Flying with Southwest Airlines is a unique experience compared to other carriers, primarily because of their open seating policy. This means no assigned seats! Instead, it's all about your boarding position, which dictates when you get on the plane and, consequently, your choice of seat. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of boarding Southwest Airlines, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
Ready to Conquer the Southwest Boarding Process? Let's Dive In!
Ever wondered how to snag that coveted window seat or ensure your family sits together on a Southwest flight? It all starts before you even get to the airport. Follow these steps, and you'll be a Southwest boarding pro in no time!
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Boarding System – A, B, and C
Southwest's boarding system revolves around three groups: A, B, and C, each further divided by numbers 1-60. Your boarding pass will display your assigned group and number (e.g., A35, B12, C48).
Group A: These are the first to board (after pre-boarders), giving them the best selection of seats and overhead bin space. You typically get into Group A by booking a Business Select fare, having A-List or A-List Preferred status, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or being incredibly prompt with your online check-in.
Group B: Boards after Group A. While still offering a good selection of seats, you might find fewer window or aisle seats available, especially on full flights.
Group C: The last group to board. Passengers in Group C often end up in middle seats, and overhead bin space can be limited. If you're traveling with companions and are in Group C, sitting together might be a challenge.
The key takeaway here is: the earlier your boarding position, the better your chances of getting your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
Step 2: Checking In – The Most Crucial Step for a Good Boarding Position
This is where you can significantly influence your boarding experience. Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Sub-heading: Online Check-in – The Race Against the Clock
Set an Alarm: Seriously, set an alarm for 24 hours before your flight's departure. Being even a few seconds late can impact your boarding position, especially on popular routes.
Have Your Information Ready: Make sure you have your confirmation number and the first and last names of all passengers on your reservation handy.
Check-in Online: Go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest mobile app (highly recommended!).
Print or Mobile Boarding Pass: Once checked in, you'll receive your boarding pass. You can print it out or, even better, save it to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) for easy access. Having it on your phone is super convenient.
Sub-heading: Boosting Your Boarding Position – Paid Options
If you want to guarantee a better boarding position without relying on speedy fingers at the 24-hour mark, consider these options:
Business Select Fare: This is Southwest's highest fare class and comes with a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position. It also includes other perks like a complimentary premium drink and free inflight Wi-Fi. If getting your ideal seat is paramount, this is the way to go.
EarlyBird Check-In: This popular add-on automatically checks you in and assigns your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's departure, giving you a significant head start over the general 24-hour check-in. While it doesn't guarantee an "A" position, it significantly improves your chances of getting an earlier boarding group (often A or early B). Prices vary based on demand and flight length. You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it later, up to 36 hours before departure.
Upgraded Boarding: If available, you can upgrade your boarding position to A1-A15 at the gate, usually starting from $30 per segment. This is a good last-minute option if you find yourself with a C group boarding pass and really want a better seat. Ask a gate agent about availability.
Sub-heading: A-List and A-List Preferred Status
For frequent Southwest flyers, earning A-List or A-List Preferred status grants you automatic priority boarding, typically receiving an A boarding position. This is a fantastic perk for regular travelers.
Step 3: Arriving at the Airport and Navigating the Gate
Once you have your boarding pass and a good understanding of your boarding position, it's time to head to the airport.
Sub-heading: Bag Drop and Security
Check Your Bags: If you have checked luggage, head to the Southwest check-in counter or curbside check-in. Remember, Southwest allows two free checked bags per passenger, which is a fantastic benefit!
TSA Security: Proceed through TSA security with your boarding pass and valid ID. Don't forget your liquids and electronics procedures!
Sub-heading: Finding Your Gate and Lining Up
Locate Your Gate: Once through security, find your designated gate. Check the airport monitors or your boarding pass for the gate number.
The Boarding Area: At the Southwest gate, you'll notice a unique setup: silver pillars with numbers on them (1-60). These are your designated lining-up spots. There will be two lines for each group (e.g., A1-30 and A31-60).
Listen for Announcements: The gate agent will make announcements calling for pre-boarders, then Group A, then family boarding, then Group B, and finally Group C.
Find Your Spot: When your group is called, find the pillar corresponding to your boarding number and line up. Don't be shy about asking someone if you're in the right place!
Step 4: The Boarding Process – A Seamless Flow (Mostly!)
This is where the magic happens – or at least, the efficient boarding of a Southwest flight.
Sub-heading: Pre-Boarding and Special Assistance
Pre-Boarding: This occurs first, for passengers who require a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. One travel companion may pre-board with them. You'll need to speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine if you qualify and receive a special boarding pass (marked PRBD).
Customers Needing Extra Time (XT): If you have a disability but don't qualify for pre-boarding, you can board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. Get a boarding pass marked "XT" from a Customer Service Agent.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
For Families with Young Children: This takes place after Group A has boarded and before Group B begins. Up to two adults traveling with a child age six or younger can board during this time. This is a great perk to ensure families can sit together. If your family members have "A" boarding passes, they should board with their assigned group rather than waiting for family boarding.
Sub-heading: Group A, B, and C Boarding
Boarding in Order: After pre-boarding and family boarding, the gate agent will call Group A (1-30, then 31-60), followed by Group B (1-30, then 31-60), and finally Group C (1-30, then 31-60).
Onboard – Pick Your Seat! Once you're on the plane, it's open seating. This is your chance! Head towards the front or back, find an empty seat that suits your preference (window, aisle, or middle), and settle in. Don't forget to store your carry-on in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Step 5: Settling In and Enjoying Your Flight
You've made it! Now it's time to relax.
Overhead Bin Space: If you have an earlier boarding position, you'll have a better chance of finding space directly above your seat. If you're in a later group, you might need to find space a few rows away.
Personal Item: Ensure your personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) fits under the seat in front of you.
Be Considerate: Remember to be mindful of other passengers and their belongings as you settle in.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a good boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or have A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to check in for a Southwest flight?
Quick Answer: You can check in online at Southwest.com, via the Southwest mobile app, at an airport kiosk, or at the ticket counter, starting 24 hours before your flight's departure.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In with Southwest?
Quick Answer: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In when booking your flight or add it to an existing reservation up to 36 hours before departure. Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours prior to your flight, assigning you an earlier boarding position.
How to find my boarding group and position for Southwest?
Quick Answer: Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be clearly printed on your boarding pass, which you receive after checking in.
How to board with a family on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: Up to two adults traveling with a child aged six or younger can board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the "A" group and before the "B" group.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest?
Quick Answer: You can purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate on the day of travel, if available, to secure a position in the A1-A15 group.
How to get a window or aisle seat on Southwest?
Quick Answer: The best way is to have an early boarding position (A group or early B group) and board promptly, allowing you to choose your preferred seat upon entering the aircraft.
How to know when to line up at the gate for Southwest?
Quick Answer: Listen for announcements from the gate agent. They will call for pre-boarders first, then Group A, then Family Boarding, then Group B, and finally Group C. Find the numbered pillar that corresponds to your boarding position.
How to deal with limited overhead bin space on Southwest?
Quick Answer: Boarding early helps. If space is full near your seat, look for available bins further down the aisle. If no overhead space is available, flight attendants will assist you with gate-checking your bag.
How to use the Southwest mobile app for boarding?
Quick Answer: Download the app, check in for your flight, and then save your mobile boarding pass to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) for easy access at security and during boarding.
