Navigating the open seating policy of Southwest Airlines can feel like a game of strategy, but with the right approach, you can significantly increase your chances of snagging that perfect seat. Unlike most airlines that assign seats, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served basis for boarding, which then dictates your seat choice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to master the art of choosing your seat on Southwest.
How to Choose Your Seat on Southwest Airlines: A Master Guide
 |
| How To Choose Seat Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Let's Get Engaged! Understanding Southwest's Open Seating System
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's truly grasp the unique Southwest experience. Forget looking for a seat number on your boarding pass – you won't find one! Southwest operates with an "open seating" policy. What does this mean for you? It means that once you board the aircraft, you are free to choose any available seat. Your goal, then, is to board as early as possible to have the widest selection of seats.
So, how do you board early? It all comes down to your boarding position, which is a combination of a group letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). Group A boards first, followed by Group B, and then Group C. Within each group, you board in numerical order (A1, A2... A60, then B1, B2... and so on). The earlier your boarding position, the more seat choices you'll have.
Ready to become a Southwest seating pro? Let's begin!
Step 2: Securing Your Boarding Position – The Crucial First Move
This is where the magic happens, or rather, where you set yourself up for success. Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in for your flight.
Sub-heading 2.1: The 24-Hour Check-in Dash
This is your golden ticket to a decent boarding position for free. Southwest allows you to check in for your flight exactly 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Be Ready: Set an alarm! Be at your computer or have the Southwest mobile app open a few minutes before the 24-hour mark.
Speed is Key: As soon as the clock strikes 24 hours before departure, hit that check-in button immediately. Every second counts, especially on popular routes. The faster you check in, the lower your boarding number within your group, and thus, the better your chances of a good seat.
How to Check-in:
Southwest Airlines Website: Go to Southwest.com, click on "Check In," and enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Southwest Airlines Mobile App: Download the app (available on iOS and Android). Log in or enter your confirmation details to check in. The app is often the fastest and most convenient method.
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
Sub-heading 2.2: Investing in an Earlier Boarding Position (Optional, but Recommended for Peace of Mind)
If you absolutely want to guarantee a better boarding position and more seat selection flexibility, Southwest offers a few paid options:
EarlyBird Check-In®: This is Southwest's most popular upgrade. For a fee (which varies by flight), Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure, well before the general 24-hour window. This typically secures you a boarding position within the A or early B group.
When to Purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it to an existing reservation up to 36 hours prior to departure, depending on availability.
Benefits: Earlier boarding position, better chance of preferred available seat, earlier access to overhead bin space.
Important Note: While EarlyBird Check-In does not guarantee an A boarding position, it significantly increases your likelihood of getting one or a very early B.
Business Select® Fares: If you book a Business Select fare, an A1-A15 boarding position is guaranteed. This is the highest fare class and comes with premium benefits, including free in-flight Wi-Fi and a complimentary premium drink. It's the ultimate way to ensure first pick of seats.
Upgraded Boarding: If you missed the 24-hour check-in window or EarlyBird Check-In wasn't available/purchased, you still have a chance to improve your position. Upgraded Boarding allows you to purchase an A1-A15 boarding position on the day of travel, if available.
When to Purchase: You can purchase this at the departure gate kiosk or ticket counter, or through the Southwest app, typically 24 hours prior to your flight, and up to 30 minutes before departure.
Cost: The cost starts from $30 per segment per passenger.
Availability: This is subject to availability and is not always guaranteed, as there are a limited number of A1-A15 spots.
Step 3: Understanding Boarding Groups and Procedures
Once you've checked in and secured your boarding position (e.g., A35, B12, C48), it's time to understand the boarding process at the gate.
Sub-heading 3.1: The A, B, C's of Boarding
Pre-Boarding: This group boards first and includes passengers needing special assistance, such as those with disabilities, or unaccompanied minors.
Group A (A1-A60): These passengers get first dibs on seats. If you're in this group, you have the best chance of getting your preferred window, aisle, or even exit row seat.
Family Boarding: After the A group has boarded, Southwest offers "Family Boarding." This is for families traveling with a child aged six years old or younger. Up to two accompanying adults can board with the child. This is a fantastic perk for families, ensuring they can sit together.
Group B (B1-B60): Passengers in this group board next. You'll likely still find a good selection of window and aisle seats, especially towards the back of the plane.
Group C (C1-C60): This is the last group to board. If you're in C group, you might be limited to middle seats, especially on full flights.
Sub-heading 3.2: Lining Up at the Gate
At the gate, you'll see numbered poles or signs (e.g., A1-30, A31-60). When your group is called, simply find your numerical position in line. This orderly process ensures a smooth boarding experience.
