How Do I Change My Seat on Southwest Airlines ?
Boarding an aircraft can be very hectic. Therefore, many people want to know how to get a better seat on Southwest Airlines. However, Southwest does not assign seats instead it assigns boarding positions to passengers. Certain members and those who purchase preboarding will be the first to board the aircraft, then those with a disability, then adults traveling with young children, and finally the remaining passengers.
How do I change my seat on Southwest Airlines?
Things can get quite hectic when boarding an aircraft with so many passengers trying to get on the plane at once. Everyone just wants to shove his or her carry-on into the overhead compartment and take a seat. Most people prefer to sit at the front of the plane, because not only is it closer to the front exits, but it also allows you to get off the plane faster when you reach your destination. For this reason, many will ask, "How do I change my seat on Southwest Airlines?" The short answer is Southwest does not assign seats. It has open seating to where passengers can sit anywhere they like once they board the aircraft. Therefore, in order to be able to get the seat you want, you will have to be one of the first groups to board the plane, and Southwest does assign boarding groups.
How Does the Boarding Process Work?
Passengers flying on Southwest Airlines are divided into three groups: A, B, and C, and each of the passengers are assigned a number that ranges from 1 to 60. If you are in the A group and have number 1, you will be the first to board with C60 being the last. Both your group and number are provided at the time of check-in and will be displayed on your boarding pass. When you arrive at the gate of your flight, you will see numbered posts indicating where to get in line. When your group is called, find your place in line to board the plane in numerical order.
Those who purchased an EarlyBird Check-In, A-List members, and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members or those on a reservation with A-List members, will automatically have their boarding position reserved 36 hours before departure. However, this does not guarantee you an "A" boarding position, but you will get the soonest position available and you still have to check in within 24 hours of departure to receive your boarding pass. All other passengers will be distributed positions upon check-in. Therefore, the sooner you arrive, the sooner you will be able to board the plane.
One way to guarantee an A1 - A15 boarding position, is by purchasing a Business Select fare at the gate or ticket counter. There are three Upgraded Boarding options available for purchase that cost, $30, $40, and $50 by segments.
When Do Passengers With Disabilities and Those with Children Get to Board?
If you have a disability, you must tell the agent at the ticket counter, or at the gate — whether you require assistance to get on the plane or not — so the agent can assign you a preboarding pass. One person traveling with you will also be allowed to preboard with you as your attendant. However, if you require special seating, you must let an agent know before passengers start to board the plane so that you can be accommodated.
Disabled passengers will board right after the A group. After the disabled board the aircraft, families of two adults traveling with at least one child aged 6 or under may board and then the B group can proceed. If you have any questions click here to contact a Southwest agent.
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