Southwest Airlines Boarding Groups are central to the airline’s unique and well-known open seating policy. Unlike most airlines that assign specific seats when you book or check in, Southwest allows passengers to choose any available seat once they board. This system, while simple in theory, depends on a structured boarding process that determines who boards when — and therefore who gets first pick of seats. For first-time flyers or even regular travelers who haven’t flown Southwest recently, understanding how this process works can make your trip a lot smoother and help you secure the seat you want without extra stress.
At most airlines, seat assignments are either selected during booking or automatically assigned later. You know where you’ll sit before stepping onto the plane. Southwest does things differently by offering open seating, meaning passengers choose their seats as they board.
This creates flexibility and, when executed well, can even speed up the boarding process. But it also places importance on your boarding position — the earlier you board, the more seats you have to choose from. To keep it organized, passengers are placed into boarding groups and assigned a number that dictates the order they’ll board.
Several factors influence your boarding position:
The most common way to secure an earlier boarding group is to check in exactly 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Those who check in early typically receive better boarding numbers.
For a fee (usually $15–25 one-way), you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In. This automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, which usually results in a better boarding position than manual check-in at the 24-hour mark.
If you purchase a Business Select ticket (Southwest’s highest fare class), you’re guaranteed a boarding position between A1 and A15. This is ideal for business travelers or anyone wanting to board first.
Frequent flyers who qualify for A-List or A-List Preferred status through the Rapid Rewards loyalty program get priority boarding. This benefit typically lands them in Group A automatically.
If available, Southwest sells Upgraded Boarding positions (A1–A15) at the gate on the day of travel. Prices vary depending on demand and the flight.
Families with children aged six or younger are allowed to board after Group A and before Group B, even if they weren’t assigned early groups. This helps families sit together without paying for upgrades.
Passengers with disabilities or those needing extra time can request preboarding. These travelers board before Group A.