At Southwest, we let you sit where you like. We don't assign seats on our flights, so feel free to sit in any available seat once you board the plane. We have a quick, easy, and efficient boarding process. Look at your boarding pass to find your assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and boarding position (1 - 60).

Southwest Airlines is unique in the 2026 aviation industry because it does not assign seats at all. Instead, they use an "Open Seating" model based on a Boarding Position. When you check in (exactly 24 hours before your flight), you are assigned a group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). When your group is called, you board the plane and sit in any available seat you like. This means if you are in the A-group, you can snag the front row or an exit row. In 2026, the most effective way to get a good seat is to use "EarlyBird Check-In," which automatically checks you in 36 hours before the flight for a fee (usually $15-$25), almost guaranteeing an A-group position. Another "pro" move is to purchase "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate to get positions A1-A15. While some travelers find the "Southwest Shuffle" stressful, others love the flexibility of choosing their seatmate and location. Note that in late 2025, Southwest began testing "Premium Assigned Seating" on a small number of routes, so always double-check your specific itinerary in 2026 to see if you are on a "Standard Open" or "Experimental Assigned" flight.