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Interested in improving your boarding position?

Upgraded Boarding gives Customers the ability to upgrade their boarding position to A1-A15 24 hours before the flight, depending on availability. This allows Customers the opportunity to be among the first to board the aircraft, pick their preferred available seat, and access the overhead bin space.

EarlyBird Check-In® gives Customers the convenience of automatic check-in before our traditional 24-hour check-in, depending on availability. As an EarlyBird Check-In Customer, you'll have the benefit of an earlier boarding position, a better opportunity to select your preferred available seat, and earlier access to overhead bin storage for your carryon luggage.

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Learn how the Southwest Airlines seating process works.

Southwest Airlines has a unique open seating policy – basically, seats are not assigned. When you check in for your Southwest flight, you are assigned a boarding group. Your boarding group and position determine the order in which you will be allowed to board the flight. Upon boarding the flight, you may choose any open seat.

Learn about Southwest Airlines boarding groups.

When you check in for your Southwest flight, you are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a boarding position (1-60). During the Southwest boarding process , passengers are instructed to line up in order based on their boarding group and position.  So, passengers holding A group boarding passes board first, then B, then C. Within each group, passengers will line up based on their numbers.  For example, A1 will board before A20.

The key to getting a good seat on Southwest is, obviously, to board early.

I’ve found that an A group or early B group (B1-B30) is always sufficient to provide me with several good open seats and plenty of overhead bin space. B31-B60 can be okay too but it depends on how many people you are traveling with, how full the flight is and whether the flight is connecting from somewhere else. The C group usually means “center seat” and may require you to also gate check overhead bags.

Southwest Airlines Seating Tips How To Get A Good Seat on Southwest Airlines

Check in EXACTLY 24 hours before your flight.

If you would like to get a good seat on your next Southwest Airlines flight, follow this rule. Check in opens 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time. The earlier you check in, the earlier your spot in line will be. Many passengers will also be checking in 24 hours before the flight so a few minutes or seconds can make a big difference in your boarding group or position.  This is especially true on weekdays.  My strategy is to set an alarm or calendar entry five minutes before check in opens.  I pull up my reservation, enter all the necessary details (name, confirmation number) and wait.  As soon as the clock hits the time check-in opens, I hit that check in now button.

If you are unsure whether you will be able to check-in 24 hours prior to your flight, purchase Southwest EarlyBird Check-In.

I prefer not to spend any more money than I have to but found Southwest EarlyBird Check-In useful for those occasions I know I will not be able to manually check in.  The cost for Southwest Early Bird Check In is $15 – $25 one-way per passenger depending on the length of flight and popularity. When you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in and assigns your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight’s departure. Southwest Early Bird Check In does not guarantee an A boarding position, but you most likely will be in the A or early B group. (See related post :  Is Southwest Early Bird Check In Worth It? ).

Pay even more money or fly more often to guarantee early boarding.

The only way to absolutely guarantee an A1-A15 boarding position on Southwest is to purchase a Business Select fare. This isn’t the most attractive option for leisure passengers though as the fare is more expensive.

If you still want a crack at that A1-A15 spot but don’t want to purchase a Business Select fare, you can try Upgraded Boarding .  Warning: this is not a guaranteed option as it may not be available.  On the day of travel, inquire at the gate or ticket counter before the boarding process begins.  If Upgraded Boarding is available, you can secure a boarding position in the A1-A15 group for $30, $40 or $50 per flight, depending on your itinerary.

Note: If you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business credit card (our referral links), you will be reimbursed for the purchase of up to 4 Upgraded Boardings each anniversary year .

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards members with A-List and A-List Preferred elite status get priority boarding ahead of general boarding.

Traveling with a child? Familiarize yourself with Southwest family boarding.

Children age six years or younger and a guardian may board during Southwest Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. If you have an A group boarding pass, go ahead and board with the A group instead of waiting for family boarding.

Don’t arrive late to the gate for your flight.

I repeat, don’t arrive late to the gate for your Southwest flight. There is no point in having an A or B boarding group if you will show up to your flight right before the airplane door closes. Sometimes that can’t be helped if your connecting flight was delayed so I guess at that point, just sit in your middle seat and be thankful you caught your flight.

If you have an early boarding group but by the time you arrive at your gate they are boarding a later group, don’t be shy. Immediately step to the front of the line to scan your boarding pass.  No one will think you are line cutting.

Does Southwest have First Class? No. All seats are economy and Southwest boarding process is first come first serve.

What is a best seat on Southwest?

The best seat on Southwest depends on your own personal needs.  Passengers with a connecting flight might need to sit in the front so they can deplane quicker.  Taller passengers might have an eye on snagging an exit row seat. Larger groups and families traveling with small children might want to make sure they can sit together. Personally, when traveling solo I like an aisle seat – especially one with an empty middle seat next to it. When traveling with my kids, I prefer sitting towards the back.

Find out how full the flight is before you board.

Sometimes Southwest gate agents make an announcement whether the flight is full. If not, I will ask. This is helpful in knowing whether I have a chance at my coveted aisle plus empty middle seat scenario.  On a completely full Southwest flight, I would choose an aisle seat with the middle seat already occupied by someone I wouldn’t mind sitting next to. Similarly, it would be helpful for someone traveling with a lap child to know whether an empty middle seat might be available.

Choose wisely what section of the plane you pick a seat.

Obviously not an exact science but often, older travelers and those with connecting flights seem to choose the front of the plane.  Families typically head towards the back, where they hope to find seats together and maybe an empty middle seat for a lap child.  My sweet spot on Southwest flights is from the middle of the plane to two-thirds of the way back.  The reasoning is that the front middle seats will fill up quickly with people resigned to their middle seat predicament or eager to disembark.  Also, people tend to pass up the middle section of the plane in hopes a random aisle or window seat can be found at the back.  Once they are at the back, they will likely just grab any seat there since it is so difficult to turn around.

Saving seats on Southwest Airlines is controversial and murky.

No one likes to spend any more money than they have to.  For some passengers, this means resorting to “seat saving”.  It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what Southwest’s policy is on saving seats as it is not uniformly enforced. Many people won’t necessarily mind if someone is saving a middle seat next to them for a traveling companion that is close behind but some passengers take it to the extreme.  I’ve witnessed one man board early and attempt to block off a number of seats (on a full flight) for multiple travel companions with a C group. The flight attendant intervened but that is not always the case.

Recognize sneaky and dishonest tactics.

Much like the extreme seat-savers, some people think getting a seat on a plane is a no-holds barred type of thing.  I’ve heard of passengers attempting to keep seats empty by pretending a nonexistent/imaginary travel companion is simply in the bathroom.  Not only is this dishonest but also silly- what happens if they sit nearby and clearly no one returns from the bathroom? Conflict with fellow passengers is never a good thing.

On the less extreme end, sometimes two people traveling together try to block off a middle seat.  This is great for late boarders.  If you spot one of these twosomes, make a beeline for their row and ask to sit in the middle. Most likely, they will offer up either their aisle or window seat.

How to Get a Good Seat on Southwest Airlines

103 Comments

Or you can sit in the middle of a couple and have them talk over you and pass things back and forth for four hours…my recent experience! But I guess sometimes you just get unlucky. But some of your other tips seem worth a try!

Ick, that sounds like a pretty bad flight!

Did you offer to switch seats with one of them?

My friend and I take an isle and a window, our personal preferences. If you take the middle we will not be moving which seems to surprise some passengers. If you are fun, join in our conversations

S Jumps I would join in on the conversation by asking why the two of you think you are worth three seats.

Best response ever

Did he say they’re worth two seats? Do they somehow make the third seat unavailable? NO! He said they both sit where they like and if someone comes to sit in the middle, that’s cool. They don’t swap seats just to be near their friends. Good God some people!

I would smack the shit out of your hands if you passed anything over me. I don’t mind getting apple juice all over me as long as it gets my point across.

You would then get your face smashed in and be on a breathing tube for the rest of your life… and yes, the jail time would be worth it

Internet warriors.

Are you and your friend portly people? You require that extra middle seat to share your snacks and arm rolls?

And I’d do a Taliban on your ass if you touched me

Yeah… That’s called “self-importance” and fits perfectly into how modern day people think of themselves and others. In a world of common decency, the person with the aisle seat would offer to switch with the person in the middle. It’s called “courtesy” but I’m guessing that doesn’t fit into your worldview, moron.

My girlfriend and I do this. Take the isle and window and hope no one comes. But if they do, the above is correct, we’ll offer them window. As I like Isle and my girlfriend will just move over.

Nobody is worth two seats. We just want to sit together. And we just try to pick who we’d prefer to sit with by offering them a seat. It’s no different than picking what middle seat you want to sit in by who’s already there.

Hey, you do what you have to do to be comfortable for a long flight.

You would think that because the passengers are doing all the work here, the tickets would be dirt cheap. Passengers also should be able to get their round trip tickets once and for all. This 24 hour nonsence is horrible, especially if you are away on vacation and 24 hours before you leave you have to remember to get your boarding pass arrangements done. Think about it,we go online, book our flight, go through the 24 hour process and get back online to arrange your own boarding passes. I have tried paying the extra $15 and ended up in Group C! What a ripoff! I did a lot of flying with Southwest, but have not because they do not try to improve any of this. It is a shame because they are a convenient airline for me with very little delays, free baggage, however, their prices have escalated which probably include baggage fees unknown to the passenger.

I guess you only fly SW and think the grass in greener, but SW often runs $100+ less than the competition Basic Economy. This is a new fare that is below economy. This doesn’t even included access to the overhead bin.

One more tips. Before you board, ask if flight is oversold. In lots of cases, the gate agent would let you preboard and sit in the first row so he/she could easily locate you if the flight is actually oversold and a volunteer is needed.

That’s a good one- thanks for sharing!

Unfortunately, I have seen many instances where one passenger purchases early-bird boarding and saves a seat for a traveling companion who boards later. The flight attendants do nothing.

Yeah, I’ve seen flight attendants let it slide too a few times but usually in those cases the second person wasn’t too far behind.

You should just tell them, “Oh, well where are they?” They should have been here if they wanted it.” That easy, seriously. If that is the case, tell them you had that seat they are in already saved before you got on the plane. If they complain or say I sat here first though, say, “Exactly” and just sit down. People are just too submissive.

Nice write up. One thing I’ve noticed is that the FA’S will keep preboarders from sitting in exit rows for obvious reasons. If the flight is super light just wait until everyone has boarded and then go toward the back. Most people want to sit up front. I’ve been on planes where it is totally full in the first 15 rows and nearly empty in the back. People are funny like that.

Thanks! You’re right, people are sometimes in a hurry just to get settled anywhere they grab the first open seat they find.

Thank – you so much for taking the time to write this excellent and complete guide. I’m sure many people, like me, have found very helpful

Who benefits from this idiotic seating policy? Wish Southwest would change this system. Boarding doesn’t move any faster.

Just fly elsewhere, this seating policy sucks.

I just wish southwest would make people with the those huge overstuffed over head bags sit in the back of the plane.I missed a connecting flight because I was seated further back and had to wait almost 30 minutes for families and people trying to maneuver those big bags.I never take extra bags.just a tote that fits under the seat.

I always just have one regulation size bag that goes in the overhead and is really easy to manage. If it takes that long to maneuver a bag it probably should just be checked in- bummer missing a connection.

I agree. Also one time I decided to put my computer bag up top and people kept trying to push their oversize baggage into it and when I got it out I found it was ripped from some idiot.

I also note the number of wheelchairs (all are pre-boarded along with family members traveling with the wheelchair passenger). These passengers take front seats. If a passenger requiring a wheelchair is traveling alone, however, I’ve noticed that the seats next to them are often open and available.

That’s a good one- especially if you need to be up front to catch a connection.

Some people don’t like the bulkhead seats because there are no trays so you have to hold drinks and or food. What i dont like is that those seats are not kept open for handicapped people who board when that flight was a continuing flight and those passengers are allowed to move to different seats. I had this happen when my handicapped mom and i were on a continuing flight and 2 other bigger guys moved to the bulkhead seats. Then there were handicapped passengers boarding who had to take further seats back. I think southwest needs to change that procedure. Another situation in which i voiced my opion mightily was when our flight was delayed and my mom, which they knew she was handicapped, didnt keep an open seat up front for her and i. We ended up way in the back with her in a middle seat and me in a middle seat further back. She is very hard of hearing so she kept looking at me everytime an announcement came over the pa. If the flight had had difficulty i would not b near her to help her. Its time southwest starts doing seat assignments. It takes just about the same amount of time or longer to board a southwest flight as other airlines. It would b so much easier particularly with all the stupid people who bring big duffles etc on board.

Southwest is Southwest. You really need to fly with someone else. Why would you want to change the only airline with unassigned seating? So many of us love their procedures. I’m partially handicapped. I don’t expect people to wait on me, just give me a little more time. As long as I can get on that plane and get a seat…I’m happy to be going. I love Southwest.

I agree. Southwest is southwest. Overall their my airline of choice domestically for short to mid-range flights. Each airline has different boarding procedures so it sounds like individuals that need customized travel options should go with another carrier. I sometimes do this when I travel. For example when I’m flying to coast to coast or a two to three convection I go with another carrier.

From these comments I think I will stick with United and know I have the seat I want

My son is handicapped and we usually take the first seats. Why? because he cannot walk very far and its easier. We don’t mind waiting to be the last off, as its much easier because they have the wheelchair waiting for us it lets all the others go ahead so there is no waiting. Yes we stay on the plane and do not change but we also stay in the same seats I cannot move to another seat as he is unable to communicate People have difference reasons for staying with the person that is handicapped. besides not able to walk very far he is also mentally chanallanged

I am handicapped and endured the same situation where people were already seated in the first row. I was confused cause there was no handicap first row. I asked the flight attendant where the handicap seating was and she flippantly gestured to the entire plane. I had to tell her that according to the law you must provide accomodations to the handicapped. She immediately changed her tune and asked for volunteers to move. I felt so empowered after that.

Great tips. I have seen many with an imaginary friend, some with two. They simply put all of their things on every seat in a row. Once an FA told somebody like that that they know all the tricks and made her move her stuff. Also encountered somebody with a high B ticket who said that she could stand at the very front of the B line. Even though several of us pointed out that she needs to find her number, she insisted on being in the front. I like Southwest because of their free luggage policy and the ability to bank money when changes are made.

It’s pretty funny when someone gets called out for sketchy behavior. Agree, Southwest’s change policy has come in handy more than a few times for me.

I could have really used these tips when I was selling travel! Great post!

Thanks glad you found them helpful!

The seating policy is the main reason I choose to not fly Southwest. Only time it’s beneficial for me is if I’m traveling with my toddler and get to take advantage of family boarding. Plus, I hate Midway.

I am kinda neutral on the seating policy but it does seem like most people either love or hate it.

I agree! Midway is a drag. I live close to ORD and I’m dreading that I had to book with Southwest out of Midway. Way cheaper and with my trip being in January I needed the flexibility to change if the weather was bad (cruise) and other airlines had little to no nonstop to Houston Hobby. Oh love the not nickel and dining you tho (bags,seats etc) that other airlines do.

its not so much the seating policy for me as it is the 3×3. Why not a 4 and a 2? id pay extra for the 2. would you?

