Unlocking the Southwest Airlines Boarding System: Your Ultimate Guide to Priority!
Ever found yourself at the back of the line on a Southwest flight, eyeing those prime window or aisle seats with longing? Or perhaps you're dreading the middle seat squeeze? Southwest Airlines famously operates on a first-come, first-served open seating policy, which means your boarding position is everything. Getting on the plane earlier translates directly to your pick of seats and crucial overhead bin space.
So, are you ready to ditch the C group and claim your spot closer to the front? Let's dive into the strategies that will help you master the Southwest boarding process and secure that coveted priority boarding!
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Boarding Philosophy – It's Not Like Other Airlines!
Before we talk about how to get priority, it's essential to grasp the unique way Southwest handles boarding. Unlike airlines that assign you a specific seat when you book, Southwest assigns you a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number within that group (1-60) when you check in.
Group A: Boards first, from A1 to A60.
Group B: Boards second, from B1 to B60.
Group C: Boards last, from C1 to C60.
Within each group, lower numbers board before higher numbers. This means an A15 will board before an A30, and a B1 before a B60. The goal, then, is to get as close to A1 as possible!
Step 2: Strategic Flight Booking – Choosing Your Path to an Early Boarding Pass
Your initial ticket purchase can significantly influence your boarding position. Southwest offers different fare types, and some come with inherent boarding advantages.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares: The Ultimate Priority Pass
What it is: This is Southwest's highest fare class.
Benefits: When you purchase a Business Select fare, you are guaranteed a boarding position between A1 and A15. This is the absolute best way to ensure you're among the very first to board, giving you your pick of seats and ample overhead bin space. You also get free inflight Wi-Fi and a complimentary premium drink.
Considerations: Business Select tickets are typically the most expensive option. Weigh the cost against the value of guaranteed early boarding for your specific trip.
Sub-heading: Anytime Fares: A Step Up with Included Perks
What it is: A mid-tier fare class that offers more flexibility than the Wanna Get Away fares.
Benefits: Anytime fares include EarlyBird Check-In. While not guaranteed A1-A15 like Business Select, EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, significantly increasing your chances of getting a better boarding position (often in the A or early B group). You also get refundable tickets and access to priority lanes at select airports.
Sub-heading: Wanna Get Away Plus and Basic Fares: Manual Check-In or Add-Ons
What it is: These are Southwest's most economical fare options.
Benefits: While they don't inherently come with priority boarding, you can purchase add-ons to improve your boarding position, which we'll discuss next.
Considerations: If you're on a budget, these fares are great, but be prepared to be proactive about your boarding position.
Step 3: Leveraging Add-Ons – Boosting Your Boarding Position When You Don't Have Elite Status
If you didn't purchase a Business Select or Anytime fare, don't despair! Southwest offers paid options to get you on the plane earlier.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding: The Day-Of Power Play
What it is: This allows you to purchase a boarding position between A1 and A15 (if available) within 24 hours of your flight's departure.
How to purchase:
Online: Visit
Southwest.com/upgraded-boarding Southwest App: Similar to the website, look for the "Upgraded Boarding" option after you've checked in.
At the Gate or Ticket Counter: If available, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding from a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport on the day of your flight.
Cost: Prices typically range from $30 to $80 per segment, per passenger, depending on the route and demand.
When to consider it: If you absolutely must have an A1-A15 position (e.g., traveling with a small child and want to ensure a row together, or have important carry-on luggage), Upgraded Boarding is your best bet for a one-off flight. Availability is limited, so act fast!
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In: The Set-It-and-Forget-It Option
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, before the general 24-hour check-in window opens.
How to purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight, or add it later through your reservation on Southwest.com or the Southwest app. It's generally available up to 36 hours prior to departure, depending on availability.
Cost: Prices usually range from $15 to $25 per segment, per passenger, varying by route and demand.
Benefits: While it doesn't guarantee an A group boarding pass, it significantly improves your chances of getting an earlier boarding position (often in the A or early B group) compared to waiting for the 24-hour mark. This is especially useful if you know you won't be able to check in precisely 24 hours before your flight. You'll also get earlier access to overhead bin space.
Important Note: EarlyBird Check-In is non-refundable. If you cancel your flight, you typically won't get your EarlyBird fee back unless Southwest cancels the flight.
Step 4: Achieving Elite Status – The Long-Term Priority Solution
For frequent Southwest flyers, earning A-List or A-List Preferred status is the most consistent way to secure priority boarding. These loyalty tiers come with automatic benefits.
Sub-heading: A-List Status: Consistent Early Boarding
How to earn: Fly 20 qualifying one-way flights OR earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) within a calendar year.
