Southwest Airlines Boarding Process & Groups [2023]

Southwest Airlines has gained a lot of popularity over the years in part because they do things a little differently. They don’t charge change fees, they don’t charge for checked baggage, and they don’t assign seats.

If you have never flown Southwest before, this last one can throw you for a loop! But have no fear — Upgraded Points has got you covered!

In this post, we’ll detail what makes the Southwest boarding process different and what you need to know to navigate it like a pro. We’ll also show you some ways to help boost your chances of getting the seat you want plus answer some common FAQs.

Table of contents

What Makes the Southwest Boarding Process Different?
The Southwest Airlines Boarding Process [Detailed]
- Why Checking in for Your Flight Is so Important
- At the Gate
Southwest Boarding Positions
- Tips for Finding an Open Seat
Family Boarding
Boarding for Passengers With Disabilities
How to Get a Better Boarding Position
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

What Makes the Southwest Boarding Process Different?
The Southwest Airlines Boarding Process [Detailed]
- Why Checking in for Your Flight Is so Important
- At the Gate
Southwest Boarding Positions
- Tips for Finding an Open Seat
Family Boarding
Boarding for Passengers With Disabilities
How to Get a Better Boarding Position
Final Thoughts

What Makes the Southwest Boarding Process Different?

The Southwest Airlines boarding process is different because they don’t assign seats. However, it’s not a free for all — there is a specific system that you’ll need to follow to board the plane. Then once you are on board, you can choose any available seat that you want.

The Southwest Airlines Boarding Process [Detailed]

Why Checking in for Your Flight Is so Important

When you check in for your Southwest Airlines flight, you’ll receive a boarding position. This boarding position will consist of a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60).

The number you’re assigned is based (mostly) on when you check in for your flight — the earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be.

Southwest opens check-in 24 hours before your plane departs, so you’ll want to check in as soon as it opens. Seasoned Southwest passengers will set an alarm to remind themselves to check in exactly 24 hours ahead of time.

Checking in 24 hours before your flight will usually land you somewhere in the B boarding group — which is generally adequate to find either a window or aisle seat or 2 seats together if you are flying with a companion.

Southwest Boarding Pass, Boarding Group:Position — Your boarding pass will show your group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). Image Credit: Southwest

At the Gate

When it’s time to board the plane, the gate agent will first call the A group to get in position. You’ll notice 2 lines of people lining up in rows that are labeled A 1-30 and A 31-60 (note the photo below is showing C 1-30 and C 31+). In each row, there will be a marker for every 5 numbers showing exactly where you should be standing in line.

Southwest boarding area — At the gate, you’ll see 2 sets of monitors to let you know which group should be lined up. Behind the monitors will be number markers for every 5 people to help you know where to stand in line. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

Once boarding begins, the gate agent will start with pre-board passengers and those with boarding positions A 1-15 (usually reserved for Business Select passengers). Then they will continue with A 15-30 then A 31-60. 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. Once you are on the plane, you can choose any open seat.

Hot Tip: If you’re flying on Southwest Airlines, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Rapid Rewards program. This frequent flyer program includes lots of ways to earn points (even without flying) and offers easy points redemptions with no blackout dates. Southwest flies to lots of international destinations plus Hawaii (finally), so their Rapid Rewards program is one you won’t want to miss.

Southwest Boarding Positions

If you aren’t familiar with Southwest’s boarding positions, they may be a little confusing. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect.

Pre-Board: Pre-boarding is reserved for those passengers with situations that require them to have a specific seat on the plane due to a disability or those who need assistance in boarding or stowing an assistive device. A pre-boarding designation needs to be arranged prior to boarding.

A1-15: These positions are usually reserved for Business Select passengers (the most expensive type of ticket you can purchase on Southwest). If not all of the Business Select tickets were sold, other passengers can upgrade their position to the A1-A15 section for $30-$50 (the upgraded boarding applies to just that flight, not your whole itinerary). To upgrade your boarding position, you’ll need to see the gate attendant before the boarding process begins.

A16-30: This group is usually assigned to A-List Preferred or A-List members and anyone who purchased EarlyBird Check-In. However, an A boarding position is not guaranteed even if you have A-List, A-List Preferred, or EarlyBird Check-In.

Family Boarding/Active Duty Military/Passengers Needing Extra Time: Families traveling with a child who is 6 years old or younger can board after the A group regardless of their assigned boarding position. This does not need to be arranged ahead of time. You’ll just line up to the side and board when they call for families with young children.

