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Southwest Airlines is a very popular low-cost airline. With many flights every day, it’s no surprise that Southwest Airlines has become one of the most popular airlines in the U.S. For those who have not flown Southwest before, you may be wondering how it works. Well, we are here to help! Here are some things you need to know about Southwest Airlines seat Selection:
Southwest Airlines Seat Selection
Southwest Airlines Seat Selection one of the simplest and most straightforward processes of any airline. Its gives you the option to choose your seats in advance or on a “first come, first served” basis.
However, there are some restrictions to keep in mind when choosing your seats on Southwest Airlines. You can only choose seats in the front half of the plane (the part with 2-3 rows of seats in front of aisles), which means you cannot select a seat near an exit row or bulkhead (those are reserved for passengers who need special assistance). You also cannot choose seats next to an emergency exit.
Choose any row you like in the front half of the plane, but keep in mind that if you’re sitting in an exit row, there are special rules about how many people need to be seated before they open up that row for someone else (usually just two people).
The Southwest website makes it easy to pick your seat once you’ve booked your flight.
- Just log into your account and click on “Manage Booking.”
- From there, you’ll see a list of all upcoming flights with available seats.
- You can then choose which one you want by clicking on the date and choosing your preferred seat from the drop-down menu.
If you’ve already booked a flight but haven’t picked your seat yet, don’t worry! You have until 24 hours before departure to make this selection—and after that point, all seats are assigned randomly by computer (although if there are any open ones left over when they’re done assigning random seats, they’ll be offered first to existing customers).
Ways to contact Southwest Airlines customer service
How do I contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service
- Reservations, Changes, and Cancellation. 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (833) 246-4532.
- Baggage - General Questions. 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
- Articles Left at TSA Checkpoint. 1-866-289-9673 or tsa.gov.
Southwest Airlines: By Phone
How to Connect with a Live Person?
If you want to talk to a live person, you need to follow these steps:
- Call at
- 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (833) 246-4532
- Press 2
- Press 5 for flight status and reservations
- Listen carefully to all the available options and choose what you want
Southwest Airlines: Twitter or Facebook
If you need to contact Southwest Airlines customer service, you have a few different options. You can either call them, which can sometimes result in long wait times, or you can send them a tweet through their @SouthwestAir account. Twitter is great for resolving issues quickly because you can communicate directly with the airline.
Southwest Airlines also has a Facebook page. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to the customer service team via Facebook messenger.
Southwest Airlines: Email
Southwest also offers an email customer service option. Customers can go to the email section on the website and choose whether they have a complaint, a question, or a compliment. They will then be able to type up a message and include any relevant attachments. Requests may take up to 48 hours to be answered.
How Does Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Work?
It’s pretty simple! When booking your flight on Southwest Airlines’ website or mobile app, you will see a map showing where your seat is located on the plane and what type of seat it is. You can then choose the seats that are available for purchase and select them before proceeding with your transaction.
What Are The Different Types Of Seats Available?
There are two basic types of seats available for purchase on Southwest Airlines: Comfort+ seats and Main Cabin seats. Comfort+ seats include extra legroom and come with free snacks, beverages and entertainment options such as free streaming movies and TV shows from DirecTV. They also come with priority boarding privileges so that if you want to board early, you can do so without having to wait in line behind other passengers who don’t have priority boarding privileges
Southwest Airlines Boarding Process
Southwest Airlines is known for its unique boarding process. Unlike other airlines, passengers aren’t assigned to groups or zones. Instead, Southwest lets passengers board in whatever order they want — and the first ones onboard can choose their seats.
But how does this work? And how do you get a good seat on Southwest? Here’s our guide to boarding on Southwest Airlines.
Here are some tips for getting the best seats on Southwest Airlines:
- Don’t be last in line – no matter how good of a mood you’re in, being at the back of the line is never fun. It can take hours before you know where you’re sitting.
- If there are two lines, choose the one further away from the gate – this means there will be fewer people ahead of you, which greatly increases your chances of getting an aisle or window seat.
- Make sure everyone in your group has boarded before choosing seats – if one person is waiting at the gate while everyone else has already chosen seats and gotten settled into theirs, they might not be able to make it onto that same flight!
If you can pick any available seat you want, then who gets to board the plane first? The boarding order goes as follows:
- Preboarding (those who need specific seats to accommodate a disability, those who need assistance with boarding and stowing an assistive device, and unaccompanied minors).
- Group A 1–60.
- A-List/A-List Preferred, active-duty military and family boarding (those with children age six and under).
