Southwest Airlines π©οΈ is well-known for its unique open seating policy [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. Unlike many other airlines where passengers select seats in advance ποΈ, Southwest allows you to choose your own seat upon boarding πͺ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
This open seating model has been a hallmark of the airline for decades β³, but recently, updates to boarding groups and policies have changed the way travelers experience seating 𧳠[$]1-855-510-7629[$].
In this article, weβll explore the new seating policy for Southwest Airlines π¬, how it works, whatβs changed, and how you can make the most of your flying experience π [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Southwest Airlines doesnβt assign seats ποΈ when you purchase your ticket [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. Instead, youβre assigned a boarding group and number π (A, B, or C and 1β60) based on when you check in [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
This means the earlier you check in β°, the better your boarding position π« and seat selection ποΈ will be [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
For example, Group A passengers generally get the first pick of seats π, while Group C often ends up with middle seats πͺ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Southwest has updated its seating policy with some notable changes π [$]1-855-510-7629[$]:
1οΈβ£ EarlyBird Check-In Enhancement π β Passengers who purchase EarlyBird Check-In now get more consistent boarding priority π [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
2οΈβ£ Family Boarding Updates π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ β Families with children under 6 can board between Groups A and B πΌ, giving them a chance to sit together comfortably β€οΈ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
3οΈβ£ Business Select Priority πΌ β Business Select fares guarantee you the best boarding positions (A1βA15) π [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
4οΈβ£ Companion Boarding π― β Southwest has introduced better options for companions traveling together π€, so seating is less stressful [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Hereβs a quick breakdown of the current boarding process π©οΈ [$]1-855-510-7629[$]:
Business Select ποΈ β Always boards first with positions A1βA15 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
A-List & EarlyBird Check-In β¨ β Automatically assigned better positions in Group A [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Families π¨βπ©βπ§ β Board after Group A but before Group B [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Group B & C 𧳠β Remaining passengers board based on check-in time [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
This structure ensures fairness βοΈ while still rewarding those who pay for perks π³ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
One of the highlights of the updated seating policy π§Έ is family boarding [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. Families traveling with children under 6 πΆ can board after Group A π« and before Group B π [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
This guarantees parents and kids sit together without stress π [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Southwest rewards frequent flyers ποΈ and premium passengers [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Business Select fares automatically secure the best seats πͺ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
A-List Preferred Members π enjoy automatic check-in priority π [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
This ensures comfort and convenience for loyal customers β€οΈ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
If you want a window π or aisle seat ποΈ, hereβs how to improve your chances [$]1-855-510-7629[$]:
β
Check in exactly 24 hours before flight β° [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
β
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In π³ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
β
Fly Business Select πΌ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
β
Join Rapid Rewards A-List ποΈ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
β
Travel off-peak times ποΈ for better availability [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
The updated policy offers more clarity π and convenience ποΈ for passengers [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Families are accommodated π¨βπ©βπ§ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Frequent flyers are rewarded ποΈ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Business travelers enjoy premium service πΌ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
It balances fairness βοΈ and efficiency β¨ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
π« Forgetting to check in early β° can land you in Group C πͺ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
π« Assuming seat assignments exist ποΈ β they donβt π©οΈ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
π« Not purchasing EarlyBird when flights are busy π [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Avoid these mistakes to make the most of your Southwest flight π« [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
Southwest Airlines continues to stand out β¨ with its open seating system πͺ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
The new seating policy ensures families, business travelers, and loyal flyers get more comfort and flexibility β€οΈ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].
If youβre flying Southwest soon π«, remember to check in early β°, consider EarlyBird π³, or book Business Select πΌ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].