Alright, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the fascinating (and sometimes bewildering) world of Southwest Airlines' seating! Unlike almost every other major airline, Southwest has a truly unique approach, and understanding it is key to a smooth and stress-free journey.
So, you've booked a flight on Southwest, and you're wondering, "How in the world do seats work here?" Excellent question! If you're used to picking your exact seat number weeks in advance, get ready for a different kind of adventure. Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served open seating policy, which means you don't get an assigned seat number until you're actually on the plane.
Sound chaotic? It can be if you're not prepared, but with this guide, you'll be navigating the boarding process like a seasoned Southwest pro!
Step 1: Understanding the "Open Seating" Concept - Your First Big Revelation!
Let's cut right to the chase: Southwest Airlines does NOT assign specific seat numbers when you book your ticket. This is the fundamental difference. Instead, they operate on a system where you choose your seat once you board the aircraft. This "open seating" philosophy aims to speed up boarding and offer more flexibility to passengers.
What it means for you: When you get your boarding pass, you won't see "Seat 12A" or "Window." Instead, you'll see a Boarding Group (A, B, or C) and a Boarding Position (a number from 1 to 60). This combination determines your place in the boarding line, which in turn largely dictates your seat selection options.
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| How Do Seats Work On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: The Crucial 24-Hour Window: Check-In is Everything!
This is the most critical step in securing a good seat on Southwest. Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in for your flight.
When to Check In: Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Why it's important: The earlier you check in within that 24-hour window, the better your boarding position will generally be. Passengers are assigned boarding positions sequentially as they check in. So, the first person to check in gets A1, the second A2, and so on.
How to Check In:
Online: Go to Southwest.com and click on "Check In." You'll need your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Southwest Mobile App: Even easier! Download the Southwest Airlines app, and you can check in with a few taps. The app often sends a notification reminder when it's time to check in, which can be incredibly helpful.
Airport Kiosk or Ticket Counter: You can also check in at the airport, but by this point, many of the prime boarding positions may already be taken.
Step 3: Deciphering Your Boarding Pass: Groups and Positions
Once you've successfully checked in, you'll receive your boarding pass, either digitally or printed. This pass will display your Boarding Group (A, B, or C) and your Boarding Position (1-60).
Group A (Positions A1-A60): These are the golden tickets. Passengers in Group A board first. If you're in this group, you'll have the widest selection of seats, including window seats, aisle seats, and seats near the front of the plane.
Group B (Positions B1-B60): These passengers board after Group A. While you'll still likely find a good seat, your options will be more limited. You might find yourself in a middle seat or further back in the cabin, especially on a full flight.
Group C (Positions C1-C60): These are the last to board. If you're in Group C on a full flight, be prepared for potentially only middle seats being available, or seats towards the very back of the plane. Sitting with travel companions might also be a challenge without strategic maneuvering.
Step 4: Enhancing Your Boarding Position (Optional but Recommended for Comfort!)
While checking in exactly 24 hours out is your primary tool, Southwest offers several ways to improve your chances of getting an earlier boarding position, often at an additional cost.
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In: Pay for Peace of Mind
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is an optional add-on that Southwest offers during booking. When you purchase EarlyBird, Southwest automatically checks you in starting 36 hours before your flight's departure, a full 12 hours before general check-in opens.
Benefits: This significantly increases your likelihood of securing a coveted A or early B boarding position. It means you don't have to set an alarm to check in precisely 24 hours before your flight.
Cost: The price for EarlyBird Check-In varies by flight, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight.
Who it's good for: If you value seat choice and overhead bin space, or if you simply don't want the stress of remembering to check in exactly at the 24-hour mark, EarlyBird Check-In is a worthwhile investment.
Sub-heading: Business Select: The Ultimate Priority
What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class. It comes with a premium price tag but offers the most benefits, including guaranteed top boarding positions.
Benefits:
Guaranteed A1-A15 Boarding Position: This is the best boarding position you can get, ensuring you're among the very first people on the plane.
Fully refundable tickets.
Two free checked bags.
Complimentary premium drink on flights over 250 miles.
Free inflight internet (where available).
Bonus Rapid Rewards points.
Who it's good for: Business travelers or those who absolutely need the best possible seat selection and flexibility, regardless of cost.