Would love a 4 by 2 as well. I don’t particularly like sitting next to strangers as I require a lot of personal space.

Only fly 2-3 times per year; 3×3 ? Or 4×2 ? Hate the seating policy, love to sit with my wife. I must have an isle sit; I am extreame Claus-tro-pho-bic. The anxiety starts the day before the flight, and gets worse until the flight is over & then the return home!!! Most times the flight booking is done by someone else. When I am in control, I fly with other carriers. BTW, the horrible Clause -Tro-Pho-Bic Anxiety began 50 yrs ago by being pinned down in fire fights in war

Explain this; I check in to a flight the second it’s available and get B15. My friend checks in to the same flight hours later and gets A25. What’s up with that?

I am guessing your friend might have paid for EarlyBird check-in or maybe has A-List status.

I’m traveling for first time on Southwest with 5 family members (adults) and now worried this was bad decision. Nothing like getting stressed the first day of vacation! Suprised there haven’t been numerous altercations.

I don’t think it was necessarily a bad decision as there are a lot of positives about flying Southwest. You should be able to sit together as long as you can board early (in As or low Bs). I recommend putting an alarm and checking in exactly 24 hours before the flight time OR purchasing EarlyBird check-in. If you want to save money, 3 of you can pay for EarlyBird check-in and save the middle seats. I think seat saving is more an issue when 1 person is saving a lot of seats especially those in the aisle or window. On a positive note, I find that Southwest has more legroom than other airlines so you should have a more comfortable flight. Plus they don’t charge for checked bags.

Southwest planes are the DIRTIEST in the industry. Be sure to take disinfecting wipes with you and DON’T use the lavatory

Maybe that’s why the SW planes are so dirty. People aren’t using the bathrooms!

You should carry wipes no matter what plane you’re on. Some people are just nasty and the flight turn arounds aren’t enough time to clean up properly. This or they just don’t care enough.

I’ve written a guide (for myself) with assorted info for the first-time LUV flyer (again me). There’s lots of good tips here that I can add to my cheat-sheet. It’s helpful to be aware of all protocols before flying with them. By flying Southwest, I’m willing to relinquish an assigned seat (United) as long as I know how to get the best seat for me. Thanks!

How do you get on the A list or preferred list

A-list is for frequent flyers. You need to fly 25 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year.

I will be flying Southwest from Milwaukee to Los Angels – then American Airlines to Hawaii and return to CA. In your opinion, how important is the TSA pre-check program for this type of flight?

Hi Freeman, Sorry for the delay in responding. While it is always nice to have TSA Precheck its value depends on how often you fly. I would not sign up for it only to use it on one trip. How often do you think you will be flying in the next 5 years? Do you knave any children under 13?

Thanks for your reply. We have no children under 13 nor any under 30. And we are in the 75 to 80 plus range, so I don’t know how many more years we might be traveling our selves. So even though we might get caught in a long line this time, based on the dollars, it likely won’t pay off to have the TSA Pre-check?

Probably not worth it to pay for TSA Precheck if will only use it once or twice in 5 years. It is hard to predict the future but I would suggest that each person should divide the cost of TSA by your estimate of how many flights you think you will take in the next 5 years to see how much you would pay for each use.

If you have a credit card that gives you free TSA Precheck then you might as well sign up.

You might also get TSA Precheck randomly on your boarding pass. In the past, seniors were likely to get TSA Precheck without even signing up.

Even if you do not have TSA Precheck, the line might not necessarily be long-it depends on many factors including what time and day you are flying. I would recommend going to the airport early to be on the safe side. You would have to take off shoes, jackets and belts which some people find annoying.

Thanks for the information and your help.

Now I’m worried – I just purchased 8 tickets – for me and my husband and our 8 children. The youngest one is 10, and it would be HORRIBLE if she couldn’t sit with one of us! The others are older and would love not sit with us, but I’m worried about the 10 year old! Is it possible that she would get a boarding number not by mine????

If you are all on the same reservation I think you would get nearby boarding positions.

Even if your boarding groups were not next to each other you can still board together – but you would have to board with the family member that had the last boarding position. (For example, if two people were traveling together and one had A40 while the other had B12, they would both have to board at B12 to be able to walk on the plane together.)

The key to all sit together is to board early (A group or early B group). I would recommend setting an alarm and checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight’s departure time.

We just had this happen on a full flight to Florida. I explained that my 10 year old could not sit alone and the crew asked if anyone could make room. No one responded so crew upped their game and offered free movie or drinks if someone would move to allow 2 free seats. If this happens to anyone speak up. Crew will work with uou

That is great advice. The crew does not want young children sitting alone and will usually help you sit together.

will be traveling with granddaughter and lap baby will I be allowed to board with her during family boarding in order to help with baby? This will also be first time for granddaughter to fly.

I think you would be allowed to board during family boarding. According to southwest: “An adult traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding.”

Traveing southeest airline with a 88 year old individual, that uses a non electric wheel chair and has difficulty walking. Will this person be given pre boardimg seat assignment,early boarding and/or any other preferential treatment. Thanks for your assistance.

My first time flying southwest:

I checked in exactly 24 hours before the flight. Got boarding pass b17

Second time completely forgot, and checked in about 3- 4hr before the flight. Got A17.

So, The “early you check in the better” theory is down the drain. What I did noticed was: My first B position I paid 64 bucks for that flight. My second A17 boarding position I paid over $100 for that flights. So I guess that’s what really matters. Not how early you checked in.

We have flown on many Southwest flights and do find that, in general, the earlier you check in the better boarding position you get. One factor that affects your position is how many other people are also checking in early for that flight. For example, I have noticed that on weekday flights, I have to check in right at 24 hours because most of the people on those flights are experienced business travelers that also check in at 24 hours. On the other hand, I have checked in later for Sunday morning flights and still got a good boarding position. I have noticed that most people on Sunday flights are traveling for leisure for the weekend, are less experienced and too busy on Saturday to check in at the 24 hour mark. I wonder if that was a factor on your flights?

People may have bought early bird with a reservation. And were automatically checked-in by SW, then less than 24 hours before (even up to 10 minutes before flight) the flight if they cancel their reservation – their ‘A’ boarding position gets put back into the system and whoever checks in next gets that boarding position.

Here is a step by step guide I put together to setup automatic check-in on your own computer at the 24 hr mark – http://www.theartoftravelhacking.com/automatic-check-southwest-flights/

If you sign up for early bird check in, do you still need to check in as well to make sure you have a good boarding position? Or will it automatically show you when you log in what your boarding position is?

early bird checks you in automatically to get a good boarding position – but you will still have to print a boarding pass, get one at the airport kiosk, or pull it up on your phone before you head through security.

We signed up for the Early Bird check in. Does anybody know when I will be able to see what boarding position we received? If I log in 24 hours before the flight to check, will it be there already? Thank you for all of the other great information in this post and in the comments!

I see it when I log in 24 hours before my flight to print my boarding pass.

You’ll be able to see your boarding position right away at the 24 hour mark before you depart. Get the southwest App and they’ll send ya a push alert of your boarding position with early bird.

If you have a connecting flight, and have paid for early bird seating on the first flight, does it also apply to the second flight? We will have to change planes too!

This is one of these rules that often can vary. It should check you in but I’ve had times when I’ve had early bird that it checks in a B assignment.

This might already be mentioned by exit rows also have language, age and mobility requirements. Plus if your on a B737-700 series the window exit seat is removed on some of the aircraft. When in doubt check seat guru!

My husband and I are traveling with 5 children, the youngest being 5 years old. Does that mean that we can all board during family boarding?

In my experience, you will probably be fine. The issue Southwest tries to eliminate in Family Boarding is the opposite…4 adults trying to board with one child/toddler. Just check with the gate agent and be friendly.

Are seniors (85 years old) permitted to board a flight early, and if so, are there certain restrictions as to where they sit?

Recent experience would indicate that most people are paying for the early check in and/or that there are many A+ travelers that automatically get higher boarding numbers. Bottom line if you are an occasional SW flyer be prepared to be at the back of the bus. Checking in early will do you little good. I just checked in and got B51. Started hitting the check in button 2 minutes before my phone showed the exact 24 hour before wheels up time.

I fly SWA exclusively and am A+Preferred meaning I usually board from A16-A21. Not sure I’d pay extra to board A1-A15 as sometimes the flight is a non-originating flight and still contains many passengers flying to the next destination so you don’t get the seat you really want, hence you may have wasted your money unless the goal is to just be able to get an aisle seat or room for your bag. If I don’t get the emergency aisle I’ll sit in row 9 or multiples of 9 as they receive drinks first. I’ve only had a couple bad experiences with miserable flight crews but the exceptional experiences far outweigh those. Great airline and once you learn the boarding process and use the aforementioned tips you’ll never want to fly other airlines. Did I mention free drinks for A+ and above and the Companion Pass Program?

I will protest to the flight attendant when an early boarder puts his personal items in the seat next to him and claims he is saving a seat. I have talked to the airline and this is against their policy. I feel someone doing this is more rude then my complaint!

Travel often with Southwest, and I get really steamed when I see” wheelchair’ passengers get to board early, but on the other end of the flight,often see these same passengers sprinting around the baggage carousels lugging big suitcases.

Southwest needs a better system to identify truly deserving pre-boarders who abuse the system and laugh at the rest of us.

Perhaps its time to require medical certificates signed by doctors?

The second paragraph heading, “The key to getting a good seat…,” made me ask myself, “what’s a good seat?” I appreciate that you addressed that later in the article. As with you, I do prefer an aisle seat if just for the sake of the feeling of extra room on one side of me (briefly tucking in when the service carts come thru), though if I intend to nap on a longer flight I prefer having a window to lean up against, which is also good when a very broad passenger takes the center seat. Despite where you pick to sit, a good seat is ultimately one with overhead storage! I know overhead bin space isn’t earmarked per seat, but there is a common sense factor that makes it somewhat of an unspoken guideline. I despise when a person puts their stuff in the first open bin spot then goes to the back of the plane. The later groups board and someone filling a hole near the front of the plane has no overhead storage and has to make their way to the back to find room in a bin, then make their way back to their seat. If that isn’t bad enough, now they have to get their stuff from the back when the plane deboards, all on the account of a jerk that puts their stuff in a bin space that would typically be for a passenger in that row, rather than putting in close to the seat they chose.

Seat savers are simply violating my right to sit in a seat I’ve paid for. After a trip to Aruba last year we will never, not for all the tea on China ever, fly SWA again. Paid for business Select, arrived very early (this scenario played out identically both inbound and out) and wat in rows 7 and 13 respectively. Outbout a group of 5 children preboarded with 1 adult, each kid took a middle seat and held the entire row for others in their group in later boarding groups. FA’s were useless. Disinterested and unresponsive. I am 6’1”+, 275 and thought that paying for BS (appreciate) seats we’d have options. The seat saving kid brigade took the bulkheads and wing exit rows…how can a child hold a wing exit seat? Bonus, one of the FA’s I had asked to assist us took the opportunity to be discourteous and unprofessional the entire AUA-ISP with stop in MCO trip. Written complaints (email) followed the flights with zero SWA response. I opened 2 Chase Visa cards and purchased BS to maximize points, now I’ve got 150,000 points I will not use. Oh, almost neglected to include that through the credit card spend bonuses I had achieved my Companion Pass. SWA did not honor it for the AUA trip…! Paid full fare for both wife and I, still have a never used Companion Pass. Yikes, SWA will never see another thin dime of my hard earned dollars.

I am concerned after reading everyone’s comments. I am traveling from New York to California with my elderly mom who will be using airport wheelchair assistance to/from the gate, but she cannot sit alone and must be with me as she is non-verbal due to aphasia from a stroke and needs assistance in other areas. It’s also hard for her to get up and down. I was hoping to get the bulkhead seat with her. I’m also nervous because we have a connecting flight changing planes and we need to disembark quickly, which is going to be very difficult. What are your recommendations. She’s already stressed and I feel terrible for her.

I have come to the conclusion that Southwest is the least predictable airline there is both from comments and from my own miserable experience with them. If you haven’t already traveled, can you get a refund on your tickets and book with another less “cattle car” airline? That bulkhead seat is highly coveted by a lot of people for a lot of reasons – claustrophobia, long legs, etc. and usually goes with the first person on the plane. A communication problem will not get you the bulkhead seat. Another airline may cost more but it might be worth it not to have the worries ruin your trip. Southwest may be cheap but there is an old saying: You get what you pay for. Best wishes on your trip.

Hi….I have flown many times with Southwest. People in wheelchairs and whoever is flying with them generally get on the plane first and have the bulkhead seats. The only advantage to flying with them is free baggage. Their tickets are not all that cheap anymore. It takes forever to get a free ticket and there are so many blackout dates. I would fly with them for airport convenience, however, I started to hate when a trip that takes 2-3 hours becomes an all day deal because they stop in Baltimore. I always hated the seating issue and having to stop what you are doing to get your boarding pass online and try to not end up being in C group. Good luck when flying with them.

Blackout dates? Are you kidding me? No such thing!

This policy sucks. Southwest is the walmart of airlines. They heard people in and let them fight for seats that don’t suck. You will not sit with friends/family most of the time. They provide no seating service, letting people fight over seats. If you like being treated like you’re in a third world country, fly Southwest! Dreadful policy.

Print this out and save it. It is from Southwest website. No one can really save a seat.

Pick a seat, any seat At Southwest®, we let you sit where you like. We don’t assign seats on our flights, so feel free to sit in any available seat once you board the plane.

i pretend to be sick and start coughing. unless the flight is completely full, nobody wants to sit next to the guy that might be sick/ill.

may be deranged but it works!

Just completed a roundtrip from L.A. to Newark on Southwest with layovers in Denver and Chicago. Out of the three seating groups I know of (A, B & C), the best we managed for early check- in was B. There was always an offer for A group boarding at the gate for an additional $15-$16 when available. Boarding before the next group also makes overhead storage space easier to find. Southwest ends flights to Newark in November(?) 2019.

Postscript – I forgot to mention my shock when a guy with a full-size guitar case was allowed to take it aboard. There went two overhead storage spaces for the price of one…

Twice, or a flight from Phoenix to Baltimore and back in June I picked the middle seat in the front of the plane with more legroom because I had a small dog and was told it was occupied. I told him I didn’t Believe him ..call him an A hole and told him that If he wanted to mess with me for the rest of the flight which was five hours long. Go ahead. Never heard another word out of him for the rest of the flight. You don’t have these problems on other airlines because you get to pick your seat before your flight. Ruined my flight.

Active duty military board right after “A” (pretty much ~usually have to ~ have to have your CAC card or orders printed…). If you have uniform (which military kind of discourages unless returning from deployment) SW will also cut slack for slightly heavier bag (uniforms + boots etc…) military travel usually has deals with other carriers so frequently does seem to book with SW for some reason. TSA also seem to be nice to me when I use CAC for ID purposes in line. Only had to fly home from deployment once in uniform but number of people and other military people from almost every service were super nice (especially older heroes from ww2 etc…) military generally strongly strongly strongly discourages any alcohol drinks while in uniform so always best to decline drinks except pop or coffee. Families of other service members usually super nice too.

