Get ready to unlock the secrets of Southwest Airlines' unique seating system! If you've ever flown with them, you know it's a bit different from other airlines. No assigned seats, right? Well, that's been the classic Southwest experience, but exciting changes are coming! Southwest has announced a shift towards assigned seating in 2026, alongside new fare bundles and premium seat options. This post will cover both the current "open seating" process and give you a sneak peek into the upcoming assigned seating model.
Let's dive in and make sure you're well-equipped for your next Southwest journey!
The Classic Southwest Experience: Open Seating (Current until Q1 2026)
For decades, Southwest Airlines has stood out with its "open seating" policy. This means you don't pick a specific seat when you book your ticket. Instead, your focus is on getting a good boarding position, which then dictates your choice of seat once you're on the plane. It's like a strategic game of musical chairs, and with a few tips, you can master it!
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| How Do Seat Assignments Work On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Engage and Understand the Basics – What's a Boarding Position?
Before we go any further, let me ask you: Have you ever looked at your Southwest boarding pass and seen something like A35 or B12? If so, you've already encountered the core of Southwest's current seating system!
That combination of a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60+) is your boarding position. It determines when you get to board the plane. The earlier your position, the better your chances of snagging your preferred seat. It's a simple, yet effective, method that prioritizes those who check in earliest or have certain fare types or elite status.
Step 2: Securing Your Boarding Position – The Race Against the Clock (or a Strategic Advantage!)
Your boarding position is the key to your seat. Here's how it works:
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Check-In Rush
The most common way to get a good boarding position is to check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Southwest's system assigns boarding positions based on when you check in. The earlier you check in, the lower your number within your assigned group (A, B, or C). Many seasoned Southwest travelers even set alarms to ensure they check in precisely at the 24-hour mark!
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In: A Paid Advantage
Don't want to set an alarm or risk a late check-in? Southwest offers EarlyBird Check-In.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
What it is: For an additional fee, Southwest automatically checks you in and assigns your boarding position up to 36 hours before your flight. This gives you a significant advantage over those who wait for the standard 24-hour window.
Benefits: You'll generally receive an earlier boarding position (often in the "A" or early "B" group), increasing your chances of getting your desired window, aisle, or even exit row seat. It also means earlier access to overhead bin space.
Who it's for: This is ideal for travelers who value convenience and want to maximize their chances of a preferred seat without the stress of manual check-in.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares: The Ultimate Priority
If you purchase a Business Select fare, you're guaranteed one of the best boarding positions: A1-A15.
Benefits: This ensures you're among the very first to board, giving you virtually your pick of any seat on the plane. It also comes with other perks like a complimentary premium drink and higher Rapid Rewards points earnings.
Who it's for: Business travelers or those who simply demand the absolute best seating options.
Sub-heading: A-List and A-List Preferred Status: Rewarding Loyalty
Southwest's Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred elite status members also receive priority boarding.
A-List: You and everyone on your reservation get an earlier boarding position. Southwest automatically reserves your boarding position 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In.
A-List Preferred: You get all the A-List benefits, plus a 100% earning bonus on points and two free checked bags. Your boarding position is also automatically reserved 36 hours in advance.
Who it's for: Frequent Southwest flyers who have achieved elite status through qualifying flights or tier qualifying points.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding: Last-Minute Boost
If you didn't purchase EarlyBird or Business Select, you might still have a chance to improve your position.
What it is: Subject to availability, you can purchase an upgraded boarding position (often within the A1-A15 range) starting 24 hours before departure or at the gate.
Availability: These are limited and sell out quickly, so if you're serious about getting a better spot, look for this option as soon as it becomes available.
Who it's for: Travelers who realize at the last minute they want a better seat or forgot to check in early.
Step 3: The Boarding Process at the Gate – Lining Up for Your Seat
Once you have your boarding pass with your group and number, here's how it unfolds at the gate:
Sub-heading: The A Group Boards First
The gate agent will call for passengers to line up according to their groups. First, it's the A group (A1-A60), followed by B, and then C.
Preboarding: This happens before the A group. It's for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. One companion can preboard with them. Unaccompanied minors also preboard.
Family Boarding: This is a fantastic perk for families! If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, up to two adults can board with the child during Family Boarding. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding. This helps families find seats together without needing to secure an early "A" position.
Sub-heading: The Line Up
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
You'll notice numbered poles or markings at the gate. Line up according to your number within your group. For example, if you're A35, you'll stand between the A31-35 and A36-40 markers.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Seat
Once your group is called, you'll walk onto the plane and choose any available open seat. This is where your early boarding position pays off!
