Southwest Airlines is known for its unique open seating policy, which means there are no assigned seats when you book your flight. While this offers flexibility, it can also create anxiety, especially if you're traveling with family or friends and want to sit together. But don't worry! With a bit of strategy and understanding of their boarding process, you can significantly increase your chances of snagging those coveted side-by-side seats.
Ready to conquer the Southwest boarding shuffle and ensure your travel companions are right there with you? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Boarding Process
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to grasp the basics of how Southwest boards its planes. Unlike most airlines that assign you a specific seat number, Southwest uses a "first-come, first-served" approach within specific boarding groups.
The Boarding Groups: Everyone receives a boarding pass with a group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60).
Group A: These are the first to board, generally consisting of Business Select passengers, A-List/A-List Preferred members, and those who purchased Upgraded Boarding.
Family Boarding/Special Assistance: This happens after Group A but before Group B. It's for families traveling with a child age six or younger, and passengers needing a little extra time or specific seating accommodations due to a disability.
Group B: This is the next group to board, usually comprising passengers who checked in promptly at the 24-hour mark or purchased EarlyBird Check-In.
Group C: The last group to board, typically for those who checked in later.
The Goal: To sit together, your primary goal is to get into an earlier boarding group, as this gives you more choices of available seats on the plane.
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| How To Sit Together On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Strategize Your Check-in Time
This is arguably the most critical step for getting good seats on Southwest. Your boarding position is largely determined by when you check in.
Sub-heading: The Golden 24-Hour Mark
Set an alarm! Online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Be ready to check in the absolute second it becomes available. Even a delay of a minute or two can significantly impact your boarding position, especially on popular routes or full flights.
For multiple travelers: If you're traveling with a group, everyone on the same reservation will receive sequential boarding positions. The key is for one person to check in the entire group simultaneously at the 24-hour mark. This will give you the best possible combined boarding positions for your party based on your fare type.
Step 3: Consider Paid Options for Better Boarding
While the 24-hour check-in is free, Southwest offers paid options to boost your chances of getting an earlier boarding position.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, 12 hours before general check-in opens. This gives you a significant advantage over those waiting for the 24-hour mark.
When to buy: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking or add it later (up to 26 hours prior to departure), subject to availability. The earlier you buy it, the better your chances of a prime boarding position within the EarlyBird group.
Cost: The price varies per flight, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight.
Is it worth it? If sitting together is a top priority, especially for families or groups who want to guarantee adjacent seats, EarlyBird Check-In can be a worthwhile investment. It doesn't guarantee an "A" position, but it significantly increases your odds of getting into an early "B" group or even a late "A" group.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15)
What it is: If you missed out on an early boarding position, you might have another chance to upgrade! Southwest often sells a limited number of A1-A15 boarding positions at the gate or through the Southwest app within 24 hours of departure.
Cost: This typically costs between $30 and $80 per flight, per person, and is subject to availability.
When to buy: Ask a gate agent or check the app once you're at the airport, or within 24 hours of your flight.
Is it worth it? If you absolutely must have a specific seat (like a window or aisle in the front) or if you're traveling with a very large group and are desperate to sit together, this is your best bet for a guaranteed early boarding spot.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares
Premium Option: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class. It automatically includes an A1-A15 boarding position, along with other perks like a free premium drink and priority lane access.
Cost: Business Select fares are generally the most expensive.
Is it worth it? If budget isn't a concern and you want the ultimate peace of mind for getting your preferred seat, Business Select is the way to go.
Step 4: Leverage Southwest Elite Status
Southwest's Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members receive preferential boarding.
A-List Benefits: If you or someone in your traveling party has A-List status, everyone on the same reservation will automatically receive an earlier boarding position (generally within Group A or early B). This happens 36 hours before the flight.
How to Earn Status: A-List status is earned by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. A-List Preferred requires 40 qualifying flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points.
Consider a Southwest Credit Card: Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like free EarlyBird Check-Ins or a boost to your Companion Pass qualifying points, which can indirectly help you earn A-List status faster.
Step 5: Utilize Family Boarding
This is a fantastic benefit for families!
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Who Qualifies: If you are traveling with a child aged six or younger, you and up to one other adult can board during Family Boarding.
When it Happens: Family Boarding is called after Group A has boarded but before Group B. This allows families ample time to find seats together towards the front or middle of the plane before the majority of passengers come on board.
No Need for EarlyBird (for families with young children): If you qualify for Family Boarding, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In usually isn't necessary unless you really want to be in the very first rows, as Family Boarding positions often provide enough choice to sit together.
