You're about to embark on a journey with Southwest Airlines, and unlike most airlines, they've historically operated with a unique "open seating" policy. This means no assigned seats when you book your ticket! While this is changing in 2026 with the introduction of assigned seating, for now, getting your "seat" on Southwest is all about your boarding position. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to secure the best possible spot on the plane.
Ready to master the Southwest seating game? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Seating Philosophy (for now!)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it's crucial to grasp the core concept: Southwest uses a first-come, first-served boarding process within assigned groups. Your goal is to get into the earliest possible boarding group and position. The better your position, the more choices you'll have for your preferred seat – whether that's a window, an aisle, or even a coveted exit row.
Think of it like this: Imagine a race. Everyone gets a number, and those with lower numbers get to start closer to the front. The closer you are to the front, the better your chances of grabbing that prime spot!
Important Note for the Future: Southwest Airlines has announced a significant shift to an assigned seating model, with passengers able to start booking flights with assigned seats in Q3 of 2025 for travel beginning in Q1 2026. This guide primarily focuses on the current open seating system, which will remain in place until the full transition.
Step 2: Know Your Boarding Groups
Southwest organizes passengers into three primary boarding groups: A, B, and C, each with positions from 1 to 60.
Group A: These are the golden tickets. Passengers in Group A board first, giving them the widest selection of seats.
Group B: This is the next tier. While you might not get your absolute top choice, you'll generally still have good options for window or aisle seats, and often find seats together if traveling with a companion.
Group C: If you find yourself in Group C, especially with a higher number, prepare for potentially limited choices, often resulting in a middle seat.
Sub-heading: Special Boarding Categories
Beyond the A, B, C groups, there are a few special categories:
Preboarding: This is for passengers who need assistance boarding or extra time, or those with specific seating needs due to a disability. You must request preboarding from a Southwest customer service agent at the ticket counter or gate.
Family Boarding: A true lifesaver for many! If you're traveling with a child age six or younger, you and up to one other adult can board between the A group and the B group. This ensures families can sit together. This does not need to be arranged ahead of time, simply listen for the announcement at the gate.
Active-Duty Military: Active military personnel in uniform can also board during the Family Boarding time.
Step 3: Mastering the Check-In Process (The Key to Your Seat!)
This is where the magic happens! Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in for your flight.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Rule
Southwest online check-in begins exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time.
Set an alarm! Be ready to check in the moment that 24-hour window opens. The faster you check in, the better your boarding position will likely be.
Sub-heading: How to Check In Online
Visit Southwest.com or use the Southwest App: Navigate to the "Check In" section.
Enter your Confirmation Number and Name: You'll need your six-character confirmation number and the first and last name of a passenger on the itinerary.
Click "Check In" or "Retrieve Reservation": Follow the prompts to complete the check-in process.
Retrieve Your Boarding Pass: Once checked in, you can print your boarding pass, download it to your Southwest app, or choose to receive a text with your boarding information.
Step 4: Enhancing Your Boarding Position (Optional Strategies)
While checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark is crucial, there are ways to guarantee a better boarding position.
Sub-heading: Option A: Purchase Business Select
What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class.
Benefits: It guarantees you a boarding position between A1 and A15. This means you'll be among the very first to board, giving you virtually free rein over seat selection.
Who it's for: Business travelers, those who prioritize seat choice above all else, or anyone who wants a truly stress-free boarding experience.
Consider this if you absolutely need a specific seat or want to ensure overhead bin space.
Sub-heading: Option B: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is an add-on purchase that automatically checks you in 36 hours prior to your flight's 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 one, or at least a very good "B" position. It's often the most popular option for those seeking a better seat without springing for Business Select.
Cost: The fee varies based on the popularity and length of your flight, typically starting from $15.00 per person, each way.
When to buy: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during your initial booking or add it to an existing itinerary up to 36 hours before your flight.
This is a great middle-ground option for peace of mind and better seat selection.
Sub-heading: Option C: Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred Status
What it is: These are Southwest's elite loyalty tiers.
Benefits: A-List and A-List Preferred members (and everyone on their reservation) receive an earlier boarding position, automatically reserved 36 hours prior to departure, similar to EarlyBird Check-In. A-List Preferred members get priority over A-List.
Who it's for: Frequent Southwest flyers who have earned status through qualifying flights or tier qualifying points.
If you fly Southwest often, earning A-List status is a fantastic way to consistently get better boarding positions.
