Alright, buckle up! Planning group travel on Southwest Airlines, with its unique open-seating policy, can feel a bit like a strategic game of musical chairs. But don't you worry, with the right approach, you can significantly increase your chances of getting your group seated together. Let's dive in!
How to Get a Group Seating on Southwest Airlines: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you planning a trip with friends, family, or colleagues on Southwest and dreading the scramble for seats? Southwest's "open seating" can be both a blessing and a curse. While it offers flexibility, it also means no pre-assigned seats, which can be a nightmare for groups. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to maximize your chances of sitting together.
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Boarding Process – Your Foundation for Success!
Before we even talk about strategies, let's make sure you grasp how Southwest gets people on the plane. This knowledge is crucial to your group seating success.
Southwest operates with a "first-come, first-served" boarding system, divided into three main groups: A, B, and C, each with positions 1-60. Your boarding position determines when you get to pick your seat. The earlier your position, the better your chances of snagging seats together.
Here's the typical boarding order:
Pre-boarding: This is for passengers with disabilities, those needing assistance, or requiring extra time to board.
Group A (A1-A60): These are typically Business Select fare holders, A-List/A-List Preferred members, and those who purchased EarlyBird Check-In. The lower the number, the earlier you board.
Family Boarding: This crucial window happens after Group A and before Group B. It's for adults traveling with a child six years old or younger. We'll delve into this more!
Group B (B1-B60): This is where many regular passengers end up, especially if they check in right at the 24-hour mark.
Group C (C1-C60): These are usually passengers who checked in late or booked last-minute. Seating options will be very limited here.
Why is this important? Because your goal is to get as many members of your group into the earliest possible boarding positions!
Step 2: Strategizing Your Booking and Check-In – The Battle Begins Before the Airport!
This is where the real work of group seating starts. Your actions before you even get to the airport have the biggest impact.
Sub-heading 2.1: Book Early, Always Book Early!
This might seem obvious, but it's paramount. The earlier you book, the better the fare options, and sometimes, a slight advantage in the initial boarding position assignment if you don't use other strategies.
Sub-heading 2.2: Consider Business Select Fares (for guaranteed early boarding)
If budget allows and getting seated together is an absolute priority, especially for a smaller, critical group (e.g., two people who must sit side-by-side), Business Select fares guarantee you a boarding position between A1-A15. This is the surest way to get your pick of seats. However, it's also the most expensive.
Sub-heading 2.3: The Power of EarlyBird Check-In
This is often the best value for groups looking for better seating. For an additional fee (ranging from $15-$99 per person, per one-way flight), Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight. This is 12 hours before the general 24-hour check-in window opens.
Why it works: Since boarding positions are largely determined by check-in time, EarlyBird Check-In gives you a significant head start, often landing you in a low A or high B group.
Important Note: While EarlyBird Check-In is highly effective, it does not guarantee an "A" boarding position. It simply gets you in line earlier than those who check in at the 24-hour mark. The earlier you purchase EarlyBird, the better your position within the EarlyBird group.
For your group: Every single person in your group should purchase EarlyBird Check-In if you want to maximize your chances of sitting together. If only some members purchase it, they'll board earlier, potentially leaving others behind.
Sub-heading 2.4: Leverage A-List or A-List Preferred Status
If anyone in your group is a Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member, they automatically receive priority boarding.
A-List: Your boarding position is automatically reserved 36 hours prior to the flight, often landing you in the A group.
A-List Preferred: You get an even higher priority boarding position, usually in the A1-A15 range.
Group Benefit: If an A-List or A-List Preferred member is on the same reservation as others, everyone on that reservation will benefit from their earlier boarding position. So, if you have a status holder, try to book everyone under one reservation if possible. You will still need to check-in within 24 hours to retrieve the boarding passes.
Sub-heading 2.5: The 24-Hour Check-In Dash (if other options aren't used)
If you haven't purchased Business Select or EarlyBird Check-In, or don't have A-List status, your strategy shifts to the literal second the 24-hour check-in window opens.
Set an Alarm: Seriously, set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
Be Ready: Have your confirmation number and last name(s) ready. Open the Southwest app or website a few minutes before the 24-hour mark.
Check-in Simultaneously: If your group is on separate reservations, try to have everyone check in at the exact same moment. Even a few seconds can make a difference in boarding positions.
Why it's challenging for groups: Even checking in at the precise 24-hour mark doesn't guarantee you'll be in the A group, especially on popular routes. You'll likely land in the B group, or potentially the late A group.
Step 3: Navigating the Gate and Boarding Process – Your Moment of Truth!
You've done the pre-work, now it's time to execute at the airport.
Sub-heading 3.1: Arrive Early at the Gate
Even if you have fantastic boarding positions, arriving at the gate well before boarding begins is essential. This allows you to:
Locate your group's designated lining-up spots. Southwest has numbered poles (1-60) in increments of five for each group (A, B, C).
Scope out the gate area and identify potential seating areas on the plane if you're planning a strategic dash to the back.
