You'll be assigned a boarding group (either A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check-in, which determines your boarding order. Once on board, you choose your seat. If you're last to board, you likely won't get to sit with your family.
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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.
When Does Boarding Start? Boarding for domestic and international flights usually begins thirty minutes to one hour before scheduled departure, beginning with first-class and business passengers. Be sure to check the scheduled departure for your flight on the airport screens.
2. On Southwest it is an open seating policy meaning you can sit in any open seat. With B1 you should have no problem getting a window or aisle at mid cabin or towards the back of the plane. B1 is not bad as there would be pre boarders, family boarders and up to 60 people (from A group) in front of you.
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.
Pay for it out of pocket. As we mentioned, the easiest way to get priority boarding with American Airlines is to fly in a premium cabin. First class passengers board in Group 1; business class passengers board in Groups 1 and 2; and premium economy passengers board in Group 4.
Group 4 is considered priority boarding on American Airlines. Eligible passengers include elite flyers holder AA Gold or Oneworld Ruby status, as well as AirPass travelers, premium economy ticket holders, travelers who bought priority boarding and eligible corporate travelers.
Does Southwest EarlyBird Check-in guarantee you Zone A boarding? Those assigned Zone A (listed on your boarding pass) are the first group of passengers to board the plane, but EarlyBird DOES NOT guarantee you Zone A boarding.
A Southwest boarding group (either A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be assigned to you at check-in and it'll be printed on your boarding pass. Group A boards first, then group B, and afterwards group C. If you end up with A1, then it's your lucky day — you'll likely get to be the first passenger on the plane.
If you check in first, there's a higher chance of getting squished into the middle seat or being near the bathrooms (ahh, the smells, the sounds, the foot traffic). For those planning to travel in Europe on a low-cost airline like Ryanair, there is a definite advantage to checking in later.
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.
If you missed your flight due to traffic, the airline may label you as a no show and cancel your entire itinerary. This is why it is important to call ahead and see if you can be rebooked on another flight so that you can still fly. Chances are, you will need to pay the rebooking fee.
Most flights start boarding 30 - 50 minutes before scheduled departure, but the exact time depends on your destination and plane. Boarding ends 15 minutes before departure. If you're not on board, we may reassign your seat to another passenger. You will not be allowed to board once the doors close.