Tips for finding a good seat:
Front of the plane: Generally fills up first.
Exit rows: Offer more legroom but have restrictions (e.g., must be able to assist in an emergency, no carry-on bags on the floor during takeoff/landing).
Window or aisle: Your preference, but these go quickly. Middle seats are usually the last to be filled.
If you're traveling with companions and have later boarding positions, head towards the back of the plane. You're more likely to find multiple seats together there.
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Step 4: Upcoming Changes: Assigned Seating in 2026 – A New Era for Southwest
Southwest Airlines has announced a significant shift from its long-standing open seating policy to an assigned seating model, expected to launch in Q1 2026. This is a major change influenced by customer feedback and market trends.
Sub-heading: Why the Change?
Southwest's research indicates that a substantial majority of both existing and potential customers prefer assigned seats. This move aims to broaden their appeal and enhance the overall customer experience, especially for longer flights.
Sub-heading: New Fare Bundles and Seat Options
Along with assigned seating, Southwest is introducing updated fare bundles with new benefits and new seat options:
Choice Extra (formerly Business Select®): Includes the ability to select an Extra Legroom seat at the time of booking. Also offers earlier boarding (likely still within a priority group), two free checked bags, refundability, and day-of-travel perks.
Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime): Includes the ability to select a Preferred seat at the time of booking. Also offers earlier boarding and refundability.
Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus®): Includes the ability to select a Standard seat at the time of booking, transferable flight credit, and flexibility for same-day changes.
Basic (replaces Wanna Get Away®): For the most cost-effective travel. Customers who purchase Basic will have a Standard seat assigned at check-in. This fare is nonrefundable and will not allow for changes, though customers can upgrade to a higher fare.
Sub-heading: New Seat Types
Southwest's cabins will feature new seat choices to accommodate the assigned seating model:
Standard Seat: Standard legroom seats, typically located towards the back of the cabin.
Preferred Seat: Standard legroom seats, but positioned closer to the front of the cabin.
Extra Legroom Seat: A roomier experience with more legroom, found at the front of the cabin and in exit rows. These seats may also offer earlier access to overhead bin space, extra snacks, and complimentary premium beverages.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Sub-heading: What This Means for You
When booking for travel from Q1 2026 onwards, you will likely be able to select your seat directly when you purchase your ticket, depending on the fare bundle you choose.
The "race to check-in" for a good boarding position will be replaced by the ability to secure your preferred seat at the time of booking (for certain fare types) or during check-in for others.
The boarding process will still likely involve groups, but instead of choosing any open seat, you'll head directly to your assigned seat.
This transition marks a significant evolution for Southwest Airlines, aiming to balance their unique brand identity with modern customer preferences.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Get the Best Seat on Southwest Airlines (Current System)?
To get the best seat under the current open seating system, check in precisely 24 hours before your flight's departure to secure an early boarding position (ideally in the A group). Alternatively, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, a Business Select fare, or leverage your A-List/A-List Preferred status for automatic early check-in.
How to Board with a Family on Southwest Airlines?
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you can utilize Family Boarding, which occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins. Up to two adults can board with the child during this time, regardless of their assigned boarding positions, ensuring you can find seats together.
How to Check In for a Southwest Flight?
You can check in for your Southwest flight online at Southwest.com or via the Southwest app starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name to retrieve your boarding pass.
How to Know Your Boarding Group and Position?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) will be displayed on your boarding pass after you check in for your flight.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
How to Get More Legroom on Southwest Airlines (Current System)?
Under the current open seating system, you can try to secure an exit row seat or a bulkhead seat (the first row in a section) by having an early boarding position (A group). These seats offer more space.
How to Preboard on Southwest Airlines?
Preboarding is available for customers with disabilities who need specific seating accommodations, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine if you qualify and receive a "PRBD" boarding pass.
How to Change Your Flight After Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In?
If you change your flight after purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, the EarlyBird purchase is generally non-transferable and non-refundable. You would need to purchase it again for your new flight if you desire the same benefit.
How to Board if You Need Extra Time but Don't Qualify for Preboarding?
Customers with disabilities who simply need a little extra time to board or be seated, but don't qualify for preboarding, may board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. Request an "XT" boarding pass from a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate.
How to Fly with a Pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an approved pet carrier in the cabin on domestic flights. You must make a reservation in advance by calling Southwest, and there is a pet fare. The carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you.
How to Stay Updated on Southwest's Assigned Seating Rollout?
Keep an eye on Southwest's official website (Southwest.com) and their customer communications. They will provide detailed information regarding the rollout of assigned seating, new fare bundles, and seat options as Q1 2026 approaches.
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