Flying Southwest Airlines often sparks questions about seating, primarily because they operate with a unique open seating policy. Unlike most airlines that assign you a specific seat number when you book, Southwest embraces a first-come, first-served approach once you're on board. This means you get to pick your own seat from what's available!
While this might sound like a free-for-all, there's a highly structured boarding process designed to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Understanding this system is key to getting the seat you want and making your Southwest journey a breeze. So, let's dive into the step-by-step guide on how seating works at Southwest Airlines!
Step 1: Engage with the Check-in Process (Your First Opportunity to Influence Seating!)
Alright, buckle up, because your journey to your preferred seat on Southwest begins even before you get to the airport! This is where you can significantly influence your boarding position, and consequently, your seat choice.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Check-in Window: Your Golden Ticket
Southwest Airlines opens online check-in exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. This is a critical moment. The earlier you check in within this window, the better your boarding position will be.
Set an Alarm! Many seasoned Southwest travelers set an alarm for 24 hours before their flight to check in right away. This often secures you a coveted "A" group boarding pass.
What you need: All you need is your confirmation number and your first and last name to check in online or via the Southwest app.
Receiving your boarding pass: Once you've checked in, you can print your boarding pass, download it to the Southwest app, or choose to receive a text message with your boarding information.
Sub-heading: Boosting Your Boarding Position (Optional Purchases and Status)
While checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark is crucial for a good boarding position, Southwest offers ways to further enhance your chances of boarding early:
EarlyBird Check-In: This is a popular option for those who don't want to set a 24-hour alarm. For a fee, Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's departure. This gives you a significant advantage over those checking in at the regular 24-hour mark. While it doesn't guarantee an "A" position, it greatly increases your likelihood.
Business Select Fares: If you've purchased a Business Select fare, congratulations! You are guaranteed a boarding position between A1 and A15. This is the top tier for boarding, giving you essentially first pick of any seat on the plane.
A-List and A-List Preferred Status: Loyal Southwest flyers who achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status automatically receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are reserved 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, giving them an early spot in the "A" or early "B" groups.
Step 2: Understanding Your Boarding Pass: Group and Position
Once you've checked in, your boarding pass will display a combination of a letter and a number, for example, "A30" or "B45." This is your boarding group and position.
Sub-heading: The Three Boarding Groups: A, B, and C
Southwest utilizes three distinct boarding groups:
Group A: These are the first to board, typically positions A1-A60. Passengers with Business Select fares will be in A1-A15. A-List, A-List Preferred, and EarlyBird Check-In passengers will generally fill out the rest of the A group.
Group B: This is the second group to board, usually positions B1-B60. If you checked in promptly at the 24-hour mark without any upgrades, you might find yourself in this group.
Group C: The last group to board, C1-C60. If you check in late, closer to the flight departure, or at the airport, you're likely to be in the C group.
Sub-heading: The Number: Your Place in Line
The number on your boarding pass (e.g., A30) indicates your position within your assigned group. So, A1 boards before A2, B1 before B2, and so on.
Step 3: The Gate Area: Lining Up for Boarding
This is where the "cattle call" reputation of Southwest sometimes comes into play, but it's actually quite organized once you understand it.
Sub-heading: The Boarding Poles: Your Visual Cue
At the gate, you'll notice numbered poles or markers on the floor. These are typically arranged in rows, indicating positions A1-30, A31-60, B1-30, B31-60, and so on.
Find your spot: When your group is called, you're expected to line up in numerical order between the two poles corresponding to your boarding position. For example, if you're B25, you'll stand between the B1 and B30 poles, somewhere around the 25 mark.
Don't worry too much about exact precision; the gate agents understand there will be some natural variation. The key is to be in the correct group and generally in your numerical order.
Sub-heading: Special Boarding Categories: Beyond A, B, C
Before the A group is called, a few special categories board:
Preboarding: This is for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device. You'll need to speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket or departure gate counter to determine if you qualify and receive a special boarding pass marked "PRBD." Note: If you preboard, you generally cannot occupy an exit row seat. One travel companion may preboard with you.
