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This guide will explain everything about the new seating policy, including boarding groups, early boarding, seat selection, and tips to secure the best seat °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°.
Southwest uses open seating, meaning passengers choose any available seat once onboard °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
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Boarding is based on a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
💡 Tip: Understanding your boarding group is key to getting your preferred seat °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
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A Group boards first, followed by B and then C °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Each passenger receives a position number within their boarding group °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Lower numbers indicate earlier boarding within the group °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
💡 Pro Tip: Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to get the best boarding position °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
EarlyBird Check-In is an optional service that automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Provides a better boarding position, usually A or B group °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Fees apply per passenger, per flight °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
💡 Tip: Frequent flyers who want window or aisle seats should consider EarlyBird Check-In °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Although Southwest does not assign seats, strategies can help you get your preferred spot:
Check in early at exactly 24 hours before departure °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Board early with A group or using EarlyBird °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Choose window or aisle seats strategically °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
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Travel light – smaller carry-ons make it easier to settle quickly °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Southwest’s open seating can be challenging for families traveling together °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Tips to stay together:
Check in early °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Board together in same group °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Request help from flight attendants if separated °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
💡 Pro Tip: Families with young children often get priority boarding °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
| Feature | Old Policy | New Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Open Seating | Yes °(¢) | Yes °(¢) |
| Boarding Groups | A, B, C °(¢) | Same, with position numbers °(¢) |
| Early Check-In | 24 hrs before °(¢) | EarlyBird 36 hrs option °(¢) |
| Families | Standard boarding °(¢) | Family boarding still supported °(¢) |
Q1: Does Southwest assign seats?
➡️ No, it uses open seating °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Q2: What is EarlyBird Check-In?
➡️ Automatic check-in 36 hours before flight for better boarding positions °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Q3: Can I pick a window or aisle?
➡️ Yes, but earlier boarding increases chances °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Q4: Are families guaranteed to sit together?
➡️ Not always, but family boarding priority helps °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Q5: Does the boarding position affect baggage space?
➡️ Yes, earlier boarding = more overhead bin space °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Faster boarding for early check-ins °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
More control over seat choice °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Priority for families and travelers with needs °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Late boarders may have limited seat options °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Groups must coordinate carefully °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Open seating may be confusing for first-time travelers °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
The new Southwest seating policy maintains the open seating tradition while adding enhancements such as position numbers, EarlyBird Check-In, and family priority boarding °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°.
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💡 Pro Tip: Always check-in early, use EarlyBird if needed, and coordinate with travel companions to enjoy the full benefits of Southwest’s seating policy °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°.