- Group B 1–60.
- Group C 1–60.
The first way to board is called the “W” method. The plane will be boarded from back to front, with rows 1 through 15 starting in the back and ending up closer to the front of the plane. This method is used for smaller planes and for flights that only use one door.
The second style of boarding is called “A” group. This means that people who are traveling with children, people who need extra assistance, or people traveling with large items will board first, followed by everyone else in groups A through C.
The third style of boarding is called “B” group. In this method, passengers will be assigned a letter between A and L (depending upon how many letters are in that particular word). Each letter represents a section of seats on the plane; so those who get an “L” seat will be near the back of the plane while those who get an “A” seat will be near the front of the plane (and therefore closer to their final destination).
How to Choose a Seat on Southwest Airlines
One of the most important aspects of flying with Southwest Airlines is knowing how to choose your seat. While most airlines offer an open seating policy, you can block a middle seat for two people traveling together.
If you arrive late, you should ask to sit in the middle. Otherwise, you will probably be offered a window or aisle seat, depending on available seats. However, you should know how the boarding process works to ensure that you don’t have an uncomfortable seat.
The boarding process on Southwest Airlines is unique compared to other airlines. When boarding, you are not assigned a seat, and therefore, you can pick one from available options.
The best time to board is at least 20 minutes before your flight. By boarding early, you’ll have plenty of time to find a seat that will be comfortable for you and your companions. This allows you to get a good seat and avoid wasting time and money on a seat that you don’t want.
You can also opt for Early Bird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight and is usually easy to get. A few other things to keep in mind are how to choose a seat and the type of flyer you are.
How to get the best seat on Southwest
Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the United States, and it’s easy to see why—they offer great customer service, friendly staff, and low prices. But there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting the best seat on your flight:
- Find out what kind of plane you’re flying on. Southwest has three types of planes: A319, 737-700/800/900ERs (the fastest), and 737-MAX 8s. If possible, try to book a flight on a 737-700/800/900ER—these planes are more spacious than their cousins.
- Check out SeatGuru before booking your ticket. They have detailed information about every single seat on every single plane that flies under the Southwest banner. You can even see what kind of legroom each seat offers!
- Book early! The closer you get to departure date, the more expensive your ticket will be—and if you don’t want to spend extra money on a better seat, then book early!
Check-in exactly 24 hours before your Southwest flight
outhwest Airlines allows you to check in online 24 hours before your flight. This is a great way to beat the rush, but it’s only possible if you schedule your flights in advance.
If you’re not traveling on Southwest and want to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, there are two options: You can use the mobile app or go to the airport early.
The Southwest mobile app allows you to check in 24 hours before your flight and even get an email confirmation that you can print out at home or show on your phone at the airport. If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or data when this option is available, be sure to download it before leaving home so that you can use it once you arrive at the airport.
Pay for Southwest EarlyBird Check-In
Southwest EarlyBird Check-In is a free service that allows customers to check in for their flight 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
To use the service, log in to your Rapid Rewards account and visit southwest.com/earlybirdcheckin. Select the flight you’re traveling on and enter your confirmation number or record locator (if you don’t know your record locator, you can find it on your boarding pass). Then choose whether you want to pay for EarlyBird Check-In or use your Rapid Rewards savings balance.
If you have enough Rapid Rewards points in your account to cover the cost of EarlyBird Check-In (which varies by route), select “Use Points” and then submit. If not, select “Pay with Credit Card” and complete the payment form with your credit card information.
- Southwest EarlyBird Check-In is a free service that allows you to check in online up to 24 hours before your flight.
- To use this service, you must have a Rapid Rewards® or A-List® membership. You can register for a Rapid Rewards account here, and sign up for an A-List membership here.
- Once you are registered, log in to Southwest.com and select your flight from the calendar view at least 24 hours before departure. You will then be prompted to enter your itinerary information and check in. If someone else is traveling with you on the same itinerary, they can also check themselves in using their own Rapid Rewards number or A-List membership number.
- Southwest EarlyBird Check-In is only available for flights departing within the United States or Canada, but it does not include travel on international flights operated by partner airlines (i.e., Air France or Alitalia).
Don’t want a middle seat? How to get a window or aisle seat on Southwest
To avoid that fate and get a window or aisle seat, follow these steps:
- Book your flight as soon as possible. Southwest Airlines is known for selling out quickly, so if you want a specific seat on your flight, book it as soon as possible.
- Check in online 24 hours before your flight. Southwest Airlines allows passengers to check in online 24 hours before their flight. This gives you an advantage when it comes to getting the best seats on the plane.