Mil travel *DOESNT* seem to like to use SW for some reason…

If I have 2 southwest planes within 2 hours of each other on one reservation to complete my trip, how many calls are necessary to get my boarding area for entry for both planes.

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How to get seats together as a family on Southwest Airlines

Summer Hull

Editor's Note

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

There's a lot for families to love about Southwest Airlines . Free checked bags can be a lifesaver and knowing you're eligible for free changes and cancellations is also a customer-friendly policy for whenever "life happens." The open-seating policy, though, can be stressful if you're traveling with children since there's no guarantee about where you'll sit.

While some airlines make it challenging to get free seat assignments with your family , Southwest's approach is quite different. In fact, Southwest does not assign seats in advance at all. While Southwest's open-seating policy is unusual compared to other U.S. airlines, it works to the advantage of some young families, especially if you are hoping to score a free open seat for your lap baby .

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

How does Southwest boarding work?

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

Before we get into specific seating strategies, here are some basics on how the Southwest boarding process works.

When you check in for your flight, you are assigned a boarding pass number in one of three groups based on the time you check in: A, B or C. The passes in each group are numbered from 1-60. Someone who checks in relatively early may be assigned A45, potentially the 45th person to board. Someone who doesn't check in until much later may end up with C15, or roughly the 135th person to board. However, the numbers aren't exact because some people get a chance to board early in the process, regardless of their assigned number.

If you have Southwest A-List status , purchase a Business Select fare or buy EarlyBird Check-In , you are automatically reserved a boarding slot before the 24-hour check-in mark. So, you'll board early on in the process. Otherwise, you are assigned your number based on when you check in for your flight. The highest available boarding slot at your time of check-in will go to you.

Related: 9 cool places you didn't know you could fly on Southwest

When it comes time to board, you will line up in order at signs for your respective boarding groups. There will be an A1-A30 line and an A31-A60 line. Once the A group starts boarding, the B group will begin lining up in the spots the A group previously occupied. You do need to (more or less) get in your actual numerical order. For example, if you have B25, you need to be toward the back of the B1-B30 line. It isn't as hard as it sounds, but it is a unique process. And yes, you may feel a bit like cattle.

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

Southwest offers Family Boarding after the A group but before the B group, for up to two adults traveling with children 6 and younger. This essentially allows families to "skip the line" if they were otherwise assigned a B or C boarding position.

Once you get on board, you can choose any seats that are still unoccupied. The better your boarding group and number, the more seats you will have to select from. This is relevant for everyone, but especially relevant if you are trying to get multiple seats together for your family. However, if the flight has through passengers from a previous flight, some seats will be occupied even when A1 boards.

Related: Best offer we've seen yet: Earn up to 100,000 bonus points with these Southwest cards

How to make sure your family sits together

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

Now, let's discuss a few things you can do to ensure that your family gets seats together when flying Southwest.

Purchase EarlyBird Check-In

With EarlyBird Check-In, you'll automatically get a spot in the boarding process 36 hours before the flight -- which is 12 hours before you'd otherwise be able to check in. Purchasing EarlyBird doesn't guarantee you'll get an A boarding spot, but you have an excellent chance.

EarlyBird Check-In is the easiest way to secure a good boarding spot, but it comes with an extra cost that ranges from $15-$25 per direction per person. This purchase is nonrefundable, even if you later cancel your reservation. So, you won't want to buy EarlyBird Check-In unless you're sure you'll take the trip.

However, note that several Southwest credit cards , including the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, reimburse you for up to two EarlyBird Check-Ins that you charge to your card each anniversary year.

Related: Why purchasing Southwest early boarding rarely makes sense for young families

Check in exactly 24 hours before departure

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

As we have noted, Southwest starts handing out most spots in the boarding process exactly 24 hours before the flight. If your boarding number matters to you, and you don't want to pay extra to secure a good spot, then it is crucial that you are at a computer or in the Southwest app precisely 24 hours before departure to check in your whole party. This will be the difference between you getting in the A group or the C group.

Remember, if you are using your Southwest Companion Pass to have a friend or family member fly with you for free (other than taxes), you'll have to check them in separately. Your companion will have a different confirmation number for their ticket, so make sure to check that person in at the 24-hour mark as well.

Related: Top 9 Southwest international destinations for families

Board during Family Boarding

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

If you have a child in your party who is 6 or under, you can board during Family Boarding after the A group regardless of your boarding pass position. Your young children and up to two adults can board during this time.

In theory, only 60 folks will have boarded ahead of you and about two-thirds of the plane should be empty if you board during Family Boarding. However, passengers on the flight's previous segment will also occupy some seats unless you're on the first flight of the day. Even so, you'll almost certainly find a few empty rows if you board during Family Boarding.

Related: Your guide to flying with kids of every age

Have A-List status or fly on a Business Select fare

If someone on your reservation has A-List status, Southwest will automatically reserve boarding positions for the entire group 36 hours before departure. Likewise, you can purchase Business Select fares to guarantee A1-A15 boarding positions -- but these fares are often rather pricey.

As such, neither of these solutions are practical for most families traveling on Southwest. However, families that fly Southwest often should consider holding one or more Southwest credit cards to make earning status a little easier. For example, with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, you'll earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent. Plus, those purchases count toward earning a Companion Pass , too.

Related: The ultimate guide to Southwest credit card eligibility

Pay for an Upgraded Boarding slot, if available

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

If there are unsold A1-A15 boarding slots (ones that typically go to those who pay higher Business Select fares), Southwest may offer them as Upgraded Boarding slots for $30-$50 each before the boarding process gets underway. This is a last-ditch way to board early if all other methods have failed.

Paying for upgraded boarding is an expensive solution unless you have the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card . After all, both of these cards will reimburse the cardholder for up to four Upgraded Boardings each card membership year. While I'd have to be pretty desperate to pay for this perk, it's a nice bonus when it's available at no cost to the cardholder.

There's no way to buy Upgraded Boarding until you're at the airport, so you'll need to inquire at the ticket counter or departure gate to see if there are options available. If you want to use one or more of your complimentary Upgraded Boardings from the Southwest Priority Card or Southwest Performance Business Card , you'll need to have your card available for the transaction. The charge is processed normally and then later reimbursed on your credit card statement.

Related: Why now is the best time to apply for Southwest Airlines credit cards

Book the first flight of the day

Southwest offers many continuation flights, so passengers from the previous segment may already occupy some seats on board when boarding begins. However, if you are on the first flight of the day for your aircraft, there will be no through passengers already on board.

Related: The difference between direct and nonstop flights

Bottom line

Some passengers love Southwest's open-seating policy, while others strongly dislike it. But love it or hate it, families can work around it. With young children, Family Boarding is a great (free) option. And for families with kids older than 6, checking in exactly 24 hours before departure should be sufficient. But if you don't want to "sweat the small stuff," paying the extra $15-$25 per person per direction for EarlyBird Check-In is an excellent way to ensure your family will sit together.

Finally, if you've had your eye on a new Southwest credit card , now is an excellent time to apply. After all, the following Southwest consumer cards are all offering a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 50,000 points after you spend $12,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening:

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

Best of all, these bonus points could help you earn the famous Southwest Companion Pass through the end of 2023 if you time your spending carefully . And with the Companion Pass, you'd only need to pay the taxes and fees on your companion's ticket when you fly together on Southwest.

Additional reporting by Becky Pokora.

Michael Saves

3 Ways to Always Get a Good Seat on Southwest Airlines

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

Many people fly Southwest Airlines for the low fares, free checked bags and no change fees, but its boarding process is one that passengers either love or hate.

In this post, I’ll provide three ways to ALWAYS get a “good” seat when flying on Southwest.

How Southwest’s boarding process works

If you’re not familiar, Southwest has an open seating policy. You’re assigned a boarding group (A, B or C) and position (1-60) that you can find on your boarding pass.

Passengers will line up at the gate based on their boarding group and position.

Family boarding is permitted. An adult with a child six or younger can board after the A group and before the B group.

Preboarding is allowed for unaccompanied minors and passengers with disabilities.

Don’t want a middle seat? How to get a window or aisle seat on Southwest 

I fly Southwest several times a year and prefer a window seat near the front of the plane. I’ll also take a window or aisle seat near the back of the aircraft to avoid a middle seat.

Based on my experience, it’s not difficult to get a window or aisle seat on a fully-booked flight if you’re part of the A or B boarding groups.

Those seats begin to become more scarce when the B 31-60 passengers are called.

For passengers in the C group, a middle seat may be all that’s left. At this stage, there may also be no more overhead bin space available for carry-on bags.

The bottom line: You’re going to have a more pleasant boarding experience on Southwest if you’re in the A or B boarding groups.

Read on for my three tips to always get your favorite seat on Southwest Airlines…

1. Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight 

Southwest lets you check in for your flight 24 hours before it departs, so set an alarm on your smartphone and have your confirmation number handy.

Either go to Southwest.com or click “Check in” from the itinerary the airline emailed you.

To get a seat in the A group, you must act quickly. For a recent trip, I checked in only five minutes after the window opened and was assigned B12.

For that reason, you want to be ready exactly 24 hours before your flight departs to check in.

2. Pay for EarlyBird Check-In

If you won’t be near a computer or phone to check in exactly 24 hours before your departure, you can guarantee an excellent seat on Southwest for a fee.

EarlyBird Check-In costs between $15 and $25 each way per passenger.

With EarlyBird Check-In, you’ll automatically be checked in for your flight and will receive your boarding position 36 hours before departure.

Although you’re not guaranteed an A boarding position, that’s been my experience.

In addition to a better seat selection, boarding the plane earlier will give you access to overhead bin space before those get filled up.

Here are some other things to know about EarlyBird Check-In:

  • You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In up to 36 hours prior to a flight’s scheduled local departure time
  • EarlyBird Check-In Customers will receive boarding positions after Business Select and A-List Customers
  •  A credit card must be used for the purchase of EarlyBird Check-In
  • If you cancel your flight, you won’t be refunded for the EarlyBird Check-In purchase
  • Southwest will only refund the EarlyBird Check-In purchase if the airline has to cancel your flight
  • EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased as part of the original flight purchase or added to a flight later on

To add EarlyBird Check-In, have your confirmation number ready and follow this link.

Southwest EarlyBird Check-In

3. See if Upgraded Boarding is available 

If you checked in for your flight within 24 hours of the departure and aren’t happy with your boarding group, it’s too late to pay for EarlyBird Check-In and get a better seat.

However, Upgraded Boarding may be available the day of your flight at the departure gate or ticket counter.

As you would imagine, Upgraded Boarding is more expensive than EarlyBird Check-In.

If Upgraded Boarding is available for your flight, you’ll pay between $30 and $50 to be among the first to board the plane — in the A1 to A15 boarding group.

Again, just ask at the departure gate or ticket counter to see if they can help you out.

Bonus tip: Free Upgraded Boardings with Southwest’s credit card 

For frequent Southwest Airlines travelers, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card may be worth looking into.

Southwest has several personal credit cards from Chase, but only the Priority card has an Upgraded Boarding benefit.

With this card, you can get four Upgraded Boardings per year when available.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has a $149 annual fee, but its benefits offset that cost for people who fly Southwest a lot:

  • 2 points for every $1 that you spend spent on Southwest and Rapid Rewards partners
  • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • 7,500 points every year on your anniversary
  • $75 Southwest® annual travel credit
  • Four Upgraded Boardings per year when available
  • 20% back on inflight purchaess
  • No foreign transaction fees

I don’t currently have this credit card, but I previously used Southwest’s credit card with a $69 annual fee when I flew with them more often — it’s a great card.

I just wanted to share the details of the Priority card because of the boarding benefit.

Final thought 

These three strategies help me have a more enjoyable flying experience on Southwest Airlines.

For most trips, I follow the first tip and stand by at my computer exactly 24 hours before departure to get a good boarding position at no extra cost.

However, I have paid $15 for EarlyBird Check-In on long flights across the country.

The Upgraded Boarding option is my least favorite, but I used it once when I forgot to check in and ended up in the C boarding group.

In that case, the $30 I spent for the A2 position was money well spent.

Do you have any tips and tricks to always get a good seat when you fly on Southwest Airlines? Let me know in the comments below!

For more ways to save, please consider subscribing to my new YouTube channel!

1 thought on “3 Ways to Always Get a Good Seat on Southwest Airlines”

Another hint: If you’re on a flight that has a lot of families (e.g. heading to Orange County or Orlando, where half the plane is Disney-bound) you don’t have to stress out about a low C-group ticket nearly as much. Why? Because families will use up those middle seats so that they can sit together!

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The Best Seats When Flying on Southwest Airlines [2024]

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The Best Seats When Flying on Southwest Airlines [2024]

Why Fly Southwest Airlines?

Southwest airlines boarding process, boeing 737-700, boeing 737-800, boeing 737 max 8, the best seats if you’re flying with young kids, the best seats for the most legroom, the best seats if you’re a nervous flyer, the best seats if you’ve got a short connection time, the best seats if you want an empty seat next to you, the best seats if you want to recline, the best seats if you’re traveling with a large group, the best seats if you’re sick, the best seats if you want your drinks first, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Having the right seat on your flight can sometimes make or break your day (or trip). Unlike other airlines, Southwest has an open seating policy . That means you can choose any open seat on the plane once it’s your turn to board.

But if you aren’t a frequent flyer, how do you know which seat will be right for you? Here are some tips about choosing the best seat on Southwest Airlines so you’ll have the most comfortable flight possible.

Why would you even want to fly on Southwest Airlines anyway? There are a lot of reasons — here are just a few:

  • 2 free checked bags
  • No cancellation or change fees
  • The Southwest Companion Pass
  • Free inflight entertainment
  • Lots of great destinations, including Hawaii and the Caribbean

Since the Southwest Airlines boarding process is a bit different than other airlines, let’s take a quick look at the basics.

You’ll board your Southwest flight based on a boarding group (A, B, or C) and boarding number (1 to 60). Once you’re on the plane, you can choose any open seat.

Southwest boarding area at CMH

Your boarding position is based on a few factors:

  • Check-in Time: Check-in begins 24 hours before your flight is due to depart; the earlier you check-in, the better your boarding position.
  • Type of Ticket: Business Select tickets are automatically assigned an A1 to A15 boarding position.
  • Elite Status: If you have  A-List or A-List Preferred status , you’ll be able to board before the B group regardless of your boarding position.
  • EarlyBird Check-In: If you purchase EarlyBird Check-In , you will be automatically checked in up to 36 hours ahead of time for a better boarding position. Free EarlyBird Check-In comes as a perk with select Southwest credit cards .
  • Upgraded Boarding: You can purchase Upgraded Boarding at check-in or at the gate, if available, which will get you an A1 to A15 boarding pass. Select Southwest credit cards come with free Upgraded Boarding passes.
  • Preboarding: Travelers with disabilities, active-duty military members, and families traveling with children ages 6 and under can board between groups A and B if they do not receive an A boarding pass.

