So, you're flying Southwest, and you know the drill: open seating! While it offers flexibility, it can also lead to a mad dash for the best spots. Don't you wish you could just stroll on and pick your perfect seat every time? Well, while there's no magic wand, there are definitely strategies you can employ to significantly improve your chances of snagging that coveted window, aisle, or even exit row seat. This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, to maximize your seating potential on Southwest Airlines.
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Boarding Process – It's Your Foundation!
Before we dive into tactics, let's make sure we're all on the same page about how Southwest Airlines boards its flights. Unlike most airlines that assign specific seats, Southwest uses an open seating policy combined with a numbered boarding system.
Sub-heading: The A, B, C Groups and Numbers
When you check in for your flight, you'll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within that group (1-60).
Group A (1-60): These are the first passengers to board, giving them the widest selection of seats. If you're in A1-A15, you're practically guaranteed your pick of the plane.
Group B (1-60): These passengers board after Group A. You'll still likely find a window or aisle seat, but your choices will be more limited.
Group C (1-60): These are the last to board. At this point, middle seats in the back are often the only options left.
Your goal? To get the lowest possible number in the earliest possible group. This is the key to unlocking better seating.
Step 2: Master the Art of the 24-Hour Check-In – The Free & Crucial Method
This is the most fundamental and accessible way to improve your boarding position. Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Sub-heading: Set Your Alarm and Be Ready!
Seriously, set an alarm. If your flight departs at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, you need to be ready to check in at 3:00 PM on Monday. Every second counts, especially for popular routes or full flights.
Use the Southwest App or Website: Both are equally effective. Have your confirmation number handy and be logged in if you have a Rapid Rewards account.
Don't refresh too early! Wait until the exact 24-hour mark. Checking in even a minute early won't work, and checking in a minute late could put you behind dozens of other passengers.
This method is free and, for many, provides a perfectly acceptable boarding position, often landing you in the B group or even late A group, especially if you're quick.
Step 3: Invest in EarlyBird Check-In – Convenience for a Price
If you can't be at your computer or phone exactly 24 hours before your flight, or you simply want a better shot at an earlier boarding position without the hassle, EarlyBird Check-In is your best friend.
Sub-heading: How EarlyBird Works
You purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking your flight, or you can add it later (up to 36 hours before departure, subject to availability).
Southwest automatically checks you in beginning 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time.
Your boarding position is assigned based on the time of your EarlyBird purchase relative to other EarlyBird purchasers. So, the earlier you buy EarlyBird, the better your position within the EarlyBird pool.
Cost: EarlyBird Check-In typically ranges from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight, depending on the route and demand.
Sub-heading: Is EarlyBird Worth It?
For families: If you're traveling with children older than 6 (as family boarding only applies to children 6 and under) and want to ensure you sit together, EarlyBird can be a good investment.
For peace of mind: If you dislike the stress of the 24-hour check-in scramble, EarlyBird offers a more relaxed approach.
For critical seating needs: If you absolutely need an aisle for legroom or a window for comfort, EarlyBird increases your odds.
However, it doesn't guarantee an A boarding position. You might still land in an early B group if many A-List members or Business Select passengers are on your flight, or if many others also purchased EarlyBird before you.
Step 4: Consider Business Select Fares – The Premium Option
For those who prioritize guaranteed early boarding above all else, Business Select fares are Southwest's most premium offering.
Sub-heading: What You Get with Business Select
Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position: This is the gold standard for Southwest seating. You'll be among the very first to board, ensuring you get your pick of almost any seat on the plane.
Fly By priority lane access: Speed through check-in and security.
Complimentary premium drink: Enjoy a free beverage onboard.
Higher Rapid Rewards point earning: Accumulate points faster.
Sub-heading: The Price Tag
Business Select fares are significantly more expensive than "Wanna Get Away" or "Wanna Get Away Plus" fares. They are best suited for business travelers whose companies pay or individuals for whom the guaranteed early boarding and perks are worth the premium cost.
Step 5: Leverage Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred Status – For Frequent Flyers
If you fly Southwest frequently, earning A-List or A-List Preferred status is arguably the best long-term strategy for consistently getting a better seat.
Sub-heading: Benefits of A-List Status
Priority boarding: A-List members and everyone on their reservation receive an earlier boarding position (automatically checked in 36 hours before departure, like EarlyBird, but with higher priority). This often means an A or early B boarding pass.
Priority Lane and Express Lane access: Faster check-in and security.
25% earning bonus on Rapid Rewards points.
Same-day standby benefits.
Sub-heading: Elevated Perks with A-List Preferred
All A-List benefits, plus:
Even higher priority boarding: You'll typically be at the very front of the A group (often A1-A15).
Two free checked bags.
Free in-flight internet.
100% earning bonus on Rapid Rewards points.
Up to two complimentary premium drinks per flight.
Sub-heading: How to Earn Status
A-List: Fly 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
A-List Preferred: Fly 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards can also help you earn tier qualifying points through spending.
If you're a loyal Southwest flyer, working towards A-List status is a game-changer for seating.
Step 6: Utilize Family Boarding – A Hidden Gem for Parents
Southwest has a fantastic policy for families that can significantly help with seating.
Sub-heading: Who Qualifies and How It Works
If you are traveling with a child aged six (6) or younger, you and up to one other adult can board during Family Boarding.
Family Boarding occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group.
This means you don't need to worry as much about checking in exactly 24 hours out or paying for EarlyBird if you meet the age requirement. You'll still get a good chance to find seats together.
Sub-heading: Key Tips for Family Boarding
Have your child's age verification ready if requested (birth certificate, passport, etc.).
