Ever wondered how some people always seem to snag the best seats on Southwest Airlines? You know, those coveted spots near the front, or perhaps with a window view, while you're left to brave the middle seat in the back? Southwest's unique open-seating policy can feel a bit like a competitive sport, but with the right strategy, you can consistently achieve a prime boarding position and, consequently, your preferred seat. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge and step-by-step instructions to master the art of priority seating on Southwest.
The Southwest Boarding Process: A Quick Primer
Before we dive into how to get priority, it's crucial to understand how Southwest's boarding works. Unlike most airlines with assigned seating, Southwest uses a "first-come, first-served" system. When you check in for your flight, you're assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position within that group (1-60+). Group A boards first, then B, then C, with lower numbers boarding earlier within each group. Your boarding position is paramount to seat selection.
Now, let's unlock the secrets to getting ahead!
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| How Do You Get Priority Seating On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Engage Early – Your First Move Towards Priority!
So, you've booked your Southwest flight. Fantastic! Now, the very first thing you need to understand is that time is your greatest ally when it comes to Southwest boarding. The earlier you secure a good boarding position, the better your chances of snagging that ideal seat.
Sub-heading: Understanding the 24-Hour Check-in Window
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to check in exactly 24 hours prior to their flight's scheduled departure time. This is your primary opportunity to get a good boarding position for free.
Be Prepared: Set an alarm on your phone for 24 hours before your flight's departure. For example, if your flight departs at 3:00 PM on a Tuesday, you can check in at 3:00 PM on Monday.
Have Your Confirmation Number Ready: When the time comes, quickly navigate to Southwest's website or, even better, use the Southwest Airlines mobile app.
Fast Fingers Win: The moment the clock strikes the 24-hour mark, hit that check-in button! Boarding positions are assigned in the order of check-in. Every second counts.
Sub-heading: The Power of the Southwest Mobile App
While you can check in on the website, the Southwest mobile app often provides the smoothest and fastest experience. Ensure you have it downloaded and your reservation loaded and ready to go.
Step 2: Invest in Superior Boarding Options
While being punctual with your free check-in is helpful, Southwest offers paid options that guarantee you a better boarding position. These are excellent choices if you absolutely must have a prime seat or are traveling with a group and want to sit together.
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Sub-heading: Option 2.1: Business Select Fares
This is Southwest's highest fare class and offers the ultimate in priority boarding.
Guaranteed A1-A15 Boarding: When you purchase a Business Select fare, you are automatically assigned one of the first 15 boarding positions (A1-A15). This means you'll be among the very first people on the plane, giving you first pick of any available seat and ample overhead bin space.
Additional Perks: Beyond priority boarding, Business Select also typically includes a complimentary premium drink, free inflight internet, and a higher Rapid Rewards points earning rate.
When to Consider: This is ideal for business travelers, those on a tight schedule, or anyone who values absolute certainty in their seating. Keep in mind, these fares are generally more expensive.
Sub-heading: Option 2.2: EarlyBird Check-In
EarlyBird Check-In is a popular add-on that automatically checks you in before the traditional 24-hour mark.
Automatic Early Check-in: For a fee (which varies based on the popularity and length of the flight), Southwest will automatically check you in starting 36 hours prior to your flight's departure. This gives you a significant advantage over those waiting for the standard 24-hour window.
Earlier Boarding Position (but not guaranteed A1-A15): While EarlyBird Check-In doesn't guarantee an A1-A15 position like Business Select, it significantly increases your chances of getting an "A" or early "B" boarding pass. Boarding positions for EarlyBird customers are assigned based on the time of purchase and fare type.
Convenience: The biggest benefit here is the peace of mind. You don't have to set an alarm or rush to check in.
When to Consider: This is a great option for leisure travelers or families who want a better chance of sitting together without splurging on Business Select. Purchase it at the time of booking or add it later, up to 36 hours before departure. Note: EarlyBird Check-In is non-refundable.
Sub-heading: Option 2.3: Upgraded Boarding
This is a last-minute opportunity to secure a prime boarding position if you didn't purchase Business Select or EarlyBird.
Purchase at the Gate or Kiosk: If available, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding at the Southwest ticket counter or gate within 24 hours of departure, up to 30 minutes before the flight.
A1-A15 if Available: Upgraded Boarding allows you to claim one of the best available A1-A15 boarding positions.
Limited Availability: This is not guaranteed and is only available if there are A1-A15 positions remaining after Business Select passengers have been assigned and EarlyBird Check-In passengers have been processed.
Cost Varies: The price for Upgraded Boarding starts from $30 per segment, per passenger, and can vary based on the popularity and length of the flight.
When to Consider: Use this if you find yourself with a late boarding position (like a C group) and really want to improve your chances of getting a good seat or ensuring your group can sit together.
Step 3: Leverage Your Rapid Rewards Status
Southwest's frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, offers elite tiers that come with automatic priority boarding benefits. If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, this is a fantastic way to consistently get an early boarding position.
Sub-heading: A-List Status
Automatic Early Boarding: A-List members (and all passengers on their reservation) receive automatic boarding positions 36 hours prior to the flight's departure. While not guaranteed A1-A15, this places you ahead of standard EarlyBird Check-In and greatly increases your chances of an "A" or early "B" spot.