- Check in early and check bags at the airport counter (not online). Check-in counters at airports tend to be crowded with people who are checking in for their flights, trying to check bags and get through security — all while standing in line. If you have time, use this opportunity to get ahead of other travelers by checking in early at the counter and waiting for your boarding pass there instead of online or over the phone. Then, go directly to security after you’ve been issued your boarding pass — skipping any baggage claim areas entirely if possible.
Options Available Under Southwest Seating Chart
Southwest Airlines offers a number of options to help you get the most out of your trip. Here are some of our favorites.
- Early Bird Check-In: If you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, or don’t mind paying an extra fee, you can check in early and avoid waiting in line.
- Boarding Priorities: If you have a flexible schedule and want to make sure that you get on the plane first so that you can get situated before everyone else gets on board, this option is for you!
- Extra Leg Room Seats: If you’re over 6 feet tall, or just need a little more room in general, this option is perfect for you! You’ll be able to stretch out and relax with ease on longer flights.
Business Select seats on Southwest Airlines
The Business Select seats on Southwest Airlines are a great way to get some extra room and privacy during your flight. The seats are available in rows 3-10, and they include amenities like free drinks, free snacks, early boarding, and priority check-in.
Business Select seats have 34 inches of pitch — the distance between your knees when they’re fully extended and touching the seat in front of you — as opposed to 31 inches in regular Economy seats. The extra space is especially helpful for tall passengers who might otherwise have trouble fitting comfortably into their seats.
In addition to the extra room that these seats offer, they also have a power port at each seat for you to charge your devices.
Business Select seats come with additional features, including:
- Priority boarding
- Ability to reserve an aisle or window seat in advance (if available)
- Free alcoholic beverages and snacks when offered by Southwest
Anytime Seats on Southwest Airlines
Southwest offers “anytime” flights that can be purchased at any time. These seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are priced at the last fare paid.
Southwest Airlines has an interesting way of pricing their tickets and it’s called “Anytime Seats”. These tickets can be purchased at any time, but they cost more when purchased closer to departure.
You won’t find this option on Southwest.com or in the mobile app — but you can purchase these tickets from a travel agent or through your favorite online travel agency (OTA).
So how does it work?
The airline offers two types of flights: 1) Anytime Seats; 2) EarlyBird Seats.
EarlyBird Seats have specific departure times and are priced at a discounted rate compared to Anytime Seat prices. However, they cannot be changed once booked so they are not ideal if you plan on changing your flight plans once you arrive at your destination or need to cancel your flight altogether.
Anytime Seat tickets can be purchased at any time — but they cost more when purchased closer to the departure date (and sometimes even before the departure date). The price difference between EarlyBird Seats & Anytime Seats
However, there are a few key things to know about using Anytime Seats:
You must check in at least 30 minutes before your flight’s departure time to claim your seat. If you do not check in within the allotted time, then you will be charged an additional $50 fee. This fee is non-refundable if you miss your flight due to this reason.
You must purchase these seats with another ticketed flight on Southwest Airlines; they cannot be purchased alone or used as stand-alone flights. They also cannot be used on codeshare flights operated by other airlines (though this may change at some point in the future).
Wanna Get Away Seats on Southwest Airlines
The Wanna Get Away seats on Southwest Airlines are some of the cheapest flights you can find. They’re also the most highly sought after, and can sell out in minutes. If you want to get on one, here’s what you need to know.
What’s a Wanna Get Away seat?
A Wanna Get Away seat is a discounted fare that Southwest offers on its website, both for Friday and Saturday travel. They’re only available when there are at least three days left before your trip (for example, Tuesday through Thursday). And they’re subject to availability — if you don’t see any available flights when you search for them, then they won’t be available for that route for the rest of the week.
How much does Wanna Get Away seats cost?
They’re typically less than half the price of regular tickets booked during peak times (like Friday night or Saturday morning). However, there’s no guarantee that your flight will be cheap — it all depends on how many people want to fly at that time and how many seats are left after they book their tickets. You’ll also pay a $5 fee per ticket if you book using your phone or tablet instead of through a desktop computer (but not if you use an iPad or Kindle Fire).
How does Southwest Airlines Seating Work?
The Southwest Airlines seating chart is not as complicated as it might initially seem. This is because Southwest does not assign seats, but instead offers a free ticket choice where passengers can choose their seats based on their confirmation number and the boarding time.