Don't wait until the last minute to line up for Family Boarding. While it's a dedicated group, getting there promptly maximizes your choices.
If you have an A boarding pass and qualify for family boarding, you can still board with your assigned A group if you prefer.
Step 7: Purchase Upgraded Boarding – Last-Minute Opportunity
If all else fails, or you find yourself with a later boarding position and desperately want a better seat, Upgraded Boarding is an option.
Sub-heading: How and When to Purchase
Upgraded Boarding allows you to purchase an A1-A15 boarding position, if available.
It's offered starting 24 hours before departure, at check-in, or at the gate on the day of your flight.
Cost: This typically ranges from $30 to $80, depending on the flight.
Availability is key. If all A1-A15 positions are already taken by Business Select passengers or A-List Preferred members, you won't be able to purchase it.
Sub-heading: When to Consider It
You have a very important reason to be in the front (e.g., tight connection, desire for a specific seat).
You missed the 24-hour check-in window and got a very late boarding position.
You're on a credit card that offers Upgraded Boarding credits (some Southwest co-branded cards do!).
Step 8: Strategic Seat Selection Once Onboard – Maximize Your Choice
Even with a great boarding position, knowing which seats to look for can make all the difference.
Sub-heading: Best Seats for Legroom
Exit Rows: These rows (typically rows 11-12 on 737-700s and 14-16 on 737-800s/MAX 8s) offer significantly more legroom. Be aware: You must meet specific requirements to sit in an exit row (e.g., 15 years or older, willing and able to assist in an emergency).
Bulkhead Seats (Row 1): These seats at the very front of the plane also offer extra legroom as there's no seat in front of them. However, they lack under-seat storage during takeoff and landing, and armrests are often fixed.
Specific aircraft variations: On 737-700s, seat 12A is often cited as having the most legroom as there's no seat directly in front of it. On 737-800s and MAX 8s, 16A and 16F offer similar benefits.
Sub-heading: Best Seats for Quiet
Generally, seats over the wing tend to be quieter as they are further from the engines and galleys.
Avoid seats in the very back of the plane, as they are often near the lavatories and galleys, which can be noisy and high-traffic areas.
Some smaller, rear cabins on certain aircraft types can also be quieter.
Sub-heading: Best Seats for a Quick Exit
Seats as close to the front as possible will allow you to deplane first.
Aisle seats in the front half of the plane are ideal for a speedy exit.
Sub-heading: Best Seats if You Want to Recline
Avoid the row directly in front of an exit row, as these seats often have limited or no recline.
The very last row of the plane also typically does not recline.
Check sites like SeatGuru or AeroLopa for specific aircraft layouts and recline information.
Sub-heading: Best Seats for Families with Older Kids (who don't qualify for family boarding)
Head towards the back of the plane when you board. While it might seem counterintuitive, many people gravitate to the front, leaving more chances to find multiple open seats together further back.
If your group is split, try to get two aisle seats across from each other, allowing for conversation and easier access.
Step 9: Be Flexible and Polite – The Human Element
Even with all the strategies, sometimes you might end up with a less-than-ideal boarding position.
Be polite and friendly to other passengers and the flight attendants. A kind word can go a long way.
If you're traveling with someone and you're split up, ask politely if anyone is willing to swap seats once boarding is complete and the plane is preparing for pushback. People are often more accommodating than you think, especially if you offer to take a middle seat for an aisle or window.
Manage your expectations. While these tips significantly increase your odds, a full flight can still mean limited choices.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, all starting with "How to," to quickly address common concerns about Southwest seating:
How to get a window seat on Southwest? Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or have A-List status to get an early boarding position, which increases your chances of selecting a window seat.
How to get an aisle seat on Southwest? Similar to window seats, securing an early boarding position through prompt 24-hour check-in, EarlyBird, Business Select, or A-List status will give you the best opportunity to grab an aisle seat.
How to get an exit row seat on Southwest? Obtain an early boarding position (A group is ideal), as exit rows are popular. Once onboard, proceed directly to an exit row and ensure you meet the safety requirements posted.
How to sit with my family on Southwest if we have different boarding groups? If you have a child aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding (which happens after A group). Otherwise, aim for the earliest possible boarding position for at least one adult by checking in exactly 24 hours out or purchasing EarlyBird, and try to save seats, or politely ask other passengers to swap once onboard.
How to check in 24 hours before a Southwest flight? Set an alarm for the exact minute your flight departs 24 hours beforehand, then go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest app, enter your confirmation number and last name, and click "Check In."
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is available for my flight? You can check for EarlyBird availability during the booking process on Southwest.com, or if you've already booked, you can try to add it to your existing reservation via the "Change/Cancel" option, up to 36 hours before departure.
How to upgrade my boarding position at the gate on Southwest? If available, Southwest will offer Upgraded Boarding for an A1-A15 position at the check-in counter or the gate on the day of your flight. Ask a Southwest agent about availability and cost.
How to get the most legroom on a Southwest flight? Aim for seats in the exit rows (typically rows 11-12 or 14-16 depending on aircraft) or the bulkhead seats (Row 1), as these offer significantly more space.
How to avoid middle seats on Southwest? The best way is to secure an early boarding position (A or early B group) by checking in promptly, purchasing EarlyBird, or flying Business Select/having A-List status. The earlier you board, the more choice you'll have to avoid the middle.
How to pick a quieter seat on a Southwest flight? Generally, seats over the wings or in the front half of the plane tend to be quieter. Try to avoid seats in the very back near the lavatories and galleys.