Benefits: You and everyone on your reservation will receive an earlier boarding position. Southwest automatically reserves your boarding position 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, often securing you an A or early B group boarding pass. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding pass. Other perks include a 25% earning bonus on points, same-day standby, and access to priority lanes at check-in and security where available.
Sub-heading: A-List Preferred Status: The Top Tier
How to earn: Fly 40 qualifying one-way flights OR earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) within a calendar year.
Benefits: All A-List benefits, plus a 100% earning bonus on points, two free checked bags, and free inflight internet. A-List Preferred members also receive an even higher priority for boarding positions compared to regular A-List members.
Sub-heading: Earning Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
Flying: The most straightforward way to earn TQPs is by flying Southwest. More expensive fares earn more TQPs.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: Certain Southwest credit cards allow you to earn TQPs through spending. For instance, some cards offer 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 in purchases, up to a maximum of 15,000 TQPs annually. This can be a great way to bridge the gap to A-List or A-List Preferred if you're close!
Step 5: Mastering the 24-Hour Check-In Window – The Free Strategy
If you haven't opted for any of the above methods, the most critical free strategy is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
Sub-heading: Be Prepared and Punctual
Set an Alarm: Seriously, set an alarm for 24 hours to the minute before your flight.
Use the App: The Southwest Airlines app is incredibly efficient for checking in. Have your confirmation number and last name ready.
Fast Fingers: As soon as the clock strikes the 24-hour mark, hit that check-in button! Boarding positions are assigned based on a combination of fare type and check-in time. The earlier you check in within that 24-hour window, the better your chances of getting an A or early B boarding position.
Why it works: Southwest's system assigns boarding positions sequentially based on who checks in first within each fare class (unless you have Business Select or A-List status, which get pre-assigned). Being among the first means a lower number.
Step 6: Special Circumstances – Who Gets to Board Early Regardless of Status or Fare?
Southwest also has specific categories of passengers who are allowed to board earlier.
Sub-heading: Pre-boarding (Passengers Needing Assistance)
Who it's for: Passengers who need a little extra time or assistance boarding the aircraft, such as those with disabilities or certain medical conditions.
How it works: You'll need to speak with a Gate Agent before general boarding begins to request pre-boarding. They will assess your needs.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
Who it's for: Passengers traveling with children six years old or younger.
When it happens: Family boarding occurs after the A group has boarded, but before the B group. This allows families to board early enough to find seats together.
Sub-heading: Active Duty Military
Who it's for: Active duty military personnel.
When it happens: Similar to family boarding, active duty military members are typically invited to board between the A and B groups.
Step 7: At the Gate – Understanding the Boarding Process
Even with a great boarding position, knowing the mechanics at the gate helps.
Monitor the Screen: Most Southwest gates have monitors displaying the current boarding group and position.
Line Up: Southwest uses numbered poles at the gate. When your group and position are called, find your spot in line between the corresponding numbers (e.g., A1-A30, A31-A60).
Boarding Card: Have your boarding pass (on your phone or printed) ready, as it will clearly show your boarding group and position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Priority Boarding
Here are 10 common questions about getting priority boarding on Southwest, with quick answers:
How to get the best boarding position on Southwest Airlines? The best way is to purchase a Business Select fare, which guarantees an A1-A15 position, or achieve A-List/A-List Preferred elite status.
How to purchase Upgraded Boarding on Southwest? You can purchase Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15) within 24 hours of your flight's departure via Southwest.com, the Southwest app, or at the gate/ticket counter, subject to availability.
How to get EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest flights? EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased when you book your flight or added later through your reservation on Southwest.com or the Southwest app up to 36 hours before departure.
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is worth it? EarlyBird Check-In is generally worth it if you prioritize an earlier boarding position but cannot guarantee checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, or if you frequently fly Southwest and want to avoid the rush.
How to get A-List status with Southwest Airlines? Earn A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or accumulating 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points within a calendar year.
How to get priority boarding if I'm traveling with young children on Southwest? Southwest offers "Family Boarding" after the A group has boarded, allowing passengers traveling with children aged six or younger to board together.
How to check in 24 hours before a Southwest flight for a better position? Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time and immediately check in via the Southwest app or website.
How to use a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for boarding benefits? Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer statement credits for Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In, and some allow you to earn Tier Qualifying Points towards A-List status through spending.
How to handle multiple passengers on one reservation for priority boarding? If one passenger on the reservation has A-List or A-List Preferred status, all passengers on that same reservation will receive the priority boarding benefit. For other methods like Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In, you typically purchase it per passenger.
How to get priority boarding as an active duty military member on Southwest? Active duty military personnel are usually invited to board between the A and B groups, regardless of their assigned boarding position.