Sub-heading 3.2: Leveraging Family Boarding (for those with young children)
This is your golden ticket if you're traveling with children aged six years old or younger.
When it happens: Family Boarding is called after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins.
Who qualifies: Up to two adults traveling with a child age six or under. Important: This does not extend to other adults in your group who are not parents/guardians of the young child. They will need to board in their assigned position.
How to use it: Even if your boarding passes show B or C, you do not need to check in early for this. Simply wait with your qualifying child(ren) near the gate area. When the gate agent calls for "Family Boarding," you'll be allowed to board. This almost guarantees you'll find multiple seats together.
If you have an A boarding pass with a young child: You can still board with your A group, as that is earlier than Family Boarding.
Sub-heading 3.3: The "Go-to-the-Back" Strategy (for B and C groups)
If your group ends up with B or C boarding positions, your best bet for finding multiple seats together is often to head towards the rear of the aircraft.
Why it works: Many passengers tend to fill seats at the front of the plane first. The back of the plane often has more available row-sets.
Execute quickly: Once your group is called, board swiftly and make a beeline for the back. Scan for rows with multiple empty seats.
Communicate with your group: Before boarding, decide on a meeting point or a strategy. "Let's all head to the very last row on the left side" can be effective.
Sub-heading 3.4: The "Send a Scout" Strategy
For slightly larger groups (e.g., 4-6 people) with varying boarding positions, consider sending your member with the earliest boarding position ahead as a "scout."
Their mission: The scout's job is to quickly find a row (or adjacent rows) with enough empty seats for your entire group and try to hold them.
Holding seats: While Southwest doesn't officially endorse "saving" seats, it's a common practice. A polite "Are these seats taken? My family is right behind me" often works. Placing a jacket or small bag on an empty seat is a common, though unofficial, method. Be prepared to quickly consolidate your group once they board.
Sub-heading 3.5: Communicate with Flight Attendants (as a last resort)
If, despite all your best efforts, you find yourselves scattered, you can politely ask a flight attendant for assistance after boarding is complete and the doors are about to close. They may be able to facilitate a seat swap if there are still empty seats or other passengers willing to move, but this is not guaranteed and should be a last resort. Do not expect them to re-arrange a full flight for your group.
Step 4: Post-Boarding Etiquette and Flexibility – Being a Good Group Traveler!
Once you're on the plane, a little consideration goes a long way.
Sub-heading 4.1: Be Prepared to Consolidate Quickly
If you've managed to hold seats, be ready for your group members to move into them swiftly. Don't cause a bottleneck in the aisle.
Sub-heading 4.2: Be Courteous
If you need to ask someone to move, do so politely and be prepared for them to decline. Remember, they have the right to their chosen seat if they boarded before you.
Sub-heading 4.3: Embrace the Adventure (if all else fails)
Sometimes, despite all the planning, groups just don't get to sit together on Southwest. It happens. Be flexible and consider it part of the Southwest experience! You'll reunite at your destination.
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to')
Here are some quick answers to common questions about group seating on Southwest:
How to guarantee A1-A15 boarding positions for a group?
Purchase Business Select fares for every member of your group. This is the only way to guarantee those prime spots.
How to ensure my family boards together with young children?
Utilize "Family Boarding" which occurs after Group A and before Group B. Up to two adults can board with a child aged six or younger, regardless of your assigned boarding position.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In effectively for a group?
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In for every individual in your group as early as possible after booking. This automatically checks you in 36 hours before the flight, giving you an earlier boarding position.
How to check in for a group on Southwest to get good positions?
If not using EarlyBird or A-List status, set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before departure and have everyone on the same reservation check-in simultaneously for the best possible boarding positions.
How to find seats together if my group has B or C boarding passes?
Upon boarding, immediately head towards the rear of the aircraft. Seats in the back are often the last to be filled, increasing your chances of finding multiple empty seats together.
How to "hold" seats for my group on Southwest?
While not officially allowed, a common practice is for the first person to board to place a small item (jacket, magazine) on empty seats in a row and politely ask other passengers if the seats are taken, stating their group is right behind them. Be ready for them to arrive immediately.
How to get assistance if my group gets separated on the flight?
Once boarding is complete and the main doors are about to close, politely ask a flight attendant if there are any empty seats together or if any passengers are willing to switch. This is a last resort and not guaranteed.
How to book a large group reservation (10+ people) on Southwest?
For groups of 10 or more, Southwest offers "Group Travel." This can provide benefits like guaranteed same fares for the entire group, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee specific seating or pre-assigned seats. Contact Southwest's Group Sales for details.
How to know if my A-List status applies to my whole group's boarding?
If all members of your group are on the same reservation as an A-List or A-List Preferred member, they will all receive the benefit of earlier boarding positions.
How to decide whether to pay for EarlyBird Check-In for my group?
Consider the size of your group, the importance of sitting together, and your budget. For families with older children or groups of friends, EarlyBird Check-In is often a worthwhile investment to significantly improve your chances of sitting together without breaking the bank like Business Select.
