To get a seat on Southwest Airlines, book your flight early, check in as soon as you can, and consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In for a better boarding position.
Southwest Airlines operates on an open seating policy. This means that there are no assigned seats. Instead, passengers choose their seats once they board the plane.
Booking early is crucial. The earlier you book, the better your boarding position will be. This can significantly impact where you sit on the plane.
Check-in time is also essential. Southwest allows check-in 24 hours before your flight. Be ready to check in exactly at that time for the best chance at A-group boarding.
Consider EarlyBird Check-In. This service automatically checks you in before the 24-hour mark, which can help you secure a better boarding position.
Knowing your flight’s boarding group is key. Southwest uses a letter system: A, B, and C. A group gets on first, followed by B, then C.
If you’re traveling with friends or family, try to board together. You can save seats for each other, but it’s courteous to do this within reason.
Arriving at the airport early can also help. This gives you more time to navigate security and get to your gate without rushing.
Keep an eye on the boarding process. Sometimes, boarding can be faster or slower than expected, so be prepared.
If you want to sit in an exit row or specific area, boarding early is your best bet. The exit rows typically have more legroom and can fill up quickly.
Using the Southwest app can also be beneficial. It allows you to track your boarding position and any changes to your flight status.
How does Southwest Airlines boarding work?
Southwest Airlines uses an open seating policy where passengers board in groups (A, B, and C) based on their check-in time.
What is EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In is a paid service that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, improving your boarding position.
Can I save seats for my friends?
You can save seats for friends, but it’s good to be mindful of how many seats you reserve to be fair to other passengers.
What should I do if I miss my check-in time?
If you miss your check-in time, you’ll be assigned a later boarding position, which may mean less choice in seating.
Does Southwest Airlines charge for seat selection?
No, Southwest does not charge for seat selection since they have an open seating policy.