Southwest Airlines
is an American low-cost carrier that is famous for being the only airline in the country without assigned seats. Beyond that, the airline is the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 737, only operating aircraft from the 737 family. Southwest also holds to its two-free checked bag policy for all passengers, regardless of the fare purchased.
How check-in and boarding work
Because Southwest does not have assigned seats, its boarding process is different from that of most airlines. When flying Southwest, customers should check in for their flight 24 hours before departure. The reason for this is that Southwest assigns boarding positions, instead of seats, and boarding positions are based on order of check in.
Many may see this as a disadvantage because to guarantee a ‘desirable’ seat, one would need to check in as close to the 24-hour mark as possible. Boarding happens in three groups, A, B, and C, and each group has the numbers 1-60.
The process is outlined on the airline’s website:
- Your unique group and position combination (for example: A35) will be displayed on your boarding pass and represents a reserved spot in the boarding group at the gate.
- Numbered posts in each of our gate areas indicate where to line up.
- When your boarding group is called, find your designated place in line and board the aircraft in numerical order with your boarding group.
For those wanting to guarantee earlier boarding positions, Southwest has a few options.
First, those with A-list status, which is earned based on flights flown and spend, automatically earn a higher boarding position, typically at the top of the A group. Second, travelers with a Business Select Fare are guaranteed a boarding position between A1-A15. Finally, Southwest offers Early-Bird Check-In for $15 per flight.
Photo: Southwest.com
The EarlyBird Check-In process is fully automated. Those who purchase the option will be checked in for their flight 36 hours before departure, 12 hours ahead of regular check-in. It is important to note that purchasing this option does not guarantee an A position.
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When do families board?
Though boarding passes will have an A, B, or C printed on them, a group of passengers is allowed to board before A. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) requires airlines to allow passengers who need additional time or assistance to board before all passengers. So, those who need additional time board before group A.
Photo: JW_PNW | Shutterstock
Then, Southwest will board Group A, typically in three different sections: A1-15, A15-30, and A30-60. Following Group A, families traveling with children under the age of six can board. The airline allows up to two adults to board with a child.
Families are not required to do anything different during the check-in process and boarding passes will still show an A, B, or C. If families have an A boarding pass, they can board with the A group as that is before the allotted family boarding. Those in Groups B or C are typically told to wait to the side before being called.
Photo: Yaroslav Astakhov | Shutterstock
Southwest’s website states that when a family boards, there should be enough open seats to enable the child to sit next to at least one accompanying adult. Although family boarding is only for families with children up to six years of age, Southwest says that if families need to guarantee that an adult is sat with a child seven to thirteen years of age, it will do its best to accommodate that request. The airline will not charge anything for this.
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Upcoming changes
Earlier this year, Southwest announced a major change to its operations. Starting in the first half of 2026, the airline will no longer have open seating. The change shocked many, but a large number of people were also happy with the change.
Photo: Southwest Airlines
As mentioned above, one of the most unique things at Southwest is that is has open seating. This has been the case since the airline’s founding. But the airline said that after extensive research, it decided to change.
The Southwest website states,
“We have conducted extensive research on our open seating model, which has led to our decision to move to assigned seats and bring options for a premium/extra legroom experience, with bookings expected to start in the second half of 2025 for flights operating in the first half of 2026. There will be a period of time where we are retrofitting aircraft with our new cabin design, and during that time, we will maintain our open seating model.”
Rapid Rewards members, those in Southwest’s frequent flier program, will see some changes. Those with status at Southwest will continue to enjoy preferred boarding as the airline will still provide automatic check-in 36 hours before a flight. But, A-List and A-List preferred members will be able to choose their seats without a charge.
Photo: Southwest Airlines
At the time of purchase, preferred members will have access to all seats, including the new extra-legroom option. A-List members will only be able to choose standard seats without a cost at booking. But, within 48 hours of departure, if an extra legroom seat is available, A-List members can select one free of charge.
Companion Pass holders will be able to select their own seats as well as one for their companion when booking. Rapid Rewards credit card holders will receive information in 2025 on how their benefits will change.