Tips for Securing Family Seating on Southwest Airlines

Families can find a lot to appreciate about Southwest Airlines. The benefit of free checked bags can be invaluable, and the option for no-cost changes or cancellations is a very accommodating policy when "life happens." However, the open-seating policy can cause anxiety when traveling with kids, as there’s no assurance of where you’ll be seated.

While many airlines complicate the process of obtaining free seat assignments for families, Southwest takes a different approach. In fact, they don’t assign seats ahead of time at all. Although this open-seating policy is quite unique compared to other U.S. airlines, it can be beneficial for some young families, particularly if you're hoping to snag a free seat for your lap infant.

How does the boarding process work on Southwest?

Before diving into specific seating tips, let’s cover the fundamentals of how the Southwest boarding process operates.

When you check in for your flight, you receive a boarding pass number categorized into one of three groups: A, B, or C. Each group consists of numbers from 1 to 60. A passenger who checks in early might be assigned A45, meaning they will board 45th. Conversely, someone who checks in later could receive C15, roughly the 135th position to board. However, these numbers aren't strictly adhered to, as some passengers may be allowed to board earlier regardless of their assigned number.

If you hold Southwest A-List status, purchase a Business Select fare, or opt for EarlyBird Check-In, you'll automatically secure a boarding position prior to the 24-hour check-in window, allowing you to board early. Otherwise, your boarding number is determined by your check-in time, with the best available slot assigned to you at that moment.

When it's time to board, you'll line up according to your assigned group at designated signs. There will be separate lines for A1-A30 and A31-A60. As the A group boards, the B group will take their places in the spots previously occupied by A passengers. It’s important to line up in numerical order; for instance, if you have B25, you should position yourself towards the back of the B1-B30 line. While it may sound complicated, it’s a straightforward process. And yes, it might feel a bit like cattle herding.

Southwest provides Family Boarding after the A group but before the B group, allowing up to two adults traveling with children aged 6 and under to effectively "skip the line" if assigned a B or C boarding position.

Once onboard, you’re free to choose from any available seats. The higher your boarding group and number, the more options you'll have, which is particularly important for families wanting to sit together. However, keep in mind that if there are through passengers from a previous flight, some seats may already be filled even when A1 boards.

Tips for ensuring your family sits together during the flight

Let’s explore some strategies to help your family secure seats together on Southwest flights.

Opt for EarlyBird Check-In

With EarlyBird Check-In, you'll automatically receive a boarding position 36 hours before your flight—12 hours earlier than standard check-in. While it doesn’t guarantee an A boarding spot, your chances are significantly improved.

EarlyBird Check-In is the simplest method to secure a favorable boarding position, but it does come with an additional fee ranging from $15-$25 per direction for each traveler. This fee is nonrefundable, so it's best to purchase EarlyBird Check-In only if you're committed to your trip.

Be aware that various Southwest credit cards, such as the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and Premier Credit Cards, offer reimbursement for up to two EarlyBird Check-Ins charged to your card each anniversary year.

Check in precisely 24 hours prior to your flight

As previously mentioned, Southwest begins assigning boarding spots precisely 24 hours before your flight. If your boarding number is important to you and you want to avoid paying extra for a good position, it’s vital to be at a computer or on the Southwest app exactly 24 hours before departure to check in your entire group. This can determine whether you board in the A group or the C group.

Keep in mind that if you’re utilizing your Southwest Companion Pass to allow a friend or family member to fly free (excluding taxes), you’ll need to check them in separately. Your companion will have a distinct confirmation number, so make sure to check them in at the 24-hour mark as well.

Board during the Family Boarding period

If you're traveling with a child aged 6 or younger, you can board during Family Boarding after the A group, no matter your boarding pass position. Both your young children and up to two adults can join you during this time.

In theory, only 60 passengers will have boarded before you, leaving roughly two-thirds of the plane available if you board during Family Boarding. However, some seats may be occupied by passengers from the previous segment unless you're on the first flight of the day. Even so, you’re likely to find several empty rows when boarding at this time.

Possess A-List status or purchase a Business Select fare

If anyone in your reservation has A-List status, Southwest will automatically assign boarding positions for the entire group 36 hours prior to departure. Alternatively, purchasing Business Select fares guarantees boarding positions A1-A15, although these fares can be quite expensive.

Therefore, these options may not be feasible for most families flying Southwest. However, frequent Southwest travelers should consider obtaining one or more Southwest credit cards to make earning status a bit easier. For instance, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card grants 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent. Additionally, those purchases also contribute toward earning a Companion Pass.

Purchase an Upgraded Boarding slot, if it's available

If there are any unsold A1-A15 boarding slots (which usually go to those with higher Business Select fares), Southwest might sell them as Upgraded Boarding slots for $30-$50 each before the boarding begins. This is a last-minute chance to board early if other options haven't worked out.

Opting for upgraded boarding can be costly unless you possess the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card. Both cards offer reimbursement for up to four Upgraded Boardings each membership year. While I would need a compelling reason to pay for this option, it's a nice perk when it's available at no extra cost to the cardholder.

You can't purchase Upgraded Boarding until you're at the airport, so check at the ticket counter or departure gate to see what options are available. If you wish to use any complimentary Upgraded Boardings from the Southwest Priority Card or Southwest Performance Business Card, ensure you have your card handy for the transaction. The charge will be processed normally and later reimbursed on your credit card statement.

Book the earliest flight of the day

Southwest has numerous continuation flights, which means that some seats may already be taken by passengers from earlier segments when boarding starts. However, if you're on the very first flight of the day, there won't be any through passengers already seated.

Key takeaways

While some travelers appreciate Southwest's open-seating policy, others find it frustrating. Regardless of your stance, families can navigate it effectively. For those with young children, Family Boarding is a fantastic free option. For families with kids over 6, checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight should work well. If you'd prefer a stress-free experience, paying an additional $15-$25 per person for EarlyBird Check-In is a great way to secure seats together.

If you've been considering a new Southwest credit card, now is the perfect time to apply. Currently, several Southwest consumer cards are offering a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months from account opening, plus an extra 50,000 points after you spend $12,000 in the first year.

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

The best part is that these bonus points could help you qualify for the coveted Southwest Companion Pass until the end of 2023, provided you manage your spending wisely. With the Companion Pass, you’ll only be responsible for paying the taxes and fees on your companion's ticket when flying together on Southwest.