Southwest Airlines seat selection

Southwest Airlines has revolutionized the aviation industry since its founding in 1967 as a low-cost carrier. Southwest Airlines has become one of the largest airlines in the country thanks to its commitment to affordable and reliable air travel. Southwest Airlines offers a convenient and user-friendly seat selection process for its passengers. Selecting your preferred seat can enhance your travel experience for business or pleasure. Southwest Airlines follows an open seating policy when selecting your seat. First-come, first-served seating is available, so passengers can choose any available seat. Even though this may seem unconventional, it offers a unique and flexible approach to seating arrangements. Read below to learn more about Southwest Airlines seat selection.

To know more about Southwest Airlines seat selection, call +1 (888) 341-5975 or 1-800-435-9792. You will get the best assistance from Southwest Airlines customer service assistance. 

Southwest Airlines seat selection policy

Southwest Airlines has a seat selection policy that distinguishes it from other airlines. 

  • Unlike most airlines, Southwest does not assign seats ahead of time, and passengers are free to sit in any available seat once they board the plane.
  •  Instead, passengers are assigned a boarding group, A, B, or C, and a boarding position, 1-60+, based on ticket type and check-in time.
  • The Boarding group and position will determine when you will board the plane and from which sets you can choose
  •  The boarding order is A1-60, then B1-60, and finally C1-60, with passengers in group A boarding first. 
  • Several factors influence Southwest Airlines' seat selection process.

How much does Southwest Airlines charge for seat selection?

Seats cost around $30 or $40 per flight, depending on the itinerary. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards members with A-List status are desired. Boarding positions are usually automatically assigned to these members before general boarding begins. Early bird passengers are also boarded before them.

These were the basic details and information about Southwest Airlines' seating arrangements. If you still need clarification about the Southwest Seat Selection fee. Their customer service number can be found on their official website. For more information, visit the help desk at the top right corner of the page.

Southwest Airlines seat selection works

A Southwest passenger is assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check-in rather than assigned a seat. Passengers board the plane in order of their assigned groups and positions, with the earlier groups taking priority.

  • The gate agent will first call the A group to board the plane. 
  • Observe two lines of people lined up in rows labeled A 1-30 and A 31-60 (the photo below shows C 1-30 and C 31+). 
  • Each row will have a marker for every five numbers, showing exactly where you should stand.
  • The boarding process begins with passengers who have pre-boarded and those in boarding positions A 1-15 (usually reserved for Business Select passengers). 
  • A 15-30 will be followed by A 31-60. The monitor at the front of the line will change to B 1-30 as soon as A 1-30 boards the plane. 
  • While the A group gets on the plane, the B group can start lining up.

Southwest Airlines seating arrangement options

Southwest Airlines is known for its unique open seating policy, which allows passengers to choose their seats first-come, first-served.

  • Passengers can sit in the front of the plane, which allows for a quicker exit upon arrival. Many people choose this option if they need to catch a connecting flight or want to be among the first off the plane.
  • The back of the plane is also an option for passengers. This can be an excellent choice for those who want more privacy and less foot traffic during the flight.
  • Additionally, sitting in the back of the plane can provide a smoother ride since flight turbulence is less pronounced here.

Seat Categories to Select in Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines offers passengers a variety of seat categories based on their preferences and needs. Seat categories include:

1. Business Select: This category offers priority boarding, extra Rapid Rewards points, and guaranteed A1-A15 boarding positions.

2. Anytime: Passengers who choose the Anytime category can cancel or change tickets without additional fees. Also, they enjoy a higher boarding priority than those with Wanna Get Away fares.

3. Wanna Get Away: This category has the lowest fares and is perfect for budget travellers. The fares are non-refundable, but cancellations can be credited for future travel.

4. Upgraded Boarding allows passengers to purchase a better boarding position at the gate without purchasing Business Select or Anytime fares. By doing this, they will be able to board the plane earlier.

5. Southwest Airlines has extra legroom seats. These seats are either in the exit row or at the front of the cabin. These seats suit passengers who prefer more space or have specific medical needs.