Hot Tip: While you might be inclined to always purchase EarlyBird Check-In , you won’t need it if you’re traveling with a child 6 years old or younger, have A-List or A-List Preferred status, have a Business Select or Anytime ticket, are active-duty military, have a disability, or are planning to purchase Upgraded Boarding.

Southwest Airlines Seat Configurations

Southwest Airlines flies only Boeing 737 planes . Currently, Southwest uses 3 types of 737: Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 737 MAX 8. A fourth type of plane, the Boeing 737 MAX 7, will be coming in the next couple of years to replace some of the older 737-700 planes.

The Boeing 737-700 has 143 seats, and it accounts for  60% of Southwest Airlines’ fleet. Each seat has a width of 17 inches and a pitch of 31 inches.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 700 new

The slightly larger Boeing 737-800 has 175 seats, each with a width of 17 inches and a pitch of 32 to 33 inches.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 800 new

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes are the newest addition to the Southwest fleet. Each plane has 175 seats with a width of 17.8 inches and a pitch of 32 to 33 inches.

Southwest Boeing 737 MAX 8 seat map

The Best Seats on Southwest Airlines

These tips have been collected from countless flights on Southwest Airlines. Keep in mind that since Southwest Airlines has open seating, a specific seat is never guaranteed — not even if you have an A1 boarding position. The flight could have passengers that are staying on the aircraft from the previous flight!

Flying with kids can be interesting. Even the most seasoned young travelers are prone to meltdowns and tantrums occasionally. If you’re flying with kids on Southwest , head to the back of the plane. You’ll want to do this for a few reasons.

  • You’ll find the most empty seats in the back of the plane, so you’ll likely be able to find seats together. If you’re traveling with kids 6 and under, you’ll be able to utilize family boarding. Family boarding happens after the A group, so there shouldn’t be a need to purchase EarlyBird Check-In to guarantee seats together.
  • Sitting in one of the very last rows will put you near the bathrooms and flight attendants. This can be crucial if you end up with a kid who’s sick, messy, or just “kind of” potty-trained.
  • Most people with kids tend to end up near the back of the plane, so you’ll be among passengers who may be understanding if your toddler cries during the entire flight.

Everyone loves extra legroom on a flight and the good news is that Southwest offers more legroom than most other domestic carriers.

However, if you’re really tall , that still might not cut it. Sure, there’s more legroom in the bulkhead and exit rows , but there are 1 or 2 coveted seats on every Southwest flight that you’ll really want to find.

There is a window seat behind the exit row that doesn’t have any seat in front of it, giving you a ridiculous amount of legroom . It’ll be seat 12A on the Boeing 737-700, seats 16A and 16F on the Boeing 737-800, and seats 16A and 16F on the Boeing 737 MAX 8.

You need some luck to get this seat. Your chances are determined by your boarding position and the number of Business Select passengers ahead of you. Business Select passengers tend to be seasoned business travelers who know about this seat.

The Money Seat on Southwest Airlines

If you don’t have a Business Select ticket, but really want this seat, you may want to consider paying for Upgraded Boarding . Different from EarlyBird Check-In, an Upgraded Boarding position can be purchased at the gate or added at check-in if available. This will get you an A1-15 boarding pass and will give you a good chance at getting your desired seat.

These credit cards come with 4 Upgraded Boarding passes per year:

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Performance Business Credit Card

If you’re not a fan of turbulence (and, really, who is) look for seats over the wings. These seats offer the smoothest ride. Additionally, seats toward the front of the plane will shield you from turbulence more than seats at the back of the plane, where you’ll feel any up-and-down bobbing more.

If you’ve got a short connection time, you’ll want to get off the plane as quickly as possible. The bulkhead seats (first row) will be your best bet . However, these seats tend to go pretty quickly. If you’re really short on time, you may want to consider paying to upgrade your boarding position. As mentioned, some Southwest credit cards come with free Upgraded Boarding passes.

If you choose the bulkhead, remember that you won’t be able to put a carry-on or personal item in front of you , so everything will need to be stored in the overhead bins.

If the bulkhead seats are already full, choose the first aisle seat you see.

Hot Tip: Looking for a great credit card that will earn tons of points? Check out our guide to the best credit cards for Southwest Airlines flyers .

There’s never a guarantee that you’ll have an empty seat next to you, but you can do your best to be one of the lucky ones if your flight isn’t full. After boarding, head towards the back of the plane, and grab a seat that’s about three-quarters of the way back .

Once the last people have boarded and are looking for an aisle or window seat, they have a tendency to go toward the back of the plane before admitting defeat and taking a middle seat. If you’re just a little way up from the very back, you stand your best chance of missing these people and ending up with an empty seat next to you.

If you’re looking forward to putting your seat back to take a little snooze on your flight, be sure to choose a row that can actually recline.

You’ll want to avoid the exit rows, the row in front of the exit row, plus the last row of seats on the airplane. These seats typically do not recline at all.

Southwest Airlines Exit Row

These rows may have limited or no recline on Southwest Airlines:

  • Boeing 737-700 : Rows 10, 11, and 24
  • Boeing 737-800 : Rows 13, 14, 15, and 30
  • Boeing 737 MAX 8 : Rows 13, 14, 15, and 30

If you’re traveling with a large group and you all want to sit together, your best bet will be to head to the back of the plane . It’s probably not necessary to purchase EarlyBird Check-In as long as your whole party can remember to check in exactly 24 hours ahead of time. You’ll most likely end up with boarding positions in the B boarding group, which should be enough to get most of your group together.

Flying while you’re sick isn’t fun for anyone. While it’s best to stay home if you can, sometimes you have to get on a plane when you aren’t feeling your best. If this is the case, head for the last row of the plane. This way, you’ll be close to the bathroom and most of the passengers will face away from you, so you can be as discreet as possible.

However, if you have a tendency towards motion sickness , a seat over the wings will be your best bet to avoid as much turbulence as possible.

If you want to be the first to get a drink on your Southwest flight, you’ll want to choose your seat wisely. On a 737-700, choose rows 1, 9, or 17. On a 737-800 or 737 MAX 8, you’ll want to choose rows 1, 9, 16, or 23 for the fastest drink service.

Flying on Southwest Airlines can be great — you won’t have to pay to check your bags and you can change your flight with no penalty. Plus, you can choose any seat you want once you’re on the plane. While that might be a little confusing at first, once you know what you’re doing, it’s a great system.

Knowing what type of flyer you are can help guide you to the right seat. Once you know what works best for you, you’ll be boarding your flights like a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rows have the most legroom on southwest airlines.

If legroom is what you’re after, you’ll want to look for a seat in the first row (the bulkhead) of the aircraft or the exit rows. If you’re flying on a Boeing 737-700, the absolute most legroom is in seat 12A which is missing the seat in front of it. On a Boeing 737-800 or Boeing 737 MAX 8, the seats with the most legroom are 16A and 16F.

Can families sit together on Southwest?

Yes, if you’re traveling with young children you will be able to sit together. When you are traveling with a child 6 years old or younger, you’ll be able to use family boarding which takes place before the B group. This ensures you’ll be able to find seats together. If you aren’t traveling with young children, head to the back of the plane when you board for your best chances of finding seats together.

How do you get priority boarding on Southwest?

If you’d like a better boarding position on Southwest, there are a few ways to get it.

  • You can purchase a Business Select ticket which will automatically come with an A1 to A15 boarding position.
  • You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In which will automatically check you in up to 36 hours ahead of time (EarlyBird Check-In comes free with Anytime tickets).
  • You can purchase an Upgraded Boarding position when you check in or at the gate if there are spaces available. This will give you an A1 to A15 boarding position.

Where should I sit on a Southwest flight?

The best place to sit on a Southwest flight depends on a few factors. If you want extra legroom, look for the bulkhead seats or exit row seats. If you want the best chance of having an empty seat next to you, head to the mid-back of the plane. If you’ve got a tight connection, stick to an aisle seat in the front of the plane.

What row on Southwest gets drinks first?

To get the fastest drink service on a Southwest Airlines flight, choose row 1, 9, or 17 on a 737-700, or choose row 1, 9, 16, or 23 on a 737-800 or 737 MAX 8.

What is the best seat on Southwest Airlines?

While the best seat can be subjective, seats with the most legroom are often the most coveted. These seats include the bulkhead seats (row 1), the exit row seats, and the window seats behind the exit row door (seat 12A on the Boeing 737-700 and seats 16A and 16F on the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8).

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Your conspiracy theories about Southwest’s boarding policy are wrong

Is it based on your status your party size a full moon experts explain..

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

Regular Southwest Airlines fliers have probably been there: You set an alarm and check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, only to find yourself relegated to Boarding Group C — often known as being short for “center seat.”

Southwest is the only major U.S. airline with an open seating policy. It assigns every passenger an exact boarding position — a letter between A and C and a number between 1 and 60 — and allows them to choose any available seat once on board. That means boarding order on Southwest isn’t just about space for carry-ons; it could be the difference between an aisle seat on the exit row and the middle seat of the back row.

The rules of flying like a decent human

Twitter is filled with not-so-humble brags from travelers who secured a coveted A-group boarding pass, as well as the grumblings of those who got stuck in Group C, including some who say they checked in the moment they could.

I just need you all to know that for the first time in my life I was able to check in to Southwest airlines at exactly 24 hours prior to take off. In other news, I am still in boarding group C. #southwest #airlines — Nathan Nolan, MD MPH (@NNolanMD) November 13, 2019

Factors such as whether you use the Southwest app to check in, being a frequent-flier member (other than elite members), the size of your group and the purpose of travel are not factored into boarding position assignments, said Laura Swift, a Southwest spokeswoman.

Still, getting into the A group is not just about the time you check in: Boarding assignments on Southwest are determined by a combination of money, timing, status and pure chance.

“It’s surprisingly complicated,” said Brett Snyder, who runs the Cranky Flier consumer air travel blog, noting some aspects of the boarding assignments on Southwest remain a “black box,” even to travel experts.

Here’s why checking in 24 hours before your flight might not get you the boarding position you want — and what you can do to secure an earlier spot.

A1-A15 are guaranteed

The only way to guarantee an early boarding position is to pay. Purchasing or upgrading to a Business Select ticket — Southwest’s most expensive fare class — guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position.

If there are fewer than 15 Business Select passengers on the flight, the remaining slots in the A1-A15 group are sold beginning 24 hours ahead of the flight as Upgraded Boarding positions, starting at $30 per flight. The price varies based on “popularity and length of each flight segment,” according to Southwest’s website. Although previously available only at the gate, in August the company added the option to purchase Upgraded Boarding upon check-in on its app and website.

For frequent fliers with the Rapid Rewards Priority or Rapid Rewards Performance Business credit cards, the airline will reimburse up to four Upgraded Boardings purchased with the cards per year.

Southwest’s plan to conquer the airline industry, one joke at a time

Keep in mind, though, that being first to board doesn’t guarantee the best seat, because Southwest operates “through” flights, meaning passengers from a previous leg might still be on board, and they are allowed to change seats (after flight attendants take a head count).

“You may even have A1, and you may not be the first person on that airplane,” Snyder said.

You can pay to be checked in early

Even if you check in exactly 24 hours ahead, you probably won’t be the first passenger assigned a boarding position. That’s because Southwest offers “ EarlyBird” check-in , which automatically reserves a boarding position for the passenger 36 hours ahead of departure for a fee. You’ll still need to check in to get your boarding pass, but your boarding position — probably in the A group — will already be secured.

Some fliers get EarlyBird check-in included with their purchase: those who pay for an Anytime fare , and elite members in Southwest’s frequent-flier program (A-List Preferred or A-List status), along with their companions. EarlyBird check-in can also be purchased for $15 to $25, depending on the flight.

An illustrated guide to people at the airport

Gary Leff, who runs the travel blog View From the Wing , recommends that if you’re traveling with others, one person can purchase EarlyBird check-in and save seats for the rest of the party. Southwest does not have a policy against saving seats, although it can spark conflict among passengers.

We don't have a specific policy for or against saving seats as long as the boarding process isn't delayed and other Customers are not inconvenienced. -Larissa — Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) September 4, 2022

Several categories of passengers can board at designated times, which typically ensures a good seat. Passengers with disabilities can pre-board, while active-duty military personnel, elite members in Southwest’s frequent-flier program who do not already have EarlyBird check-in (if they booked their flight at the last minute, for example) and families with a child under 6 can board between the A and B groups.

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“If you have little kids, it’s probably not worth it to buy EarlyBird, because you’ll really not have much trouble finding seats together,” Snyder said.

Seconds matter if you don’t want to pay

Beyond those groups, boarding positions become strictly first come, first served — down to the second you check in.

“As far as we know, when you’re doing regular check-in, it is strictly in order of when you click the button,” Snyder said. “It does matter to the second — you just have to be ahead of everyone else.”

*checks into flight exactly 24 hrs before* Southwest: boarding zone Z group 100 — Moises Parra (@moises_parra) February 11, 2021

Snyder said he generally doesn’t buy EarlyBird when he’s traveling alone , because he can usually secure a non-middle seat with regular check-in.

“If I check in myself right at 24 hours, I’m probably going to get nothing above the low B area,” he said.

Though he recommends checking in as close to 24 hours out as possible, Snyder said passengers who can check in closer to the flight can occasionally take the boarding position of another passenger who canceled at the last minute.

“Sometimes you can slide in there and get a surprisingly good number that you don’t expect,” he said. “But there’s no way to know that in advance, so always try to check in right at 24 hours.”

Swift, the Southwest spokeswoman, said that there are “several factors incorporated during the boarding process” and that the airline could not guarantee a passenger would take the position of another who canceled.

Leff said there are websites that automate the check-in process at exactly 24 hours, but most have been shut down by the airline. Swift said Southwest “doesn’t use third-party apps” and encouraged passengers to use the airline’s website or app to check in.

How to find the ‘golden seat’

So you’ve been assigned a coveted A boarding position, and you enter the plane with your pick of seats. Which should you go for?

I am first to board on this open seating southwest flight (huge brag) WHAT IS THE SEAT MOVE I AM PANICKING AND MAY CHOKE. — Jason Gay (@jasongay) August 29, 2022

Leff said his top priority is securing an empty middle seat next to him, so he will often check with the gate agent before boarding to see if there will be any empty seats.

If the plane is not full, he skips the empty aisle seats near the front that many passengers want and heads for an aisle seat about two-thirds of the way down the plane.

“Nobody’s necessarily going to try to go all the way to the back looking for a middle. If you get stuck with the middle, you’re probably taking it close to the front,” Leff said.

On a full flight, however, every middle seat will be filled, so Leff said he goes straight for the “infinite legroom” seat, the window seat behind the exit row , which is missing a seat in front of it. Snyder called it Southwest’s “golden seat.”

The obligatory @SouthwestAir shot... pic.twitter.com/hKG6y591yA — gary leff (@garyleff) April 22, 2022

Leff said the single most important factor in securing your desired seat is arriving at the gate 30 minutes before your flight.

“If you’re flying on another airline that has assigned seating, and you’re not trying to fight for overhead bin space, it sort of doesn’t matter when you board, as long as you’re there before they close the boarding door,” he said. “But Southwest turns that on its head. If your boarding number is A20, well, that doesn’t help you if they’re already boarding the C’s when you show up at the gate.”

