Have you ever found yourself on a Southwest flight, eyeing that perfect window seat or an aisle with extra legroom, only to realize someone else snagged it? Frustrating, isn't it? Unlike most airlines, Southwest operates on a unique "open seating" policy, which means you don't pre-select your seat when you book your ticket. Instead, your ability to choose your preferred spot hinges entirely on your boarding position. This guide will unravel the mystery of Southwest's seating system and arm you with the strategies to maximize your chances of getting the seat you truly want.
The Southwest Seating Philosophy: First Come, First Served
Southwest Airlines has long championed its open seating model, believing it promotes efficiency and a more egalitarian travel experience. While other airlines assign specific seats, Southwest gives you a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within that group (1-60). This combination dictates when you get to board the plane and, consequently, how many seats are still available for you to choose from. The earlier you board, the more options you'll have.
Let's break down how to master this system and confidently stride onto your next Southwest flight with a clear plan.
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| How To Choose Seats For Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding Your Boarding Position – The Key to Your Seat
Your boarding position is the single most critical factor in securing your desired seat on Southwest. It's not just a random letter and number; it's your place in line.
Sub-heading: The A, B, C Groups Explained
Group A (A1-A60): These are the golden tickets. Passengers in Group A board first, giving them the widest selection of seats. If you're in A1-A15, you'll have virtually your pick of the entire plane. A16-A60 still offers excellent choices.
Group B (B1-B60): This is where most passengers who check in promptly will likely land. While not as prime as Group A, B group boarders still have a decent chance of finding a window or aisle seat, especially if they're willing to go towards the back of the plane. Sitting together with a companion might require a bit more strategizing in this group.
Group C (C1-C60): This group boards last. If you find yourself in Group C, be prepared for limited options, often middle seats, or seats towards the very back of the aircraft.
Sub-heading: How Your Boarding Position is Determined
Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in for your flight. Southwest's online check-in window opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. The earlier you check in within this 24-hour window, the better your boarding position will be.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder! Be ready to check in the moment the 24-hour mark hits. Every second counts, especially on popular routes.
Step 2: Strategies for Securing a Better Boarding Position
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Since your boarding position is everything, here are the various methods to improve your chances of boarding earlier and getting your preferred seat.
Sub-heading: The Free and Fundamental Approach: Timely Check-in
Be Punctual: As mentioned, logging into Southwest.com or the Southwest app precisely 24 hours before your flight is your best free strategy. This is often the difference between a B group and a C group boarding pass.
Multiple Travelers? Check in Together (If Possible): If you're traveling with others on the same reservation, checking in together will assign you consecutive boarding numbers within your group, making it easier to sit together.
Sub-heading: Invest in Priority: Paid Options for Better Boarding
Southwest offers several paid options to bypass the standard check-in lottery and secure a better boarding position.
EarlyBird Check-In®:
What it is: This is Southwest's most popular paid add-on for seat selection. When you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in and assigns you a boarding position before the general 24-hour check-in window opens. This typically places you in the back half of the A group or the front half of the B group.
Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies by flight segment, ranging from approximately $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight.
When to Purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking your flight or add it later, up to 26 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. It's recommended to purchase it as early as possible, as positions are assigned based on purchase order within the EarlyBird group.
Is it Worth It?: If having a specific seat (window, aisle, or sitting with companions) is crucial to your travel comfort, EarlyBird is often a worthwhile investment, especially on longer flights or during peak travel times.
Business Select® Fare:
What it is: This is Southwest's highest fare class. When you purchase a Business Select fare, you are guaranteed an A1-A15 boarding position. This ensures you'll be among the very first to board, giving you virtually any seat on the plane.
Benefits: Beyond the prime boarding position, Business Select fares often include a complimentary premium drink, more Rapid Rewards points, and increased flexibility with flight changes.
Cost: Business Select fares are significantly more expensive than standard Wanna Get Away fares.
When to Consider: Ideal for business travelers or anyone for whom a specific seat and speedy deplaning are paramount, and budget is less of a concern.
Upgraded Boarding:
What it is: This is a last-minute option to secure an A1-A15 boarding position. You can purchase Upgraded Boarding at the departure gate or through the Southwest app within 24 hours of your flight's departure, if available.
Cost: Prices start from $30 per segment, per passenger, and can go higher based on demand and flight length.
When to Consider: If you missed the EarlyBird window or your initial check-in position wasn't ideal, and you really want a premium seat. Availability is limited, so it's not guaranteed.
Step 3: Special Boarding Circumstances
Southwest also has policies in place for certain passenger groups to ensure a smoother boarding experience.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
Who Qualifies: Families traveling with a child aged six years old or younger.
When it Occurs: After the A group has boarded, and before the B group begins boarding.
Benefits: Up to two adults traveling with a child aged six or younger can board together, ensuring they can find seats next to each other. This is a huge relief for parents who don't want to worry about being separated from their young children.
Important Note: If the entire family (including the child) already has "A" boarding passes, they should board in their assigned positions rather than waiting for Family Boarding.
Sub-heading: Preboarding and Special Assistance
Who Qualifies: Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.
How to Request: Speak to a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. They will assess your needs and may provide a new boarding pass marked "PRBD."
Important Note: Passengers who preboard cannot occupy exit row seats. One travel companion may preboard with you.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Sub-heading: Extra Time Boarding (XT)
Who Qualifies: Customers with disabilities who do not qualify for preboarding but need a little extra time to board or be seated.
