The unique boarding and seating system on Southwest Airlines often sparks curiosity and even a bit of anxiety for first-time flyers. Unlike most airlines that assign you a specific seat when you book your ticket, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served open seating policy. This means you get to choose any available seat once you board the plane. But how exactly does that work, and how can you ensure you get the seat you want? Let's dive deep!
Unraveling the Southwest Seating System: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you ready to crack the code of Southwest's open seating? Let's embark on this journey together!
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Philosophy - No Assigned Seats, Just Opportunity!
First things first, let's clear up the biggest difference: Southwest Airlines does NOT have assigned seating. Forget about picking seat 14A when you book your flight. Instead, Southwest believes in a fluid, efficient boarding process where passengers choose their seats upon entering the aircraft. This can be a refreshing change for some, offering flexibility, but it requires a slightly different approach to your travel day.
Why do they do this? Southwest aims to streamline boarding and deplaning, often leading to quicker turnarounds. It also gives passengers a sense of control over their immediate environment once on board.
Step 2: Decoding Your Boarding Pass - Groups and Positions
While there are no assigned seats, there's definitely an order to the chaos! Your boarding pass will be your key to understanding when you get to board the plane.
2.1 Boarding Groups: A, B, and C
Every Southwest boarding pass comes with a letter: A, B, or C. These are your boarding groups, determining the general time frame you'll be called to board.
Group A: This is the golden ticket group. Passengers in Group A get to board first, giving them the widest selection of seats.
Group B: The second group to board. You'll still likely find a decent selection of seats, though popular window and aisle seats at the front might be taken.
Group C: The last group to board. This group typically has the most limited seat selection, often meaning middle seats, especially on full flights.
2.2 Boarding Positions: 1-60
Within each group (A, B, or C), you'll also have a number, ranging from 1 to 60. For example, you might be A32, B15, or C58. This number indicates your specific position within your assigned group.
When it's time to board, you'll see numbered poles or signs at the gate. You'll line up between the two poles that correspond to your number. For example, if you're A32, you'll stand between the 'A31-35' and 'A36-40' signs (or similar, depending on the setup).
Step 3: Mastering the Check-in Game for a Better Boarding Position
Since there are no assigned seats, your boarding position is paramount to getting the seat you desire. And the single biggest factor influencing your boarding position is when you check in for your flight.
3.1 The 24-Hour Check-in Dash
Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is your primary opportunity to snag a good boarding position.
Set an alarm! Seriously, frequent Southwest flyers will often set a reminder for 24 hours before their flight to be ready to click that check-in button. The earlier you check in, the lower your number within your group (and potentially a better group overall) will be.
3.2 Investing in EarlyBird Check-In
If the idea of a 24-hour check-in dash fills you with dread, Southwest offers a paid service called EarlyBird Check-In.
What it does: EarlyBird automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, giving you a significant head start on the general public.
Benefits: While it doesn't guarantee an "A" boarding position, it significantly increases your chances of getting one, or at least a much better "B" position. This is particularly useful for those who want a window or aisle seat, or wish to sit closer to the front of the plane.
Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies based on the flight but is generally a reasonable fee per one-way flight.
3.3 Business Select Fares: The VIP Lane
If you purchase a Business Select fare, you are guaranteed an A1-A15 boarding position. This is the absolute best boarding position you can get and is ideal for those who prioritize being among the first to board and having their pick of any seat.
Added Perks: Business Select also comes with other benefits like a complimentary premium drink and extra Rapid Rewards points.
3.4 A-List and A-List Preferred Status: Loyalty Pays Off
Southwest's frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, offers elite status tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred.
A-List Benefits: A-List members and those on their reservation receive priority boarding, meaning they are automatically assigned an earlier boarding position (usually within the A group), regardless of when they check in.
A-List Preferred Benefits: A-List Preferred members receive an even higher priority boarding position.
How to earn: You achieve A-List status by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning a certain amount of Tier Qualifying Points within a calendar year.
3.5 Upgraded Boarding at the Gate
If you find yourself with a less-than-ideal boarding position after checking in, you might have another opportunity. Subject to availability, Southwest sometimes offers Upgraded Boarding for purchase at the gate, starting 24 hours before departure.
What it is: This allows you to purchase a last-minute A1-A15 boarding position if one is available.
Consideration: This can be a bit of a gamble as availability is not guaranteed, especially on popular flights.
Step 4: The Boarding Process at the Gate
Once you have your boarding pass and know your group and position, here's how the actual boarding happens:
4.1 Pre-Boarding
Before any A Group passengers are called, Southwest offers pre-boarding for customers who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, require assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device.