A previous version of this article incorrectly said Southwest Airlines assigns boarding positions with letters A, B and C and a number between 1 and 50. The number assignments are from 1 to 60. The article has been corrected.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

My Secrets to Getting the Best Seats on Southwest

Some travelers won’t even fly Southwest  due to their quirky open seating boarding process It can be stressful and often means you have to summon up your best hustle energy to get a good seat on Southwest. And of course, a good seat means different things to different people.

It’s best to board with a plan! Here are some tricks, tips and strategies so that the dreaded middle seat goes to someone other than you!

What's it like to fly Southwest Airlines

How Southwest Airlines Open Seating Policy Works

If you’re new to Southwest and can’t figure out how to pick your seats, don’t worry, neither can anyone else.

Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy. Seats are not assigned ahead of time, rather passengers are assigned a boarding group, A, B, or C, and a boarding position, 1-60.

The boarding group and position determine when you board the plane, and thus how many seats you will be able to choose from.

The whole thing used to be a true free for all. The airline handed out placards with one of the three letters. People would line up under a letter, camping out on the ground for literally hours before a flight departed, in hope of improving their real estate situation onboard the flight.

Southwest decided this wasn’t a good look, and back in the mid-2000s added boarding positions. Now, the lines have numbers and everyone is expected to sort themselves out based on their exact position in line.

Unless you really are dead set on sitting at the bulkhead or you really want an exit row aisle or window, the key to finding a decent seat on a full flight is to secure a boarding position in roughly the first half of passengers to board.

  • If you’re not using these tips, tricks, and strategies, you’re spending too much on your travels!

What Makes For a “Good” Southwest Seat?

All of this talk about seating begs the question, which seats qualify as good ones? The seats on the plane are more or less all identical. Except for exit rows, there’s no extra legroom seating, and there’s not really any perk to one seat over the other, besides location.

Southwest Airlines seat selection

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The best seat on Southwest depends on personal needs. Travelers with connecting flights might want to sit in the front in order to make a quick exit, but then there are those who head straight for the back perhaps because they are a family looking for seats together. Some folks head to the back hoping the flight won’t be full and they’ll have a row with an empty middle seat.

One piece of information I like to have before I sit down is how full my flight is. I’ve seen Southwest gate agents make announcements as to whether a flight is full, but they often make this up just to get everyone on the plane quicker. One inexact way to judge is to see how many people remain in the gate area after the A Group is called. If about half the gate area lines up for A boarding, it’s a safe bet there will be plenty of empty seats.

The Complete Guide to Southwest Airlines’ Quirky Perks and Hacks

During full-ish flights, choosing seats in the front-center section increases your chance of securing an empty middle seat between you and a neighbor. When there are plenty of empty seats, though, the rear of the aircraft can be downright spacious.

Want the discounts, welcome gifts, room upgrades, and hotel credits a travel agent can get you? I sure do. Here’s the travel advisor I use to get the best deals, lowest prices, and personalized service.

Rule Number One: Check-In ASAP

If there’s one rule Southwest regulars follow religiously, it’s this: check-in  exactly 24 hours before the flight. I sometimes even set an alarm for the exact minute!

Southwest Airlines Check-In seat selection boarding group

Use this page. Use it early.

Get on your laptop, open the Southwest website on a smartphone or download the Southwest app. Within a few minutes of opening, many of the coveted top boarding positions will be gone, so it’s crucial to click that Check In button as early as possible.

I know some Southwest frequent flyers who set an alarm five minutes before  check-in opens. They’ll enter all the necessary information on the website to check in and then as soon as the clock ticks 24 hours, they’ll click the button.

Pro tip: Keep your personal information private! Here’s the easiest way to stay protected.

EarlyBird Check-In Option

Not sure if you’ll be able to check-in 24 hours prior to your flight? Consider purchasing Southwest EarlyBird Check-In. EarlyBird Check-In costs $15.00 one-way, per person. When you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in and assigns your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight’s departure. Southwest EarlyBird Check-In doesn’t guarantee an A boarding position, but it stands to reason you would be in the A or early B group.

Does Southwest Airlines Have a Family Boarding Policy?

Have a family? You’re in luck. An adult traveling with a child six or younger may board during Family Boarding, after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. If the child and the adult are both holding an “A” boarding pass, they should board in their assigned boarding position, but if either is B1 or later, this shortcut helps families sit together.

Southwest Boarding Groups Move Quickly — If You’re Late, Walk-Up Front

Once Southwest starts boarding, things happen quickly. If you are running late and have an earlier boarding position, just walk to the front of the line to board. Don’t worry, cutting isn’t rude in this circumstance.

I’ve seen this happen many times, especially with travelers from connecting flights.

Pay Extra or Fly More

Southwest offers a fare that guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position: Business Select. These fares are pricy — more than a fully refundable ticket — but they include FlyBy Priority Security lane access and come with free cocktail coupons.

What Exactly Is a ‘Wanna Get Away’ Fare?

If you don’t want to purchase a Business Select fare, Upgraded Boarding is an alternative. Upgraded Boarding is not always available, but can be worth trying.

a close up of a credit card

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

The new Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card actually includes Upgraded Boarding on four flights per year. It also comes with a heap of intro bonus points, if you spend enough.

  • Click here to access this card and others like it and decide which SWA card is best for you!

On the day of travel, go to a Kiosk at the airport and Check-In again. It’s also possible to ask about Upgraded Boarding at the baggage counter. You can also ask at the gate before the start of the boarding process.

If Upgraded Boarding is available, depending on your itinerary, you’ll be given a boarding position in the A1-A15 group. The cost is $30 or $40 per flight depending on your itinerary.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards members with A-List and A-List Preferred status. These members are automatically assigned boarding positions ahead of general boarding. They even board ahead of EarlyBird flyers.

Want to be unpopular? Try Saving Seats 

Southwest saving seats

Save a seat and someone’s likely to give you this look.

Some travelers will attempt to save seats for people boarding after them. Many frequent flyers will complain because Southwest doesn’t seem to have an official policy on this practice. Even if they do, crews don’t consistently do anything about it.

I’ve observed that most people don’t care if someone is saving a middle seat next to them when their traveling companion is boarding soon. But beware! Some passengers take saving seats to the max.  You may need to speak up or ask a crew member for help.

  • Do you find it difficult to book award flights with your miles and points? I do! That’s why I turn to Point.me. They get me great deals and save me money and time.

How do I select a seat on Southwest Airlines can be a confusing question to answer. These tips and suggestions can help you navigate Southwest’s open seating policy with the least amount of stress, a good dose of humor about how it all somehow works, and the best chance of getting the best seat possible!

Related Posts:

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Shelli Stein is a health and fitness entrepreneur who travels the world in search of culture, food, and fun! Besides contributing to PointMeToThePlane , you can find her at Joy in Movement.

The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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Shelli Stein

Shelli Stein is a travel writer, personal development coach , and story teller. She has come to realize writing as a way of sharing travel experiences brings her a lot of pleasure! Her areas of expertise are: all things  Southwest Airlines ,  hotel reviews , and what to do, see, and eat in destinations around the world. She sees travel as an adventure, trying to somehow get inside and experience a different way of life, a different cultural heritage. Maybe she can  show you something  you’ve never seen.  Inspire you with new ideas  for your next vacation. Attempt to  put a smile on your face . Help you learn from her mistakes . Or challenge your  assumptions about the world . She lives life with humor, gratitude, and humility and always sees the coffee cup as half full!

What Exactly is a Southwest ‘Wanna Get Away’ Fare

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If you check in C group, check your carry on. It saves everyone time! Departure is earlier and the time wasted could be used drinking a beer or walking to baggage claim. Oh, you don’t want to wait? It takes 5 -10 minutes at baggage claim compared to 30 mins waiting for SW to check your Carey on because there was no room in the overhead bins.

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Early bird fees are sometimes more than $15, depending on the length of the trip, but still can be worth it.

Good point, Stan. Thanks for reading and adding to the conversation!

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Early birds are no longer $15. They’ve gone up to $25 per person each way.

Hi Mike, According to Southwest, EarlyBird check-in can be purchased at prices ranging from $15-25 one-way per passenger.

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We just booked southwest from Milwaukee to Vegas and the early bird checkin wwas$50

Sorry bout that,it was $25 apiece

No worries, William. It’s confusing, for sure. Glad the math worked out as it should have. Thanks for reading!

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I have a connecting flight and paid for early check in. Does that roll over to my connecting flight?

Hi Karen, I’m not exactly clear on what you mean by connecting flight. First I’m assuming your connecting flight is also on Southwest. Did you buy the connecting flight separately or by connecting flight did you mean a stop and then a change of planes?

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I think Karen means, I.e. one reservation from east to west coast, with a Dallas layover and continue on a different aircraft, that would be two segments, right? Does the purchased early bird cover both boardings or need to buy two?

Hi Jame, Thanks for reading and for your follow-up question. I still need more information from Karen, though, to properly answer. Here is a post on Early Bird that might help clear up any confusion. https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/southwest-early-bird-check-in/

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I purchased the early bird check in so what do I do once I get to the airport. Do I still need to get online at 24 hours prior to departure to reserve a boarding pass ? And what do I do once I get to the gate ?

Hi Donna, Thanks for reading. Hope this helps answer your questions: https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/southwest-early-bird-check-in/

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I need to fly to Florida nonstop with my wife who is disabled, how do I board with a wheelchair? I also need to make sure we make the flight and not be put on standby. Any tips for me? I haven’t flown in 40 yrs.

Hi Steve, I suggest you call Southwest Airlines directly and talk with them about your needs. I’m quite certain they will be able to assist you. Safe travels and thanks so much for reading and taking the time to ask your questions. Hope my suggestion to reach out to SWA helps!

Our trip to Florida went perfect. SW airlines was great and we got first boarding and everyone was friendly and helpful. We had a great trip. Flights were half full,and middle seats left open.

Thanks so much for the data points Steve. Glad you had such a great experience. Generally speaking, SWA does not disappoint!

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Since Southwest does not have assigned seats this is my question, My family of 6 is flying, I hate to fly so I always want an aisle seat, others are ok with whatever, but I want us all close by each other. I plan to check in early but do you have any other suggestions?

Good question, Therese. Given you’re a family of 6, I’m thinking at least one of the family members will be able to grab an aisle seat. If not, maybe someone outside your family will switch with you. Early bird check-in is the way to go because it puts you in a favorable boarding group. Good luck, and thanks much for reading!

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Does a Wanna Get Away ticket mean the last to board?

Good question, Claudia. Southwest assigns boarding groups based on a few factors. This fare type does not mean last to board. To understand more about the Wanna Get Away fare, I suggest taking a look at this post, https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/wanna-get-away-fares/ . Hope this helps.

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I fly Southwest all the time but I have a trip coming up in July where my family is traveling from Oakland to Cincinnati on 3 different confirmation numbers and would like to seat near each other. My granddaughter has her own confirmation number but we cannot qualify for family boarding because she is 7 years old. We all don’t want to buy an Early Bird check-in but the flights are full so how can we ensure that at least she is seated with one of us and we are not all in middle seats.

Hi Beth, Try reaching out to SWA with your concerns and see what they suggest. Also, I imagine there will be people on your flight who would swap seats with you so your granddaughter can sit with family. Safe travels!

[…] all on the same page before I start this rant, I need to make sure you’re all in the know about how Southwest Airlines assigns seats. They don’t assign seats at all! It’s an open seating policy. First come, first […]

[…] incidental credit option. This can be useful on Southwest Airlines because priority boarding often gets you the best seats. Always remember that the incidental fees will only cover priority boarding fees on your designated […]

[…] How to Get the Best Seats on Southwest Airlines […]

[…] Learn more: Secrets to Getting the Best Seats on Southwest Airlines […]

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Do they allow handicap to board first? Is it possible to get seats if unable to walk the aisle?

Hi Kathleen, I believe that Southwest does make a boarding call for anyone needing extra time to board. I’m not sure about the answer to your second question though. You might want to reach out to Southwest and ask them directly.

[…] Source: https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/best-seat-on-southwest-airlines/ […]

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Simple Flying

Why has southwest airlines persisted with unallocated seating.

What's in it for the US-based carrier?

  • Southwest Airlines' unallocated seat assignments, or "open seating," have been a part of the airline since its beginnings.
  • The unique seating model not only aligns with Southwest's egalitarian ticketing model but also improves boarding times.
  • Southwest monetizes its boarding groups by offering passengers the option to purchase upgraded boarding status or an EarlyBird Check-In option.

Large-scale US-based low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines is known for several unorthodox offerings as a budget operator. These include free baggage, its point-to-point route network, and its tendency to only sell tickets directly through its own channels. Another of these classic Southwest features is the airline's policy of unallocated seat assignments, which it calls 'open seating.'

Elsewhere in the US, other airlines utilize assigned seating as a way to generate huge amounts of revenue . Still, despite the fact that certain American carriers have openly poked fun at Southwest's model, the blue-liveried airline has stuck with unallocated seating since its beginnings. But what exactly is in it for Southwest?

A time-tested and egalitarian seating model

This feature has been with the airline since its beginnings in the 1970s, and the concept was pretty unorthodox even back then. According to Southwest , its flight attendants would sometimes tell passengers that "just like at church," they could sit wherever they wanted to. The idea fit well with Southwest's relatively egalitarian ticketing model, which was also rather unusual when it launched.

Love aviation history ? Discover more of our stories here!

With no first class or business class cabins onboard its aircraft, all of Southwest's passengers sat (and still do sit) in the same sort of seats, ate the same snacks, and received the same in-flight experience. Seats were 'assigned' merely in the order passengers showed up to the gate and picked a seat to sit down in.

Faster boarding times

Over time, according to the airline, multiple studies have proven that its unallocated seating model has also improved boarding times. Faster boarding, in turn, generally contributes to more on-time departures and, ultimately, cost savings. The airline claims this translates into cheaper prices for passengers' tickets.

After half a century of operations, the boarding process understandably looks somewhat different today compared to when the company started. Nonetheless, the fundamental concept has remained in place. However, the airline seriously considered switching to assigned seating in 2006, when it tested the idea on 200 flights from San Diego and, later, from San Antonio.

Interestingly, the tests revealed that boarding times increased by between one and four minutes when assigned seating was utilized. However, they still led to some changes that are now standard parts of the boarding experience for Southwest Airlines passengers. These included getting rid of a first-come-first-serve approach in favor of a group boarding method.

Monetization opportunities

Today, boarding groups are generally assigned based on when passengers check in for their flight, which can be done online up to 24 hours in advance. However, the existence of boarding groups also provides additional revenue opportunities. Passengers have the option of purchasing upgraded boarding status, which allows them to board in group A1-A15, giving them the best pick of the seats.

Aside from upgraded boarding, passengers can also purchase an EarlyBird Check-In option that automatically checks passengers in before the standard 24-hour check-in available to all other passengers. While this does not guarantee those passengers group A1-A15 boarding status, it will bump them as far to the front of the line as possible, behind any upgraded boarding passengers.

