Ever felt that pang of anxiety as you board a flight, wondering if you'll be stuck in a middle seat while your travel companions are rows away? Especially on Southwest, with its unique open seating policy? You're not alone! While Southwest's "first-come, first-served" boarding can feel like a high-stakes game of musical chairs, there are definitely strategies to master the art of sitting together. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to maximize your chances of snagging those coveted adjacent seats.
Understanding the Southwest Seating Game: It's All About Boarding Position
Unlike most airlines, Southwest doesn't assign specific seats. Instead, they use an "open seating" policy, which means once you board, you can pick any available seat. The key, then, to sitting together, is to board as early as possible. Your boarding position is determined by a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). "A" group boards first, followed by "B," then "C." Within each group, lower numbers board earlier.
So, how do you get those coveted A1-A60 positions? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide!
Step 1: Get Proactive About Your Boarding Position – It's Your Secret Weapon!
This is perhaps the most crucial step in ensuring you sit together on Southwest. Your boarding position is almost entirely dependent on when you check in.
Sub-heading: Check In Exactly 24 Hours Before Your Flight
Southwest opens online check-in precisely 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Set an alarm! Seriously, treat this like a critical appointment.
Why it matters: The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be. This is a game of seconds, especially on popular routes or during peak travel times.
How to do it:
Southwest App: Download the Southwest Airlines mobile app. It's incredibly user-friendly and allows for quick check-in.
Southwest Website: Go to Southwest.com on your computer or mobile browser.
Have your confirmation number ready: You'll need this, along with your first and last name, to check in.
Pro Tip: If you're traveling with multiple people on the same reservation, check everyone in simultaneously. This will give you sequential boarding positions, making it much easier to sit together. If your companions are on separate reservations (e.g., a Companion Pass holder), remember to check them in separately at the same 24-hour mark!
Step 2: Invest in EarlyBird Check-In (If You Value Peace of Mind)
If the thought of setting an alarm and rushing to check-in sounds like too much stress, EarlyBird Check-In is your best friend.
Sub-heading: What is EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In is a paid option that automatically checks you in starting 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is 12 hours before general check-in opens, giving you a significant advantage.
Benefits:
Earlier Boarding Position: While it doesn't guarantee an "A" position, it significantly increases your chances of getting one. You'll definitely be ahead of those who wait until the 24-hour mark.
Reduced Stress: No need to set an alarm or worry about checking in precisely on time.
Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies based on the flight's popularity and length, typically ranging from $15 to $25 per person, per one-way flight.
When to purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you initially book your flight or add it later up to 36 hours before departure (depending on availability). It's generally best to purchase it as early as possible.
Important Note: EarlyBird Check-In is non-refundable, even if you cancel your flight.
Step 3: Leverage Your Status (A-List, A-List Preferred, and Companion Pass)
If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, your elite status can provide a significant advantage.
Sub-heading: A-List and A-List Preferred Benefits
Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members (and those on their reservation) receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are automatically reserved starting 36 hours before the flight.
How it works: If you or someone on your reservation has A-List or A-List Preferred status, your boarding positions will be automatically assigned in an earlier group, typically within the A or early B group.
Still Check In! Even with A-List status, you still need to check in within 24 hours of departure to retrieve your boarding pass. Your position is reserved, but you still need to "claim" it.
Sub-heading: Companion Pass Travel
If you have the Southwest Companion Pass, your designated companion flies with you for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Seating for Companion Pass: Your companion will receive a sequential boarding position if you book their travel at the same time as yours and you both check in at the 24-hour mark (or you both have EarlyBird/A-List). If you add your companion after you've already received a boarding position, their position will be based on their individual check-in time.
Best Practice: If using a Companion Pass, book your flight first, then immediately add your companion's reservation. Then, for optimal seating, check in for both reservations simultaneously at the 24-hour mark.
Step 4: Strategic Boarding Day Maneuvers
Even if you don't have the best boarding position, there are still things you can do on the day of travel.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding (For Those with Little Ones)
If you are traveling with a child age six (6) or younger, Southwest offers Family Boarding. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding.
Eligibility: Up to two adults traveling with a child age six or younger can board during Family Boarding.
How to use it: Listen for the gate agent's announcement for Family Boarding. You'll join the queue at that time, regardless of your assigned boarding position. This is a huge advantage for families, as it almost guarantees you'll find seats together.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding (A Last-Minute Option)
If you find yourself with a less-than-ideal boarding position (think B50 or C group), Southwest sometimes offers Upgraded Boarding at the gate.
