How does Southwest boarding groups work? When you check in for your Southwest flight, you are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a boarding position (1-60). So, passengers holding A group boarding passes board first, then B, then C. Within each group, passengers will line up based on their numbers. Click to see full answer.
Full Answer
What are the boarding group numbers for Southwest Airlines?
This position will consist of a group number and a number within that group. There are three different boarding groups with Southwest: Group A, Group B, and Group C. Within each group you will be assigned a number that will be between one and 60.
How many boarding groups does southwest have?
How many boarding groups does southwest have? Southwest offers three boarding groups (A, B, or C), and a position 1-60+, which get assigned at check-in. While the Southwest boarding process can be confusing at first glance, remember this: Check in exactly 24 hours prior to your flight, and most of the time you’ll be OK.
What are the boarding procedures for Southwest Airlines?
- Earn Southwest elite status
- Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
- Purchase an upgraded boarding position at the gate (subject to availability).
- Get a credit card that comes with upgraded boarding passes or a travel credit to cover the fees.
What is the boarding process for Southwest Airlines?
What order does Southwest board its planes?
- Passengers already on the plane. Some passengers may already be on the plane depending on the origin of the flight. ...
- Pre-boarding. ...
- Business Select. ...
- A-list Preferred. ...
- A-list. ...
- EarlyBird. ...
- Boarding Group A/B. ...
- Boarding Group B. ...
- Boarding Group C. ...
- Standbys. ...
What is pre-boarding on a plane?
When does Southwest check you in?
What does 1-30 mean on a boarding pass?
What planes have emergency exit rows?
How much leg room does a 737 have?
How long can you fly with Southwest companion pass?
Does Southwest have priority boarding?
See more
How are Southwest boarding groups assigned?
Southwest® boarding process. How does the boarding process work? You will be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check in. 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.
Is Group B good on Southwest?
If you have a B group boarding position, the chances are good that you'll still be able to get a window or aisle seat or find 2 seats together if you're traveling with a companion. Hot Tip: If you are in the B group (or even one of the first numbers in the C group), head to the back of the plane.Oct 19, 2021
Is group A good on Southwest?
The key to getting a good seat on Southwest is, obviously, to board early. I've found that an A group or early B group (B1-B30) is always sufficient to provide me with several good open seats and plenty of overhead bin space.
Is Group C good on Southwest?
The “C” boarding group is the last (and worst) boarding group to be in when flying Southwest. It almost guarantees you will get a stuck in a middle seat and you might have trouble finding a spot for your bag in the overhead bin.Jun 28, 2019
Can my wife board with me on Southwest?
If you are A List with a fellow traveler on the same reservation/booking as you, they will get a boarding position with you and can board with you. It is automatic.Oct 6, 2020
Do you have to be in uniform to board a plane first?
Yup, the standard policy is only those in uniform are allowed to board early. If you want to see that changed, you could tell the airline that is what you want. Click on "contact us" below to do so.
What are best seats on Southwest?
What rows have the most legroom on Southwest Airlines? If legroom is what you're after, you'll want to look for a seat in the first row (the bulkhead) of the aircraft or the exit row. If you're flying on a Boeing 737-700, the absolute most legroom is in seat 12A which is missing the seat in front of it.Oct 19, 2021
Does Southwest have military boarding?
Southwest allows active duty, uniformed members of the U.S. armed forces to board between the “A” and “B” boarding groups. Military members typically do not travel in uniform.Oct 23, 2018
What does early bird check-in mean?
EarlyBird Check-In® Customers will have their boarding positions reserved beginning 36 hours prior to their flight's scheduled local departure time. Boarding Passes can be accessed beginning 24 hours prior to the flight's scheduled local departure time.
What does FB mean on Southwest boarding pass?
family boarding could boardThe gate agent that was boarding the other flight had said that anyone with a FB which stood for family boarding could board, so we lined up.Oct 23, 2020
Does Southwest Airlines require Covid test?
Submit an attestation (written documentation) to the U.S. Government, through Southwest®, that you are COVID-19 negative or have recently recovered from COVID-19. Each Passenger will be required to submit a form after receiving proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before your departure.
Do seniors get priority boarding on Southwest Airlines?