Customers Needing Extra Time (XT): If you have a disability but don't require specific seating or extensive assistance, you may board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. Speak to a gate agent to get a boarding pass marked "XT."
Families with Young Children: Southwest has a Family Boarding policy. Up to two adults traveling with a child age six or younger may board after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding. This is a fantastic perk for families, ensuring they can find seats together. If your entire family has "A" boarding passes, it's usually better to board with your assigned "A" position.
Step 4: On the Plane: The Open Seating Experience
This is where the magic (or mild chaos, depending on your perspective) of Southwest's open seating truly unfolds.
Sub-heading: Scan Your Boarding Pass and Find Your Seat!
As you walk onto the plane, an operations agent will scan your boarding pass. Then, it's time to choose!
Early Boarders (A group): You'll have the widest selection of seats. Many prefer window or aisle seats towards the front of the plane for a quicker exit. Exit row seats also offer more legroom.
Mid-pack Boarders (B group): You'll still find a decent selection, but some of the prime spots (front rows, exit rows, prime window/aisle) might be taken. Consider looking towards the middle or back of the plane for good options.
Late Boarders (C group): You'll likely be looking at a lot of middle seats, especially if the flight is full. Don't despair! Sometimes there's an odd window or aisle seat in the very back, or a row that has opened up due to last-minute changes.
Sub-heading: The Unspoken Rules and Tips for Success
While there are no assigned seats, a few common courtesies and strategies can make the process smoother:
Don't Save Seats (Officially): While you might see people try to "save" seats for companions with later boarding positions by placing items on them, Southwest's official policy is that you cannot save seats. Flight attendants are generally happy to ask people to move items if a seat is needed.
Communicate with Your Party: If you're traveling with others and have different boarding positions, the person with the latest boarding position should dictate when your group boards. You can always board with a later group, but you cannot move to an earlier group.
Be Decisive: When you get on the plane, have a general idea of where you want to sit. Don't wander aimlessly down the aisle, holding up the boarding process.
Ask for Help (If Needed): If you have specific needs or are struggling to find seats together with your family, don't hesitate to ask a Flight Attendant for assistance. They are there to help!
Step 5: Settling In and Enjoying Your Flight
Once you've found your seat and stowed your carry-on luggage (earlier boarders have a significant advantage here for overhead bin space!), you're all set. Southwest's open seating system, while different, often leads to quicker boarding times once the process is understood.
Relax! You've navigated the unique Southwest boarding process and secured your spot.
Enjoy the flight! And perhaps, start thinking about your strategy for your next Southwest adventure.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines seating, starting with "How to," along with quick answers:
How to get an A boarding position on Southwest?
Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or achieve A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to choose my seat on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest has open seating. You choose any available seat once you board the plane, with earlier boarders having more options.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest?
If traveling with a child aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding (after the A group). Otherwise, check in as early as possible for better boarding positions or consider EarlyBird Check-In for everyone in your party.
How to change my boarding position on Southwest?
Your boarding position is generally set once you check in. You can't directly "change" it after the fact, but you can purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate on the day of departure if available (usually A1-A15 spots).
How to check in for my Southwest flight?
You can check in online at Southwest.com, through the Southwest mobile app, or at the airport kiosk or ticket counter, starting 24 hours before your flight.
How to know when my boarding group is called at the gate?
Listen for announcements from the gate agent and observe the digital monitors at the boarding area that display which groups are currently boarding and lining up.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines?
Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. They will assess if you qualify for preboarding due to a disability requiring a specific seat or boarding assistance.
How to get more legroom on Southwest Airlines?
Board early (A group) and aim for an exit row seat or the bulkhead row (first row of the plane) if available. Southwest has also begun rolling out extra-legroom seats on some aircraft.
How to travel with a lap infant on Southwest?
A lap infant (under two years old) does not need a ticket, but you must obtain a Boarding Verification Document (BVD) at the ticket counter with proof of age. You'll then be eligible for Family Boarding.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest?
Get an "A" or early "B" boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying Business Select/having A-List status. The earlier you board, the greater your chances of securing a window or aisle seat.