How to Request: A Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate can provide a new boarding pass marked "XT," allowing you to board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding.
Step 4: Onboard the Aircraft – Making Your Seat Selection
Once your boarding group is called and you're on the plane, it's time to make your move!
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Sub-heading: Scan for Available Seats
Look Forward, Then Backward: As you enter the aircraft, quickly scan for rows with open seats. Often, passengers tend to fill up the front of the plane first. Sometimes, the best open seats (window or aisle) can be found further back.
Don't Be Shy to Walk: If you're in a later boarding group, don't just grab the first available middle seat you see. Take a quick stroll down the aisle; you might be surprised by what's open towards the rear.
Spotting "Saved" Seats: You might see bags on seats, indicating someone is trying to save a spot for a companion. Southwest's policy does not permit saving seats. While flight attendants generally don't enforce this strictly unless it's a completely full flight, if you see a desirable seat that appears to be saved, you can politely ask if it's available. If the person insists it's saved, you can always ask a flight attendant if you're comfortable doing so.
Sub-heading: Strategic Seat Choices
Window Seat Pros: Great views, leaning against the wall for sleep, less disturbance from aisle traffic.
Window Seat Cons: Have to ask people to move for restroom breaks, can feel more cramped.
Aisle Seat Pros: Easy access to the aisle, stretching legs, quick exit upon landing.
Aisle Seat Cons: Subject to bumps from passing carts and passengers, people leaning over you.
Middle Seat Pros: Well, you're on the plane!
Middle Seat Cons: Limited personal space, often the last choice.
Exit Row Seats:
Benefits: Significantly more legroom.
Requirements: To sit in an exit row, you must be at least 15 years old, be able to understand and follow crew instructions, and be willing and able to assist in the event of an emergency evacuation. Flight attendants will often verify these requirements.
Availability: These are highly sought after and usually filled by early A-group boarders.
Bulkhead Seats (First Row):
Benefits: No one reclines into you, often good legroom.
Considerations: No under-seat storage in front of you (all belongings must go in the overhead bin), and sometimes the armrests are fixed and a bit narrower. These are also typically taken by early boarders.
Rear of the Plane:
Benefits: Often emptier, increasing your chances of an empty middle seat next to you or even a whole row on less full flights. Sometimes quicker to deplane if you have a connecting flight from a gate at the same end of the terminal.
Considerations: Can experience more turbulence, last to deplane, closest to lavatories and galley which can be noisy.
Step 5: Be Prepared and Adaptable
Even with the best strategies, sometimes the flight is just full, or circumstances dictate a less-than-ideal boarding position.
Have a Backup Plan: If you're traveling with companions and don't get seats together, don't panic. You can always ask other passengers if they'd be willing to swap seats once everyone is settled. Many people are accommodating, especially if it's a short flight.
Communicate with Flight Attendants: If you have specific needs (e.g., traveling with a lap infant, needing a seatbelt extender, or other accessibility concerns), don't hesitate to speak with a flight attendant. They can often help facilitate seating arrangements.
Enjoy the Journey: Ultimately, getting to your destination safely is the priority. While a good seat enhances the experience, try to relax and enjoy your flight regardless of where you end up.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about choosing seats on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
How to get an A boarding position on Southwest?
You can get an A boarding position by purchasing a Business Select fare, buying EarlyBird Check-In (which typically gets you into the A or early B group), or purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate/via the app (if available). The best free method is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight.
How to sit with family on Southwest?
For families with children aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding, which occurs after the A group. Otherwise, the best way to sit together is for everyone on the reservation to check in at the same time (precisely 24 hours before departure) or for everyone to purchase EarlyBird Check-In.
How to get an exit row seat on Southwest?
To get an exit row seat, you need to board early (ideally in the A group) and meet the specific requirements (age 15+, able to assist in an emergency). These seats are highly sought after, so being among the first to board is crucial.
How to get more legroom on Southwest?
The best way to get more legroom is to aim for an exit row seat or a bulkhead (first row) seat. Both require an early boarding position.
How to check in for Southwest Airlines for the best seat?
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
Check in precisely 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time via the Southwest website or mobile app. This will give you the earliest possible standard boarding position.
How to know if a Southwest flight is full before choosing a seat?
Southwest doesn't typically disclose exact passenger counts, but you can sometimes infer fullness by monitoring fare availability (if only higher fare classes are left, the flight is likely fuller). Calling Southwest customer service might give you a general idea of how booked a flight is.
How to change seats on Southwest once boarded?
Once you've boarded and chosen a seat, you can only change it if another seat becomes available. This usually happens after everyone has boarded, and if there are any empty seats left, you can move to one. Always check with a flight attendant first.
How to handle a saved seat on Southwest?
Southwest's policy does not permit saving seats. If you see a bag on a seat you want, you can politely ask if it's available. If the person resists, you can ask a flight attendant for assistance, though they might not intervene unless the flight is completely full and it's causing an issue.
How to make sure you get a window or aisle seat on Southwest?
Your best bet is to achieve an A boarding position through Business Select, EarlyBird Check-In, or by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight. The earlier you board, the higher your chances of finding a window or aisle seat.
How to get off the plane quickly on Southwest?
To deplane quickly, aim for a seat in the front of the aircraft. This means securing an early boarding position (A group is ideal). An aisle seat in the front rows will allow for the fastest exit.
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