How Does Southwest Boarding Work: Everything You Need To Know 2025

Southwest Airlines is renowned for its distinctive boarding process, which sets it apart from most other airlines. Thanks to its open seating policy and boarding groups system. Understanding how Southwest boarding works, including the number of boarding groups and how seats are assigned, is important. It can help travelers breeze through the boarding experience with ease and even select the best available seats. So, what are you waiting for? Read our blog on Southwest boarding to make your travel smooth. 

Southwest Boarding Order Summary

In total, Southwest has three main groups and special boarding categories, creating multiple boarding positions tailored to passenger needs.

Understanding Southwest boarding groups, boarding positions, and the open seating policy is key to navigating the Southwest boarding process with confidence. Checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight and knowing your boarding position can help you pick the best seat and enjoy the unique Southwest flying experience.

How Does Southwest Boarding Work?

Unlike traditional airlines that assign specific seats to passengers, Southwest uses an open seating system. This means passengers do not get assigned seats when they check in; instead, they board the aircraft according to their boarding group and position and then pick any open seat. The boarding process starts roughly 30 minutes before the flight's scheduled departure.

Before you board, make sure to check Book Southwest Flights Tickets Online for the latest boarding group details and fare benefits.

Southwest Boarding Groups and Positions

Southwest has three main boarding groups: A, B, and C. Each group typically has positions numbered 1 to 60, which determine the order in which passengers board. So how many boarding groups does Southwest have? The answer is three, but there are also special categories, including pre-boarding and family boarding, which happen in between these groups.

At check-in (which opens 24 hours before the flight), passengers are assigned a boarding group and position (for example, A35 or C10). Group A boards first, then Group B, and lastly Group C. Within each group, boarding positions determine the sequence, with position 1 being the first passenger in that group to board. This means if you get A1, you're one of the first on the plane, while C60 means you'll board near the end.

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What Is the Southwest Boarding Process?

When boarding begins, gate agents call passengers by their boarding group and position. For instance, Group A passengers are split into two lines: positions 1-30 and positions 31-60. These lines board sequentially. After Group A boards, Group B passengers are called, and then Group C. Before Group B boards, there is family boarding for passengers with young children and active military members, allowing them to board early.

A screen at the gate usually displays the current boarding group and position being called, guiding passengers where to stand for efficient boarding. The gate agents manage this orderly process to prevent congestion and confusion.

Learn what’s allowed on board with our detailed Southwest Carry-On Size Guide — perfect for stress-free boarding.

How Does Southwest Seating Work?

Since Southwest uses open seating, the boarding order determines your choice of seats but not the seats themselves. The earlier you board, the more seats you have to choose from, including desirable window or aisle seats. Passengers who board later might find mostly middle seats or seats far back in the plane.

Southwest's open seating approach encourages passengers to line up early to get better seats and expedites boarding as passengers can quickly fill available seats without waiting for seat assignments. This friendly and straightforward boarding procedure with open seating is part of what makes flying Southwest an experience that either travelers love for its flexibility or find different from traditional airlines. Knowing how many groups in Southwest and the boarding order takes the mystery out of boarding and helps passengers prepare better for their journey.

Military travelers can enjoy added perks — see our Southwest Military Discount Guide for complete details.

Conclusion

With this guide, you now know how many boarding groups Southwest has, how the boarding positions work. Moreover, it will help you to know the boarding process and how Southwest's open seating and seating selection function. So next time you fly Southwest, get ready early, check your boarding position, and enjoy choosing your seat on board. Call ExperianAirfare now to book Southwest flights for a more convenient travel journey.