How to secure the best seats on Southwest Airlines

Few airlines enjoy the same level of customer loyalty as Southwest Airlines, which is widely regarded as one of America’s most family-oriented carriers. The airline excels in several areas where others often fall short, offering two complimentary checked bags per person, facilitating family seating without hefty fees, providing an easy path to earn elite status, offering a family of credit cards, and presenting four straightforward booking fares.

Nevertheless, Southwest's distinctive boarding system does not allocate specific seats to passengers. This seat selection method can confuse first-time travelers, infrequent flyers, or those unfamiliar with the airline. While there have been rumors about Southwest potentially altering its well-known boarding procedure, it currently remains a fact that Southwest does not offer assigned seating.

As of August 15, 2023, the Dallas-based airline revealed updates to its boarding process, including limiting the availability of EarlyBird Check-In to certain flights, routes, and days. Consequently, EarlyBird Check-In may not be accessible to all customers.

In addition, Southwest now allows same-day standby for all travelers, including those purchasing the lowest Wanna Get Away fares. This enables passengers in Southwest’s most economical fare classes to waitlist for an alternative flight on the same day without incurring a fare difference, which can be advantageous for those flying on routes with multiple flights each day.

The airline has also recently increased fees for early and Upgraded Boarding. Here are the new prices as of May 30:

• EarlyBird Check-In: $15 to $99 one-way per passenger
• Upgraded Boarding: $30 to $149 per segment, per passenger

In light of these updates, this all-inclusive guide will address all your queries about securing the best seat on your upcoming Southwest Airlines flight.

Understanding Southwest's boarding process

Similar to many airlines, Southwest starts boarding approximately 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. However, the resemblance largely ends there. Southwest's boarding system is unique due to its open seating policy, allowing passengers to choose almost any available seat.

Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with a few exceptions common to all airlines. For instance, passengers opting for exit row seats must meet the age and physical criteria set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

On Southwest flights, the boarding sequence is as follows:

• Preboarding (including those needing specific seating for disabilities, assistance with boarding and stowing assistive devices, and unaccompanied minors)
• Group A 1 through 60
• A-List and A-List Preferred members, active military personnel, passengers requiring extra time to reach their seat, and those using family boarding (available for those traveling with children aged 6 and under)
• Group B 1 through 60
• Group C 1 through 60

When passengers check in for their flight, Southwest assigns each traveler a boarding group letter — A, B, or C — along with a position number from 1 to 60. This unique boarding code, like A45 or B52, is printed on the boarding pass, indicating their order in line at the gate.

At the gate, passengers form a single-file line at gray metal posts that correspond to their boarding group letter and position. Boarding occurs in batches of 30 (starting with A1 through A30, then A31 through A60, and so forth). However, three categories of passengers take precedence over the standard Group A to C boarding: preboarding travelers, families, and A-List or A-List Preferred members.

To enhance turnaround times, Southwest has established designated preboarding zones at select airports. Color-coded carpeted sections clearly indicate where preboarding passengers should line up.

Passengers eligible for preboarding are allowed to board ahead of everyone else, including Group A. This includes those with specific seating requirements due to a disability or those needing assistance to reach their seats or store an assistive device. Preboarding eligibility is determined by need and verified by the gate agent before boarding starts. Passengers granted preboarding priority can bring one travel companion for assistance and are not permitted to sit in an exit row.

Passengers who aren't eligible for preboarding but require a bit more time to board can enter the aircraft between the A and B groups before family boarding commences. To obtain a boarding pass that allows this early access, you'll need to consult a customer service agent prior to the boarding process.

Families traveling with young children enjoy special boarding privileges, though these are granted a bit later in the process. Family boarding takes place right after Group A has boarded, allowing up to two adults per child aged 6 and under. Older siblings may also board at this time, while other family members like grandparents or aunts and uncles should follow the boarding order indicated on their passes.

Active duty military members are also allowed to board during this time.

A-List and A-List Preferred members typically receive the "best available boarding pass number," but sometimes find themselves assigned to Group B or C. However, in recognition of their elite status, they are allowed to "cut the line" after Group A has boarded.

What happens after you board the plane?

Since Southwest flights operate without assigned seating, those who board first have the freedom to choose their seats. Generally, middle seats are the least popular, so they tend to remain unoccupied until later in the boarding process for Group C.

Upon entering the plane, you have the freedom to choose any seat you desire, but some may feel pressured to make a decision about where to spend the duration of their flight. Familiarizing yourself with Southwest's aircraft layouts can make selecting your ideal seat easier. As illustrated in the diagrams below, Southwest operates three different versions of the Boeing 737.

Boeing 737-700

Southwest operates a total of 506 Boeing 737-700 aircraft, which represent over two-thirds of its fleet. This model features a seating arrangement of 143 seats as shown below:

Boeing 737-800

Southwest operates a fleet of 207 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which feature a seating capacity of 175 as detailed in the configuration below:

Boeing 737 MAX 8

Southwest has 34 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, each configured to seat 175 passengers.

What’s the ideal seat on Southwest?

The ideal seat on Southwest varies based on personal preference. Some passengers, particularly those traveling with young kids, favor the last row. Conversely, many consider the back row the least desirable, while others find the first five rows to be the best spots.

If your flight isn't at capacity, you’ll likely encounter fewer passengers in the rear of the aircraft, possibly leaving the seat beside you unoccupied.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing your seat.

If you're hoping for a vacant middle seat

If you’re traveling as a group of three, it’s best to occupy the entire row to ensure no one sits next to you, as all Southwest planes feature a 3-3 seating arrangement.

