of getting a good boarding position. By the time you arrive, many passengers will have already checked in online, securing earlier spots.
Step 3: Strategies for Improving Your Boarding Position
While checking in exactly 24 hours out is the baseline, Southwest offers several avenues to enhance your boarding position and, consequently, your seat selection prospects.
Sub-heading: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is an add-on you can purchase that automatically checks you in for your flight before the general 24-hour check-in window opens (typically 36 hours before departure). This gives you a significant advantage in securing an earlier boarding position.
When to consider it: * If you highly value getting a specific seat (window/aisle) or sitting with your travel companions. * If you're traveling on a particularly full or popular route. * If you don't want the stress of remembering to check in exactly 24 hours out. * If you're traveling with children and want to guarantee seats together.
Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies from approximately $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight, depending on the route and demand.
How to purchase: You can add EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it later (up to 26 hours prior to departure) via the Southwest website or app. Note: It's subject to availability, so purchase it early if you're set on it.
Sub-heading: Upgrade Your Boarding Position (at the gate)
What it is: If available, you can purchase an Upgraded Boarding position (typically A1-A15) starting 24 hours before your flight's departure. This is usually done at the gate or ticket counter, or through the Southwest app/website.
When to consider it: * If you didn't get the boarding position you wanted during regular check-in. * For last-minute travel when you need a guaranteed early spot. * If you absolutely need a specific seat (e.g., extra legroom in the exit row).
Cost: The cost for Upgraded Boarding can vary from $30 to $80 per segment, per customer, based on flight popularity and length.
Sub-heading: Business Select® Fares
What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class and comes with a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, among other perks like a free premium drink and priority lane access.
When to consider it: * If you're a business traveler who needs to ensure an early board and a premium seat choice. * If you want the maximum flexibility and benefits.
Cost: Business Select fares are generally the most expensive option.
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
Sub-heading: Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred Status
What it is: Southwest's Rapid Rewards elite status tiers, A-List and A-List Preferred, offer automatic priority boarding. A-List members (and those on their reservation) will have their boarding positions reserved 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird. A-List Preferred members receive an even higher priority.
When to consider it: * If you fly Southwest frequently and can achieve elite status. This is a long-term strategy for consistent early boarding.
Step 4: Boarding the Aircraft and Choosing Your Seat
This is where the rubber meets the road! Once your group is called and you've lined up, you'll proceed onto the aircraft.
Sub-heading: The Onboard Strategy: Eyes on the Prize!
As soon as you step onto the plane, be decisive! Glance down the aisle and identify your preferred seat type (window, aisle) or a row with empty seats if you're traveling with companions.
Window vs. Aisle: Window seats offer views and a wall to lean on. Aisle seats offer easy access to the lavatory and the ability to stretch your legs. Middle seats are generally the last to be taken.
Front vs. Back: Seats towards the front often deplane faster. Seats towards the back tend to fill up last, so if you're in a later boarding group, this might be your best bet for finding multiple seats together.
Exit Rows: These offer extra legroom but come with restrictions (you must be able to assist in an emergency, be over 15, and not be traveling with an infant or pet). Flight attendants will often verify eligibility.
Bulkhead Rows: These are the first row in each section and offer more legroom but no under-seat storage in front of you.
Sub-heading: The Unspoken Rules of Seat Saving
This is a hot topic on Southwest! While officially not encouraged, it's common to see passengers attempt to save seats for companions with later boarding positions by placing a personal item on the seat.
Our advice: If you're in a later group and your companion is in an earlier group, it's generally best for the earlier boarder to try and hold seats. However, be prepared for a flight attendant to ask you to consolidate bags or for another passenger to take the "saved" seat if the flight is full and your companion hasn't boarded yet. The safest bet for sitting together is to ensure everyone in your party has an early boarding position.
Step 5: Special Circumstances and Considerations
Southwest has provisions for passengers with specific needs.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
If you're traveling with a child six years old or younger, up to two adults can board during Family Boarding. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding. This is a fantastic perk to help families secure seats together. If you already have an "A" boarding position, you should board with your assigned group.
Sub-heading: Passengers Needing Special Assistance
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
Southwest provides pre-boarding for passengers who need assistance or additional time to board the aircraft (e.g., those using wheelchairs, with severe mobility impairments, or certain medical conditions). If you require pre-boarding, speak to a gate agent before general boarding begins. They may ask "fact-finding questions" to confirm eligibility.
Sub-heading: Unaccompanied Minors
Children ages 5-11 traveling alone are considered Unaccompanied Minors (UMs). Southwest has specific policies for UMs, including requiring them to be on nonstop flights or flights with no change of planes. UMs are escorted onto the aircraft by an Employee before general boarding and introduced to a Flight Attendant, who will periodically check on them.
Upcoming Changes: A Glimpse into Southwest's Future Seating
It's important to note that Southwest Airlines has announced a significant change to its open seating policy. Starting in the first half of 2026, the airline will be transitioning to an assigned seating model. This will also introduce new "Extra Legroom" and "Preferred" seat options. Bookings for flights operating in the first half of 2026 with assigned seats are expected to begin in the second half of 2025.
This means that while the current guide is accurate for flights in the immediate future, the Southwest seating experience will evolve. Stay tuned to Southwest's official announcements for the most up-to-date information on these changes!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to choosing seats on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to guarantee a window or aisle seat on Southwest?
The best way to increase your chances is to get an early boarding position, either by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying Business Select.
How to sit with my family on Southwest?
For families with children aged 6 or younger, utilize Family Boarding. For older children or mixed groups, the most reliable way is for everyone to aim for an early boarding position (check in early, EarlyBird, or Business Select) so you can board together and select adjacent seats.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest?
Currently, exit rows offer extra legroom. You'll need an early boarding position to select these, and you must meet the exit row requirements. In 2026, Southwest will introduce dedicated "Extra Legroom" seats for purchase.
Tip: Focus on sections most relevant to you.
How to check in 24 hours before my Southwest flight?
Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest mobile app and click "Check In," then enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for my Southwest flight?
You can add EarlyBird Check-In during the initial booking process on Southwest.com, or later via the "Manage Reservations" section of your booking, up to 26 hours before your flight.
How to know my boarding position before I get to the airport?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and number (1-60) will be assigned to you when you check in for your flight (either automatically with EarlyBird or manually at the 24-hour mark) and will be displayed on your mobile or printed boarding pass.
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest?
You can get an A boarding group by purchasing a Business Select fare, being a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member, or purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate/online within 24 hours of departure (subject to availability). Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In also significantly increases your chances of an A or early B position.
How to pre-board on Southwest for special assistance?
If you require pre-boarding due to a disability or need additional time, speak to a Southwest gate agent at the airport before general boarding begins.
How to sit in an exit row on Southwest?
You need to be at least 15 years old, willing and able to assist in an emergency evacuation, and not traveling with an infant or pet. You'll also need an early boarding position to have the best chance of selecting an exit row seat.
How to understand Southwest's upcoming assigned seating change?
Southwest plans to introduce assigned seating for flights operating from the first half of 2026 onwards. Bookings for these flights are expected to open in the second half of 2025. This will include options for "Extra Legroom" and "Preferred" seats. Stay informed by checking Southwest's official website for updates.
 |
