Southwest-operated flights have open seating. Once onboard, simply choose any available seat and stow your carryon items in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. When can I check in and receive my boarding pass?

Southwest Airlines is unique among major U.S. carriers because it does not assign seats; instead, it utilizes an "open seating" policy. When you check in for your flight (starting 24 hours before departure), you are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1 through 60). This determines the order in which you board the aircraft. Once you step onto the plane, you can choose any available seat in the cabin, from the very front row to the back. This system rewards those who check in early or purchase "EarlyBird Check-In" or "Business Select" fares, as they get higher priority. In 2026, Southwest continues to refine this process, though the core remains: the earlier you board, the more choice you have regarding window, aisle, or proximity to the exit. This "first-come, first-served" approach is often praised for its speed during the boarding process but can be stressful for families or groups who wish to sit together but receive disparate boarding positions, making early check-in or status perks essential for a preferred experience.