Sub-heading: Option D: Upgraded Boarding at the Gate
What it is: Sometimes, Southwest offers "Upgraded Boarding" for purchase at the gate, if available. This allows you to snag an A1-A15 boarding position.
Benefits: It's a last-minute opportunity to secure a prime boarding spot.
Availability: This is not guaranteed and depends on how many A1-A15 positions are left after Business Select and A-List passengers have been accounted for.
Cost: The price can vary.
If you missed the 24-hour check-in window and desperately want a better seat, ask about Upgraded Boarding at the gate.
Step 5: Boarding the Plane and Picking Your Seat
Once your boarding group is called, the process is straightforward:
Listen for your group: Gate agents will call boarding groups (e.g., "Group A, positions 1-30").
Line up: Head to the numbered posts at the gate area, standing between the corresponding posts based on your boarding position.
Enter the aircraft: Once on board, you can choose any open seat.
Sub-heading: Tips for Seat Selection Onboard
Head to the back: Many people tend to fill seats in the front of the plane first. If you're looking for an empty row or seats together, heading towards the rear often provides more options.
Exit Rows and Bulkhead: These typically offer more legroom. However, passengers in exit rows must be willing and able to assist in an emergency. Flight attendants will verify this. Unaccompanied Minors are not permitted in exit rows.
Windows vs. Aisles: Decide your preference before boarding. If you're early, you'll have your pick.
Nervous Fliers: Seats over the wings tend to offer a smoother ride with less turbulence.
Traveling with a Group: If you want to sit together with a large group and don't have early boarding, your best bet is often to head to the back of the plane as a unit and look for available rows.
Step 6: What to Do if Plans Change (Same-Day Changes)
Life happens! Southwest offers flexibility if you need to change your flight on the day of travel.
Sub-heading: Same-Day Change and Same-Day Standby
Same-Day Change: You can switch to another flight on the same calendar day between the same origin and destination airports if there's space available. For most fare types (except Basic), there are no airline charges for this, though government taxes and fees may apply.
Same-Day Standby: You can list yourself for standby on an earlier flight. This is often free of airline charges, though taxes and fees may apply and be refunded.
How to do it: You can do this via the Southwest app, mobile web, or by speaking with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport.
Important: You must change your flight or list for standby at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight (30 minutes if using the app/mobile web for standby).
Note: Your original boarding position is not guaranteed with a same-day change or standby. A-List/A-List Preferred members get priority on the standby list.
FAQs: How to...
How to get a window seat on Southwest?
The best way is to secure an early boarding position (A group or early B group) by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, flying Business Select, or having A-List status. Once on board, head directly to an open window seat.
How to sit with my family on Southwest?
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding, which occurs between the A and B groups. If your children are older or you want to guarantee sitting together, consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In for everyone on your reservation or checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark.
How to get an aisle seat on Southwest?
Similar to a window seat, getting an early boarding position is key. The earlier you board, the more aisle seats will be available.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest?
Southwest's aircraft typically have exit row and bulkhead seats with more legroom. These seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis during boarding. Getting an A group boarding position significantly increases your chances of snagging one.
How to check in for my Southwest flight?
You can check in online at Southwest.com or via the Southwest app starting exactly 24 hours before your flight. You'll need your confirmation number and the first and last name on the reservation.
How to change my seat on Southwest after checking in?
Since Southwest uses open seating, you don't "change" your assigned seat after checking in. Your boarding position determines when you get to choose a seat. If you have a poor boarding position and want a better selection, your options are to purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate (if available) or explore same-day flight changes (which will result in a new boarding position for the new flight).
How to know my boarding group and position?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be assigned to you when you check in and will be printed on your boarding pass.
How to ensure overhead bin space on Southwest?
Getting an earlier boarding position (A group or early B group) is the best way to ensure you have ample overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage, as you'll board before most other passengers.
How to fly Southwest as an unaccompanied minor and get a seat?
Southwest allows children aged 5-11 to travel as Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) on nonstop or same-plane flights. UMs will be escorted onto the aircraft by an Employee before general boarding begins, ensuring they get a seat. They are introduced to the Flight Attendant and wear a special lanyard. Unaccompanied minors cannot occupy exit row seats.
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest for free?
The only free way to get the best possible boarding position (without purchasing a specific fare or having elite status) is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time, down to the second. Be ready with your confirmation number!
