There is no assigned seating policy at Southwest Airlines. Instead, depending on their check-in time, passengers are assigned to one of three boarding groups (A, B, or C) and a place inside that group. Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Policy group A boards first, followed by Groups B and C. Once on board, travelers are free to select any seat that is available. For a surcharge, Southwest allows travelers to check in 36 hours prior to departure with EarlyBird Check-In, which helps to improve boarding position. Families with children under six years old are permitted to board in either Group A or B. In addition, travelers have the option to pay for enhanced boarding in order to perhaps get into an earlier group. Although it offers flexibility, the open seating policy necessitates careful planning. Better seat selection can be ensured by checking in early or choosing EarlyBird Check-In, which includes.

Southwest Airlines operates with an open seating policy, meaning there are no assigned seats. Passengers select their seats once they board, with boarding groups determining the order. Early Bird Check-In, Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Policy now free, automatically checks passengers in 36 hours before departure, often resulting in a better boarding position. Additionally, Southwest offers a reserved seating option for a fee, allowing passengers to select specific seats in advance. Despite these enhancements, the open seating policy remains at the core of Southwest’s boarding process, giving passengers the flexibility to choose or adjust their seats based on availability once onboard.