Any active-duty military passengers are allowed to board at this time as well.

Any customers with a disability who just need a little extra time to board can go in this group. This needs to be pre-arranged by speaking to a ticket counter agent or a gate agent prior to boarding.

B 1-60: This middle of the road group can vary depending on how full the plane is and how many people purchased EarlyBird Check-In. You can still end up in the B group when you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, however, you’ll probably be at the front of the pack if you do.

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.

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. People tend to fill in the front of the plane first leaving open seating in the back. While this doesn’t always work, you’ll have better chances of avoiding a middle seat if you head to the rear of the aircraft.

C 1-60: This is the group you will most likely get if you don’t check in right on time. While the C group isn’t a guaranteed middle seat, the chances are pretty high you won’t be sitting in the ideal spot.

If you’re traveling alone, it’s worth it to go to the back of the plane in search of a window or aisle seat. 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. They are usually more than happy to move if you’d like to sit where they are standing.
You’ll see people with their bags on the seat in an effort to save them for traveling companions with a later boarding number. While you are technically allowed to ask them to move their items so you can sit there, you’ll have a grumpy seatmate for the whole trip. It’s probably best to move on.
Often you’ll see 2 people in a row who are traveling together but sitting in the window and aisle, leaving the middle seat empty. If you ask to sit there, more often than not one of them will move over, giving you a window or an aisle seat.
Don’t pass up a prime empty seat in the front of the plane. I see this all the time! You’ll often see a decent empty seat in the front of the plane that people are passing up. Unlike other airlines, these are not reserved for anyone, so feel free to take a great seat in the front if it’s available (I’ve used this trick to score a second-row aisle seat with overhead bin space even though I had a C boarding position!).

Family Boarding

Flying on Southwest with young children is one instance when bringing the kids makes your trip easier! That’s because parents traveling with a child that’s 6 years old or younger get to board after the A group regardless of what boarding position is listed on your boarding pass.

That means you don’t have to worry about checking in exactly 24 hours ahead of time — which is a luxury when flying on Southwest.

Boarding right after the A group also guarantees you’ll be able to find a group of seats together, which is essential when traveling with little ones.

Southwest plane — Thankfully, Southwest gives special consideration to families traveling with kids 6 and under. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

Family boarding is limited to 2 parents only and their children as long as one is 6 years old or younger. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or anyone else traveling with you will still need to board in their assigned position.

If you are traveling with a child and you both have A boarding positions, you’re more than welcome to go ahead and board with the A group — you don’t have to wait for family boarding.

Bottom Line: If you’re traveling with a child who is 6 years old or younger, you’ll be able to board during family boarding. This takes place between the A and B groups which will ensure you can find seats together. This courtesy only extends to children and 2 parents — any other traveling companions will still need to board based on their boarding position.

Boarding for Passengers With Disabilities

Customers with disabilities that require pre-boarding due to a specific seating need or those who need assistance with a medical device need to speak to a ticket agent or gate agent before boarding begins. If the passenger qualifies, a new boarding pass with a pre-boarding designation will be issued. Anyone who pre-boards may not sit in an exit row.

If a customer with a disability just needs a little extra time, they will be permitted to board before family boarding between the A and B groups.

This courtesy extends to 1 travel companion as well — any additional family or friends will need to board with their assigned groups.

How to Get a Better Boarding Position

If you want a great boarding position, but don’t want to worry about checking in at the right time (or paying for a Business Select fare), there are other options to help you secure a coveted higher boarding position.

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.

Earn Southwest Elite Status

You can earn elite status on Southwest Airlines through the number of one-way flights you take or through 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	Required Number of Qualifying One-Way Flights	Required Number of Tier Qualifying Points
A-List	25	35,000
A-List Preferred	50	70,000

Southwest also will occasionally run promotions to help you fast track your status, or you can try a status match.

Hot Tip: While having a Southwest Companion Pass is a fantastic perk, it does not make you eligible for any type of priority boarding.

EarlyBird Check-In

Adding EarlyBird Check-In to your reservation will automatically check you in up to 36 hours ahead of your flight, giving you a higher boarding position. However, it doesn’t guarantee an A group position. You could still get a B boarding position even if you pay for EarlyBird Check-In.

