How does a-list boarding work on Southwest?

A-List positions are automatically assigned beginning 36 hours prior to departure. If an A-Lister receives a position in the B or C group (happens when a flight change is made less than 36 hours before departure) they can board after the A group. Business Select fares guarantee an A1-15 boarding position.



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If you purchased EarlyBird Check-In®, Business Select, Anytime, or are a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred or A-List Member, or on a reservation with an A-List Preferred or A-List Member, we'll automatically reserve your boarding position 36 hours before departure.

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A-List positions are automatically assigned beginning 36 hours prior to departure. If an A-Lister receives a position in the B or C group (happens when a flight change is made less than 36 hours before departure) they can board after the A group. Business Select fares guarantee an A1-15 boarding position.

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According to Southwest, A-List and A-List Preferred members have their boarding position on the plane automatically assigned 36 hours before departure. However, they still have to check in for the flight starting at 24 hours out. The chart below shows the main perks of both elite status tiers and how you can earn them.

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NOTE: EarlyBird Check-In should not be purchased (1) for Passengers on the same reservation as an A-List or an A-List Preferred Member as they will receive priority boarding or (2) Unaccompanied Minors since they will preboard the flight. Please review our Unaccompanied Minor Policies for more details.

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That means you don't have to worry about checking in exactly 24 hours ahead of time — which is a luxury when flying on Southwest. Boarding right after the A group also guarantees you'll be able to find a group of seats together, which is essential when traveling with little ones.

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Typically, if you have a boarding position under B30 you should be able to find a window or aisle seat. The further back in the plane you decide to sit, the more likely you will find a window or aisle seat. When do standbys board? Standby passengers will be the last to board.

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The best positions following A1-A15: Usually assigned to A-List Preferred/A-List Members and passengers with EarlyBird Check-In. Southwest states that these distinctions in and of themselves do not guarantee an A boarding position, but they do ensure that you will receive the earliest position available.

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B boarding group: This is the next best boarding group to be in if you want the chance to select a seat you can live with. However, being near the beginning of the B group is a lot better than the end.

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Airlines will typically assign the earliest boarding groups to passengers who are the most loyal. Previously, this was dictated by how many miles one flew, but nowadays, it's usually how much one spends on tickets.

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Yes, A45 is a very good number. No worries. There may be 44 people ahead of you but probably less.

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Who should do it? A ticket upgrade may make sense if any of the following are true: You like the idea of boarding the plane quickly so you can choose your preferred seat and are guaranteed an A1 through A15 boarding position. You want to maximize the Rapid Rewards points that you earn.

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However, even in general boarding, there are clear queues: Group 5 (Preferred Boarding): Passengers in Main Cabin Extra seats (not on Basic Economy tickets), AAdvantage members who accrue 15,000 Loyalty Points (milestone benefit), and select AAdvantage co-brand card holders.

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All Customers traveling on a multi-passenger reservation with a Tier Member (A-List or A-List Preferred) booked on the same reservation will receive reserved sequential boarding positions directly behind the Tier Member.

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Customers can add EarlyBird Check-In to their reservation up to 36 hours prior to a flight's scheduled departure. Upgraded Boarding guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position and, when available, can be added to a reservation up to 30 minutes before a flight's scheduled departure.

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Officially, Southwest has no policy for or against seat saving, and in practice actively allows it. Reps will even suggest that passengers save seats for later boarding companions.

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C 1-60: This is the group you will most likely get if you don't check in right on time. While the C group isn't a guaranteed middle seat, the chances are pretty high that you won't be sitting in the ideal spot.

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