Re: Senior Early Boarding Seniors don't automatically get any preboarding benefit due to their age.Jun 4, 2017
How does the boarding process work?
You will be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check in. Your unique group and position combination (for example: A35...
Do I have an assigned seat?
Southwest-operated flights have open seating. Once onboard, simply choose any available seat and stow your carryon items in the overhead bin or und...
When can I check in and receive my boarding pass?
If you have an eligible reservation you may check in for your flight online at Southwest.com® beginning 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled d...
How do I get an "A" boarding pass?
Available boarding positions will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis upon check in. The earlier you check in, beginning 24 hours be...
How will I know when it's my turn to board the plane?
Our friendly Agents will make an announcement in the gate area for each boarding group to assemble. When your group is called, line up in numerical...
When do I need to be at the departure gate to board my flight?
30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time: We may begin boarding as early as 30 minutes prior to your flight’s scheduled departure time. We enco...
Do families get to preboard?
Two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and befor...
Can groups assigned to different boarding positions board together?
Yes. However, in order to maintain the integrity of the boarding process, we ask that earlier boarding positions board with the later positions. Fo...
Do passengers with disabilities get to preboard?
Preboarding is available for Customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability and/or need assistance in boarding the airc...
Is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In worth it?
Whether or not Southwest EarlyBird Check-In is worth it is a personal decision. If having a middle seat will absolutely ruin your trip, it might be...
Does Southwest board military first?
Southwest gives special consideration to active duty military personnel. Any active-duty military passenger will be able to board after the A group...
Can I upgrade my boarding position on Southwest?
Yes, if you would like to upgrade your boarding position you can speak to the gate agent before boarding begins. If there are any A1-15 positions a...
Do Southwest A-List customers automatically get checked in?
Yes, if you’re an A-List or A-List Preferred member, Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours prior to your departure.
How does EarlyBird Check-In work on Southwest Airlines?
When you purchase Southwest EarlyBird Check-In you’ll automatically get checked in for your flight 36 hours before departure (that’s 12 hours ahead...
What if I have a different boarding position than my traveling companion?
If you have a different boarding position than your traveling companion you’re able to board together if you go by the person with the lowest posit...
What is pre-boarding on a plane?
Pre-boarding. Pre-boarding will consist of those passengers who need extra time or assistance to board (those with disabilities and people with service animals will usually be included in this group as well). This is also when unaccompanied minors board the plane.
When does Southwest check you in?
The next passengers to get boarding passes will be those with EarlyBird. Southwest EarlyBird automatically checks you in 36 hours prior to departure and while it does not guarantee an A boarding spot, it will offer you a much better chance of getting a window or aisle seat.
What does 1-30 mean on a boarding pass?
An “A 1-30” sign would mean that if you have an A boarding pass and your boarding number is 30 or under (e.g., A25) , that is where you need to go to line up. You should also see some silver posts marked with numbers which will tell you where to stand. These numbers are usually marked in increments of five.
What planes have emergency exit rows?
Emergency row seats. Emergency exit rows on Southwest planes have extra legroom and/or have rows with only two seats which are great for couples. By securing a higher boarding pass, your flight can become a lot more enjoyable as you’ll have more room. Southwest usually flies 737-700s and 737-800s and the 737-800s have more emergency exit rows ...
How much leg room does a 737 have?
You might be wondering about how much room you’ll have with your Southwest seating and here’s what you can expect: 737-700 — Pitch (leg room): 31 inches; width 17 inches. 737-800 — Pitch (leg room): 32 to 33 inches; width 17 inches.
How long can you fly with Southwest companion pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass allows a partner to fly for free with you for up to two full calendar years and it’s one of the most valuable travel perks sought by many.
Does Southwest have priority boarding?
Get the best seat selection (Southwest priority boarding) There are a few ways that you can secure “priority boarding” with Southwest. I put that in quotations because there aren’t true priority boarding groups but there are some ways you can effectively get priority boarding and get the best seat selection.
How long does it take to board a Southwest flight?
Like many other airlines, Southwest begins boarding about 30 minutes before a flight is scheduled to depart. But the similarities largely end there because Southwest’s boarding process is truly unlike that of any other airline.