You can add EarlyBird Check-In when you purchase your ticket, or you can add it to an existing flight. It costs between $15-$25 one-way per person.

https://www.southwest.com/early-bird/index.html?clk=SITESEARCH — Image Credit: Southwest

Purchase Upgraded Boarding at the Gate

If there are open boarding positions available in the A1-A15 group, you’ll be able to pay to upgrade to one of these positions at the gate.

The cost is $30-$50 per person per flight segment (it doesn’t cover your whole itinerary). Upgraded boarding can be purchased at the gate before boarding begins by speaking to a gate agent.

Bottom Line: Your best bets to get a higher boarding position without having to earn elite status are EarlyBird Check-In and upgraded boarding at the gate. However, both options will cost you. EarlyBird Check-In costs $15-$25 one-way per person and doesn’t guarantee you’ll get an A boarding number. Upgraded boarding at the gate is subject to availability and costs $30-$50 per flight per person, but it gets you an A1-15 boarding position.

The Best Credit Cards for Upgraded Boarding

Of course, perks like upgraded boarding or EarlyBird Check-In are even better when you don’t have to pay for them. The good news is that some credit cards will cover these costs for you.

Southwest Credit Cards:

An A1-15 boarding position sounds great, but paying up to $50 per person isn’t great. Thankfully, there are credit cards that can help you cover this cost.

The following Southwest credit cards each come with 4 upgraded boarding passes per year:

Other Credit Cards:

Some credit cards offer credits for travel purchases. You can use these credits to upgrade your boarding position or to purchase EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest Airlines.

The airline fee credit on these American Express cards will only be reimbursed if the charge comes from your selected airline (so be sure to choose Southwest!). These credits don’t apply to airfare, so if you want to use your credit for EarlyBird Check-In, be sure to purchase it separately from your flight.

Amex credit cards that offer airline fee reimbursements include:

The Platinum Card® from American Express: $200 airline fee credit
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: $200 airline fee credit
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: $250 airline fee credit

Chase and Citi also offer cards that come with a generous travel reimbursement. Using the travel credits on these cards is easier than those on Amex cards. You don’t have to designate a specific airline or worry about making sure you pay for EarlyBird Check-In separate from your flight.

Final Thoughts

Southwest is an airline that does things a little differently. This includes their boarding process — because they don’t assign seats! While the idea of not having an assigned seat can be a little confusing at first, once you get the hang of it, it’s easy peasy.

We hope this guide gives you the confidence to board your next Southwest flight like a pro!

Featured Image Credit: V_E via Shutterstock

Frequently asked questions

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 a good idea. It can also be a good idea on longer flights where you’ll be more comfortable in a window or aisle seat.

If you’re on a short flight or you’re pretty confident that you can remember to check in exactly 24 hours before your departure, you’ll probably be fine without EarlyBird Check-In.

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 regardless of their assigned boarding position.

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 available you’ll be able to upgrade for $30-$50 per person.

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 of general check-in). It ensures you’ll have a decent boarding position, but it does not guarantee an A boarding position.

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 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.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie fell in love with travel during a semester abroad in college spent in Nottingham, England. During that time, she got to see Scotland, Ireland, London, and Amsterdam and knew she wanted to see more of the world. Fast forward to 2015 when Katie discovered the world of points and miles. She jumped in full force and hasn’t looked back. After starting her own blog, Zen Life and Travel, in 2016, she began freelance writing in 2017. In addition to being a contributor to Upgraded Points since 2018, she also writes for Forbes Advisor and has previously written for Million Mile Secrets.

