Have you ever found yourself dreading the Southwest Airlines boarding process, knowing that a middle seat near the back is likely your fate? Do you yearn for that coveted window or aisle seat, or perhaps even an entire row to yourself? Well, you're in luck! Southwest's unique open-seating policy, while sometimes a puzzle, also presents ample opportunities to secure a superior spot if you know the tricks.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to maximize your chances of getting a better seat on your next Southwest flight. Let's transform your boarding experience from stressful to spectacular!
Master the Southwest Boarding System: Your Key to a Better Seat
Southwest Airlines operates on a first-come, first-served boarding system, which means your assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) directly dictate when you get to choose your seat. The earlier you board, the more options you have. It's a simple premise, but the execution requires strategy.
Step 1: Check-In Like a Pro – The Foundation of Good Seating
The single most crucial factor in getting a good boarding position, and thus a better seat, is when you check in for your flight. Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Sprint
Be Ready at the Mark: Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure. This is not a suggestion; it's a necessity. If your flight departs at 3:00 PM on a Friday, be logged into the Southwest website or app and ready to check in at 3:00 PM on Thursday. Even a delay of a minute or two can significantly impact your boarding position.
Multiple Devices are Your Friend: If you're traveling with others, have everyone logged in on their own devices (computers, phones, tablets) and simultaneously click "check-in" right at the 24-hour mark. This increases the chances of one of you securing an earlier boarding number for your group.
Have Your Confirmation Number Handy: Don't waste precious seconds searching for it. Have your 6-character confirmation code (e.g., ABCDEF) ready to input.
Step 2: Invest in EarlyBird Check-In – Convenience for a Price
If the 24-hour sprint sounds too stressful or you simply want more peace of mind, EarlyBird Check-In is your best friend.
Sub-heading: What EarlyBird Check-In Offers
Automatic Check-In: When you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in and assigns your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's departure. This is 12 hours before general boarding positions become available.
Better Position, Not Guaranteed A1-A15: While EarlyBird doesn't guarantee you an A1-A15 boarding position (those are typically reserved for Business Select passengers and top-tier A-List members), it significantly improves your chances of securing a high A or early B group position. This means you'll still have a wide array of seat choices.
Cost and Value: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight. Consider the value – if getting a preferred seat (window, aisle, front of the plane, or even an exit row) is important to you, this small investment can be well worth it.
How to Purchase: You can usually add EarlyBird Check-In during your initial booking, or anytime after, up to 24 hours before your flight.
Step 3: Splurge on Business Select – The Ultimate Boarding Privilege
For those who demand the absolute best boarding position and extra perks, Business Select fares are the way to go.
Sub-heading: The A1-A15 Guarantee
Top Tier Boarding: Business Select fares guarantee you a boarding position within the A1-A15 range. This means you'll be among the very first people to board the aircraft, giving you first pick of any available seat and overhead bin space.
Additional Perks: Beyond priority boarding, Business Select fares also come with other benefits like:
Refundable fares
More Rapid Rewards points earned
Free premium drink on flights over a certain mileage
Access to priority check-in and security lanes (where available)
Is it Worth the Price? Business Select fares are the most expensive, so this option is best for travelers whose priority is guaranteed early boarding and the associated flexibility and perks. If you frequently travel for business and need to ensure a specific seat, this is a strong contender.
Step 4: Leverage Your Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Status – Loyalty Pays Off
If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, earning Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status is a game-changer for seating.
Sub-heading: Elite Boarding Privileges
Automatic Early Boarding: A-List members and everyone on their reservation automatically receive an earlier boarding position (generally within the A or early B group). A-List Preferred members get an even higher priority. Southwest automatically reserves your boarding position 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, but it's a complimentary benefit.
How to Earn Status: You earn A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. A-List Preferred requires 40 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points.
Companion Pass Advantage: If you have the highly coveted Southwest Companion Pass, your companion will also receive the same boarding position as you when booked on the same reservation (unless you purchased Business Select, in which case the Companion's position is based on check-in time or their own elite status/EarlyBird).
Step 5: Utilize Family Boarding – A Lifesaver for Traveling with Kids
Southwest offers a fantastic benefit for families traveling with young children.
Sub-heading: Boarding with Little Ones
Eligibility: If you are traveling with a child six years old or younger, up to two adults traveling with that child may board during Family Boarding. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding.
Guaranteed Seating Together: This allows families ample time to find seats together, which is a huge relief when traveling with small children.
No Early Check-In Needed: You don't need to purchase EarlyBird or worry about the 24-hour check-in window if you qualify for Family Boarding. Simply listen for the announcement at the gate.
Important Note: If you are in the A group with a child six or under, you should still board with your assigned A position for the absolute best selection. Family Boarding is for those who otherwise would receive a B or C group.
Step 6: Onboard Strategy – Once You're On the Plane
Even with a great boarding position, a little onboard strategy can help you secure the ideal seat.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Cabin
Head to the Back or Scan for Open Rows: Many people tend to fill the front of the plane first. Often, the back of the plane will have more open rows, increasing your chances of finding a window/aisle combination or even an empty middle seat.
Look for Exit Rows (If Eligible): Exit rows offer significantly more legroom. However, you must meet specific requirements to sit in an exit row (e.g., be 15 years or older, be able to operate the exit door, and assist others in an emergency). Flight attendants will verify eligibility.
The "Seat Saver" Myth: Don't fall for passengers trying to "save" seats for companions who are boarding later. Southwest has an open seating policy, and seats cannot be reserved in advance by placing bags on them. If a seat appears open, it's fair game. Politely ask if the seat is taken.
Communicate with Flight Attendants: If you have specific needs or are struggling to find seats together, politely ask a flight attendant for assistance. They are often happy to help where possible.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a window seat on Southwest Airlines?
To get a window seat, aim for an early boarding position (A group or early B group) by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying Business Select. Once onboard, head straight to a window seat in an available row.
How to get an aisle seat on Southwest Airlines?
Similar to a window seat, an early boarding position is key. Upon boarding, bypass the front rows if they are crowded and head towards the back or middle, looking for open aisle seats.
How to get a whole row to myself on Southwest Airlines?
This is often about luck and flight load. Your best chance is to get an early boarding position. Once on board, look for rows where the middle seat is empty. If the flight isn't full, these rows are more likely to remain open, especially towards the back of the plane.
How to sit together on Southwest Airlines with a family?
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, utilize Southwest's Family Boarding (after the A group). Otherwise, check in as early as possible (24 hours prior) for the best chance of getting adjacent seats. Consider EarlyBird Check-In for peace of mind.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest Airlines?
The best way to get extra legroom is to secure an early boarding position (A group or early B group) and head directly to an exit row upon boarding. Remember, you must meet the exit row requirements.
How to get Southwest EarlyBird Check-In for free?
Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins as a perk (e.g., Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and Plus cards often offer two per year). Check your specific credit card benefits.
How to check in 24 hours before a Southwest flight?
Go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest Airlines app exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Click on "Check In," enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name, and follow the prompts.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate on the day of departure, if available. This often provides an A1-A15 position, but it's subject to availability and can be pricey.
How to use a Southwest Companion Pass for seating?
Once you've booked your own flight, log into your Rapid Rewards account, go to "My Trips," find your flight, and click "Add Companion." Your companion will receive the same sequential boarding position as you, unless you purchased a Business Select fare (then their position is based on their own check-in time/status/EarlyBird).
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest Airlines?
The most effective way to avoid a middle seat is to secure an early boarding position (A or early B group). This gives you the most options to choose a window or aisle seat before the plane fills up.
