Posted By: Charles Lawvens
The seat selection on Southwest depends upon the passengers' boarding group. If you are in the A1-A15 boarding group, which is the first to board the flight, then you will be able to choose any seat of your choice. The passenger is provided with the boarding groups based on their check-in times. Following are a few ways that will help you get the first boarding group for the airline:
Check-in 24 hours before departure. One of the best ways to get a better seat for your Southwest flight is by completing the check-in process in advance. The earlier you check in with the airline, the higher your chances of getting on the first boarding group. Make sure that you check in exactly 24 hours before the flight departure via the online method, as a few minutes of delay can cause you to miss your favorite seat.
Purchase Early Bird Check-In: The check-in opens 24 hours before the flight, but with early bird check-in, passengers will be automatically checked in for their flight 36 hours in advance of the departure time, increasing their chances of getting a better seat. The cost of the early bird check-in varies between $15 and $25 per passenger in one way or another.
Book a flight via Southwest Credit Card: Upgrade boarding will be added to your ticket for free when you book a flight ticket through Southwest Credit Card. With this, the passenger gets an upgrade on their boarding positions. The airline refunds the amount for four upgraded boardings each year to the cardholders.
Get the Elite status: If a passenger has the Elite status, then the airline will automatically reserve their boarding position 36 hours before the flight. This benefit is also given to the other passengers on the flight as A-list members.
Where is the Best Place to Sit on a Southwest Plane?
Many passengers wonder, "Are their Southwest seats comfortable for a long flight?" The airline offers seats that offer huge legroom and a clear view of the sky. The best place to sit on the flight is in the window seats behind the exit rows. These seats do not have front seats, providing extreme space for your legs. The s at number is 12A for Boeing 737-700, 16A for Boeing 737-800, and 16A and 16F for Boeing 737 MAX 8.
NOTE: If any passengers looking for How Many People in Group Travel Southwest?
When can I pick up my seat on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines does not have an advanced seat selection option, but it allows passengers to pick their preferred seat after completing check-in. There are three different methods through which check-in can be done with the airline. Read the given information and use the preferred mode to complete the check-in and select the desired seat:
Web check-in: This is the earliest method to check in for the flight and select the desired seat 24 hours before departure time. There are some details that you need to provide, and you will be able to select from the available seats. Below are the steps for using the web check-in method:
- Open the Southwest Airlines website or the mobile application.
- Click on the "Web check-in" button on the homepage.
- Type the "Booking Reference" and "Last Name" as mentioned on the ticket.
- Select the desired seat based on availability and fill out the other required information.
- Pay if any pending charges are showing on the screen.
- Save a copy of the boarding pass on your device.
Self-kiosk check-in: You can save your time from standing in the queue at the check-in counter by selecting the seat via self-kiosk and completing the check-in process. Mention all the required details and follow the steps, and then the available seats will be shown on display. After filling out all the information, it will print your boarding pass. The self-service Kiosk check-in opens around 3 hours before the flight and closes 30 minutes before the departure.
Visit the airline check-in counter. When you are unable to pick a seat through any of the above methods, the last option is through the check-in counter at the airport. Preset the ticket with the representative, and they will get you information on the available seats. Once you have picked the desired seat and completed the check-in process, the representative will immediately get you the boarding pass.
Southwest offers one of the most comfortable and spacious seats among most of its competitor airlines, which is even more suitable for taller people. There is only one cabin on the airline, so all the seats are the same.
How Does Seating Work on Southwest Planes?
The seats on the Southwest are assigned to the passengers on the basis of their boarding group and the position that they receive after check-in. The passengers get to board the flight alphabetically from boarding group A to C and from seat position 1 to 60. After entering the flight, the passenger can choose any of the seats as per their availability.
Currently, Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy in which passengers can choose their desired seat after boarding the plane. But the airline is considering making changes to it, offering assigned seats at a relevant price. However, there is no official statement from the airline's side.
Which Seats have More Legroom on the Southwest?
Any taller passenger must have a problem with their seat not providing enough legroom. Southwest Airlines best seats for extra legroom space are exit row seats and bulkhead seats. These seats do not have any seats in front of them, providing a huge space for the passengers to move their legs and enjoy the flight comfortably.
What happens if a Passenger Does not Select a Seat?
When any passenger skips the seat selection process or does not wish to select any seat, then the airline will choose one for them. The seat will be provided depending on availability, and the chances are higher that it will be a middle seat. The SS number and other details are mentioned on the boarding pass, which the passenger receives after completing the check-in.