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

19 comments

Grumpy Texan Travel September 28, 2019
Nice post. Southwest can be fairly confusing for first-time flyers. This will definitely help those people.
Reply
Tim Boyer December 8, 2019
Good morning,
According to two places on your website, active duty military are given seating preference of between A and B groups. This morning I was traveling on military orders and was denied this slot for boarding because I was not in uniform. We are instructed not to travel in uniform unless absolutely necessary for the mission because wearing the uniform in places like the airport because it makes us a target. Please consider revising your policy (the attendant at Little Rock Airport said a memo recently came out to enforce the uniform requirement). Or just update your website and do not have the attendants make the announcement for military to board prior to turning us away. The attendant was very friendly and was just doing her job, but it seems something needs to change or be clarified. This was flight 6322 from Little Rock to Dallas at 1200. Thank you for taking this into consideration, it’s a little embarrassing being turned away.
Reply
- Katie Seemann December 9, 2019
  Hi Tim,
  I’m sorry you were turned away. According to Southwest their policy is to let “active duty, uniformed members of the U.S. armed forces to board between the “A” and “B” boarding groups.”
  As a frequent Southwest flyer, I can say that most times, the gate attendant calls for just “active duty military”, so I can understand how frustrated you might be that the “uniformed” part of the policy isn’t clear or consistently enforced.
  I would suggest contacting Southwest directly to express your concern.
  Reply
- DavFerr September 16, 2021
  So wearing a uniform can make you a target however you want to board when they announce “Military” over the P.A.? Try boarding with the civilians and that will make you less of a target. And yes, I am a veteran.
  Reply
  - USMC December 16, 2021
    He didn’t make the rules…he’s just following them. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to take advantage of the benefits offered by the airlines.
    Reply
  - Howard September 4, 2022
    Wearing a uniform from the time of entering the airport until boarding the plane makes an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces a lot more conspicuous and exposed for a lot longer than just boarding when “Military” is announced. Just sayin’. And no, I am not a veteran.
    Reply
Jean January 1, 2020
There is no consistency among which Southwest terminals permit non-uniformed active duty to board between zones A and B. This morning I was permitted to board in Dallas and then not permitted to after my layover in Phoenix. This is the first time I have not been permitted to board early after being allowed to numerous other times. Further, as previously stated, traveling in uniform is a security risk and is discouraged. Southwest’s stance on this is very confusing.
Reply
David May 2, 2021
I would like to know if a Covid19 test is required if you have both shots.
Reply
- Jarrod West May 3, 2021
  Hi David,
  Where will you be flying?
  Reply
Jim F June 23, 2021
Has anyone else noticed that pre-boarding has gotten crazy out of control? My wife and I have flown quite a few times this year and we routinely see 15-20 people board before A1. Most are not in wheel chairs and few show externally a need for additional help. That’s not say that they’re not out there and we just can’t see their need. It does seem like it’s being taken advantage of, especially when you see those same people who pre-boarded walk off the plane without assistance.
Reply
- Lenora Danta July 24, 2021
  I stopped flying southwest (my husband and I) for that same reason. I wrote to Southwest in regards to this same issue. They told me that is their policy and research shows that people love it! Well, I don’t. I do not nor do my family give them business. People are taking advantage of the system and in this day in age, no one has the Strength to call them out and use proper protocol. So I pay more, fly American, and CHOOSE my seat. Call and complain, not that they will listen.
  Reply
- Will September 4, 2021
  I once saw this guy in a wheelchair boarding, and after the flight, away from the gate, he started walking and pushing the wheelchair instead.
  Reply
- MilServ1972 August 17, 2022
  As a person who looks personally fine but has a heart that works at less than 48 percent, I don’t agree with this. I cannot walk long distances through the terminal. Do I have to look disabled before I can use a wheelchair? It is also important to mention that my disability was caused because of two consecutive tours in Afghanistan. It is so amazing in today’s society people have to look disabled to be considered disabled. When we don’t want to stereotype. I am more frustrated when a family of six will follow the individual with the wheelchair down the jetway. Please remember that disabilities do not have signs or a look.
  Reply
Alexis Marie November 4, 2021
The inconsistency with the military boarding with Southwest is annoying. Last time I boarded early not in uniform with no problem, and this flight they denied me to board after the A group saying I had to be in uniform. I know it’s not a huge deal, but if they could pick a stance on military boarding it would save the embarrassment of trying to board early and being denied.
Reply
KBC November 16, 2021
Actually Southwest DOESNT ALLOW military to board. You have to be uniformed which is against most military travel policies.
Reply
Greg B March 18, 2022
I think it would be idiotic for SW to change the “in uniform” requirement. The time it takes to check each ID doesn’t make sense. Rather than complaining to SW, complain to the government travel department to let you travel in uniform. It only makes sense.
Reply
Renea June 4, 2022
It’s about honoring our military. As the gentleman said above most are encouraged not to wear their uniforms, even when they are on a mission. A visible uniform doesn’t change their status. Good grief give them a few extra minutes to board! Especially when they have laid their lives down for our freedom! SMH
Reply
Gary March 8, 2023
Is my early boarding status applied to my subsequent flights at layovers?
Reply
- Jarrod West March 9, 2023
  Hi Gary,
  If you purchased it during booking then it should be applied to each flight.
  Reply

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Southwest Airlines Boarding Process & Groups – Everything You Need To Know

What Makes the Southwest Boarding Process Different?

The Southwest Airlines Boarding Process [Detailed]