What it is: For a fee (typically $30-$50, but can vary), you can purchase one of the coveted A1-A15 boarding positions, if available.
Availability: These are usually leftover Business Select spots. Availability is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate.
When to ask: Approach the gate agent as soon as you arrive at the gate and inquire about Upgraded Boarding.
Sub-heading: The "Ask Nicely" Strategy
Even if you end up separated, don't despair!
Onboard Strategy: Once on the plane, look for rows with an empty middle seat, or rows where two people are sitting in the window and aisle, leaving the middle seat open. Politely ask if they would mind shifting to allow your party to sit together. Most people are very accommodating!
Flight Attendant Assistance: If you're struggling to find seats together, especially with young children, politely ask a Flight Attendant for assistance. While they can't guarantee anything, they often have a good sense of where open seats are or can help facilitate a seat swap.
Step 5: Master the Art of Boarding Line Etiquette
Once your boarding group is called, it's time to line up.
Sub-heading: Find Your Number
Southwest has poles at the gate indicating boarding position ranges (e.g., A1-A15, A16-A30). Find the pole that corresponds to your boarding number and line up accordingly.
Don't Be Shy: While you don't need to be in exact numerical order, try to be generally in your designated spot to keep the boarding process smooth.
Communicate with Your Group: If you're with others, stay together in the line.
Additional Considerations for Seamless Seating
Through Flights: If your flight is a "through flight" (meaning it makes a stop but continues to your final destination with the same plane and flight number), passengers continuing on the flight will remain on board. This can limit seat availability for new passengers boarding at the stop. If sitting together is paramount, consider booking direct flights whenever possible.
Morning Flights: Early morning flights often have fewer leisure travelers and can sometimes be less crowded, potentially making it easier to find seats together.
Consider "Wanna Get Away Plus" or "Anytime" Fares: While more expensive, these fares often come with benefits that can improve your boarding position, such as automatic EarlyBird Check-In (with Anytime fares) or higher priority within the EarlyBird pool.
Pack Smart: If you have overhead bin space concerns due to a later boarding position, consider checking some of your bags. This frees you up to quickly find seats without worrying about stowing bulky carry-ons.
By understanding Southwest's unique boarding system and employing these strategies, you'll significantly increase your chances of sitting together with your travel companions, making your journey much more enjoyable!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to guarantee sitting together on Southwest Airlines?
To guarantee sitting together on Southwest Airlines, the best methods are purchasing Business Select fares (which come with A1-A15 boarding), utilizing Family Boarding if you have a child aged six or younger, or being an A-List/A-List Preferred member, as these typically ensure an early boarding position with ample seat selection.
How to get an A boarding pass on Southwest?
To get an "A" boarding pass on Southwest, check in precisely 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or have A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to use Family Boarding on Southwest Airlines?
To use Family Boarding on Southwest, listen for the gate agent's announcement after the A group has boarded and before the B group. If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, up to two adults in your party can board at this time, regardless of your assigned boarding position.
How to find out your Southwest boarding position?
You can find out your Southwest boarding position by checking your boarding pass after you've checked in online, through the Southwest app, or at the airport. It will display a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60).
How to upgrade your boarding position on Southwest at the airport?
To upgrade your boarding position at the airport, ask a gate agent about "Upgraded Boarding" before your flight starts boarding. If A1-A15 positions are available, you can purchase one for a fee.
How to check in for Southwest Airlines to get a good seat?
To check in for Southwest Airlines to get a good seat, set an alarm and check in precisely 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time online or via the Southwest app.
How to sit together on Southwest with a large group?
To sit together on Southwest with a large group, coordinate to have everyone check in exactly 24 hours before the flight. For the best chance, consider having everyone purchase EarlyBird Check-In, or leverage any A-List members in your group.
How to deal with split boarding positions on Southwest?
To deal with split boarding positions, if some members of your party have significantly later boarding positions, those with earlier positions should board first and attempt to "save" seats. Politely ask other passengers to shift to accommodate your group once the later-boarding members arrive.
How to use Southwest Companion Pass for seating?
To use your Southwest Companion Pass for seating, book your flight first, then immediately add your companion's reservation. For optimal seating, both you and your companion should check in simultaneously at the 24-hour mark, or ensure both have EarlyBird Check-In or A-List status.
How to choose the best seats on Southwest Airlines?
To choose the best seats on Southwest Airlines, aim for an early boarding position (A group is ideal). Once on board, look for rows with empty window or aisle seats towards the front of the plane, or exit row seats (if you meet the requirements and desire more legroom).
