Southwest-operated planes don’t have assigned seats. Instead, they use an open-seating system. When you get on the airplane, just find any seat that is open. Then, put your carry-on bag in the storage area above your seat or under the seat in front of you. Let’s learn how the Southwest seat selection process works.
Southwest Airlines Seat Selection
Southwest Airlines has three types of seating options available:
Business Seat:
This is Southwest’s best seating option, which gives passengers special benefits like being able to board the plane first, having more space for their legs, and getting a free premium drink and snack during the flight. Passengers who choose Business Select also get extra Rapid Rewards points and can change their flight without any fees.
Middle-Tier Seat:
Anytime is Southwest’s middle-tier seating option. It allows passengers to change their flight without any fees and gives them priority boarding. Although there is no additional space for legroom, passengers are given the option to select their preferred seat.
Low Priced Seat:
This is Southwest’s cheapest seating option, where passengers pay less but receive fewer amenities. When you check in for your Southwest flight, you will be given a seat assignment. You are also allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag with you. They don’t get any extra benefits like being able to board the plane first or changing their flight without paying fees.
Check Also: Southwest Airlines Flight Delay Policy
How Do I Choose the Best Southwest Airlines Seats?
Different Southwest Airlines trips were used to get the information in this guide. Even if you have an A1 boarding spot on Southwest Airlines, you can never be sure of a specific seat because of their “open seating” policy.
Here are some suggestions for Southwest’s strategy on how to choose a seat:
Best Seat for Traveling With Children:
If you are traveling with children on Southwest, choose seats located at the back of the plane. There are several reasons why you should do this.
- You should be able to find seats together towards the rear of the plane where there are more empty seats available.
- If you are traveling with children who are six years old or younger, you can take advantage of family boarding.
- If you choose to sit in one of the very last rows, you will be near the restrooms and flight attendants.
The Best Seat for Passengers Who Seek More Legroom:
If a passenger wants more space for their legs, they can choose to sit in the exit row. These seats usually have extra legroom.
- However, passengers who want to sit in the exit row must meet specific requirements. These include being at least 15 years old, physically capable, and able to help in case of an emergency.
- Passengers have the option to sit in the front rows of the plane, which usually have more space for their legs compared to seats towards the back.
- You can usually get these seats by paying extra through Southwest’s “Upgraded Boarding” option.
Check Also: Southwest Airlines Manage My Booking
The Best Seat for Passengers Traveling With a Large Group:
When you’re traveling with a big group on Southwest Airlines, the best seating arrangement will depend on a few things like how many people are in the group, why you’re traveling, and what everyone prefers. Here are some seating options on Southwest planes that can work well for different group sizes:
Group of 2-3: If you want, you can choose to sit next to each other in a row with three seats. According to Southwest’s seat selection process, the plane has three seats on each side of the aisle. This means you can choose to sit in the same row or across from each other.
Group of 4-5: If you have a slightly larger group, you can think about arranging the seating in two rows that are placed next to each other. You have the option to sit in either a row with three seats and a row with two seats, or two rows with two seats each, depending on what you prefer.
Group of 6-7: Southwest’s planes have a few rows of seats at the back that are arranged in groups of three, which is suitable for larger groups. If you want everyone to sit together in one part of the plane, this can be a good choice.
Group of 8 and More:
If you’re traveling with a lot of people, it might be a good idea to book EarlyBird Check-In for everyone in the group. This will improve your chances of getting seats together. Another option is to board the plane early as a group so that you can all sit together. You can ask for a bulkhead row or choose to upgrade to Business Select or EarlyBird Priority to have more choices for seating.
The Best Location for Passengers With a Close Connection:
Here are some seating options to consider when flying on Southwest planes:
If you need to leave the plane quickly, choosing an aisle seat is a good idea. You can easily move to the front of the aircraft without waiting for others to stand up and collect their things.
To save time, choose a seat near the front of the plane. This way, you won’t have to walk as far when it’s time to exit.
These seats are great because they give you plenty of space for your legs and are usually near the front of the plane, so you can get off quickly.
If you want to make sure you get a good seat, you can buy EarlyBird Check-In. This lets you check in before everyone else and get on the plane earlier. By doing this, you increase your chances of getting a seat you prefer and being able to leave quickly.
The Best Seating for Passengers if You Need Empty Seats Next to You:
There are a few ways you can ask Southwest to give you a seat that fits your needs:
- Book a flight at a less-popular time of day.
- Pick a seat in the plane’s back row.
- Pick a seat in the middle.
- Arrive early
Check Also: Southwest Airlines Pet Policy
How to Select a Seat on Southwest Airlines?
When you fly with Southwest Airlines, you don’t get to choose a specific seat when you buy your ticket. They have an open seating policy. When you check in for your flight, you will be given a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a boarding position (1-60).
The process for assigning seats on Southwest during boarding is as follows:
- When you get to the gate, you’ll need to line up based on your boarding group (A, B, or C) and boarding position (1-60).
- Boarding will start with the A group. They will begin at position 1 and go in order until they reach position 60. After all passengers in the A group have boarded, the B group will board in the same manner, and then the C group will board.
- Once you board the plane, you have the freedom to choose any seat that is available. You can choose any seat you like because there are no assigned seats.
If you want a better seat, try to check in as soon as you can. You can check in online for your Southwest Airlines flight up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Checking in early improves your boarding position, increasing your chances of getting your preferred seat.
Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Fees
Southwest Airlines usually doesn’t require a fee for choosing your seat. Passengers can choose their seats for free when they book their flight or during check-in, which usually starts 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time.
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