Alright, buckle up, because if you're flying Southwest, getting the "best" seat isn't about picking a number on a map, but about timing and strategy. Southwest Airlines operates on an open seating policy, meaning there are no assigned seats until you board. It's like a free-for-all for the choicest spots, and your ability to snag one hinges entirely on your boarding position.
So, are you ready to master the Southwest seating game? Let's dive in!
The Ultimate Guide to Snagging the Best Seats on Southwest Airlines
Southwest's unique boarding process can seem daunting at first, but with a little know-how, you can significantly improve your chances of getting the seat you desire. Forget the stress and get ready to strategically secure your spot!
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Boarding Process – Your Foundation for Success!
Before we talk about getting the best seats, you absolutely need to grasp how Southwest boards its planes. This isn't your typical assigned-seat airline!
Groups and Numbers: Southwest assigns each passenger a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within that group (1-60). So, your boarding pass will say something like "A32" or "B15."
Sequential Boarding: Passengers board in order: A1-A60, then B1-B60, and finally C1-C60. Within each group, you board sequentially by your number.
Open Seating: Once you step onto the plane, it's first-come, first-served for any available seat. The earlier you board, the more choices you have.
Engage User: Think about your last Southwest flight. Did you get the seat you wanted? What group were you in? Understanding your past experience is the first step to improving your future flights!
Step 2: Mastering the Check-In Time – The Golden Rule of Southwest
This is arguably the most critical step in getting a good seat on Southwest. Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in for your flight.
The 24-Hour Window: Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Be Prepared and Punctual:
Set a reminder on your phone for 24 hours prior to departure. Seriously, set an alarm!
Have your confirmation number ready.
Be logged into your Southwest account (if you have one) on the website or mobile app.
At the precise moment the 24-hour window opens, hit that check-in button!
Why is this so important? The earlier you check in, the lower your boarding number will be, which means you'll board earlier and have more seats to choose from. Even a few seconds can make a difference between an A-group and a B-group position on a popular flight.
Step 3: Invest in EarlyBird Check-In – A Paid Advantage
If precision timing isn't your forte, or you simply want a higher guarantee of an early boarding position without the 24-hour dash, EarlyBird Check-In is your best friend.
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in before the standard 24-hour window, typically between 36 and 24 hours before your flight.
How it works: You purchase EarlyBird Check-In (prices vary, usually between $15-$99 per person, per one-way flight) at the time of booking or up to 26 hours before your flight. Southwest then automatically checks you in, securing you a better boarding position than if you waited for the 24-hour mark.
When to consider it:
High-demand flights: If you're traveling during peak times, on popular routes, or on a particularly full flight, EarlyBird Check-In can be a game-changer.
Group travel: If you're traveling with family or friends and want to sit together, EarlyBird significantly increases your chances.
Value your seat choice: If having an aisle or window seat, or simply being towards the front of the plane, is important to you, the cost might be worth it.
Note: Even with EarlyBird, your position isn't guaranteed to be A1. It's based on when you purchased EarlyBird relative to others who also purchased it, and the number of Business Select passengers.
Step 4: Leverage Elite Status (Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred) – The Ultimate Perk
For frequent Southwest flyers, achieving Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status is the holy grail for superior boarding.
Automatic Priority Boarding: A-List and A-List Preferred members (and everyone on their reservation!) automatically receive priority boarding positions (usually within the A group) 36 hours prior to the flight. This means no frantic 24-hour check-in necessary.
A-List Benefits:
A-List: Priority boarding, free first checked bag, 25% earning bonus on points.
A-List Preferred: Even better priority boarding, two free checked bags, free in-flight internet, 100% earning bonus, and more.
How to Earn Status: You earn A-List by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. For A-List Preferred, it's 40 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points. Southwest credit cards can also help you earn qualifying points.
If you fly Southwest frequently, this is the single best way to consistently get great seats.
Step 5: Consider Business Select Fares – Guaranteed Top Tier
If you absolutely, positively must have one of the very first boarding positions, Business Select fares offer this guarantee.
A1-A15 Boarding: Business Select tickets automatically come with an A1-A15 boarding position. This ensures you'll be among the first onto the plane, giving you the widest selection of seats.
Additional Perks: Business Select also includes perks like Fly By priority lane access, a complimentary premium drink, and higher Rapid Rewards points earning.
Cost: These fares are typically the most expensive, so weigh the benefits against the price. It's usually a good option for business travelers or those for whom a specific seat is non-negotiable.
Step 6: Utilize Upgraded Boarding – A Day-Of Option
If you find yourself with a less-than-ideal boarding position on the day of travel, Upgraded Boarding can be a last-minute savior.
Purchase at the Gate or Kiosk: Subject to availability, you can purchase an Upgraded Boarding position (A1-A15) at the gate or self-service kiosk on the day of your flight.
Price: This typically costs between $30 and $80 per segment, depending on the route.
When to Use It: This is a great option if you missed the 24-hour check-in window, didn't purchase EarlyBird, or simply ended up with a bad boarding number and need to ensure a better seat. It's not always available, so it's a gamble.