6. Standard Seats: These are the regular seats available throughout the aircraft. While they do not offer special features, they provide a comfortable flying experience.

How to talk to Southwest Airlines customer service?

Southwest Airlines gives you ways to contact Southwest. You can use your phone number, social media, live chat or email address to solve your queries.  

Contact Southwest Airlines through phone number

The easiest and most common way to talk to a live person on Southwest Airlines is by calling their customer service phone number. Make a call at +1 (888) 341-5975 or 1-800-435-9792 and follow the IVR:

  • Press 1 to make a booking with Southwest Airlines.
  • Press 3 to cancel your booked flight.
  • Press 5 to get the status of your service ticket.
  • Press 7 to inquire about your lost luggage.
  • Press 9 to get a person on the line.
  • Press * to go back to the main menu.

Contact Southwest Airlines through live chat

It is the most common option for passengers if they cannot get a person from the airline through a call. Here is how you can start a chat with Southwest Airlines representatives:

  • Visit the official page of Southwest Airlines.
  • Please scroll to the bottom and click on Contact Us.
  • Locating the chat logo and tapping it will open a chat window on the screen containing several issues a passenger may face during the travel.
  • Look for the issue you have faced, and a bot will assist you in providing an instant solution.
  • If you do not find the bot effective, ask for a real person in the chat to assist you with your query.

Contact Southwest Airlines through Email address

This is another way through which a person can connect to the airline. However, it is the least chosen option, yet it can be effective for a brief discussion. If you have travelled with the airline and later decide to share your experience and want to give reviews to the airline. You are advised to email them by following the process below:

  • Go to the Southwest Airlines official page.
  • In the Contact Us section, tap Email and select the reason to email the airline.
  • Describe your concern and complete the form.
  • Submit the form and wait; the airline will get back to you.

Contact Southwest Airlines through social media

Passengers can also contact Southwest Airlines through their social media channels. The airline has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Passengers can directly message the airline's social media account with their query. Below are their social media links:

Connect with Southwest Airlines via chat.

Chat assistants will answer your questions immediately if you text or consult them online. Chat is quick and easy since you can access it wherever you are. To chat with Southwest Airlines, follow these instructions:

  • The primary step is to move to the official homepage of Southwest. 
  • Now, you must click the "Contact and Help" option. The new page will open. 
  • After that, tap on the "Live Chat" tab. 
  • Select the query and give an explanation of it in the Chatbox. 
  • The airline's representative will reply in the Chatbox within a few easy seconds.

How do I talk to a person at Southwest Airlines?

The simplest way to contact the Southwest customer support team is by using the phone call option. You must dial Southwest's toll-free phone number, +1 (888) 341-5975 or 1-800-435-9792. After that, listen to the on-call instructions and pick out the query. The agent will be available soon to give the solution to your queries. 

Phone calls are considered the fastest way to get a response from the airline's live representative, and it is also the best way of having a personal conversation.

Conclusion 

Following these steps, you can take advantage of Southwest Airlines' seat selection policy and process and have a comfortable and enjoyable flight.

Also Read: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT CHANGE POLICY

Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I Choose a seat on Southwest Airlines?

Ans. Southwest flights have no assigned seats, so whoever boards the plane first gets to choose. Group C tends to leave the middle seats to the very end of the boarding process since nobody enjoys sitting there.

Q. How can I get seated first on Southwest Airlines?

Ans. 1. Arrive exactly 24 hours before departure. 2. A-List elite status holder. 3. Get an EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding, or Business Select ticket. 4.Take the first flight of the day.

Q. Can You upgrade the boarding position on Southwest Airlines?

Ans. Starting 24 hours before departure, customers can upgrade to boarding positions A1-A15.

Q. How much does it cost to pick your seat on Southwest Airlines?

Ans. Seats cost around $30 or $40 per flight, depending on the itinerary. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards members with A-List status are desired. Boarding positions are usually automatically assigned to these members before general boarding begins. Additionally, they board before Early Birds.