Important: If you require pre-boarding, you'll need to speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. They will ask questions to determine if you qualify and will issue you a special boarding pass (marked PRBD). One travel companion may pre-board with you.
4.2 Family Boarding
After the A group has boarded, and before the B group begins, Southwest calls for Family Boarding.
Who qualifies: Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding. This is a fantastic perk for families, ensuring they can find seats together without the stress of being in a later boarding group.
Note: If your entire family has "A" boarding passes, it's generally better to board with your assigned "A" positions to get the best choice of seats.
4.3 Group A, B, and C Boarding
After pre-boarding and family boarding, the general boarding process begins.
Listen for announcements: Gate agents will announce when each group is called. They typically call in smaller segments, such as "A1-30, please line up," then "A31-60," and so on.
Line up accordingly: Find the numbered poles at the gate that correspond to your boarding position and line up.
Walk on, find your seat: Once your group is called and you proceed down the jetway, you simply walk onto the plane and choose any open seat.
Step 5: Strategizing Your Seat Selection Onboard
You're on the plane! Now for the fun part: picking your seat.
5.1 Early Bird Gets the Worm (or Window/Aisle)
If you're in the A group, you'll have the best chance to grab your preferred seat. Most people gravitate towards window and aisle seats, especially those closer to the front for a quicker exit upon arrival.
5.2 Back of the Plane: Often the Last to Fill
If you're in the B or C group and are hoping for a window or aisle, consider looking towards the back of the plane. These seats often fill up last.
5.3 The Middle Seat Strategy
Sometimes, especially on full flights, the only available seats might be middle seats. Don't despair entirely! Sometimes passengers traveling together will occupy the window and aisle, leaving the middle seat open. You can politely ask if they'd mind shifting over if you prefer an aisle or window. Most people are accommodating.
5.4 Overhead Bin Space
Your boarding position also impacts your access to overhead bin space. Earlier boarders have a better chance of finding space directly above their seats. If you board later, you might need to find space further back or forward, or gate-check your bag if overhead space runs out.
Step 6: Special Considerations and Tips
6.1 Traveling with Children (Ages 7-13)
While children 6 and under qualify for Family Boarding, if you're traveling with children aged 7-13, you'll board with your assigned group. However, if you need assistance seating your child next to an accompanying adult, speak to the Gate Agent or Flight Attendants. Southwest will endeavor to seat you together to the maximum extent practicable.
6.2 Customers Needing Extra Time (XT Boarding)
If you have a disability and need a little extra time to board or be seated but do not qualify for pre-boarding, you may board between the "A" and "B" groups (before Family Boarding). Again, speak with a Customer Service Agent to get an "XT" boarding pass.
6.3 Group Travel
For groups of 10 or more, Southwest has a dedicated "Group Travel Services." Booking through this service may have specific procedures for boarding, but the general open seating policy still applies once on board.
6.4 Be Flexible and Polite!
Southwest's system thrives on efficiency and a bit of passenger cooperation. Be prepared to be flexible with your seat choice, especially on very full flights. A polite request to shift seats can go a long way if you're looking to sit with companions.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Southwest Airlines seating:
How to get an "A" boarding position on Southwest?
Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or achieve A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest?
If you're traveling with a child 6 or younger, utilize Family Boarding. For older children, check in early to get better positions, or politely ask other passengers to shift once on board.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In with Southwest?
Purchase it when booking your flight or add it to an existing reservation (up to 36 hours before departure) through the Southwest website or app. Southwest will then automatically check you in.
How to change my seat after boarding on Southwest?
Once on the plane, you can choose any available open seat. If you've already sat down and see a better open seat, you are generally free to move, but it's polite to make sure no one else is heading for it.
How to find my boarding group and position on Southwest?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be clearly printed on your boarding pass, which you receive after checking in.
How to pre-board on Southwest Airlines?
Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate before boarding begins. Explain your need for a specific seat or assistance due to a disability.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest at the airport?
You can inquire about "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate, starting 24 hours before departure, subject to availability and for a fee.
How to handle flying with an unaccompanied minor on Southwest regarding seating?
Unaccompanied minors (ages 5-11) will pre-board the aircraft with a Southwest Employee, ensuring they are seated and introduced to a Flight Attendant before general boarding.
How to get an aisle or window seat on Southwest?
The best way is to get an early boarding position (A group is ideal) through early check-in, EarlyBird, Business Select, or A-List status. This gives you first pick.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest?
Aim for the earliest possible boarding position. If you're in B or C, consider heading to the back of the plane first, as those window and aisle seats are often the last to be taken.
