You've booked a flight on Southwest Airlines – fantastic! Now comes the age-old question, one that often sparks a mix of excitement and mild panic: how do you get that perfect seat? Unlike most airlines where you pick your seat at the time of booking, Southwest operates on a unique "open seating" policy. This means there are no pre-assigned seats. Instead, it's a strategic game of checking in early and understanding the boarding process.
Ready to conquer the Southwest seating game and snag your ideal spot? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Open Seating Philosophy (And Embrace It!)
First things first, let's reset our expectations. Southwest's open seating model is a core part of their identity. It means freedom of choice once you step onto the plane. You're not locked into a specific aisle, window, or middle seat weeks in advance. While this can feel a bit daunting for those used to traditional seat maps, it also offers a surprising amount of flexibility – if you play your cards right.
Don't fret about not having a seat number on your boarding pass. Your focus shifts from "Which seat am I in?" to "When do I get on the plane?" because the earlier you board, the more choices you have.
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| How To Choose Seats On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Master the Check-In Time – This is Your Golden Ticket!
This is arguably the most crucial step in securing your preferred seat on Southwest. Your boarding position (A, B, or C, followed by a number 1-60) is primarily determined by when you check in for your flight.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Rule: Set Your Alarms!
Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. This is the moment you want to be ready to click that "Check In" button.
Example: If your flight departs at 3:00 PM on a Tuesday, check-in opens at 3:00 PM on Monday.
Why it matters: The earlier you check in within that 24-hour window, the lower your boarding number will be. A lower number means an earlier boarding group (A is best, then B, then C).
Sub-heading: How to Check In (The Speedy Way)
Online: The quickest and most common method is via Southwest.com or the Southwest Airlines mobile app. Have your confirmation number and first and last name ready.
Mobile App Advantage: The app can send you notifications, which can be a helpful reminder to check in right at the 24-hour mark.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Step 3: Strategize for a Better Boarding Position (Optional but Highly Recommended)
While checking in exactly 24 hours out is effective, Southwest offers several ways to further improve your boarding position, often guaranteeing you a spot in the coveted "A" group.
Sub-heading: Option A: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is a paid add-on that automatically checks you in and reserves your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is 12 hours before general online check-in opens.
Benefits: You'll generally receive a significantly better boarding position (often in the A or early B group), giving you more seat selection options and earlier access to overhead bin space.
Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies per flight segment and is subject to change, but typically ranges from $15-$25.
When to buy: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during your initial booking, or add it later through your reservation up to 36 hours before departure, if available. It's a popular option, so sometimes it sells out.
Note: EarlyBird Check-In is not available for flights involving partner itineraries.
Sub-heading: Option B: Fly Business Select
What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class. It comes with a premium price tag but guarantees you an A1-A15 boarding position.
Benefits: This is the best possible boarding position you can get. You'll be among the very first to board, allowing you to choose virtually any open seat and ensure ample overhead bin space.
Other perks: Business Select also includes a fully refundable fare, two free checked bags, bonus Rapid Rewards points, and a complimentary premium drink on board.
Who it's for: Ideal for business travelers or anyone who absolutely must have their preferred seat and the utmost flexibility.
Sub-heading: Option C: Be a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Member
What it is: These are Southwest's elite status tiers for frequent flyers.
Benefits: A-List and A-List Preferred members automatically receive priority boarding, meaning they are assigned boarding positions before general check-in. A-List Preferred members receive the highest priority. This is comparable to, or even better than, EarlyBird Check-In, depending on your tier.
This is a reward for your loyalty, not a purchase.
Sub-heading: Option D: Purchase Upgraded Boarding at the Gate
What it is: If you didn't get a great boarding position or you changed your mind, Southwest often sells "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate on the day of your flight. This allows you to purchase an A1-A15 boarding position, if available.
Cost: Starts from $30 per segment, per passenger, but can vary.
When to buy: This option becomes available within 24 hours of departure and can be purchased online or through the Southwest app, or directly at the gate, if spots are left.
Consideration: Availability is limited and it's a first-come, first-served basis, so it's not a guaranteed option, especially on full flights.
Step 4: Understand the Boarding Process at the Gate
Once you have your boarding pass with your group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60), here's what to expect at the gate:
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
Sub-heading: Lining Up is Key
Southwest uses numbered poles at the gate area. When your boarding group is called, you'll line up between the two poles corresponding to your number. For example, if you're B35, you'll stand between the B31-35 pole and the B36-40 pole.