What are the categories of passengers in a group A-C boarding?
However, three categories of passengers supersede the standard Group A–C boarding process: preboarding travelers, families and A-List members.
How many 737 MAX 8s does Southwest have?
Southwest has 48 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, although as of right now they are all grounded. Additional requirements and pilot training will need to be conducted before these planes are back in the air, and as of right now, Southwest estimates that this won’t happen until at least the second quarter of 2021.
How much is A1 A15 boarding?
If you just don’t like the number you were assigned, Upgraded Boarding is sometimes available at the airport on the day of departure for $30 to $50 one-way, per person when A1–A15 slots are still available.
What is row 11 on a plane?
Row 11 is an “edit” row with just two seats on the right side, which means that Seat 11A is “missing.” Thus, the lucky passenger in 12A has two seats’ worth of space to stretch out his or her legs — a godsend for tall travelers.
What does it mean to pick the first seat on a Southwest flight?
On Southwest planes, people tend to pick the first open seat (s) they see, which usually means there are more passengers in the first half of the plane versus the second half. There is also a better chance that the seat next to you will be left open — on a flight that is not full.
Can you sit in an exit row on Southwest?
Passengers who are given preboarding priority are allowed to board with one travel companion for assistance and cannot sit in an exit row. (Image courtesy of Southwest Airlines) Young families are also given special boarding privileges, but not until a little later in the process.
What is the boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
This boarding position will consist of a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60).
How do I get elite status on Southwest Airlines?
You can earn elite status on Southwest Airlines through the number of one-way flights you take orthrough the number of elite qualifying points you earn in 1 calendar year. Southwest also allows other passengers on the same reservation as the elite member to board at the same time as the elite member. Southwest Status.
How far ahead of time do you check in for a B group?
If you check in exactly 24 hours ahead of time, you’ll usually end up somewhere in the B group. If you have a B group boarding position, the chances are good that you’ll still be able to get a window or aisle seat or find 2 seats together if you’re traveling with a companion.
What happens when you board a plane with a 1-30?
Once A 1-30 have boarded the plane, the monitor at the front of the line will change to B 1-30. Then the B group can start lining up while the rest of the A group finishes getting on the plane. When your number is called, you’ll walk in line to the gate agent to scan your boarding pass and proceed on to the plane.
What happens if there are only middle seats left on a plane?
If there are only middle seats left, the flight attendants will announce it so you’ll know when to give up and take the first seat you see. Tips for Finding an Open Seat. The flight attendants will usually be standing in a row of seats near the middle of the plane (often in the exit row) during boarding.
When do you check in for Southwest Airlines?
Southwest opens check-in 24 hours before your plane departs , so you’ll want to check in as soon as it opens.
Can you board together with a different boarding position?
If you have a different boarding position than your traveling companion you’re able to board together if you go by the person with the lowest position. For example, if you are assigned boarding position A48 and your companion is assigned B31 you may both board at B31, but not at A48.
How much does Southwest Airlines upgrade boarding?
With Upgraded Boarding, you can get in the A1 - A15 boarding group for just $30, $40, or $50, depending on your itinerary. Ask a friendly Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent at your gate before the boarding process begins.
How much does Southwest upgrade boarding cost?
Upgrade your boarding position for only $30, $40 or $50. With Upgraded Boarding, you can get in the A1 - A15 boarding group for just $30, $40, or $50, depending on your itinerary. Ask a friendly Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent at your gate before the boarding process begins.
How Does Southwest Boarding Work?
When you check-in for your flight, Southwest will assign you a boarding group (A, B, or C), and within that group you’ll be assigned a number.
What Order Does Southwest Board Its Planes?
There are only three boarding groups at Southwest, so the process of issuing a boarding pass is more complex.
What Is The Best Boarding Position For Southwest?
People tend to select the first open seat on Southwest planes. This means that they’ll have more people in the first half of the flight than the second half.
Does Southwest Allow Early Boarding For Families?
Families with children under the age of 6 can also get Family Boarding after the A group. However, prior to this, you must complete the B or C group’s boarding process.
Are Southwest Seats Bigger?
