Do you get to pick your seats on Southwest?

Do you get to pick your seats on Southwest? At Southwest, we let you sit where you like. We don't assign seats on our flights, so feel free to sit in any available seat once you board the plane. We have a quick, easy, and efficient boarding process. Look at your boarding pass to find your assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and boarding position (1 - 60).

Can you see how full a Southwest flight is?

As such, we do not publish flight loads. If for any reason you're uncomfortable traveling in the current environment and would like to discuss the flight load of your upcoming flight, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our Customer Service Department via any of the options below. Email here.

Who is eligible for pre boarding on Southwest?

Preboarding is available for Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.

How come Southwest does not assign seats?

Southwest Airlines has long argued that its unassigned seating policy is popular with passengers and facilitates speedier boarding. That means planes spend less time at the gate and more time in the air generating Southwest money. Over the years, the airline has tinkered with the no-system boarding system.

How do I get an early bird check from Southwest?

EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased on Southwest.com^®, over the phone, and on the app up to 36 hours prior to a flight's scheduled local departure time, depending on availability. If EarlyBird Check-In is available, you may Purchase EarlyBird Check-In here.

How does boarding work on Southwest when you change planes?

No assigned seats. Boarding positions can be obtained 24 hours prior to departure of the first flight so check in either on a computer or phone as close to 24 hours before your first flight as possible. You will also get boarding positions for the 2nd leg of the trip when you check-in.

How does seating work in Southwest?

Southwest does not let you select a seat ahead of time, even for a fee. Instead, the airline boards customers based on their boarding group and position. Once onboard, you can pick any available seat. Because of this, you can never guarantee a window or aisle seat or that you'll sit with your travel companions.

What happens if you book a flight without choosing seats?

If you book a flight and don't choose specific seats, the airline will assign you a seat at check-in. Depending on the airline, you may be able to select a seat online for free or for a fee. Some airlines may also assign you a seat at the gate.

Is it okay if I did not select a seat in flight?

Though it might sound scary, there's one weird trick airlines don't want you to know: You don't have to select a seat. On most airlines, you'll get assigned a seat at check-in or at the gate if you don't already have one.

Which airlines let you choose your seat for free?

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic will allow you to select a seat free of charge. Easyjet, Emirates, Norwegian, Jet2 and Ryanair say you'll be allocated a suitable seat free of charge.

Are all seats the same on Southwest?

Except for a few standard differences — like more legroom in the exit row — Southwest seats are all the same size.

How do I get my seats together on Southwest?

If someone on your reservation has A-List status, Southwest will automatically reserve boarding positions for the entire group 36 hours before departure. Likewise, you can purchase Business Select fares to guarantee A1-A15 boarding positions -- but these fares are often rather pricey.

How strict is Southwest with family boarding?

Up to 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 before the “B” group begins boarding. There should be enough open seats to enable the child to sit next to at least one accompanying adult.

Does Southwest ever overbook?

Overselling a flight can occur because of weight restrictions and aircraft type changes. We don't overbook as part of our philosophy of Customer-friendly policies. Will I be compensated for an oversold flight? When appropriate, we'll offer compensation when a flight is in an oversale situation.

Am I guaranteed a seat on a plane?

You will likely get assigned a seat during check-in (though you should still skip it if the airline tries to tack on a fee) or, at the very least, at the gate. Again: You don't have to select a seat in order to get a seat.

Is it worth paying for seat selection?

In fact, most regular airlines now charge for seat selection anyways. It's often around $10-$30 per seat per flight segment, so if you cave in and pay for that, it can add up quickly. You shouldn't do it. No matter which airline you're flying on, don't ever pay to select a seat.

Is Southwest a good airline to fly?

How do I choose my seat after booking a flight?

After you finish booking your flight (or during the process, depending on the airline), you should click to view the seat map and make your pick. If you book your flight with friends or family members on the same reservation, they will likely be assigned seats nearby automatically.

What happens if you have a plane ticket but aren t assigned a seat?

Depending on the airline, if you've just purchased a flight and don't have a seat assignment, typically, you should wait until 24 hours before your flight when your check-in window opens (and blocked seats become available).

Does checking in early get you a better seat on Southwest?

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.