While Southwest Airlines doesn’t assign numbered seats, understanding their unique open seating policy allows savvy flyers to score prime seats with a bit of planning. Whether seeking extra legroom, wanting to sit with travel companions, or gaining early boarding access, insider tips help customize the inflight experience.
Open Seating Model Explained
Unlike other major U.S. carriers, Southwest doesn’t assign numbered seats or charge fees to select preferred seats in advance. Their distinctive open seating approach leaves seat selection up to passengers as they board. Travelers are grouped into boarding groups A, B or C based on check-in time and fare type purchased.
Early boarding passengers can grab desirable seats first before middle and later boarding groups fill the remaining seats sequentially. While open seating means no Southwest airlines seat selection reservations are possible, Southwest fliers have some control securing better seat locations using strategies around check-in timing, fare purchases and boarding positions.
Tips for Getting the Best Seats
Savvy Southwest passengers use the airline’s open seating model to their advantage with these insider tricks:
Check-In Precisely at 24 Hours
Set alarms to check-in online right at the 24 hour pre-departure window to secure the earliest possible boarding passes in A1-A15 groups. Be ready on the app to check-in the moment eligibility opens.
Book Business Select Fares Higher-priced Business Select fares include automatic A1-A15 boarding position, plus free drink coupons and extra perks making early access guaranteed.
Pay Up for Upgraded Boarding Purchase Upgraded Boarding starting at $30 to jump closer to the front of standard boarding groups, behind only Business Select flyers who paid more.
Travel Light Avoid checked bags slowing down your coach boarding group and eat up overhead bin space. Carry on only for quicker seat access.
Aim for the Front Head straight for the front section upon boarding since seats fill back to front. Gravitate left for pairs without a stuck middle seat.
Strategic Seat Selection Perks
While seat locations are never guaranteed, travelers willing to master Southwest’s open seating model can enjoy prime positioning perks like:
● Extra legroom seats near exits and bulkheads ● Pairs of seats to sit together with companions ● Desirable recline and legroom based on aircraft type
● Peace and quiet distant from lavatories and galleys ● Deplaning convenience of front seat locations
● Priority boarding privileges
Just stay flexible because desired seats depend on demand of those boarding before you.
Assistance from Southwest Insiders
Figuring out the best strategies around elite status, upgraded fares, early check-in timing and ideal boarding positions can get complicated fast. Top corporate and leisure travel advisors have extensive expertise in Southwest’s unique open seating policy.
These Southwest insiders provide tips to maximize seating chances through early check-in alarms, fare recommendations including Business Select and suggested boarding purchases to customize the inflight experience. Trust their proven guidance tailored to every trip dynamic – solo business travelers, couples retreating and family vacations.
Customize Your Flight for Free
While Southwest airlines book a flight chooses not to charge seat selection fees, their unique open seating model empowers savvy flyers to customize the inflight experience through insider strategies. A few extra dollars spent on upgraded fares or early boarding perks can position you first to score coveted extra legroom exit seats, peaceful front cabins, tandem seating with companions and quicker deplaning access.
Or easily boost boarding priority for free simply by timing check-in right at 24 hours pre-departure. With some Southwest seating insights from experienced advisors, you can tailor a comfy, convenient flight that best fits your preferences.
