What Are the Best Practices for Southwest Seat Selection?
The Southwest Airlines' seating plan differs from those of all other major carriers. Traditionally, the airline uses an open seating system, or they do not assign seats when passengers purchase tickets. Travelers receive a boarding group (A, B or C) and boarding position (1–60+) during check-in. Boarding position determines when and where they board and select their seat.
Southwest introduced assigned seating on certain flights in their upcoming updates starting 27 Jnauary 2026 to their new seat selection process more recently as a part of its customer improvement and seatisfaction theme. With the new feature, customers can reserve a particular seat upon purchasing their ticket or in advance via "Manage bookings," and it offers further convenience to families or senior citizens and extra attention-needing passengers. Both the seating systems are worth learning so that you may maximize your better experience with Southwest flight. To know more you can connect with Southwest Airlines at +1-800-435-9792 or you can directly reach out to FlyoGarage at +1-877-658-1183.
How Does Southwest Seat Selection Work?
Your Southwest seat selection is predicated on the seating system assigned to your flight. With open seating, your boarding position dictates seats available when you board the aircraft. Early boarders are assigned their preference of seats first, either aisle, window, bulkhead or exit-row seats.
For assigned seating flights, the passengers may select a seat during booking or later through their reservation. This is particularly helpful for families or inpiduals with disabilities as they can organize their seats in advance rather than waiting for boarding priority.
Southwest Seat Selection Fee
Southwest does not impose an extra Southwest seat selection fee for standard seating. Instead, customers who want to have a greater chance at early boarding can use the service of EarlyBird Check-In. EarlyBird Check-In will automatically check you in 36 hours before flight departure and will provide you with a superior boarding position. EarlyBird charges usually cost between $15 and $25 per flight segment. For flights-with-seating assignments, passengers can book seats at booking time without additional charges, except some premium seats such as exit rows, have qualification criteria rather than charges.
Southwest Seat Assignment
The Southwest seat assignment procedure differs based on whether your flight has open or assigned seating. On open seating, passengers board in their assigned groups and select any available seat. Early boarding provides the greatest opportunity to choose preferred seating such as windows, aisles or exit rows. Assigned seating lets passengers choose seats in advance when they purchase. This is ideal for families, groups or special needs passengers who need priority seating and wish to ensure everyone will be seated together rather than risking open boarding.
Southwest Seat Size
Southwest aircraft which are mostly Boeing 737s, have seats for short and medium length flights. The regular Southwest seat size is fairly acceptable for most passengers. Passengers who need more room usually purchase bulkhead or exit row seats that offer extra leg space. Though these seats might come with limitations like no recline or non recline tray tables, they are a tremendous comfort upgrade for taller passengers or longer distances.
Southwest Seat Width
The Southwest seat width is approximately 17 to 18 inches depending on the airplane and seat location. Standard economy class is a trade-off between comfort and cabin capacity. Those who require extra space should attempt to secure seats in exit rows or bulkhead areas which offer extra legroom. The width of the seats is standard but the added legroom can offer a huge difference in comfort especially for long distance flights.
Tips for Traveling in Groups or with Families
Traveling with multiple passengers requires planning particularly when flying in open seating. On flights with no seating assignment, EarlyBird Check-In for each passenger can improve your group's boarding positions. Boarding together allows groups or families to be seated close to each other.
For assigned seat flights, you can reserve seats together during booking. This eliminates the inconvenience of open seating and has all the members of your group seated together, particularly convenient for families with young children or elderly inpiduals.
Best Practices for Picking Seats on Southwest
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Check in exactly 24 hours in advance to ensure a higher boarding number for open seating flights.
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Use EarlyBird Check-In to enhance your boarding position automatically.
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Select assigned seating on flights where it is offered particularly when flying with children or needing priority seating.
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Choose off peak flights whenever possible like early morning or middle of the week, to enjoy more seat choices and less competition.
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Familiarize yourself with the aircraft layout and aim for exit rows, bulkhead seats or seats near the front of the cabin for added room.
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Use the Southwest mobile app to view boarding groups, seat selection and real time flight status.
Conclusion: Southwest Seat Selection
Knowing Southwest's seating policies is necessary for a smooth and pleasant flight. Whether booking the normal open seating or the assigned seating on a specific flight, advance planning makes it happen. Early check in, EarlyBird Check In, leaving peak flights early and familiarity with the seating arrangement all help to get the best available seat. Need more help? Connect with us FlyoGarage at +1-877-658-1183 and get all your queries resolved with our 24/7 customer support team.
Having knowledge regarding the Southwest seat selection, Southwest seat assignment, Southwest seat size and Southwest seat width, passengers can prepare themselves well, ensuring their flight is comfortable and stress free. All groups, families and inpidual travelers would be benefited by such a tip with smooth boarding and a happier flight.
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