How Do I Select a Seat on Southwest Airlines?

When flying with Southwest Airlines, one of the unique features is their Southwest Airlines seat selection process. Unlike many other airlines that assign you a specific seat upon booking, Southwest allows you to choose your seat when you board the plane. This flexible system can be both an advantage and a challenge for travelers who are used to reserving a specific seat in advance. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to select a seat on Southwest Airlines, including the boarding process and tips for getting your preferred seat.

The Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Process

How Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Works

Southwest Airlines seat selection follows an open seating policy. This means there are no assigned seats on the plane. Instead, passengers are assigned a boarding group and position, which determines when they can board the plane and choose their seats. The earlier you board, the better your chances of getting your desired seat.

Boarding Groups and Positions

Southwest Airlines uses a unique system for boarding known as the A, B, and C groups. When you check in, you’ll be assigned a position within one of these groups. Your position determines the order in which you will board the plane. Here's how it works:

• A Group: The first group to board, usually the first 60 passengers. If you're in the A group, you have the best chance of selecting your seat first.

• B Group: The second group to board. While you won’t have as many seat options as those in the A group, there will still be plenty of available seats.

• C Group: The last group to board. By this time, many of the preferred seats will likely be taken.

The boarding groups and positions are determined when you check in for your flight. Southwest Airlines allows check-in 24 hours before your flight's departure, so it’s important to check in as early as possible to get the best boarding position.

EarlyBird Check-In

If you want to increase your chances of securing a better seat, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In. This option automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight departs, improving your boarding position. It’s a great option if you don’t want to worry about checking in exactly 24 hours in advance. While EarlyBird Check-In costs a fee, it gives you a significant advantage when selecting a seat.

Choosing Your Seat Once You Board

Once you board, Southwest Airlines seat selection becomes a matter of choosing any available seat. Since seats are not assigned, you can pick any seat that is free. Southwest operates a first-come, first-served policy, so the earlier you board, the more choices you’ll have.

Tips for Selecting the Best Seat

• Sit near the front for quick disembarking: If you want to be among the first to exit the plane, it’s a good idea to select a seat near the front.

• Exit row seats: These seats offer extra legroom, but they may not be available if you're in the B or C group. If you’re boarding early, these might be your first choice.

• Window or aisle?: If you have a preference for sitting by the window or in the aisle, try to board in the A group for the best chance to get your desired seat.

If you’re flying with family or friends, you can sit together as long as there are enough seats available when your group boards. Since Southwest Airlines seat selection doesn’t assign seats, it’s always a good idea to board together to ensure you all sit next to each other.

Southwest Airlines Multi City Flights and Seat Selection

For travelers booking Southwest Airlines Multi City flights, the seat selection process remains the same for each leg of the trip. However, keep in mind that each segment of your multi-city journey will have its own boarding position, so you may not have the same boarding group for each flight.

When booking a Southwest Airlines Multi City itinerary, you’ll be given different boarding positions for each flight. If you're planning to change planes during your multi-city trip, it's essential to check in early for each leg of the journey to ensure the best possible seat selection.

What to Expect on Connecting Flights

When flying on a Southwest Airlines Multi City itinerary with connecting flights, you will experience the same boarding process for each segment. However, connecting flights typically involve getting off one plane and boarding another, so your boarding group for the second flight will be based on your check-in time for that particular leg of the journey.

If you’re flying from one city to another with a layover, remember that the available seating might change depending on how early you board for your second flight.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Flexibility of Southwest Airlines Seat Selection

With Southwest Airlines, the seat selection process is unique but offers flexibility for passengers who enjoy having the freedom to choose their seat upon boarding. Whether you’re flying on a one-way ticket or a Southwest Airlines Multi City journey, the boarding group and position will determine when you can choose your seat. By checking in early or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, you can improve your chances of selecting your preferred seat.