Step 6: Onboard Strategy
Even with a good boarding position, a little strategy on the plane can make all the difference.
Move to the Middle or Back: Many passengers tend to gravitate towards the front of the plane. If you're in a later boarding group, head further back. You'll often find more open rows or clusters of seats there.
Be Proactive: Once on board, quickly scan for open rows with enough seats for your group. Don't be afraid to walk a bit to find what you need.
Ask Nicely: If you're just one seat short of sitting together, politely ask a fellow passenger if they'd be willing to switch seats. Most people are accommodating if asked kindly. However, don't rely on this as your primary strategy.
"Seat Saver" - Use with Caution: Southwest's policy does not officially allow "seat saving." While some people try to save seats for their companions, it's generally frowned upon and not guaranteed. If you do attempt this, be prepared for a flight attendant to ask you to move bags from unoccupied seats if the flight is full and other passengers are looking for a place to sit. It's better to secure a good boarding position than to rely on saving seats.
Step 7: Traveling with Special Needs or Unaccompanied Minors
Southwest is generally very accommodating for passengers with disabilities or those needing special assistance.
Preboarding: If you or a travel companion have a disability that requires a specific seat, extra time to board, or the stowing of an assistive device, you may qualify for Preboarding. Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. One companion can preboard with the passenger needing assistance.
Extra Time (XT) Boarding: For those needing a little extra time to board but not necessarily a specific seat due to a disability, you can board after the A group but before Family Boarding. Ask a Customer Service Agent for an "XT" marked boarding pass.
Unaccompanied Minors (ages 5-11): Southwest charges a service fee for unaccompanied minors. They are only allowed on nonstop or direct flights that do not require a change of planes. While they are escorted by staff, they are not continuously monitored. It's important to discuss seating arrangements with the gate agent, as staff will typically introduce the child to the flight attendant upon boarding.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions about sitting together on Southwest, with quick answers:
How to guarantee sitting together on Southwest Airlines?
The most guaranteed ways are to purchase Business Select fares (which include A1-A15 boarding) or to buy Upgraded Boarding at the gate/via the app for A1-A15 positions. For families with young children, Family Boarding provides a strong guarantee.
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest?
You can get an A boarding group by purchasing a Business Select fare, having A-List or A-List Preferred status, or purchasing Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15) if available. Sometimes, checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight can land you in a low A group, especially with EarlyBird Check-In.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In effectively for groups?
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In for all members of your group on the same reservation as early as possible. This automatically checks everyone in at 36 hours before departure, giving you sequential and earlier boarding positions.
How to sit together with children on Southwest if they are older than six?
If your children are older than six, they don't qualify for Family Boarding. Your best bet is to check in exactly 24 hours before departure for everyone on the reservation, or consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In for everyone to secure earlier boarding positions.
How to change seats once on a Southwest flight?
Once on board, you can choose any available open seat. If you want to move to sit with someone, politely ask a flight attendant or another passenger if they'd be willing to switch, but understand they are not obligated to do so.
Tip: Review key points when done.
How to avoid being separated from your group on a full Southwest flight?
Your best strategy is to secure the earliest possible boarding positions for your entire group through Business Select, A-List status, Upgraded Boarding, or EarlyBird Check-In. If none of these are an option, check in precisely 24 hours before your flight and head towards the back of the plane upon boarding, where seats are often more plentiful.
How to handle seat saving requests on Southwest?
While Southwest's policy is open seating and doesn't officially allow seat saving, some passengers may try. Politely explain that you need a seat if the flight is full and you are unable to find one. Flight attendants may intervene to ensure fair seating for all.
How to preboard on Southwest for special assistance?
Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. Explain your disability or need for specific seating/extra time. They will assess your needs and may provide a "PRBD" (Preboard) or "XT" (Extra Time) boarding pass.
How to utilize a Companion Pass for sitting together on Southwest?
When traveling with a Companion Pass, book your flight first, then add your companion to your reservation. Your companion will receive a sequential boarding position to yours unless you bought a Business Select fare (then only you get A1-A15) or you add them after you've already been assigned a position. The best bet is for both to have EarlyBird or A-List status.
How to find the best seats for legroom on Southwest?
Seats in exit rows typically offer more legroom. These are usually in the middle of the plane and are only available to passengers who meet exit row requirements (e.g., 15 years or older, able to assist in an emergency). You'll need an early boarding position to snag these.
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