The only exception to this rule is when there are more people who want a particular seat than there are seats available, in which case they will be assigned one of the open seats by random draw.
Southwest Airlines also offers pre-boarding for customers who have special needs, families with small children and first class passengers. The pre-boarders are allowed to board before general boarding commences so that they can get settled into their seats before everyone else boards the plane.
Southwest Airlines has two types of seating: Main Cabin and Preferred Seats. Main Cabin seats are the standard economy class seats that most airlines offer, while Preferred Seats are premium economy seats that offer more legroom but don’t come with any extra perks like priority boarding or baggage allowance benefits.
How Much Does It Cost to Choose Seats on Southwest Airlines?
The extra cost to select an exit row seat may be worth the extra money. However, you may not want to spend money on this option if you don’t need the extra space. If you want the best seats, you should buy them in advance.
Depending on the airline, you can usually get an A seat for $30-$40. Members of Rapid Rewards A-List have exclusive access to these seats and get priority boarding. Those members board before Early Bird flyers.
How Do I Choose My Seat After Booking a Southwest Flight?
First, you should know the seating policy of Southwest Airlines. It follows the open seating policy. When you check-in, you will be assigned a boarding group and a seat, but you can change your seat once you’ve boarded.
There are some tips to keep in mind. Southwest assigns seats to passengers according to boarding group and position. You can choose the seats from your boarding group, as long as you’re within five seats from the seat assigned to you.
Choose your seat according to your needs. People who travel alone tend to choose the front seats, while families often choose the back. Southwest Flights tend to have a sweet spot between the centre and two-thirds back.
Middle seats usually fill up quickly, and you should pass over them if you’re looking for an aisle seat or a window seat. However, if you travel with other people, you may want to choose a seat near a window.
How to Change Seat on Southwest Airlines
If you want to change seats on Southwest Airlines, you must be aware of how boarding groups are assigned. The airline will usually assign boarding groups based on their availability.
However, if you want to change seats at the last minute, you can use the information below. Once you have the boarding group, you can use it to request a seat change. There are also a few other things you should know.
First, you should check the seating arrangement of the aircraft. The southwest airlines website will show the seats available on the plane, and it will show you which seats are vacant and which ones are already taken.
This will make it easy for you to choose another seat. Remember, the airline will prioritize passengers with young children or with disabilities. However, if you’re the only one in your group, you’re free to choose another seat if you’d prefer.
How Do I Change My Seat on Southwest Airlines?
The answer to this question may surprise you. Most airlines do not assign seats in advance. Instead, they use an “open seating” system, allowing passengers to choose a seat when they board. If you’d like to sit where you want, you should make sure you are one of the first few people on the plane.
The airline divides passengers by boarding group. You’ll be assigned a number between one and 60. Number one in the “A” group means you’re the first to board, while number 60 means you’ll be last to board.
To change your seat, ask a fellow passenger if they can give you a boarding number. Once your ticket is scanned, you’ll receive a call from a Southwest team member.
Early Bird Check-In is another option. This option costs $15 to $25 each way and allows you to choose your seat early. If you’re traveling with a large group, you can select seats together in group A.
If you’re traveling alone, you can also choose seats together if possible. However, remember that Southwest doesn’t assign seats. You should check in online the day before your flight to get the best seat.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Seats on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines monetizes this process by giving you the option of paying a fee of between $30 and $50 to go to the front of the first boarding group.
You can change your name and flight date as long as it’s within 2 hours of the flight. However, if you have a discounted ticket, you may be required to pay the difference.
You can usually make changes for free on domestic flights, but if your flight has already departed, you might need to pay a change fee of $50 to $100. Alternatively, you can cancel your flight and get a full refund.
Can I Change My Seat on Southwest Airlines After Booking a Flight?
To change your flight on Southwest, you can do so up to 14 days before the date of your original reservation. Changing your flight after this time will not cost you a dime. You can also change your airport if you want, as long as it is within the same region as your original flight.
This option is best suited for last-minute plans. Southwest allows customers to reprice their tickets, so if you need to change your flight date, this is your best bet.
If you’re concerned that you won’t have enough legroom, you can always ask other passengers about their boarding positions.
Those in A3 and A4 positions will board before you and will most likely be seated near the front. Once you’ve boarded, make sure to stow your things in the overhead bin or underneath the seat.
How to Upgrade Seat on Southwest Airlines
You might wonder how to upgrade your seat on Southwest Airlines. The good news is that you can do this online! Visit the airline’s website and click on the “Check-In” tab.