Listen carefully for announcements! The gate agent will call groups in blocks (e.g., "Group A, positions 1 through 30, you may now begin boarding").
Sub-heading: Special Boarding Groups
Preboarding: This is for customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. You must speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine if you qualify. One companion may preboard with you.
Family Boarding: If you are traveling with a child age six or younger, up to two adults traveling with that child may board during Family Boarding. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins. This is an excellent opportunity to ensure your family can sit together.
Customers needing extra time: If you have a disability but don't qualify for preboarding, you can board between the "A" and "B" groups. Again, speak to a Southwest agent for this designation.
Step 5: Choose Your Seat on Board – The Open Seating Moment!
This is it! You've boarded the plane. Now, the power is in your hands.
Sub-heading: Scan for Your Ideal Spot
Window or Aisle? If you have a preference, look for it immediately. Don't hesitate.
Front or Back? Seats towards the front often deplane faster. Seats towards the back might be quieter or have more empty rows on less full flights.
Middle Seat Strategy: If the flight is full, you might be looking at a middle seat. Look for rows where only the middle is open, rather than an entire empty row (unless you're very late in boarding).
Extra Legroom: Southwest has introduced "Extra Legroom" seats on some aircraft, typically in the first few rows and exit rows. If you're an A-Lister, Business Select, or have paid for certain fares (like "Choice Extra" or "Choice Preferred" under their new fare categories rolling out), you might have access to these. Otherwise, these become available for purchase within 48 hours of departure, if not already taken.
Be courteous: While it's open seating, try to be mindful of other passengers. Don't block the aisle while you deliberate, and if you're traveling with others, try to find a block of seats quickly.
Step 6: Settle In and Enjoy Your Flight!
Once you've found your seat, stow your carry-on, buckle up, and relax. You've successfully navigated the unique world of Southwest Airlines seating!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
How to get an A boarding pass on Southwest?
You can get an A boarding pass by purchasing a Business Select fare, having Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In (which often results in an A or early B position), or by purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate on the day of travel.
How to check in for a Southwest flight 24 hours early?
You can check in exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time by visiting Southwest.com or using the Southwest Airlines mobile app. Have your confirmation number, first name, and last name ready.
How to buy EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during the booking process on Southwest.com, or add it to an existing reservation through the "Change/Cancel" or "Add EarlyBird Check-In" options on their website or app, up to 36 hours before departure (subject to availability).
How to guarantee a window or aisle seat on Southwest?
While you can't guarantee a specific seat beforehand due to open seating, the best way to significantly increase your chances of getting a window or aisle seat is to secure an early boarding position (A group or early B group) by checking in exactly 24 hours prior, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, flying Business Select, or being an A-List member.
How to find out my Southwest boarding group and position?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be assigned to you when you check in for your flight. This information will be printed on your boarding pass, whether it's a mobile pass on the app or a printed one.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
How to use family boarding on Southwest?
If you are traveling with a child aged six or younger, you and up to one additional adult can board during the "Family Boarding" period, which occurs after Group A has boarded and before Group B begins. Simply listen for the announcement at the gate.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest at the airport?
You can purchase "Upgraded Boarding" at the Southwest check-in counter or gate on the day of your flight, if available. This typically costs $30-$80 per segment and assigns you an A1-A15 boarding position.
How to sit together with my group on Southwest?
The best way to sit together is to ensure everyone in your group gets the earliest possible boarding position. This can be achieved by everyone checking in exactly 24 hours out, or by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or Business Select for all travelers in your party. If traveling with young children (age 6 or under), utilize family boarding.
How to know if my Southwest flight will be full?
While Southwest doesn't publicly release load factors for specific flights, you can sometimes infer fullness. If EarlyBird Check-In is unavailable or Upgraded Boarding sells out quickly, it's a good indication the flight is heavily booked. Checking in exactly 24 hours out and seeing a very high "B" or "C" boarding pass also suggests a full flight.
How to secure an exit row or extra legroom seat on Southwest?
Exit row seats are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis once you board the plane. You must meet the airline's requirements for sitting in an exit row. Southwest has also been rolling out "Extra Legroom" seats, which may be available for selection earlier depending on your fare type (e.g., Choice Extra) or for purchase within 48 hours of departure if not already taken. Early boarding positions give you the best chance to grab these.
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