Branded credit cards are another way passengers can take advantage of boarding upgrades, such as those who hold a Southwest Priority Card or a Southwest Performance Card. Despite the decision to keep unassigned seating following the 2006 trials, CEO Robert Jordan said during a virtual town hall early last year that the airline might still eventually switch to an assigned seating model , stating:

“Could we one day need to take back up the assigned-seating question? I think we may have to do that. Just know this. We are committed to continuing to look at our product, making sure it's relevant.”

easyJet also used to have unallocated seating

Southwest is far from the only low-cost carrier to have used unallocated seating over the years. Indeed, a similar model was also in place in the UK at easyJet until as recently as November 2012 . However, the orange-clad airline switched to an allocated model after running tests in the summer of 2012. Conversely to Southwest's research, these found that such seating didn't delay flights.

What do you make of Southwest's unallocated seating model? Have you ever flown with the airline? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

Southwest Airlines

How Do You Get the Best Seat on Southwest Airlines?

By david parker brown.

Mockup of how the Meridians will appear on the MAX 8 aircraft. Photo: Southwest Airlines

Mockup of how Southwest’s new seats will appear on the 737 MAX 8 aircraft – Image: Southwest Airlines

I recently flew Southwest Airlines for the first time in a while. I love the airline, I love what they have done for domestic air travel in the US, and I love so many of the people who work there. But I do also LUV having a seat assignment — which you cannot get with Southwest. I feel there is much added stress having to check-in early, making sure you are in the right place in line at the gate, and the worst of all: not knowing where you will sit. However, I have spoken to so many huge fans of Southwest, that actually like the process (mainly my dad and JL ). If you have flown Southwest Airlines before, you probably know the drill. When you check in, beginning 24-hours before the flight, you will be given a letter (A, B, or C) followed by a number between 1 and 60. A1 boards first, followed by the rest of the A group in numerical order.  The process is repeated for the B and C groups. While the first fifteen seats are generally reserved for premium fare classes, frequent fliers, and paid upgrades, most positions are assigned in order of check-in time. End up in the C group, you will likely get a center seat (easy to remember – C for Center).

A Southwest Boeing 737-800 - Photo: Woodyaeroimages | FlickrCC

A Southwest Boeing 737-800 – Photo: Woodys Aeroimages | FlickrCC

For my flights (Seattle-Denver-Tampa), I set an alarm five minutes before my 24-hour mark, but was in the grocery story when it went off. I forgot about it and, 90 minutes later, got myself B30 and B29 for my flights — embarrassing for an AvGeek like me. Yes, I could have paid $12.50 for EarlyBird , which check you in automatically at the 36-hour mark, but even that doesn’t always even guarantee you an A boarding group. I also could have paid more for a  BusinessSelect  fare which guarantees you’ll be one of the first fifteen to board.

My stress was heightened waiting to board, because of course I wanted a window seat. My first flight was SEA-DEN on a 737-700… which only holds 143 people. Even though the math was looking good – there were 48-window and 48-aisle seats versus 89 people in front of me – I still wasn’t sure how it would work out. I ended up with a window in the very last row (with the lavs), but at least I had my window. On my second leg, from DEN to TPA, I was in a 737-800, which seats 175 . However, as it was a continuing flight, the big wildcard was how many passengers were flying through. Fortunately, I ended up in 19A – another window. SCORE!

Some pictures of my recent Southwest experiences - Photos: David Parker Brown

Some pictures of my recent Southwest experiences – Photos: David Parker Brown

As I went through this whole process during my flights, I wished I had some sort of advice guide on getting the best seat on a Southwest flight. Wait… didn’t I write one of those back in 2010? I sure did: Guide to Getting a Good Seat Flying on Southwest Airlines . Really, I had no excuse for forgetting this story. Even after five years, it still makes the top 10 most read stories- month, after month, after month, after month. No other story has had that sort of LUV.

I decided to go back and update the story with some additional tips and thoughts on flying Southwest from flying them since 2010 (bonus tip: don’t spill your drink ).

What are your strategies with flying on Southwest Airlines?  Take a look at my tips , then let me know what your game plan is in the comments.

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David Parker Brown

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER - SEATTLE, WA. David has written, consulted, and presented on multiple topics relating to airlines and travel since 2008. He has been quoted and written for a number of news organizations, including BBC, CNN, NBC News, Bloomberg, and others. He is passionate about sharing the complexities, the benefits, and the fun stuff of the airline business. Email me: [email protected]

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Ahh, Animal Farm in the sky. All passengers are equal, but some are more equal than others.

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Maybe after hanging out in a farm for a bit, maybe with cattle, you will see that it is A LOT different. Might be a system that I am not a fan of, but many do like it!

David | AirlineReporter

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I’ll never forget the first time I took my wife, who had only flown on Southwest in the past, on a Delta flight… We had Sky Priority, so I knew when and where we’d be passing by the podium, but she couldn’t get over the mob of people –that all had assigned seats– trying to funnel up to the boarding pass scanner at the same time. Boarding groups were and almost always are completely irrelevant to passengers of the legacy carriers, and the Zone 3 folks will happily stand in the way of all of the Zone 1 and 2 folks every time. We weren’t even in our seats yet and she had already commented on how much more organized Southwest’s line-up-by-number system is. I couldn’t agree more.

Oh…and Early Bird Check-in checks you in 36-hours prior to the flight, not 24-hours.

From their site:

“EarlyBird Check-In Customers will have their boarding passes reserved beginning 36 hours prior to their flight’s scheduled departure time. Boarding Passes can be printed beginning 24 hours prior to the flight’s scheduled local departure time.”

It is more organized getting on the plane versus other airlines of doing a huge group of people, fighting for the front of the line. And thank you for the correction, I have updated the story!

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In no way is this rant about the elderly or people with disabilities.

I fly on Southwest about once a month for business. I live in Charlotte so needless to say most of my air travel is on American…

My company pays the premium for Southwest”s ”Business Select” tickets, which is nice, but I rarely get a window or isle seat in the bulkhead or exit rows. For sure, I usually get A1 through A5 boarding but on most flights there are around 10 to 15 people who early board as ”passengers with disabilities or need extra time to board”. These folks get on the plane before the Business Select passengers. Thus if lucky there might be a few open center seats in the bulkhead or exit rows… And before anyone brings it up- on a consistent basis, these passengers are permitted to sit in the exit rows. If I flew on Southwest on a weekly basis, I am not sure I would be able to justify the extra cost of Business Select. The only perks I see are a window or isle seat, free internet and free booze.

Again, in no way is this rant about the elderly or people with disabilities.

I think you bring up some valid things to think about. And even if there are no disabled people, if you are changing planes (let’s say in Denver) and there are already 15 people on the plane, from its previous destination, you are in the same situation. For me, being B28 in Denver, the math would say I can still get a window or aisle, on a 737-800, but I don’t know how many passengers are already on the plane. That is the extra stress that I do not enjoy.

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The best way to determine how many Through Customers are on a given flight is to ask. The same when you want to know how many Customers are on the flight in total, ask. I have always responded with those numbers. Nor have I misled someone by giving them the wrong number. We have that info on our gate reader screen and can tell you at a glance in most cases without having to type anything.

People who preboard on SWA on NOT permitted to sit in the exit rows. So the only way those seats would be taken is by a Through passenger. The bulkhead seats are generally taken with preboarders. The best way to avoid SWA Seat Anxiety is simply to buy Business Select. End of discussion.

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I feel your frustration 410 but I deeply appreciate Southwest’s policy of allowing those of us with physical handicaps to board first. I have Crohn’s Disease and one of the lovely side-effects is hypercoagulability, which mans I am at high risk for blood clots. I was once seriously ill on a flight from Anchorage to Atlanta. I wound up in the hospital with multiple pulmonary emboli. They caught it just in time, so I survived the experience. Since that time I experience swelling in both legs, especially when I have to sit for long periods. Needless to say, I would gladly trade places with you and let you take my Crohn’s Disease in return for your good health. In no way is this rant about young people or people without disabilities who are able to wait a few minutes to board. Pray to whatever you hold to be sacred that you have a long wait before you qualify to board first on Southwest.

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Being a lowly A-Lister for a few years now, I’m always in the A group no matter what. However, I would recommend the EarlyBird for non A-Listers. If you don’t want pay the $12.50, then for sure set an alarm, use the SWA App on your phone, and stop whatever you are doing and check-in when the alarm goes off. That should get you in the early B’s.

You have to remember that Business Select gets first dibs. Then A-List Preferred. Then Early Bird and/or A-List not sure of the order there. And if an A-Lister gets bumped by everyone ahead of them out of the A group, or if the A-Lister has to change his flight at last minute and gets put in the B or C group, the A-Lister will always be able to board in between group A and B. Probably the biggest perk of frequent flier status is seat selection.

So the rest of the folks almost always start in the A50s, through early Bs no matter if you check in 23:59 before your flight….

Thanks Alex for setting up the priorities of what status will board when. I get that Southwest needs to attract the business travelers, and give people priority — but it lessens the value of EarlyBird. However, if I ended up in the middle seats, flying across the country, I would surely say that $12.50 is MORE than worth it!

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I’ve only done the early bird check-on once. early flight from DAL to LGA during a busy few days of travel. I wasn’t going to be close to be able to check in 24 hrs in advance, and I wanted to be one of the first off to get to the ball game I had tix to. Normally I don’t care, but getting to the stadium up to 20 earlier was worth it for me. 3A was my home for three hours. It was a beautiful day for flying and I had a great view. Worth the bux that time!

Thanks for sharing your experience. Really, I thought EarlyBird would be a waste, but after thinking (and almost) having a middle seat for hours, that $12.50 seems to be a better and better deal :).

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My husband and I fly several times a year from BWI and nearly always on Southwest. Since BWI is one of its focus cities, we usually have a number of nonstop options and usually take them. We pay for EarlyBird Check-In and ask at the gate if the flight is full. If it isn’t, we head for the back of the plane and take a window and aisle seat in the same row, leaving the middle seat open. We are both fairly tall and reasonably attractive, but almost never have anyone ask if they can sit between us. If someone did, we would probably give up the window or aisle seat to them and sit together.

For us, the EarlyBird Check-In option is worth the extra cost for the automatic check-in and relatively early boarding position so that we can sit together and, more often than not, in window and aisle seats with no one between us. This is especially desirable when we fly cross-country. We also like to sit in the back since we typically have a good selection of seats to choose from, plenty of overhead bin space, and are near a lavatory. And flying nonstop most of the time means that we do not have to worry about getting off the plane in a hurry to make a connecting flight.

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Happy A-Lister here, it’s great not having to worry about checking in since they take care of it for me, and I’m typically in the A-30s. Prior to securing my status I always went for early bird. Too much stress in not knowing, I totally understand that. But I never got anything other than A when paying for early bird. I’m sure it happens, but it isn’t common, I don’t think.

One angle that isn’t mentioned here, or in ANY of the conversations about Southwest’s boarding is the freedom to move about the cabin. This is a big selling point for me. There have been MANY times that as an early boarder I’ve chosen the perfect seat but the environment around me changed. Being boxed in by crying babies boarding between groups A and B for example, or loud, bouncy college sports kids in the row in front of me. With any other airline I’d be stuck with the surroundings. With Southwest’s open seating I can easily abandon my seat for a better environment a few rows back. Hallelujah!

PS: WN gets a few letters a year from newly married couples saying they would likely not have met had it not been for the open seating policy. See your future husband/wife? Grab the seat next to them and find LUV at 38,000 ft. Heck yes!

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I fly WN almost 2x monthly but I use my credit card points aggressively and haven’t been able to secure A-list. Lucky for me, many airports and gate agents still allow boarding for active duty military with ID between A and B when family boarding goes. I can usually get this since I’m Denver based but have been turned down at BWI and a few other airports. It’s a nice perk for wearing the uniform but I always make sure I check in at exactly T-24:00 to departure and usually wind up with <B10 on the routes I fly. The new app that they pushed makes that whole experience much nicer.

I believe you can only accumulate 15K points towards your status via credit card spend. And that is awarded 1K points per 10K spend, up to 150K in spend. In order to get to 35K status points needed for AList, you either have to make 25 flights or accumulate 35K status points based on how much you spend on your airline tickets. If you buy nothing but Business Select, you can get to 35k much quicker than 25 flights. If you buy nothing but want to get away, you’ll have to make 25 flight.

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Are those seats in the Max picture above, the same as the ones found on Alaska Airlines new 737 -8 / 7airplanes?

They look the same to me and that only means very uncomfortable seats. I forget the name of the manufacture, but the flight I took on Alaska was the most irritating seats I have ever sat in.

I like SW seats now, as I think they are pretty comfy compared to most.

One thing I’d like to point out about SW is I do a lot of last minute flying and I’m getting tired of going online and looking for flights only to see all that is left is “prefered seats”. AA comes to mind here. I recently was looking to get up north somewhere at the last minute and they had a flight from MCO to CLT for the first leg. It was a A-330, so I thought sweet, a wide body for a change. On the 330 they have two main cabins that is divided by a wall and bathrooms. I kid you not, they had the entire first section blocked off just for “prefered seats” including a few for the comfort seating thing and was charging something like $15 for everyone of those seats. So everyone who had already purchased tickets, all sat in the back of the plane and there was very few seats left. I would say 80% full. the front half was about 5% full.

Unreal and this why even thought I have 939K lifetime with AA, that I’m going to chuck them aside. I could careless about lifetime gold. Not much there for benefits anyway.

BUT with SW, you have a chance to get what you want anyway, and if worse comes to worse and you get the C lane, most times if you are alone you can find a middle seat in an exit row. I much rather deal with SW, then get hosed with the others.

I’ve had enough.

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When I fly WN, which is once or twice a year I always get the Early Bird check-in. Well worth it, always get a Low A or High B boarding number. No problem getting my cherished window seat, though not always toward the front. In which case I high tail it towards the back of the plane unless I have a tight connection. Not a huge fan of the process but have never had a problem except once when we circled DEN for over an hour due to weather and by the time I got to my connecting flight (which WN held, last flight back to STL) I ended up in a middle seat. But it sure as hell beat not getting home that night.

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As a 4-year running Companion Pass holder, A16 is my boarding number. Rarely do I see anything else. Then it is A17.

The order is:

Thrus Pre-Board (No exit row) Business Select Companion Pass Holders A-List Preferred A-List Early Bird Unwashed Masses

An A listers that are not in A group, board before Families between A and B group, then Families, and then the B group.

When I travel with my family, I always go Early Bird, so my kids get in the A group with me and we board together at A16.

It is different, that is for sure. I do all my international travel on AA, which is an entirely different horse.

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What’s the best way to check in for the flight with the app? There’s the checkin button, it you have to manually enter your confirmation #, which then has to look up your flight and then checkin. alternatively you could go to “my flights” and refresh until the checkin button appears. Or do the web. I’m always to nervous to try it out different options as my flights have always been full and don’t want to risk getting B group. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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In the end, there really isn t a foolproof way of guaranteeing yourself the ”best seats”. However, these are your best options. Not just for here but for concerts in general.

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We nearly always fly Southwest when we travel because 1) They have great rates 2) You can bring a carry-bag and check two additional bags at no extra cost, and 3) Their flights are nearly always on time. I’d never purchased the Early Bird option until I actually forgot to check in 24 hours in advance once. In my defense, I was at Disney World with my husband and four children. Thus, you can imagine how it might have slipped my mind! We ended up having all sort of boarding positions and my kids were not young enough for Family Boarding (my youngest was 6, and we were told age 5 or under). Honestly, we were squeezing in the very back and all of were sitting in the middle of complete strangers. Plus, it was a nonstop flight, so that was fun. Anyway, after that, I starting forking out the extra money for Early Bird. We usually get in Boarding Group A; occasionally in Group B. But I am not longer sending my kids off to various parts of the plane for strangers to care for them, so I guess that is a good thing!

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how does the seating process (ABC) work when you change planes in another city for a connecting flight?

Your entire day’s itinerary checks in 36 hours before the first flight of the day with Early Bird Check-in. Its been my experience that the second leg of the journey has a better boarding number than the first. Well worth the $12.50 if you want a particular seat on the flight.

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Just say no and fly another airline.

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Refreshing and hovering over the check-in button while waiting for the 24 hour mark is something I’m quite used to with Southwest. The problem is, when flying out of BWI, this doesn’t seem to matter. Not ready yet, not ready yet, ok check in now. Bang! Congratulations! You just got B38. I actually just did this a few minutes ago and got B49.

I don’t know if BWI has a lot of A-listers or a lot of folks buy Early Bird boarding, but when flying to locations like Buffalo or Portland, Maine, you wouldn’t think all the As and most of the Bs would go in a split second. Every time.

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that’s because BWI is a major hub so a lot of people connect through it. Those people connecting get to check-in 24 hours before their 1st flight to BWI. so a couple hours ahead of all of us who call BWI home.

Ah, that makes sense. That’s the price we pay for the convenience of living near a major airport. Thanks for e quick reply!

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Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using?

I’m plannning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems ddifferent then most blogs and I’m looking foor something completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I hhad to ask!

' src=

If some one needs expert view regarding blogging afterward i suggest him/her to pay a visit this website, Keep up tthe goold job.

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Southwest Airlines Says Assigned Seats For Passengers A Possibility

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

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Southwest Airlines is known for not assigning seats, but that could change in the future — maybe . 

“Could we one day need to take back up the assigned-seating question? I think we may have to do that,” Bob Jordan, the airline’s incoming CEO recently said in a Southwest Business virtual town hall meeting, Travel Weekly reports .

Jordan, who previously was the airline’s executive vice president of corporate services and will take over as CEO on February 1, then took pains to note there are no current plans at Southwest to make the change. However, he did say the airline needs to examine whether or not seat assignments could positively impact aircraft turnaround time.

“Just know this: We are committed to continuing to look at our product, making sure it’s relevant,” Jordan said.

Southwest uses unassigned seats as a way to make itself stand out from competitors. Indeed, its slogan is “Pick a seat, any seat.”

“At Southwest, we let you sit where you like,” the airline explains . “We don’t assign seats on our flights, so feel free to sit in any available seat once you board the plane.”

Moving Forward

In many respects, Jordan has his work cut out for him.

For instance, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s analysis , Southwest Airlines’ flights were ontime 83.03 percent of the time from July 2019 to July 2021. Conversely, 16.97 percent of Southwest’s flights were late or canceled.

“We need to get back to the point where you can set your watch by the reliability of our operations,” Jordan said.

Toward that end, one of the first priorities for Southwest this year is to hire between 8,000 and 10,000 workers. Jordan says that adding that staff will help the airline get aircraft back in the sky sooner.

Jordan also noted that Southwest expanded its service to 18 new markets and increased service to Hawaii during the COVID-19 pandemic. While Southwest currently uses 120 aircraft to support that expansion, it does have plans to take delivery of 114 aircraft this year.

Even so, it’s going to take a while for the airline to resume frequency levels Southwest experienced before the pandemic.

“It’s going to take into 2023 to restore the network completely back to where we were in 2019,” Jordan said.

For more about airlines’ ontime arrival records, be sure to read The 10 U.S. Airlines With The Most Flight Delays And Cancelations .

If you’d like to learn more about airport arrival records, be sure to read up on the airports with the fewest and most delays and cancelations.

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Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

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do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

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How do we get a Seat on Southwest?

Southwest seat selection

Choose Your Seats with Southwest Boarding Process

Southwest has an open seating policy. This means that the airline doesn’t assign you seats. The moment you step on the plane, pick seats of your choice. Moreover, you get two free checked bags per person. It also offers an easy way to earn an elite status.

The airline has a unique boarding process that streamlines seating. Worry not. The airline understands that getting the seat you want can make or mar your experience. And this comprehensive guide will take you through the seating approach of Southwest and impart you insight into picking the best for a pleasurable journey.

So, without further ado, let’s start with the information of the seating and boarding on Southwest flights.

What is Southwest Seat Selection?

With Southwest Seat Selection, you can sit wherever you want. Since the airline doesn’t assign you seats, you can choose yours as soon as you hop on the flight. The airline offers a convenient, fast, and efficient process of boarding.

Check your boarding pass and find the boarding group (A, B, or C) assigned to you along with boarding position (1 – 60). It will make your seat selection easier.

How Can I Get the Best Seats on Southwest Airlines?

People have different preferences when flying. However, the smartest way to travel on the best seat is to acquire the boarding group position of A1-15. Since this is the earliest boarding, your chances to grab your favorite seat are maximized. Here’s how you can get it.

Earn an elite status

Frequent flyers of Southwest get priority who have an A-List or A-List Preferred elite status.

Check in 24 hours in advance

If you are traveling with Wanna Get Away fares the cheapest on Southwest, check-in 24 hours before time. This is the easiest way to get the earliest boarding available.

Buy an A1-A15 boarding at the gate

Didn’t like the boarding number that Southwest assigned you? No worries. At times, upgraded boarding is available at the airport. You can buy it on the departure day at $30 to $50 one-way. The cost is on a per person basis on the availability of A1-A15 slots.

Get an Automatic A1-A15 boarding priority for Business Select fares

You might miss getting Group A or Group B even if you check-in, pretty much in time. However, get assured A1-A15, irrespective of the time when you check-in with Business Select fares.

Purchase EarlyBird Check-In

The airline automatically allows you to check-in 36 hours before your scheduled flight departure. And that too at just $15-$25 for a one way trip, per person. This ensures a better boarding position as compared to the check-in before 24 hours.

Which are the Best Seats on Southwest?

Now, it is obvious to be eager to know which are the best seats on Southwest flights that cater to your seating requirements. Here are some points to give you a sneak-peek into the best seats.

  • For legroom – Seat 12A
  • To deboard the flight quickly – Row 1
  • For just one seat companion – Row 11, Seats B and C
  • To be where the snacks and drinks start serving – Row 1, 9, or 17

What is the Southwest Boarding Process?

The boarding process of Southwest streamlines the approach to be on your flight and pick seats at that time. Here’s how –

  • When you check-in, Southwest assigns –
  • Any of the boarding groups – A, B, or C
  • A position (1-60+)
  • Your boarding pass displays the unique combination of your group and position. For example, if you have A22, this means you have boarding group A and position 22. This shows your boarding group’s reserved spot at the gate.
  • Every gate area has numbered posts, indicating where you have to line up.
  • Once your boarding group is announced,
  • Find your place designated in the queue
  • Catch the flight in the order of number with your respective boarding group

Can I Secure a Better Boarding Position on a Southwest Flight?

Yes, you can enhance your boarding position when flying with Southwest. Here’s how you can get a better position for boarding on a Southwest flight –

Use the Southwest App

Install the airline’s app on your smartphone. It notifies you to check-in 24 hours before your flight is scheduled.

Purchase Upgraded Boarding

When you buy an upgraded boarding, you can upgrade your boarding position to A1-A15. However, you can do this before 24 hours of the flight’s scheduled departure.

With an early-bird check-in, you can go ahead of the 24-hour check-in. It helps you with better seat choices as you get on the flight earlier, although A boarding position is not guaranteed.

Purchase or upgrade to a Business Select fare

A1-A15 boarding is guaranteed when you have a Business Select fare. However, if you don;’t have this fare, still want to be sure of getting A1-A15 boarding, get a Southwest Business Select upgrade.

What are the Southwest Seat Specifications?

When selecting your seats, it is good to know about their specifications. It helps you pick better seats. Among the U.S airlines, Southwest offers the maximum legroom. Now, let’s take a quick look at the seat specification of this airline with its respective aircraft.

Does Southwest Offer Family Boarding?

Yes, enjoy boarding with family when flying with this airline. Family Boarding occurs between the boarding of A and B groups. Know more about this boarding type below –

  • Up to two adults, flying with kids of 6 years or more to board the plane during Family Boarding.
  • The kid and the adults having A boarding passes, must board in the position assigned. They need not wait for Family Boarding.

In Conclusion

Therefore, you can delight in a smooth and streamlined seating arrangement when traveling on a Southwest flight. So, when you have a trip with this airline on your cards, pull up this account and you will know when and how to get your hands on your most preferred seats.

Travel smart, travel more comfortably. Travel with Southwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can active-duty military members preboard on southwest flights, how can i find my seat on southwest flights, does southwest assign seats.

Southwest defends new seat redesign after social media backlash

Users have cited a possible lack of legroom.

Southwest is onboarding a brand new look with re-designed cabins featuring larger bin space, device holders, power outlets, and premium aircraft seats -- but despite the much-needed enhancements, travelers were quick to criticize the upgrades after noticing a potential flaw -- a lack of legroom.

The Dallas, Texas-based budget airline first announced the changes in February, teaming up with transportation design firm Tangerine to enhance the seating experience based on customer research and product testing.

The changes are set to rollout in 2025.

VIDEO: The controversy over Southwest Airlines’ new seats

"Southwest flies above our competition with industry-leading flexibility and our legendary Hospitality," Tony Roach, senior vice president and chief customer officer at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement at the time. "Our redesigned cabin interior significantly enhances our inflight Customer experience and will complement the amazing service that our Crews provide."

Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARGO Aircraft Seating, said, "Our new seat will be a great addition to the Southwest Customer Experience, as its durable design and comfort features will serve Passengers well."

However, enthusiasm has been delayed for the redesign and new seating, with nearly 20,000 negative comments on a TikTok video revealing a first-look at the new RECARGO seats, many of them criticizing the lack of space.

One user wrote that the cushions look like "Ozempic seats," referring to the weight loss medication.

Another wrote, "Why not just put wooden benches in -- they'd be just as comfy."

Travel expert and airline editor for Going.com Katy Nastro told "Good Morning America" that upon first impression, "I sort of felt like they were a trim, more slimmed-down version of what we currently know when we fly Southwest."

To some, the seats are a far departure from what the airline described back in February as "an intuitively designed seat for ultimate comfort while maximizing seat width and overall support." The seats are also said to feature "a multi-adjustable headrest cushion for enhanced head and neck support."

Other comments on TikTok questioned whether there are more rows and less legroom, but Southwest confirmed to ABC News that the new seats will still have the same width and legroom as the current ones.

A representative for the airline told ABC News that the "original images were 2D renderings to show the cosmetic look of the seats and were not scalable for illustrating seat comfort," and provided 3D photos of the RECARGO seats showing a bit more padding.

"But rest assured, we have our customers' back-even when they give us flak," the airline representative added.

British Airways is also upgrading seats in its Airbus Narrowbody fleet of planes rolling out this May.

Nastro explained that the post-COVID-19 air travel climb is still real, with many companies winging it to see what sticks.

"Each airline is sort of investigating where they can [to] differentiate themselves," Nastro said, "whether it's free Wi-Fi or updated cabins or ways that they can still retain and grow their customer loyalty."

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Daily Mail

Southwest Airlines is mocked over new seats that look 'paper thin' and 'rock hard' after proudly unveiling its redesigned cabin

  • The airline announced the redesign of its Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX-8 planes
  • The updated interiors include new seats and personal electronic device holders
  • Critics compared the streamlined seats to 'lawn chairs' and 'slates of  granite'

Southwest Airlines proudly unveiled its new cabin design only to be met with ridicule over the 'paper-thin' seats that have been compared to 'lawn chairs' and 'slates of granite.' 

The company announced the redesign of its new Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX-8 airplanes last week, saying the updated interiors and customer experience enhancements will debut in 2025.

Southwest teamed up with the design firm Tangerine to create the sleek new cabins, which feature USB-A and USB-C charger outlets, larger overhead bins, and personal electronic device holders. 

The interior also boasts streamlined seats by RECARO, an aircraft and automotive seating brand based in Germany . 

'The new RECARO seats include a multi-adjustable headrest cushion for enhanced head and neck support, an intuitively designed seat for ultimate comfort while maximizing seat width and overall support,' according to the press release . 

Southwest noted that the redesign was 'based on extensive research covering customer and employee perceptions of color, comfort, and their aspirations for the overall onboard experience.' 

The airline shared a video of the cabin interiors on TikTok, including close-ups of the seats and headrests that are embossed with Southwest hearts. 

'New fit check!' the company wrote in the caption. 

'Introducing our updated cabin design and new seats! You can catch this interior on new aircraft deliveries beginning next year. Not to mention our ongoing rollout of adding bigger overhead bins and in-seat power ports to our current planes!'

The 19-second clip has been viewed 8.9 million times and has received more than 15,000 comments since it was posted on February 2.

However, the reaction appeared to be mostly negative, with critics insisting that the new seats look 'uncomfortable' and 'narrower' than the ones in the current cabins. 

'What I’m seeing is rock-hard seats,' one person responded. 

'Love it. I've always wondered when airlines would start catering to people like us who enjoy relaxing on slates of granite,' someone else joked. 

'So we get thinner, more uncomfortable seats with a heart on it,' another added. 

Others wanted to know what Southwest was thinking, saying the unveiling made them want to switch airlines. 

'You just earned yourself a Delta customer,' one viewer griped. 

'The best Delta ad I’ve seen,' someone else agreed. 

'Did y’all not do a single focus group on these?!' another asked. 

The backlash has carried over to X, formerly Twitter, where people have also been slamming Southwest over the redesign. 

'Southwest is rolling out new paper-thin seats, and Americans just have to deal with it because the domestic airline has lobbied against high-speed rail so successfully that we have no other options,' wrote Hayden Clarkin, who is known as 'The Transit Guy.'   

'That Southwest upgrade reveal was so silly. The seats are already rock hard and now they’re thinner [and] look even less comfortable,' Toni Childs commented. 

Someone else shared a photo of a lawn chair, saying Southwest Airlines has 'revealed their new seats.'

A spokesperson for Southwest told SFGate  that the company 'conducted multiple rounds of comfort testing with hundreds of participants' for the new seats before finalizing the design. 

'We collaborated with RECARO to custom-develop a more ergonomic cushion by using different foam technologies and densities, and adding more padding to certain areas of the headrest, backrest, and bottom cushion,' they said. 

'The seat material selected for these new seats is not only softer to the touch, but better showcases the foam technology.'

The airline insisted the new seats have the same width, leg room, and armrest size as the current seats on its Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX-8 planes. 

The spokesperson also shut down concerns that the new interior design would include more rows, saying Southwest has 'no plans' to add more seats in the cabin. 

DailyMail.com has reached out to Southwest Airlines for comment.  

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Southwest Airlines’ New Seat Design for 2025 Sparks Outrage: ‘We Are Getting Lawn Chairs’

TikTok users compared the update to “Ozempic seats” and “slates of granite” on a post shared by the airline in February

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

  • Southwest Airlines debuted its updated seat design that will be featured on all new planes in early 2025 
  • A TikTok posted in February by the airline immediately drew criticism from fliers who think the seats look uncomfortable 
  • Despite the backlash, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed to PEOPLE that the seats still have the same width and legroom as their current ones

Southwest Airlines is debuting its new seat design for 2025 — but some travelers aren’t very happy about it. 

The airline unveiled the sleek layout in a February TikTok alongside the caption, “New fit check! 💯Introducing our updated cabin design and new seats! You can catch this interior on new aircraft deliveries beginning next year. Not to mention our ongoing rollout of adding bigger bins and in-seat power ports to our current planes!”

In the clip, the cameraman walks through the aisle of an airplane featuring Southwest’s old seats. “The plane interior you see,” they wrote in white text over the video. 

The next shot cuts to the updated cabin interior featuring the new, streamlined seats equipped with a small heart detail at the bottom corner of every headrest. An additional tray to prop iPads and phones against is also shown.

“The updated interior coming next year 😏,” the airline wrote over the clip.

In the comments section of the video, fliers were quick to criticize the new design. 

“So we get thinner, more uncomfortable seats with a heart on it,” one user wrote, while another added, "Why not just put in wooden benches? They'd be just as comfortable!"

“Ozempic seats ✨😭,” another joked, referring to the viral weight loss drug . Meanwhile, others wrote that the seats are comparable to “slates of granite” and “plastic pool recliners.”

In a different comment, one person emphasized, “We are getting lawn chairs!” Another questioned, “is there an option to just stand?”

While some comments point out that it looks like there’s more seats and less space in the new design, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed to PEOPLE that the seats “maintain the Customer-friendly width and legroom we currently offer on all aircraft configurations.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

They added that the updated interior will be featured on “new aircraft deliveries” beginning early 2025 and that the airline spent “18 months” researching and testing the comfort of the seats. The new design utilizes foam technology that’s “softer to the touch” and the headrest offers a “multi-adjustable” cushion as well.

“It will include new functionality, including in-seat power, a personal electronic device holder, and dual cup holders on the seatback tray with left-handed Customers in mind,” they add.

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The Guide to Turkish Airlines Seat Selection

Lee Huffman

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

Turkish Airlines seat selection fee

How to select seats on turkish airlines flights, how to avoid paying turkish airlines seat selection fees, when can you get a refund on turkish airlines seat selection fees, final thoughts on turkish airlines seat selection.

Many travelers want to pick their seats when flying on Turkish Airlines. Choosing your seat allows you to select which row you're in and avoid being stuck in the dreaded middle seat. This is especially important when traveling with friends or family and you want to sit together throughout your flight.

With Turkish Airlines seat selection, you can select seats with extra legroom, emergency exit seats and more for a fee. Learn how Turkish Airlines seat assignment works, what it costs and when it is available.

When selecting seats on Turkish Airlines, most passengers will pay a fee. The fees vary based on your ticket class, where you're flying and the seat type.

This table highlights the fees for each type of Turkish Airlines seat selection.

Table data provided by Turkish Airlines.

This table indicates the Turkish Airlines international seat selection fees for flights departing from Canada.

» Learn more: Things to know before flying Turkish Airlines

As a Turkish Airlines passenger, you can select seats when booking your ticket or up to six hours before your flight departs.

During ticket purchase

Turkish Air seat selection is available while purchasing your ticket. To select your seat, follow these steps.

Visit the Turkish Airlines homepage.

Enter your flight details.

Select your flight.

Enter your personal information.

Select your seat.

Complete checkout.

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

After you've purchased your tickets

Follow these steps to select your seats on Turkish Airlines after you've bought your tickets.

Visit the Seat Selection page on the Turkish Airlines website.

Enter your ticket number or reservation code and your last name (aka surname).

Pay the Turkish Airlines seat selection fees.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Seat selection fees can add unexpected expenses to your travel budget. One of the ways to extend your travel budget is by taking advantage of opportunities to eliminate or minimize these fees.

Travelers can get Turkish Airlines seat selection free in several ways, including booking premium cabin tickets, buying specific flights or having elite status.

Booking premium class tickets . Passengers traveling in business class receive Turkish Airlines free seat selection on most flights. However, seat selection is unavailable on Turkish Airlines flights arriving in or departing from Ankara due to operational reasons.

Purchasing an extra seat . Turkish Airlines allows passengers to buy an extra seat to take advantage of extra space and get an extra baggage allowance. These tickets also include Turkish Airlines free seat selection for both seats.

Buying an upgrade package . When you buy an ExtraFly or PremiumFly package, you can select a standard seat for free up to 1.5 hours before departure.

Having elite status . Members of the Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles loyalty program with Elite and Elite Plus status get free standard seat selection on domestic and international flights on Turkish Airlines. Relatives traveling on the same passenger name record (PNR) also receive free seat selection on that flight.

» Learn more: The guide to Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles

Although you've paid Turkish seat selection fees for your flight, there are several instances in which your money can be refunded. In most cases, the funds will be automatically returned to you. However, if you don't automatically receive it, contact Turkish Airlines customer service within one year of the flight date.

Here are some common situations in which you'll receive your money back.

Assigned a different seat for operational reasons . You'll receive a refund if you are moved from your chosen seat after boarding due to operational reasons.

Canceled flight . When a flight is canceled, passengers are entitled to a refund of their seat selection fees.

Change of plane type . If there is a plane swap and you cannot select a seat on the new airplane, you can receive a refund of your seat selection fees.

Upgrade seat to business class . When you pay a fee to select your seat in economy but then upgrade to business class, your fees will be refunded.

You will not receive a refund if you request a flight change or cancellation. Additionally, your seat selection fees will not be returned if you choose an emergency exit row seat and must be moved to another seat because you do not meet the criteria.

When flying on Turkish Airlines, you may want to choose your seat to get a better view, sit with friends and family or get more legroom. Turkish Airlines seat selection fees range from free to $142. The cost depends on where you're traveling, the ticket purchased and the type of seat.

However, Miles&Smiles Elite and ElitePlus passengers get seat selection for free based on their elite status. If you must pay these fees, consider using a credit card that offers airline fee credits or bonus rewards on travel purchases.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

IMAGES

  1. Guide to Getting a Good Seat Flying on Southwest Airlines : AirlineReporter

    do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

  2. Boeing 737 800 Southwest Seating Chart

    do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

  3. Southwest Seating Chart

    do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

  4. Southwest Airlines 737 Max Seat Map

    do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

  5. Guide to Getting a Good Seat Flying on Southwest Airlines

    do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

  6. 10+ Seating chart for southwest airlines

    do you get seat assignments on southwest airlines

COMMENTS

  1. How to snag the best seats on Southwest Airlines

    Group B 1-60. Group C 1-60. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES. When the traveler checks in for their flight, Southwest assigns each passenger a boarding group letter — A, B or C — and a position from 1 to 60. The unique boarding code, such as A45 or B52, is printed directly on the boarding pass and represents the person's place in line at the gate.

  2. Boarding Process

    When your boarding group is called, find your designated place in line and board the aircraft in numerical order with your boarding group. Southwest-operated flights have open seating. Once onboard, simply choose any available seat and stow your carryon items in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

  3. How to Hack Southwest's Boarding Groups

    Southwest boarding groups, recapped. Southwest offers three boarding groups (A, B or C), and a position 1-60+, which get assigned at check-in. While the Southwest boarding process can be confusing ...

  4. Tips on How to Get a Good Seat on Southwest Airlines

    If you would like to get a good seat on your next Southwest Airlines flight, follow this rule. Check in opens 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. The earlier you check in, the earlier your spot in line will be. Many passengers will also be checking in 24 hours before the flight so a few minutes or seconds can make a big ...

  5. Southwest Airlines' Unique Boarding Process Explained

    How boarding works on Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines is the only major airline in the world that doesn't assign seats. Rather the airline has a very different boarding process — the order of passenger boarding is determined by the "position" someone is in, and as a result that's also the order in which people can pick seats once on the plane.

  6. This is how to get the best seats on your next Southwest flight ...

    The three boarding groups Southwest offers include: A boarding group: This is where you want to be if you want the chance to be near the front of the plane or a guaranteed aisle or window seat. If ...

  7. How to get seats together as a family on Southwest Airlines

    Southwest Airlines uses open seating, which can be stressful for families. ... While some airlines make it challenging to get free seat assignments with your family, Southwest's approach is quite different. In fact, Southwest does not assign seats in advance at all. ... You do need to (more or less) get in your actual numerical order. For ...

  8. 3 Ways to Always Get a Good Seat on Southwest Airlines

    Read on for my three tips to always get your favorite seat on Southwest Airlines…. 1. Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight. Southwest lets you check in for your flight 24 hours before it departs, so set an alarm on your smartphone and have your confirmation number handy. Either go to Southwest.com or click "Check in" from the ...

  9. Southwest Airlines Boarding Process & Groups [2024]

    Once boarding begins, the gate agent will start with pre-board passengers and those with boarding positions A 1-15 (usually reserved for Business Select passengers). Then they will continue with A 15-30 then A 31-60. Once A 1-30 have boarded the plane, the monitor at the front of the line will change to B 1-30.

  10. The Best Seats When Flying on Southwest Airlines [2024]

    Boeing 737-700. The Boeing 737-700 has 143 seats, and it accounts for 60% of Southwest Airlines' fleet. Each seat has a width of 17 inches and a pitch of 31 inches. Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 seat map. Image Credit: SeatGuru.

  11. Southwest boarding process: How to get Group A and more tips

    In your inbox, Thursdays. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline with an open seating policy. It assigns every passenger an exact boarding position — a letter between A and C and a number ...

  12. How Can I Select a Seat on Southwest Airlines? [2019] • Point Me to the

    Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy. Seats are not assigned ahead of time, rather passengers are assigned a boarding group, A, B, or C, and a boarding position, 1-60. The boarding group and position determine when you board the plane, and thus how many seats you will be able to choose from. The whole thing used to be a true free for all.

  13. How Does The Southwest Airlines Boarding Process Work?

    Southwest Airlines' open seating policy improves boarding times, on-time departures, and cost savings. Passengers are assigned boarding positions based on fare status and check-in time. To get a ...

  14. How do you get good seats?

    If the flight is sparse, I head to the back with lots of chances to get at least a middle empty if not all three seats to myself. People sit next to each other in the front no matter how full the plane is. For full flights, I like to get about 8 rows back. That's where the overheads will be full and all the last people on the plane will have to ...

  15. Southwest: Check-in Policy

    Yes, you may check-in for your U S domestic Southwest Airlines (WN) flight curbside at most U S airport locations from 60 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination). You will need your photo ID and also your flight reservation code, flight number destination, or electronic ticket ...

  16. Why Has Southwest Airlines Persisted With Unallocated Seating?

    Summary. Southwest Airlines' unallocated seat assignments, or "open seating," have been a part of the airline since its beginnings. The unique seating model not only aligns with Southwest's egalitarian ticketing model but also improves boarding times. Southwest monetizes its boarding groups by offering passengers the option to purchase upgraded ...

  17. Solved: No assigned seat

    Explorer B. This is standard on Southwest. All seats are available to you. What you get is a boarding order and you get on the plane in that order. When you are on, you pick whatever seat, wherever you want on the plane. The boarding order is A1-60, then B1-60, then C1-60. The lower your boarding number the more choices you'll have when on the ...

  18. How Do You Get the Best Seat on Southwest Airlines?

    But I do also LUV having a seat assignment — which you cannot get with Southwest. I feel there is much added stress having to check-in early, making sure you are in the right place in line at the gate, and the worst of all: not knowing where you will sit. ... If you have flown Southwest Airlines before, you probably know the drill. When you ...

  19. Upgraded Boarding

    Starting at*. $30. per segment. per passenger. Claim the best available A1-A15 boarding position for flights departing within 24 hours. *Upgraded boarding prices and benefits are per eligible segment. Flights must be within 24 hours of departure to be eligible for upgraded boarding. * Required.

  20. Southwest Airlines Says Assigned Seats For Passengers A Possibility

    Southwest uses unassigned seats as a way to make itself stand out from competitors. Indeed, its slogan is "Pick a seat, any seat.". "At Southwest, we let you sit where you like," the airline explains. "We don't assign seats on our flights, so feel free to sit in any available seat once you board the plane.".

  21. Solved: Seat Selection

    Southwest doesn't actually have a Business Class in the traditional sense. They also do not offer assigned seats, instead offering "open seating." If you've purchased a Business Select fare, you'll be assigned a boarding position 36 hours prior to departure, that will be somewhere A1 thru A15, meaning you'll be among the first to board the plane.

  22. SeatGuru Seat Map Southwest

    Southwest is one of the most popular low-cost airlines in the US, offering flights to over 100 destinations. If you want to know how to choose the best seat for your next Southwest flight, check out the seat map and tips on SeatGuru. You can also compare the different aircraft models and their features, such as legroom, recline, and entertainment options. SeatGuru helps you find the most ...

  23. How to Get the Best Seats on Southwest Airlines?

    Now, it is obvious to be eager to know which are the best seats on Southwest flights that cater to your seating requirements. Here are some points to give you a sneak-peek into the best seats. For legroom - Seat 12A. To deboard the flight quickly - Row 1. For just one seat companion - Row 11, Seats B and C.

  24. Southwest defends new seat redesign after social media backlash

    The controversy over Southwest Airlines' new seats. Southwest is onboarding a brand new look with re-designed cabins featuring larger bin space, device holders, power outlets, and premium ...

  25. Southwest Airlines is mocked over new seats that look 'paper thin ...

    Southwest Airlines proudly unveiled its new cabin design only to be met with ridicule over the 'paper-thin' seats that have been compared to 'lawn chairs' and 'slates of granite.'

  26. Southwest Airlines offers passengers lower prices without a sale

    Currently, the airline is offering a sale on points that allows its customers to save as much as 45% on buying points. "Rapid Rewards member will save 35% when the member purchases 3,000 to 9,000 ...

  27. Southwest Airlines' New Seat Design for 2025 Sparks Outrage

    Published on March 5, 2024 07:27PM EST. Southwest Airlines' updated seat design for 2025. Photo: TikTok. Southwest Airlines debuted its updated seat design that will be featured on all new planes ...

  28. Southwest Airlines Community

    Passenger of Size, exit row question. I fly Southwest weekly and typically purchase an additional seat to be more comfortable. I'm a big guy and the seats have only gotten smaller. I don't pre-board (it's not on my boarding pass) and I don't need a seatbelt extender. I typically sit in the exit row and haven't had a problem until this ...

  29. Turkish Airlines Seat Selection: What to Know

    When flying on Turkish Airlines, you may want to choose your seat to get a better view, sit with friends and family or get more legroom. Turkish Airlines seat selection fees range from free to ...