If that doesn’t apply to you, opt for a window seat. This choice provides the most privacy and prevents others from having to climb over you to access their seats. You’ll also avoid having cabin crew and other passengers passing by in the aisle next to you.

Deciding whether to sit in the front or the back is a matter of personal preference, with both options offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. Being seated up front means you’ll have fellow passengers walking past you as they find their seats, but you’ll be among the first to disembark upon landing.

The rear of the plane may host fewer passengers. On Southwest flights, individuals typically select the first available seats they encounter, resulting in a higher concentration of people in the front half than the back. This can increase the likelihood that the seat next to you will remain vacant if the flight isn’t full.

However, on the Boeing 737-800, there are two restrooms located at the back and only one in the front. This means there’s a greater chance that more passengers will venture toward the rear of the plane when nature calls.

If you’re seeking extra legroom

Opt for seat 12A; it’s the window seat on the right side of Row 12 when facing the back of Southwest’s Boeing 737-700s. Row 11 features only two seats on the right side due to its exit row status, making seat 11A unavailable. This means that the passenger in 12A enjoys the luxury of two seats’ worth of legroom—a blessing for taller travelers. On Southwest's newer -800 and MAX 8 models, however, the best legroom can be found in rows 14 and 15.

If you wish to exit the plane swiftly

Select Row 1. While you won’t have any under-seat storage, you’ll be among the first to disembark and enjoy additional legroom as a trade-off for traveling light. Make sure to head left or right immediately after boarding.

If you’re feeling thirsty

Opt for rows 1, 9, or 17. Southwest flight attendants typically divide cabin service into three sections, and these rows are usually where the drink and snack service kicks off.

If you prefer just one seatmate

Target Row 11, seats B and C. This row consists of only two seats on Southwest’s Boeing 737-700s, so you won’t have to share with a third passenger.

If you’re comfortable sitting upright

Select the last row or the row just in front of the exit row. While the right to recline is often debated among economy travelers, some passengers prefer not to lean back during the flight.

How to secure the best seat on Southwest

Here are some strategies to ensure you have an early boarding position:

• Check in precisely 24 hours prior to your departure
• Maintain A-List elite status
• Purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding, or a Business Select ticket
• Book the earliest flight of the day

Keep in mind that the best way to secure your desired seat is to board as early as you can, but having a Group A boarding pass doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get your preferred seat.

Check in 24 hours prior

If you purchased Southwest's lowest-priced Wanna Get Away fare, the best way to secure an early boarding position is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight. Delaying your check-in by even a minute could significantly lower your spot on the boarding list.

Keep in mind that if you're utilizing the Southwest Companion Pass for someone else in your group, you'll need to check them in separately as they have a different confirmation number. However, they will automatically receive a boarding position immediately following yours.

Opt for EarlyBird Check-In

In May, Southwest increased the price for EarlyBird Check-In, but travelers will now be automatically checked in 36 hours before departure instead of the usual 24. This gives you a greater chance of obtaining a more favorable boarding position compared to checking in yourself 24 hours ahead.

As noted earlier, Southwest is limiting the availability of EarlyBird Check-In to specific flights, routes, and days, meaning it might not be offered at all. The airline advises passengers that while EarlyBird Check-In does not guarantee an A boarding position, it enhances your options for seat selection to secure a preferred seat.

If you hold the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, you qualify for two free EarlyBird check-ins each year.

The details for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier credit card have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

Consider a Business Select fare

Even with the best intentions, checking in at the perfect moment doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive a Group A designation—or, in some cases, even a Group B assignment. Travelers who purchase Business Select fares receive priority boarding positions labeled A1 through A15, regardless of their check-in time.

Achieve Southwest elite status

Frequent flyers with A-List or A-List Preferred elite status enjoy priority benefits, including receiving the "best available boarding pass number."

Buy an A1 to A15 boarding position at the gate

If you’re unhappy with your assigned number, Upgraded Boarding may be available at the gate on departure day for a fee ranging from $30 to $149 one-way per person, as long as A1 to A15 slots are still open. Even if you prefer not to spend that money, both the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card and the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card provide four Upgraded Boarding passes annually, which include A1 to A15 slots.

Understanding why some passengers may already be on board

Occasionally, you may board a Southwest flight and notice passengers already seated on the plane, even if you have an A1 boarding pass. This can happen because some Southwest flights make multiple stops at cities along the route to the final destination. Passengers traveling to the final stop remain on board while others disembark at intermediate stops. This situation is more common later in the day due to potential delays and cancellations that lead to rerouted travelers.

If someone is already occupying your desired seat, there’s not much you can do. However, Southwest will encourage other passengers to swap seats so that a parent can sit next to their young child or a caregiver can assist someone who needs help.

Is it possible to save seats on Southwest?

There isn't a clear policy from Southwest regarding seat-saving. This practice is often referred to as the "Southwest shuffle," where one passenger boards early to reserve seats for other members of their group. If you choose to save seats for your companions, be considerate. Keep in mind that you may lose those seats if another passenger insists on sitting there and your friends haven’t yet boarded.

In summary

For those unfamiliar with it, Southwest's boarding process can seem daunting or even frustrating, but there's much to appreciate once you become accustomed to it. Generally, Southwest travelers carry less luggage for the overhead bins thanks to the airline’s generous policy of allowing free checked bags, and the open seating arrangement enables passengers to organize themselves as they board the aircraft.

The next time you fly with Southwest, refer to this guide. You'll know which seats to aim for and how to reach them efficiently.