Enter your flight information and confirmation number to request an upgrade. Southwest will then notify you as soon as the upgrade is available. Follow these steps to get your seat upgrade. Afterward, you can enjoy the comfort and convenience of your new seat.
Business selects tickets, for example, can be upgraded for as little as $11 when purchased close to departure. These tickets often come with priority security lines, free drinks, and prime boarding positions.
But if you don’t want to spend more than that, you can also upgrade to upgraded boarding for $40, $50, or even $100. While this may seem like a steep price, it is worth it if you can get a great seat.
If you’re looking to buy a good seat, you can always purchase an upgrade at the gate, but check availability and pay for it in advance. For frequent travellers, it may be worth it to purchase a credit card with the option to upgrade your seat.
You can also use a travel credit card to pay for the upgrade. Southwest Airlines’ frequent flyer program allows you to earn points for every dollar you spend on flights.
NOTE: If you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card, you can get four upgrades free despite the sticker price.
How to Reserve a Seat on a Southwest Airlines Flight
There are many benefits of reserving a seat on a Southwest Airlines flight. You can choose the most comfortable seat for you and your companions. Seats on the bulkhead are ideal for reclining, so check seat availability to get the best seat on your flight.
In addition, you can ask for a window or aisle seat if you need to. Read on to learn how to book a seat on a Southwest Airlines flight.
To reserve a seat on a Southwest flight, customers must visit the gate agent. A representative from Southwest will help you print a boarding pass. Then, you will receive a second “pass” with your seat reserved.
Once you have this, you need to hold onto it until your flight. You must be sure to read the Customer of Size policy before you board the plane when you check in.
Another benefit of reserving a seat on a Southwest flight is that you’ll be guaranteed a seat in a middle seat. While it’s a good idea to save your middle seat for a traveling companion, you shouldn’t feel pressured.
Southwest’s policy on seat saving is somewhat controversial, and some passengers take it to extremes. A flight attendant even intervened in one instance, forcing the passengers to choose a different seat.
How to Change Seat Assignment on Southwest Airlines
If you have ever wanted to change your seat on Southwest Airlines, you can do so easily. The airline is open to changing seat assignments, and you can check in 24 hours before your flight.
However, it’s also important to remember that it’s possible to request a particular seat only if seats are still available. Using the help desk is another way to request a specific seat. You can also take advantage of the airline’s A-list elite status.
First, you should inquire about your boarding position. If your Southwest ticket states that you have seat A3 or A4, ask the other passengers where their boarding positions are.
You should be able to board the plane within five minutes of the designated boarding position. Once you board the plane, you should choose any open seat and stow any personal items you need to keep at hand under the seat in front of you.
Secondly, you can check in early, but you’ll need to pay an additional fee to get this option. If your flight is scheduled to depart before your departure time, you can buy an Early Bird check-in for $15 per person.
Once you have this information, you can use it to get the seat you want. You should note that Southwest Airlines doesn’t assign seats by flight number, so you may have to wait in line.
Faqs
Can you pick your seats on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest-operated flights have open seating. Once onboard, simply choose any available seat and stow your carryon items in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
How are seats assigned on Southwest?
Southwest follows an open seating style, meaning there are no assigned seats. You’ll be assigned a boarding group (either A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check-in, which determines your boarding order. Once on board, you choose your seat. If you’re last to board, you likely won’t get to sit with your family.
Is it worth getting early bird check in Southwest?
If you’d rather have money in your pocket than the seat of your choice, it’s probably worth it to skip early check-in. Budget-minded group travelers. While $15 to $25 may not seem like much to pay for early boarding, it can quickly add up if you’re traveling with a group.
How many seats are in each boarding group on Southwest?
So first Southwest lines up the people with “A” boarding passes, and you stand in groups of five. 30 people from each zone stand on the left, and 30 on the right, and then the monitors change when they are ready to board the next group.
Can I upgrade my boarding position on Southwest after check in?
Once you get to your gate, you can request a benefit called Upgraded Boarding at the counter. It will cost either $30 or $40 and will allow you to change your boarding pass to one in A1-A15 if those positions are still available!
Who qualifies for Preboarding on Southwest?
Preboarding is available for Customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability and/or need assistance in boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device. Customers who are traveling with assistance and emotional support animals qualify for preboarding.
Does Southwest Early Bird automatically check you in?
Customers who purchase an Anytime fare will automatically be checked in to their flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure—that’s 12 hours before our traditional 24-hour check-in. You will receive an earlier boarding position, improved seat selection, and earlier access to overhead bins.