Step 4: Making Your Seat Selection Onboard – The Moment of Truth!
You've boarded the plane, and now it's time to find your seat. Here's how to strategize:
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
Sub-heading 4.1: Early Boarders (A Group & Early B) – The World is Your Oyster
If you're in Group A or an early B position, you have the luxury of choice.
Window vs. Aisle:
Window seats offer great views and a place to rest your head against the wall.
Aisle seats provide easy access to the lavatory and the ability to stretch your legs.
Front vs. Back:
Seats closer to the front of the plane allow for a quicker exit upon arrival.
Seats towards the back of the plane often have more available overhead bin space and can be quieter if you're far from the galley.
Exit Row Seats: These seats offer significantly more legroom. However, you must be 15 years or older and willing and able to assist in an emergency. Flight attendants will typically brief passengers in exit row seats. Look for these if you prioritize space.
Bulkhead Seats (First Row): These are the seats directly behind the dividing wall at the front of the cabin. They offer no seat in front of you, meaning plenty of legroom. However, there's no under-seat storage, and your tray table is in the armrest. They also tend to be near the lavatories and galleys, which can be noisy.
Sub-heading 4.2: Mid to Late Boarders (Late B & C Group) – Strategic Choices
If you're boarding later, you'll need to be more strategic and perhaps a bit more flexible.
Head to the Back: Often, passengers tend to fill seats at the front of the plane first. Heading towards the rear can increase your chances of finding open window or aisle seats, or even two seats together if you're traveling with a companion.
Scan for Gaps: Don't just pick the first open seat you see. Walk a little further down the aisle and scan for rows with an empty window or aisle seat. You might be surprised what you find.
Look for Exit Rows (Still): Sometimes, if no one in the A group was willing or able to sit in the exit row, these coveted seats might still be open. It's always worth a quick look!
Communicate with Your Party: If you're traveling with others, make eye contact and try to find a row where you can sit together, even if it means a middle seat for one of you.
Step 5: Special Considerations for Seating
Southwest strives to accommodate all passengers.
Passengers with Disabilities/Special Needs: Southwest offers pre-boarding for passengers needing assistance or extra time. If you require a specific type of seat (e.g., one with a movable aisle armrest, or more space), inform the gate agent prior to boarding. They will assist you.
Families with Young Children (Under 6): As mentioned, utilize Family Boarding after Group A. This ensures you can sit with your young children.
Unaccompanied Minors: Unaccompanied Minors will also pre-board the flight and be seated by a flight attendant.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about choosing seats on Southwest Airlines:
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest for free?
You can get an A boarding group for free by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time, as quickly as possible.
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest?
Utilize Family Boarding (if traveling with a child aged six or younger), which occurs after Group A has boarded. If you don't qualify for Family Boarding, your best bet is to purchase EarlyBird Check-In or check in precisely 24 hours prior to departure to get an earlier boarding position.
How to get extra legroom seats on Southwest?
Aim for an A boarding position (via EarlyBird Check-In, Business Select, or fast 24-hour check-in) and then select an exit row or bulkhead seat once you board. Be aware of exit row requirements.
How to know my boarding position on Southwest?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and number (1-60) will be assigned to you when you check in for your flight. This information will be displayed on your boarding pass (mobile or printed).
How to check in for my Southwest flight using the mobile app?
Download the Southwest Airlines app, open it, and select "Check In." Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name, then follow the prompts.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest?
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight online or add it to an existing reservation through the "Manage Reservation" section on Southwest.com or the mobile app, up to 36 hours before departure.
How to upgrade my boarding position on the day of travel with Southwest?
Look for "Upgraded Boarding" at the departure gate kiosk or ticket counter, or through the Southwest app, typically 24 hours prior to your flight, and up to 30 minutes before departure. This is subject to availability.
How to find out if my Southwest flight has Wi-Fi and entertainment?
Most Southwest aircraft are Wi-Fi enabled. You can check the Southwest Airlines website or app under "Onboard Experience" for details on in-flight entertainment (movies, live TV, messaging) and Wi-Fi availability and cost.
How to prepare for boarding on Southwest if I'm in Group C?
If you're in Group C, be prepared for potentially limited seat options, likely middle seats. Consider heading towards the back of the plane immediately upon boarding, as those seats are often filled last.
How to change my Southwest flight if I've already checked in?
You can usually change your Southwest flight online or through the app up to 10 minutes before your original scheduled departure, even if you've checked in. However, Basic fares cannot be changed without an upgrade. Be aware that changing a flight might mean a new boarding position for the new flight.
 |
