Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Policy

Want to pick your favourite seat on Southwest Airlines?  However, if Southwest offers assigned seats, it may be your concern. Then, you must understand that Southwest Airlines seat selection follows open seating currently. That further allows you to pick an available seat onboard. You can also use the overhead bin and space below the seat in front of you.

However, here is a surprise for you! Southwest Airlines is going to announce assigned seats feature on its flight. Concern of about 80 percent passengers for preferred seat is making Southwest Airlines take this step . But all this you will get in 2025. Currently that's all in the planning phase. So, you may not enjoy the assigned seat benefits in 2024. But from 2025 you may look forward to picking your favorite seat.

Further, how seat selection works on Southwest Airlines right now is must be your question? Then, go through the below information and learn about seat selection procedure on Southwest Airlines.

How Seat Selection Works on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines does not provide a select seat option currently. Therefore, how early you board a Southwest flight determines the seats you likely get on board. Ultimately, it's your boarding group that helps in Southwest Airlines seat selection and get what you love. Southwest Airlines basically has 3 boarding groups, A, B, and C, and each consisting of positions between 1 and 60. Once you complete the check-in, the airport authority will assign you a group. For example, B25.

Once the group name is called, then board the plane in 1 to 60 order and Group name. For instance, Group A starts taking seats from 1 to 60 followed by B and C respectively. 

Beside that, Southwest Airlines provides preboarding to disabled persons. That further helps them accommodate the seat especially designed for them. A Southwest representative at the ticket counter determines if you qualify for preboarding and issues a boarding pass printed with PRBD. 
Southwest Airlines lets the disabled passenger to board flight between Group A and Group B prior to family boarding, if they comes in following category.

• They need extra time boarding the flight or
• Southwest Airlines does not qualify them for preboarding. 
• The airline issues them a new boarding pass printed with XT. 

Further, Southwest Airlines does not allow a preboard passenger to sit on the exit seat.

Can I Improve my Seat Choice through Upgraded Boarding on Southwest?

Yes. Improved boarding process directly influences the Southwest Airlines seat selection process. By using an upgraded boarding feature, Southwest Airlines gives you a chance to better your position and group.

Passengers can use this option 24 hours before departure. However, it is subject to availability. For example, Through Southwest upgraded boarding option, you can board first on the flight and pick a preferred seat. 

Next, Early bird check-in helps passengers to check in early 24 hours in advance. However, that depends on the availability. Being an EarlyBird check-in passenger, you get early access to preferred seat and overhead bin storage.

Family Boarding and Seating Policy on Southwest 

Do you know seat selection on Southwest Airlines can differ for passengers travelling with family. It especially includes children six years or below. Go through the below points, if you want to know how?

• Southwest Airlines allows boarding a family after Group A and before Group B. 
• Maximum two adults accompanying a kid six years old or below can use family boarding.
• Further, Southwest Airlines has sufficient open seats to accommodate a child adjacent to an adult family member.
• Child and adults that come in Group A should accommodate seats as per the boarding passes instead of waiting for the family boarding. 
• Similarly, Southwest Airlines allows 14 years old or above adult, seat next to a child on special request. The airline does not charge a fee for that.

What if you are flying with a child aged between 7 to 13 years old? 

• You can request Southwest Airlines agent to allow you sit next to the child. Southwest Airlines will help you with the seating procedure at no extra charges.
• Families can get in touch with the gate agents or flight attendants for help.

How Can I Pick My Seat on Southwest Airlines in 2025?

The possibilities are high that you can complete Southwest Airlines seat selection online or offline both from the upcoming year(2025). However, currently, you can choose a seat only when you finally get on the flight. Therefore, the only way to ensure a best seat on Southwest Airlines is to use its early check in or upgraded boarding option. 

If everything goes according to plan, then you may need to follow the below process from 2025. 

• Visit Southwest Airlines official website.
• Go to "My Bookings" option.
• Further, enter your login details, such as PNR number and last name. 
• Then, click on flight for seat selection is required.
• Next, tab on "Add a Seat" option. 
• Look further on the Southwest Airlines seating chart for available seats. 
• Pick a seat that you love.
• Lastly, make payment, if applicable.
• Further, Southwest Airlines will send a confirmation mail to you. 

Still have any query on Southwest Seat selection procedure? Then, call Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-800-435-9792. Follow the IVR process to directly get in touch with a representative. Ask any question you have related to seat selection from the representative.

Does Southwest Airlines Charge Any Fee for Its Seats?

Southwest Airlines does not charge a seat selection fee as the option to pick a seat is not there. However, Southwest Airlines can charge extra for its premium seats from 2025. Therefore, expect to pay extra for choosing a seat on Southwest from next year. 

Currently, you can get a preferred seat only through EarlyBird check-in or Upgraded Boarding for the following charges:

• EarlyBird Check-in: $15 to $99 (One-way)
• Upgraded boarding: $30 to $149 (One-way)

Although Southwest Airlines has not announced the clear date of change yet, a meeting can happen in September 2024.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines may not provide the premium seats that provide extra legroom till 2025 as they need reconfiguration.

Conclusion 

Currently, the process of Southwest Airlines seat selection is very simple. You simply need to board the flight and choose from the available seats. Therefore, the only way to get a preferred seat is to get listed in a higher boarding group or use EarlyBird check-in. To learn how you can come in a higher boarding group or any other query, contact Southwest representatives.

Read More Topics

Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy
Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar 2024
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy
Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy