No, Southwest Airlines doesn’t allow advance seat selection. The airline has an open-seating policy that lets you choose your desired seat after boarding the flight. As per the Southwest Airlines seat selection rules, you can choose your favorite seat once you get on the flight. You can simply say that the seat selection on Southwest is based on the first-come, first-serve basis. To get all the details on the airline’s seat selection, read the following blog.
Does Southwest Let You Pick Seats in Advance?
As mentioned above, Southwest Airlines doesn’t allow you to reserve your seats in advance. The airline follows the open-seating pattern, which simply means you can choose the seat after boarding the flight. As per the Southwest Airlines seat selection policy, passengers who board the first will have higher chances of getting their desired seats. With this unique seating policy, the airline wants to make sure that everyone gets the equal chance to book their preferred seats.
If you want to get the best seats on the flight, make sure to get a good boarding group. You will get the boarding group when checking in for the flight. The boarding group decides your boarding order. Join the boarding group according to your preferences, and get your desired seat on the flight easily.
When can I Pick My Seat on Southwest Airlines?
You can pick your seat on the Southwest flight after boarding. As mentioned, the airline has an open-seating pattern, which allows you to get your desired seat once you are onboard. If your favorite seat is available, you will get it. If someone is already sitting in your desired seat, you need to choose another seat. So get a suitable boarding group to sit on your preferred seat during the journey.
How Does the Boarding Group Work on Southwest Airlines?
As you will now know, Southwest follows the open-seating pattern. The open-seating means that you are allowed to choose your desired seat easily after boarding the flight. The seat selection on Southwest Airlines is simple. Southwest Airlines has 3 boarding groups – A, B, and C. These boarding groups have 1-60 boarding positions. So choose your boarding group wisely if you wish to get your desired seat on the flight.
Southwest will provide the boarding group during the check-in procedure. Look at your boarding pass to find your boarding group. Group A is the first group that boards the flight, followed by boarding groups B and C. Make sure to get the A group to ensure your preferred seat on the flight.
The best boarding position is A1, which is the first batch to board the Southwest flight. Board the flight among the first ones, and reserve your seat for a comfortable travel experience.
What is the Southwest Airlines Boarding Order?
As mentioned, Southwest has multiple boarding groups, and the Southwest Air seat selection is based on these boarding orders. Everyone will board the flight according to the boarding groups. If you are willing to learn the boarding order of different groups, read below. This is the boarding sequence from first to last.
Preboarding
Preboarding is the first group that boards the Southwest flight. However, not everyone can get this group. There are certain criteria that must be met to get this preboarding group. If you have any specific seating requirement due to your disability, you will be in this group. Moreover, if you need extra help when boarding the flight, opt for this group.
Speak to the Southwest Airlines representative available at the airport to get this group. The airline executives will verify your eligibility. They will give you this boarding group if you are eligible for it. Please note that you can’t sit on the exit row seats if you are in this boarding group.
The A Group
After preboarding, group A boards the flight. Passengers with A1-A15 boarding positions will board the flight at first. However, this group is mostly filled with elite flyers, such as Business Select passengers and those who have paid extra to get these positions. Purchase this boarding group to reserve seats on Southwest Airlines for a comfortable journey. To purchase this boarding group, either visit the official site or through the upgraded boarding portal of the airline.
The rest of the passengers in the group have A16-A60 boarding positions. Make sure to be in this group if you wish to select your desired seat.
Other Travelers with Disabilities
Are you a passenger with some kind of disability? If you couldn’t be in the preboarding group, you must join this group. This group boards the flight after group A. You must speak to the airline executives at the airport to get this group. After getting into this group, you can take your time in boarding the flight, and embark on the flight without any hassle.
Families & Active-Duty Military Passengers in Uniforms
If you are an active-duty member in uniform, you must board the flight in this boarding group. Moreover, families can also board in this group. If you are two adults with a six year old or younger child, you will get this group. There will be enough seats so that your kid can sit with you. If families have an A group, they must board the flight in that group only rather than waiting for the family group.
If you are unable to find adjacent seats, you can speak to the Southwest gate agent for assistance. They will try their best to accommodate adjacent seats.
Group B and C
Once all these groups are done with boarding the flight, group B will board. Group C will only be there if it is a larger flight.
This is the boarding group sequence for Southwest flights. Choose your boarding group, and opt for the Southwest Airlines plane seating very easily. Sit on the desired seat for a luxurious journey.
Tips to Get a Better Boarding Position on Southwest Flights
Your boarding position depends upon the time you check-in for your scheduled flight. But there are some ways to ensure getting a better boarding position. The earlier you board the flight the higher the chances to get your desired seat. Here are some ways to get a better boarding position.
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Rely on Upgraded Boarding
Ensure to make the use of the Upgraded Boarding facility of Southwest. Passengers can upgrade their boarding positions to A1-A15. The upgraded boarding will be made available 24 hours before the departure. This gives you the opportunity to be among the first ones to board the flight. Upgraded boarding starts from $30 per passenger per segment.
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Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
Get EarlyBird Check-In to have the convenience of automatic check-in. Once you purchase this, you will be automatically checked in before the traditional 24-hour window. As you will be the EarlyBird Check-In passenger, you get the facility to board the flight earlier and choose your desired seat. Moreover, you will have access to the overhead bin.
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Buy a Business Select Fare
For guaranteed A1-A15 position, you must purchase Business Select fares. As already mentioned above, A1-A15 is filled with elite members, like passengers with Business Select fares. Therefore, you should choose this fare to ensure getting the earlier boarding positions.
These are the main tips that will help you get a better boarding position. Get a better position, and board the flight at first to choose your desired seats.
Does checking in early ensure a better seat on Southwest?
Yes, checking in early will give you a better boarding position, which simply means that you will be able to board the flight at first. If you board the flight earlier, the chances of finding your favorite seat are higher.
As you know Southwest has an open seating pattern that allows you to get your desired seat after boarding the flight. Therefore, you must prefer to check-in early for your flight to get a better boarding position.
If you still need help regarding the airline’s seat selection process, you can contact Skyfarerules. Our experts are available all the time to assist you.
In Conclusion
Getting your preferred seat on the flight ensures a comfortable journey. With Southwest, choosing your seat is simpler than ever with the open-seating policy. Seats are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Choose your seat after boarding the flight, and double your journey’s joy. Get a better boarding position to board the flight earlier. Once you board, you can easily select your favorite seat.
Read Related Post:
United Airlines Seat Selection Policy
Spirit Airlines Seat Selection Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pick your seats on Southwest?
Yes, you can pick your seat on the Southwest Airlines flight but not in advance. The airline permits you to book your desired seats after boarding the flight.
Does checking in early get you a better seat on Southwest?
If you are using the airline’s EarlyBird check-in facility, you will be among the first ones to board the flight. This simply means that you have higher chances of getting your favorite seat on the flight.
How do I know my seat on Southwest flight?
You need to find your boarding group and boarding position on the boarding pass. After that, board the flight accordingly to pick your desired seat easily.
Can you upgrade your boarding position on Southwest?
Yes, you can upgrade your boarding position by paying a certain amount.
Can you save seats on Southwest?
Southwest Airlines permits passengers to save seats on the flight for their travel companions.
How do families sit together on Southwest?
Families should board the flight in the “Family Boarding” group. After that, they can choose adjacent seats for their journey.
Is it worth it to get an EarlyBird check-in on Southwest?
Yes, the EarlyBird check-in is definitely worth it as it allows you to board the flight earlier, increasing your chances of getting your desired seat.