Sub-heading: Wanna Get Away Plus: A New Tier of Flexibility (and Seating Options)
What it is: A newer fare class introduced by Southwest, bridging the gap between their "Wanna Get Away" (basic) and "Anytime" fares.
Seating Benefits (post-May 28, 2025): With recent changes, Wanna Get Away Plus fares may allow for selection of a Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours of departure, depending on availability. This offers a bit more control than the basic fare.
Other Benefits: Transferable flight credits (a huge perk!), same-day flight changes (if space is available), and higher Rapid Rewards point earning.
Who it's good for: Travelers who want more flexibility than the basic fare, including some potential for earlier seat selection, without the full cost of Business Select.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding: Last-Minute Boost
What it is: If you didn't purchase Business Select or EarlyBird Check-In, you might have the option to purchase an upgraded boarding position at the gate on the day of travel.
Availability: This is subject to availability and typically puts you in an A1-A15 boarding position.
Cost: The cost varies but can be around $30-$80 per flight segment.
Who it's good for: Anyone who missed the early check-in window and desperately wants a better seat, if available.
Sub-heading: A-List and A-List Preferred Status: Elite Perks
What it is: These are Southwest's elite frequent flyer tiers.
Benefits: A-List members automatically receive a boarding position between A16-A60 (or better if available), and A-List Preferred members typically receive positions A1-A15. This is a significant advantage for frequent flyers.
How to achieve: Earn a certain number of qualifying flights or points within a calendar year.
Who it's good for: Frequent Southwest flyers who benefit from priority boarding on every flight.
Step 5: The Boarding Process at the Gate: Lining Up
Southwest has a highly organized (once you understand it!) boarding process at the gate.
Pre-Boarding: This is for passengers with disabilities or those needing special assistance who require a specific seat to accommodate their disability, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. They board before Group A.
A Group Boarding: The gate agent will announce when it's time for Group A to begin lining up. You'll see numbered poles or markers at the gate (e.g., A1-A30 on one side, A31-A60 on the other). Find your number and stand in line accordingly.
Family Boarding: This is a huge perk for families! After Group A has boarded, but before Group B, Southwest offers "Family Boarding." This allows up to two adults traveling with a child aged six or younger to board together. This is a fantastic way for families to secure seats together without having to worry as much about their initial check-in time. If your family has A boarding passes, you should board with your A group.
B Group Boarding: Once Group A is on board, the gate agent will call for Group B to line up, following the same numerical order system.
C Group Boarding: Finally, Group C will be called.
Tip: Pay attention to the gate announcements and the monitors! They will clearly indicate which group and position numbers are being called to line up.
Step 6: Onboard: The Seat Selection "Scramble" (or lack thereof, if you're prepared!)
Once you step onto the plane, it's time to choose your seat.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
The Goal: Find any open seat that suits your preference.
Common Strategies:
Window or Aisle? If you have an A boarding position, you'll have your pick. If you're in the back of the line, you might have to settle for what's left.
Front vs. Back: Many people gravitate towards the front of the plane for a quicker exit. However, if you're in a later boarding group (B or C), consider heading straight to the back. Often, there are more open seats available towards the rear, as people fill from front to back.
Saving Seats: Southwest's policy is generally that you cannot "save" seats for companions who are in a later boarding group. While some passengers might try to place bags on empty seats, flight attendants may ask them to remove the items, especially on full flights. It's generally best to board together if you want to sit together, or utilize Family Boarding if applicable.
Exit Row Seating: These seats offer more legroom but come with restrictions. Passengers in exit rows must be 15 years or older, willing and able to assist in an emergency, and speak English. Flight attendants will typically verify these requirements.
Step 7: Special Considerations and Exceptions
Southwest's open seating model has some nuances for specific travelers.
Passengers with Disabilities: Southwest provides pre-boarding for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. One travel companion may preboard with them. If you simply need a little extra time to board, but don't qualify for pre-boarding, you may board between the "A" and "B" groups (after Group A, before Family Boarding). Always communicate your needs to a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate.
Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5-11): Unaccompanied Minors are generally escorted onto the aircraft by a Southwest employee before general boarding begins and are introduced to the Flight Attendant. They are not continuously monitored but will have periodic check-ins. Southwest does not permit unaccompanied minors on connecting flights or international flights.
Lap Children (Under 2 years old): One child under two years of age can travel as a lap child with an adult (12 years or older) free of charge on domestic flights. For international flights, applicable taxes and fees apply. While not requiring a seat, you will need a Boarding Verification Document. If you purchase a seat for your lap child, you can use an approved child restraint system.
Medical Oxygen/Special Equipment: Southwest has specific policies regarding medical equipment. Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) that are FAA-approved and Southwest-accepted are allowed. Other medical devices requiring aircraft power are generally not permitted. Always contact Southwest in advance to confirm requirements for any medical equipment you plan to bring.
The Evolution of Southwest Seating: What's Changing?
It's important to note that Southwest Airlines has been making some adjustments to its seating offerings. While the core "open seating" model remains, new fare bundles (Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, Choice, and Basic, introduced by May 28, 2025) are designed to give customers more options to customize their travel. These new bundles may include benefits like:
Extra Legroom seats: A roomier experience, often at the front of the cabin or near exit rows.
Preferred seats: Standard legroom seats closer to the front of the cabin.
Standard seats: Standard legroom seats towards the back of the cabin.
While these new options offer more choice, the fundamental boarding process based on group and position still largely dictates your ability to access these preferred seats, especially for those not on the highest fare classes. The earlier you board, the more options you'll have, regardless of the new fare types.
In Conclusion:
Southwest Airlines' seating system is different, but once you understand it, it's quite manageable. The key takeaways are:
No assigned seats until boarding.
Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight! This is your best free strategy for a good boarding position.
Consider EarlyBird Check-In or Business Select for guaranteed better positions.
Utilize Family Boarding if you're traveling with young children.
When on board, if you're in a later group, head towards the back of the plane for more seat availability.
With these tips, you'll be able to navigate the Southwest boarding process like a seasoned traveler and hopefully snag that window or aisle seat you desire!
10 Related FAQ Questions with Quick Answers
Here are some common questions about Southwest Airlines seating:
QuickTip: Repeat difficult lines until they’re clear.
How to get an A boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
The best ways are to purchase a Business Select fare (guaranteed A1-A15), purchase EarlyBird Check-In (automatic check-in 36 hours before departure, leading to earlier positions), or check in exactly 24 hours before your flight the moment check-in opens.
How to sit with my family on Southwest Airlines?
Utilize Family Boarding if you are traveling with a child aged six or younger (up to two adults per child). If not eligible for Family Boarding, your best bet is to check in as early as possible (24 hours prior) to get closer boarding positions, or purchase EarlyBird Check-In for everyone in your party.
How to get more legroom on Southwest Airlines?
You can get more legroom by selecting an Extra Legroom seat (available with certain new fare types, or if you board early enough to choose them). Exit row seats also offer more legroom but have specific passenger requirements.
How to check in for a Southwest Airlines flight?
You can check in online at Southwest.com, via the Southwest mobile app, or at an airport kiosk/ticket counter, starting 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest Airlines?
Get an early boarding position (Group A or early Group B) by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying Business Select. The earlier you board, the more likely you are to find a window or aisle seat.
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
How to board with a disability on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest offers pre-boarding for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat or assistance. Inform a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate, and they will assess if you qualify. One travel companion may preboard with you.
How to change my seat on Southwest Airlines?
Since Southwest has open seating, you don't "change" a pre-assigned seat. Instead, you secure a better boarding position to have more options when you board. Once on the plane, you can choose any available open seat.
How to use Southwest's Companion Pass for seating?
When using a Companion Pass, you must book your flight first, then add your designated companion. Your companion will receive a boarding position based on check-in time (or A-List status/EarlyBird if applicable), while the primary pass holder's position is determined by their fare type/status. The key is to book both segments as early as possible.
How to know my boarding position before checking in on Southwest?
You won't know your exact boarding position (A, B, or C with a number) until you check in, starting 24 hours before your flight. However, if you purchase Business Select, you are guaranteed A1-A15.
How to manage flight credits for seating changes on Southwest?
Flight credits on Southwest allow you to rebook flights. While they don't directly influence your seating selection process, they provide flexibility in changing your travel plans, which in turn might allow you to book a flight where you can then apply strategies (like EarlyBird Check-In) to get a better boarding position. Newer fare types like Wanna Get Away Plus offer transferable flight credits, adding more flexibility.
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