On April 14, Southwest announced that its new economy seats will have an extra inch of room. This means that they’ll be the widest seats on the Boeing 737.
Can I Sit with my Child on Southwest?
For families with kids under the age of 6, Southwest allows them to board together regardless of the group’s assigned boarding numbers. This perk allows me to travel with my family with multiple seats.
Do Families with Kids Board First?
Family Boarding allows two adults to travel with a kid younger than six years old. This boarding process usually occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins.
How does Southwest boarding work?
Southwest does not assign seats as other airlines do. Instead, you board according to groups and choose your own seats onboard.
Ways to board earlier on Southwest
The good news is that there are multiple ways to board a Southwest flight earlier!
Bottom Line
Scoring the best seat possible isn’t hard when you’ve done your homework. Things like setting an alarm to check in, having Southwest elite status and purchasing EarlyBird check-in can help you board earlier.Let us know your favorite way to get on the plane sooner for a chance at the best seat.
What is the A group on Southwest Airlines?
The A group. The next set of people to board Southwest flights are people with seats in A1-A15, which is typically filled with Southwest elite flyers and those who paid extra for their tickets or boarding. The rest of the A group follows with A16-60.
How many adults can board Southwest?
If you’re traveling with a child 6 years old or younger, up to two adults may board during Southwest’s Family Boarding period, between A and B boarding (unless both the child and adults have A boarding passes and can board in that earlier group).
How long before a flight do you check in for Southwest?
While the Southwest boarding process can be confusing at first glance, remember this: Check in exactly 24 hours prior to your flight, and most of the time you’ll be OK.
When do you check in for Southwest flight?
Typically, you’ll check in for your flight online beginning 24 hours before the scheduled departure time or anytime thereafter.
How old do you have to be to board a plane with a child?
If you’re traveling with a child 6 years old or younger, you and up to one other adult can board during Family Boarding, which occurs before the B group. This boarding group also includes active-duty military.
Do seniors get priority boarding on Southwest?
Seniors do not get priority boarding on Southwest. There is priority boarding for customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability or who need assistance in boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device. In that case, you’ll board before Family Boarding, between the A and B groups.
Is there a window seat at Southwest?
But one thing’s for sure: The Southwest boarding process is certainly unique. There are no assigned seats. There’s no guarantee you’ll get that coveted window seat behind the exit row (which means no seat directly in front of you). There’s no guarantee you’ll end up seated next to your bestie.
What is pre-boarding on a plane?
Pre-boarding. Pre-boarding will consist of those passengers who need extra time or assistance to board (those with disabilities and people with service animals will usually be included in this group as well). This is also when unaccompanied minors board the plane.
When does Southwest check you in?
The next passengers to get boarding passes will be those with EarlyBird. Southwest EarlyBird automatically checks you in 36 hours prior to departure and while it does not guarantee an A boarding spot, it will offer you a much better chance of getting a window or aisle seat.
What does 1-30 mean on a boarding pass?
An “A 1-30” sign would mean that if you have an A boarding pass and your boarding number is 30 or under (e.g., A25) , that is where you need to go to line up. You should also see some silver posts marked with numbers which will tell you where to stand. These numbers are usually marked in increments of five.
What planes have emergency exit rows?
Emergency row seats. Emergency exit rows on Southwest planes have extra legroom and/or have rows with only two seats which are great for couples. By securing a higher boarding pass, your flight can become a lot more enjoyable as you’ll have more room. Southwest usually flies 737-700s and 737-800s and the 737-800s have more emergency exit rows ...
How much leg room does a 737 have?
You might be wondering about how much room you’ll have with your Southwest seating and here’s what you can expect: 737-700 — Pitch (leg room): 31 inches; width 17 inches. 737-800 — Pitch (leg room): 32 to 33 inches; width 17 inches.
How long can you fly with Southwest companion pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass allows a partner to fly for free with you for up to two full calendar years and it’s one of the most valuable travel perks sought by many.
Does Southwest have priority boarding?
Get the best seat selection (Southwest priority boarding) There are a few ways that you can secure “priority boarding” with Southwest. I put that in quotations because there aren’t true priority boarding groups but there are some ways you can effectively get priority boarding and get the best seat selection.