Step 7: Understand Family Boarding – A Special Consideration
Southwest is very family-friendly, and they have a specific boarding process for those traveling with young children.
Who Qualifies: If you are traveling with a child six years old or younger, up to two adults may board during Family Boarding.
When it Occurs: Family Boarding takes place after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins.
Benefits: This allows families to board earlier than their assigned B or C positions, giving them a much better chance of finding seats together.
Important Note: If you already have an A boarding position (e.g., from A-List or Business Select), it's better to board with your A group, as that's even earlier than Family Boarding.
Step 8: Strategic Seat Selection Onboard – Once You're In!
Once you've boarded the plane, here's how to maximize your chances of getting that "best" seat:
Head to the Back (Sometimes): Many passengers naturally gravitate towards the front of the plane. This often means the back of the plane has more open seats, especially early on. If you're looking for an empty row or seats together for a group, heading towards the rear can pay off.
Window or Aisle?
Window seats offer views and a place to rest your head.
Aisle seats provide easy access to the lavatory and the ability to stretch your legs without disturbing others.
Middle seats are generally the last to be filled.
Emergency Exit Rows: These seats offer significantly more legroom. However, you must meet certain requirements (e.g., be able to assist in an emergency, be at least 15 years old, not traveling with a lap infant). Flight attendants will usually verify these requirements. These are often the first to go, so an A-group boarding pass is crucial.
Bulkhead Seats: The very first row of seats (behind the galley or a divider) offers extra legroom because there are no seats in front of them. However, they lack under-seat storage and may have fixed armrests. These are also highly sought after.
Avoid the Last Row: Seats in the very last row often do not recline and are close to the lavatories, which can mean more traffic and noise.
Look for "The Unicorn" (Empty Middle Seat): If the flight isn't completely full, sometimes you can strategically pick an aisle or window seat in a row where the middle seat is still open, hoping it remains unoccupied. This is more of a lottery win, but it happens!
Step 9: Special Circumstances – Disability, Military, and More
Southwest has provisions for passengers with special needs or certain affiliations.
Preboarding: Passengers with disabilities or those who need extra time/assistance boarding may be eligible for preboarding, which occurs before the A group. You'll need to speak with a Gate Agent to determine eligibility.
Active Duty Military: Active duty military personnel in uniform may board during the Family Boarding period (after A group, before B group).
Unaccompanied Minors: Unaccompanied Minors preboard the flight for assistance.
Quick Recap and Strategy Synthesis:
Prioritize Check-in: Set that 24-hour alarm!
Consider EarlyBird: If you value convenience and a better shot at an A/early B position.
Elite Status is King: For frequent flyers, A-List/Preferred is the ultimate advantage.
Business Select for Guaranteed Front: If budget allows and absolute first boarding is essential.
Upgraded Boarding as a Last Resort: A viable option if available on the day of travel.
Family Boarding: A great perk for those with young kids.
Onboard Strategy: Know where the "good" seats are (exit rows, bulkhead, over the wing for smoothness) and consider heading to the back for more choices.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get an A boarding pass on Southwest? The best ways are to purchase a Business Select fare, achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status, or purchase EarlyBird Check-In and check in as early as possible within the 24-hour window if you don't have elite status or EarlyBird.
How to get more legroom on Southwest Airlines? Aim for an Emergency Exit Row or Bulkhead seat. These offer significantly more legroom. Your best chance of getting one is by having an A boarding position (Business Select, A-List/Preferred, or early EarlyBird).
How to sit with my family on Southwest Airlines? If you're traveling with a child six years old or younger, utilize Family Boarding (after the A group). Otherwise, your best bet is to ensure everyone in your party has an early boarding position (e.g., through EarlyBird Check-In or by checking in exactly 24 hours before departure) so you can board together and find seats.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest? The most effective way is to get an A boarding position. If you end up in the B or C group, head towards the back of the plane, as middle seats tend to fill up first in the front and middle sections.
How to get a window seat on Southwest? Secure an early boarding position (A group is ideal). Once on the plane, prioritize heading to a row with an open window seat before others claim them.
How to get an aisle seat on Southwest? Similar to window seats, an early boarding position is key. Upon boarding, quickly identify rows with open aisle seats.
How to know if my flight will be full on Southwest? While Southwest doesn't publicly share exact load factors, you can sometimes infer fullness by how quickly EarlyBird Check-In sells out, or by observing how many seats are open when checking in online (though this isn't a perfect indicator). Higher prices generally indicate higher demand and fuller flights.
How to change my seat on Southwest after boarding? Once you're on the plane and seated, you generally cannot change your seat unless a flight attendant moves you for operational reasons (e.g., weight and balance). The "seat selection" happens as you board.
How to get priority boarding on Southwest without elite status? You can purchase a Business Select fare, buy EarlyBird Check-In, or purchase an Upgraded Boarding position at the gate on the day of travel (subject to availability).
How to check in 24 hours exactly before my Southwest flight? Set an alarm on your phone for exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's departure time (check the time zone of your departure airport!). Have your confirmation number ready and check in via the Southwest app or website at that precise moment.