Master the Art of Southwest Seating: Your Ultimate Guide to a Better Flight
Ever found yourself on a Southwest flight, eyeing that perfect window seat or dreading the middle-seat squeeze? Unlike most airlines that assign you a seat number upon booking, Southwest Airlines operates with a unique open seating policy. This means that once you board the plane, you get to choose any available seat. While this offers a sense of freedom, it also means that getting your preferred seat requires a bit of strategy.
Ready to conquer the Southwest boarding process and snag your ideal spot? Let's dive in!
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| How To Choose Your Seat On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Boarding Process – It's All About Your Number!
Southwest's boarding process is organized into three main groups: A, B, and C, each with positions 1 through 60 (e.g., A1, A30, B45, C52). Your boarding position dictates when you get to enter the plane, and thus, your opportunity to select a seat. The lower your number, the earlier you board, and the more seat options you'll have.
Sub-heading: The Boarding Order Explained
Preboarding: This group boards first. It's reserved for passengers with specific seating needs due to a disability or who require assistance getting to their seats or stowing an assistive device. You'll need to speak to a Southwest gate agent to determine eligibility.
Group A (A1-A60): This is the most coveted group. Passengers in this group get the first pick of seats.
A1-A15: Primarily consists of Business Select fare holders and passengers who purchased "Upgraded Boarding" (more on this later).
A16-A60: Often includes A-List and A-List Preferred members, and those who purchased EarlyBird Check-In.
Family Boarding/Active Duty Military/Passengers Needing Extra Time: After Group A has boarded, but before Group B, Southwest offers "Family Boarding." This is for families traveling with a child aged six years or younger. Up to two adults traveling with such a child can board during this time, regardless of their assigned boarding position. Active duty military in uniform can also board here, as can passengers who need additional time to board but don't qualify for preboarding.
Group B (B1-B60): These passengers board after Group A and the special boarding categories. You'll still likely find a good selection of window or aisle seats, especially towards the back of the plane.
Group C (C1-C60): This group boards last. If you're in Group C, your seat options will be more limited, often leaving only middle seats or those towards the very back.
Step 2: Maximize Your Boarding Position – Your Key to Seat Selection
Since you can't choose a seat when you book, your focus should be on getting the best possible boarding position. Here's how:
Sub-heading: Option 1: Be a Swift Online Checker-Inner (Free!)
The 24-Hour Rule: Southwest online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is your prime opportunity to get a good boarding position without any extra cost. Set an alarm!
Be Prepared: Have your confirmation number and first and last name ready.
Act Fast: Boarding positions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each fare type, so checking in precisely at the 24-hour mark is crucial. Even a minute's delay can push you back several positions.
Sub-heading: Option 2: Invest in EarlyBird Check-In (Paid)
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is an add-on you can purchase that automatically checks you in and reserves your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is 12 hours before general check-in opens.
Benefits: While it doesn't guarantee an "A" boarding position, it significantly improves your chances of getting an earlier spot, giving you more seat selection flexibility and earlier access to overhead bin space.
Cost: The price for EarlyBird Check-In can vary, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight, depending on the route and demand.
When to Buy: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking or add it later (up to 36 hours prior to departure, subject to availability). Purchasing it earlier often results in a better boarding position within the EarlyBird group.
Sub-heading: Option 3: Upgrade Your Boarding (Paid – Last Minute Option)
What it is: "Upgraded Boarding" is another paid option that guarantees you an A1-A15 boarding position.
When to Buy: This can typically be purchased within 24 hours of your flight's departure, either online, through the Southwest app, or at the gate. It's often available for last-minute purchase.
Cost: The price for Upgraded Boarding can range from $30 to $149 per segment, per traveler.
Consideration: This is a good option if you absolutely need an early boarding position and didn't get one through other means, but it's generally more expensive than EarlyBird Check-In.
Sub-heading: Option 4: Leverage Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred Status (Elite Status)
Benefits: If you're a Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member, you and everyone on your reservation automatically receive priority boarding. Your boarding positions are reserved 36 hours before the flight.
How to Earn: You achieve A-List status by flying a certain number of qualifying one-way flights or earning a specific amount of tier qualifying points within a calendar year. This is for frequent Southwest flyers.
Sub-heading: Option 5: Consider Business Select Fares (Premium Fare Type)
Benefits: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare type and guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position. It also comes with other perks like a free premium drink and fully refundable tickets.
