Southwest Airlines Seat Selection

Southwest offers open seating no assigned seats. Call 1-888-843-5587 for help. Check in early or buy Earlybird to improve your boarding position.

Southwest Airlines has a unique and customer-friendly approach to seat selection that sets it apart from most other major U.S. carriers. Unlike traditional airlines that assign seats during the booking process or allow paid seat selection, Southwest operates on an open seating policy. This system provides flexibility for travelers but also requires some strategy, especially if you want to sit with your travel companions or get a preferred spot on the plane.

No Assigned Seating – Open Seating Policy

Southwest does not assign seats. Instead, it uses an open seating model. This means that seats are not designated at the time of booking. Instead, passengers board in a specific order and choose any available seat once on the aircraft.

Your boarding position (not your seat) is assigned, and that determines how early you get on the plane. The earlier you board, the more choices you’ll have for where to sit.

How Boarding Works

Southwest assigns boarding positions based on check-in time or fare type. Passengers are placed into one of three groups—A, B, or C, with each group having boarding positions from 1 to 60. For example:

A1–A15: Usually reserved for Business Select customers.
A16–60: Early check-in or Earlybird Check-In passengers.
B and C groups: Later check-ins and passengers who didn’t purchase early boarding options.

The order of boarding is extremely important for seat selection. The earlier your boarding group, the more seat options you’ll have.

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Ways to Improve Your Boarding Position

Earlybird Check-In
For a small fee, Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before departure (12 hours earlier than the standard check-in time). This can significantly improve your boarding position and thus your seat choice.
Business Select Fare
This premium fare includes priority boarding (A1–A15), extra Rapid Rewards points, and a complimentary premium drink. Business Select passengers are first to board after pre-boarding.
Upgraded Boarding
If available, you can purchase an upgrade to the A1–A15 group at the gate on the day of travel.
Check In Exactly 24 Hours Before Flight
If you don’t purchase Earlybird or Business Select, checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark before departure increases your chances of a better boarding position.

Tips for Choosing Seats on Board

Window or Aisle? Board early to secure your preference.
Traveling Together? Families should try to check in early or purchase EarlyBird Check-In to ensure they can sit together.
Extra Legroom is available in bulkhead and exit rows, but these are often taken early by frequent flyers or Business Select customers.

Need Help? Call 1-888-843-5587

For assistance with check-in, fare upgrades, or seat availability, you can call 1-888-843-5587. Southwest representatives can provide guidance on how to improve your boarding position and seat selection experience.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines’ open seating policy offers flexibility but requires passengers to be proactive. Boarding order is everything so checking in early or purchasing Earlybird or Business Select can greatly enhance your experience. Whether you want a window seat, an aisle, or to sit with your group, understanding the boarding process is key to getting the seat you want