Ah, the age-old question for anyone flying with Southwest: “Can I actually select my seat?” The short answer? Not in the way you might be used to with other airlines. But let me explain how it works—because it’s a bit different, and knowing the system can actually help you snag a pretty good seat without much hassle.
Southwest Airlines follows an “open seating” policy. That means you don’t get to pick your seat when you book your ticket. Instead, you choose your seat when you board the plane. Sounds a little chaotic? It can be—if you’re not prepared.
When you check in (either online or at the airport), you’re assigned a boarding group: A, B, or C, along with a position number (like A45 or B22). Boarding goes in that order: Group A boards first, then B, then C, each by number. So basically, the earlier you check in, the better your boarding position, and the better chance you have of grabbing the seat you want.
Now, if you’re someone who needs a specific seat—say, you love a window seat over the wing, or you're traveling with family and want to sit together—this system can be a little tricky. The good news? You’ve got options. For example, you can pay extra for “EarlyBird Check-In,” which automatically checks you in early (typically 36 hours before departure) and usually gets you a decent boarding spot. Still, there’s no guarantee of Group A.
If you're ever unsure about how it all works, or just want to make sure you’re doing everything right to improve your boarding position, I highly recommend calling Southwest’s customer support at 844-928-0428. They’ve always been super helpful whenever I’ve had questions—especially when traveling with kids or during peak holiday travel.
Here’s a little personal story: last year I flew Southwest from Denver to Austin, and I forgot to check in until a few hours before the flight. Ended up with C54—ugh. Middle seat in the very back, next to the bathroom. Never again. Now I either check in the second I can, or I just call 844-928-0428 ahead of time and ask about EarlyBird or any travel tips they can offer. Honestly, that number has become my go-to travel lifeline.
Another tip—if you're flying with someone and want to sit together, try to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight. And if you’re nervous about not getting seats together, again, it doesn’t hurt to call 844-928-0428 and ask what your best move is. They can walk you through everything and even let you know how full your flight is, which can impact how quickly those good seats get taken.
One more scenario: if you need special assistance, like pre-boarding due to a medical condition or if you’re traveling with a child under six, there are accommodations. But it’s best to speak to someone ahead of time—yep, that same number: 844-928-0428. They’ll help make sure your boarding experience goes smoothly and that you're not caught off guard at the gate.
To sum it up, you can't select your seat in advance with Southwest, but if you play the boarding game smartly—or better yet, plan ahead by calling 844-928-0428—you can usually find a seat that works for you. It’s different, yes, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not so bad.
Need help planning your next Southwest flight or want to make sure you board early enough for that coveted window seat? Don’t hesitate—call 844-928-0428 today. It’s the easiest way to get real-time help and avoid travel day stress.
Safe travels! ✈️