Is Southwest boarding group random?

You will be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check in. Your unique group and position combination (for example: A35) will be displayed on your boarding pass and represents a reserved spot in the boarding group at the gate.



Southwest Airlines does not use a random boarding process; instead, it utilizes a unique, sequential system based on when a passenger checks in. Boarding positions (A, B, or C followed by a number from 1–60) are generally assigned on a first-come, first-served basis starting exactly 24 hours before the flight's departure. However, several factors can "jump" a passenger ahead in the sequence, making it far from random. Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members, as well as those who purchase "Business Select" fares, are automatically assigned the earliest positions (A1–A15). Additionally, passengers who pay for "EarlyBird Check-In" are automatically checked in by the system 36 hours before departure, typically securing an "A" or early "B" group spot. Families with children aged six or younger and military members are also permitted to board between groups A and B. Because Southwest does not have assigned seating, your boarding position is the most critical factor in determining whether you get a window, aisle, or the dreaded middle seat, which is why the 24-hour check-in window is so vital for savvy travelers.

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If you check in exactly 24 hours ahead of time, you'll usually end up somewhere in the B group. If you have a B group boarding position, the chances are good that you'll still be able to get a window or aisle seat or find 2 seats together if you're traveling with a companion.

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For one thing, most airlines determine boarding groups based on ticketing class (first, business, economy or basic economy).

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However, they can see what boarding group you are in when they look up your reservation. If you try to board with a boarding group that is not your own, the gate agent will ask to see your boarding pass and may ask you to step aside while they verify that you are in the correct boarding group.

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Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. There should be enough open seats to enable the child to sit next to at least one accompanying adult.

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In an effort to avoid the Boarding Group C, Southwest recommends checking in right at 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, as the boarding position is assigned by the check-in time. If you happen to miss the early hours of the check-in window, passengers can purchase an upgraded boarding position.

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The most common reason for denied boarding is overbooking. This is when airlines sell more tickets than there are seats on the aircraft. The reason for this common practice is so-called 'no-shows'.

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How to get Southwest priority boarding
  1. Purchase EarlyBird Check-In.
  2. Purchase Upgraded Boarding.
  3. Book the right fare class.
  4. Carry select Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
  5. Reach elite status with Southwest.
  6. Travel as a family.
  7. Use your military benefits.


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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).

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Purchase a Business Select fare or upgrade to Business Select: Customers who purchase a Business Select fare will get guaranteed A1-A15 boarding. If a Customer did not originally purchase a Business Select fare but wants guaranteed A1-A15 boarding, they can upgrade their flight to Business Select.

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As such, we do not publish flight loads. If for any reason you're uncomfortable traveling in the current environment and would like to discuss the flight load of your upcoming flight, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our Customer Service Department via any of the options below. Email here.

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Overselling a flight can occur because of weight restrictions and aircraft type changes. We don't overbook as part of our philosophy of Customer-friendly policies. Will I be compensated for an oversold flight? When appropriate, we'll offer compensation when a flight is in an oversale situation.

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Passengers can inquire about overbooking by contacting their respective airlines or using apps that show available seats per cabin. If your flight is overbooked, airlines will usually ask for volunteers to give up their seats and offer compensation in return.

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When a flight has more passengers who are ready to fly than there are seats available, airlines must first ask passengers to give up their seats voluntarily, in exchange for compensation, before bumping anyone involuntarily. Airlines may offer passengers incentives, such as money or vouchers, to volunteer.

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These restrictions include, but are not limited to, your reservation must be booked 36 hours prior to scheduled departure, and on Group Travel itineraries, priority boarding will only apply to A-List and A-List Preferred Members.

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Customers who purchase an Anytime fare will automatically be checked in to their flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure—that's 12 hours before our traditional 24-hour check-in. You will receive an earlier boarding position, improved seat selection, and earlier access to overhead bins.

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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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Southwest Airlines has long argued that its unassigned seating policy is popular with passengers and facilitates speedier boarding. That means planes spend less time at the gate and more time in the air generating Southwest money. Over the years, the airline has tinkered with the no-system boarding system.

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