Cost: This fare is generally more expensive than other fare options, but if an early boarding position and other premium benefits are crucial, it's an option.
Step 3: Strategize Your Seat Selection Onboard – Where to Aim for!
Once you're on the plane, the fun begins – choosing your seat! Keep these tips in mind:
Sub-heading: For Maximum Legroom:
Bulkhead Rows: These are the very first row of seats in the aircraft. There's no seat in front of you, offering significantly more legroom. However, the tray table is usually in the armrest, and you'll need to store all carry-on items in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing.
Exit Rows: These rows also offer increased legroom. Be aware: You must meet specific FAA requirements to sit in an exit row (e.g., be at least 15 years old, be able to operate the exit door, and assist in an emergency). Flight attendants will verify this.
Sub-heading: For a Quieter Ride or Less Turbulence:
Over the Wings: Seats located over the wings tend to experience less turbulence compared to the front or back of the aircraft.
Towards the Front: Generally, the further forward you are, the less you'll feel the bumps.
Sub-heading: For Quick Deplaning:
Front of the Plane: If you're in a hurry to get off the plane, aim for a seat in the first few rows (after the bulkhead).
Sub-heading: For a Window or Aisle Seat (and avoiding the middle!):
Board Early: This is the most critical factor. The earlier you board, the more likely you are to get your desired window or aisle seat.
Head to the Back (Sometimes): On some flights, especially those that aren't completely full, passengers tend to fill the front of the plane first. If you board in a later group (B or C), heading a bit further back might reveal more open window or aisle seats. This is a gamble, but can pay off!
Sub-heading: For Traveling with Companions:
Board Together: If you're traveling with friends or family and want to sit together, it's essential that at least one person in your party secures an early boarding position.
Family Boarding: If you qualify for Family Boarding (traveling with a child 6 or younger), this is your best bet for sitting together.
Ask Nicely: If you find yourselves separated, you can always politely ask other passengers if they'd be willing to switch seats to accommodate your group. Be prepared to offer a better seat in return if you have one!
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Step 4: The Final Scan – What to Look for as You Board
As you walk down the aisle, quickly scan the rows. Don't just look for an empty seat; consider the entire row.
Empty Middle Seats: If you see a row with an empty middle seat, that's often a prime target.
Pairs of Seats: If you're traveling with one other person, look for two open seats together.
The "Sweet Spot": Sometimes, a row further back might be completely empty, offering a surprising amount of space!
Remember, be decisive but polite. Don't linger too long in the aisle, as it slows down the boarding process for everyone.
Choosing your seat on Southwest Airlines might seem like a mini-game, but with a little planning and understanding of their unique system, you can significantly increase your chances of a comfortable and enjoyable flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to get an A boarding pass on Southwest?
You can get an A boarding pass by purchasing a Business Select fare, buying Upgraded Boarding (if available), having A-List or A-List Preferred elite status, or by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In and checking in as early as possible.
How to sit with my family on Southwest?
If you're traveling with a child age six or younger, utilize Family Boarding (after Group A, before Group B). Otherwise, ensure one or more members of your party have an early boarding position (A group) to get seats together, or politely ask other passengers to switch.
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
How to check in early for Southwest?
Southwest's online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. For an even earlier check-in (36 hours prior), purchase EarlyBird Check-In.
How to get more legroom on Southwest?
Target bulkhead rows (the very first row) or exit rows for the most legroom. Be aware of the requirements for sitting in exit rows.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest?
The best way to avoid a middle seat is to secure an early boarding position (A or early B group) by checking in promptly at 24 hours, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or having A-List status.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during the initial booking process on Southwest.com or later by managing your reservation (up to 36 hours before departure, subject to availability).
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
How to upgrade your boarding position on Southwest?
You can purchase "Upgraded Boarding" within 24 hours of your flight's departure online, via the Southwest app, or at the gate, to secure an A1-A15 boarding position.
How to fly with a lap infant on Southwest?
If traveling with a lap infant (under two years old), you'll need proof of age (birth certificate, passport) at the ticket counter to get a Boarding Verification Document (BVD). You will then be able to board during Family Boarding.
How to know what boarding group I will get on Southwest?
Your boarding group and position are assigned when you check in for your flight. Factors like fare type, elite status, EarlyBird Check-In, and the exact time you check in determine your position.
How to get a window seat on Southwest?
To get a window seat, aim for an early boarding position (A group or early B group) by checking in precisely at the 24-hour mark or by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding.
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