Southwest has three boarding groups, A, B, and C, and each group has 60 'positions. ' Upon checking in, you'll be assigned one of these 180 positions, determining when you can board and choose your seat.

Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines officially transitioned from its famous "open seating" model to assigned seating, which fundamentally changed the boarding group structure. Passengers are now divided into Groups 1 through 8, plus a specific Priority Boarding group for those who purchased premium access. While the exact number of people in each group can vary based on the aircraft type (Boeing 737-700, 800, or MAX 8), each group typically contains roughly 20 to 25 passengers. This ensures a steady and organized flow onto the aircraft, preventing the "cattle-call" congestion of previous years. Group 1 and Group 2 are generally reserved for passengers who have purchased premium seats with extra legroom or hold high-tier Rapid Rewards status. All passengers on the same reservation are assigned to the same boarding group to keep families and travel companions together. Despite the move to assigned seats, the group system remains the primary way the airline manages cabin traffic and ensures that those who paid for early access can stow their carry-on bags first.