How to Qualify: Earn A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
Additional Perks: A-List also includes a 25% earning bonus on points, same-day standby benefits, priority check-in and security lanes, and a dedicated phone line.
Sub-heading: A-List Preferred Status
Even Higher Priority: A-List Preferred members receive the highest automatic priority boarding among elite members, further increasing their chances of securing an "A" group position.
How to Qualify: Earn A-List Preferred status by flying 40 qualifying one-way flights or earning 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
Enhanced Perks: Beyond A-List benefits, A-List Preferred members enjoy a 100% earning bonus (double points!), free inflight internet, and up to two complimentary premium drinks per flight (on eligible flights).
Step 4: Special Boarding Circumstances
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
Southwest also has provisions for certain passengers to board earlier, regardless of their assigned boarding position.
Sub-heading: Preboarding for Passengers Needing Assistance
Who Qualifies: Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, require assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device may qualify for preboarding.
Process: Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. They will ask questions to determine if you qualify and, if so, issue a new boarding pass marked "PRBD."
Companion Allowance: One travel companion may preboard with the qualified passenger.
Important Note: If you preboard, you cannot occupy an exit row seat.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
For Families with Young Children: If you are traveling with a child aged six years old or younger, up to two adults may board during Family Boarding. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding.
Purpose: This allows families to find seats together, especially important with open seating.
When to Use: If you have an "A" boarding pass, you should board in your assigned position. Family Boarding is intended for those with "B" or "C" boarding passes who need to secure seats together.
Sub-heading: Unaccompanied Minors
Automatic Preboarding: Children aged 5-11 traveling as unaccompanied minors on a nonstop or direct (no change of planes) flight will be escorted onto the aircraft by a Southwest Employee before general boarding begins.
Step 5: Master the Gate Area Strategy (Even with Assigned Seating Coming Soon!)
While Southwest is transitioning to assigned seating in early 2026, the current open-seating system means your gate strategy still plays a role. Even with assigned seats, early boarding often means earlier access to the cabin and overhead bin space.
Sub-heading: Understand the Boarding Lanes
At most Southwest gates, you'll see numbered poles or markers.
Line Up in Order: Once your boarding group is called, you'll line up in numerical order according to your boarding position (e.g., A1-30, then A31-60, etc.).
Be Ready: Have your boarding pass (on your phone or printed) and ID readily accessible.
Sub-heading: Scan for Your Preferred Seat Type
As you walk down the aisle, quickly scan for your desired seat.
Window or Aisle: If a window or aisle is your preference, look for those first.
Front vs. Back: Seats towards the front allow for quicker deplaning, while those in the back can sometimes offer more privacy or be quieter.
Empty Rows: Keep an eye out for entirely empty rows if you're traveling with a companion and hope to spread out.
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
Final Tips for Success
Book Early: While it doesn't directly impact your boarding position, booking your flight well in advance ensures you get the flight you want and gives you more time to consider EarlyBird Check-In or other options.
Consider a Southwest Credit Card: Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like EarlyBird Check-In reimbursements or bonus tier qualifying points, which can help you achieve A-List status faster.
Stay Updated: Southwest occasionally tweaks its policies. Always check the official Southwest Airlines website for the most current information before your flight.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to consistently securing priority seating and making your Southwest travel experience as comfortable and convenient as possible!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get an A boarding position on Southwest for free?
You can get an A boarding position for free by checking in exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time using the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app. Boarding positions are assigned in the order of check-in.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest Airlines?
EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased when you initially book your flight on Southwest.com, or added to an existing reservation up to 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, depending on availability.
How to upgrade my boarding position at the Southwest gate?
You can inquire about purchasing "Upgraded Boarding" at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter or at the gate within 24 hours of your flight's departure, up to 30 minutes before the flight, subject to availability of A1-A15 positions.
How to qualify for Southwest A-List status?
To qualify for Southwest A-List status, you need to fly 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points in one calendar year.
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
How to use Family Boarding on Southwest Airlines?
Family Boarding is available for families traveling with a child aged six years old or younger. Up to two adults may board with the child during the Family Boarding period, which occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins boarding.
How to preboard on Southwest for disability assistance?
If you have a disability and need a specific seat, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device, speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to request preboarding.
How to check in quickly for a Southwest flight?
The quickest way to check in for a Southwest flight is by using the Southwest Airlines mobile app and being ready to hit the check-in button precisely 24 hours before your flight's departure.
How to determine my Southwest boarding group and position?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) will be assigned when you check in for your flight and will be displayed on your boarding pass, whether digital or printed.
How to get a window or aisle seat on Southwest?
Since Southwest has open seating, getting your preferred window or aisle seat depends on getting an early boarding position (A group is best) and boarding the plane quickly to select your desired seat.
How to ensure my group sits together on Southwest?
To maximize your chances of sitting together on Southwest, aim for an A or early B boarding position by purchasing Business Select, EarlyBird Check-In, or by checking in exactly 24 hours prior. Family Boarding can also help if you're traveling with young children.
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