What is considered priority boarding on Southwest?

A-List and A-List Preferred members receive priority boarding for everyone booked on the same reservation as boarding positions get assigned to elite Rapid Rewards members 36 hours before departure — so you don't have to purchase EarlyBird Check-In separately.



On Southwest Airlines in 2026, "Priority Boarding" is defined by your position in the "A-List" or "Business Select" categories. Because Southwest uses an open-seating model without assigned seats, your boarding group (A, B, or C) and your number (1 through 60) determine your ability to pick a prime seat and find overhead bin space. True priority boarding is reserved for Business Select passengers, who are guaranteed a position between A1 and A15. Following them are the A-List Preferred and A-List members. If you did not book a premium fare or hold elite status, you can purchase "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate or through the app (starting 24 hours before flight) to secure an A1-A15 spot if any are still available. Another option is EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours early; while this doesn't guarantee an "A" position, it usually places you ahead of the general "C" group, effectively giving you "secondary priority" in the boarding process.

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All passengers flying in a premium cabin get priority boarding. But the group you'll be assigned to depends on which class of service you're flying. Passengers in the front cabin board with Group 1.

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Priority preboarding is available for Customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability, need assistance in boarding the aircraft, or who need to stow an assistive device. Customers who are traveling with assistance and emotional support animals qualify for preboarding.

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Airlines will typically assign the earliest boarding groups to passengers who are the most loyal. Previously, this was dictated by how many miles one flew, but nowadays, it's usually how much one spends on tickets.

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B boarding group: This is the next best boarding group to be in if you want the chance to select a seat you can live with. However, being near the beginning of the B group is a lot better than the end.

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If you need your carry-on bag during a long layover or prefer not to wait at a late-night baggage claim after a long day of flying, then purchasing a priority boarding upgrade may be well worth it. In essence, purchasing priority boarding is staking claim to readily accessible overhead bin space.

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Economy passengers, including those with basic economy fares, can purchase a priority boarding add-on to enter the plane with Group 4. You can't purchase this upgrade during the initial booking process, so you'll need to add it during check-in, online or at the airport.

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What are the Rapid Rewards Rules and Regulations? Rapid Rewards is a rewards program offered by Southwest Airlines® Co. for Southwest Airlines Customers.

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Re: Saving Seats Unfortunately, there's no policy to enforce. Officially, Southwest has no policy for or against seat saving, and in practice actively allows it. Reps will even suggest that passengers save seats for later boarding companions.

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If someone on your reservation has A-List status, Southwest will automatically reserve boarding positions for the entire group 36 hours before departure. Likewise, you can purchase Business Select fares to guarantee A1-A15 boarding positions -- but these fares are often rather pricey.

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Elite 20K, 50K, and 100K members all get priority (also known as Zone 1) boarding. But it's not just elite members who get to board earlier; if you paid a carry-on bag fee, you may get access to Zone 1 boarding, too.

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NOTE: EarlyBird Check-In should not be purchased (1) for Passengers on the same reservation as an A-List or an A-List Preferred Member as they will receive priority boarding or (2) Unaccompanied Minors since they will preboard the flight. Please review our Unaccompanied Minor Policies for more details.

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Southwest A-List status benefits. A-List is the lower of the two tiers of Southwest elite status. Benefits of A-List status include: Access to Fly By priority check-in and security access lanes (where available).

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Once selected and as available, Upgraded Boarding can be added to one or more flight segments in the itinerary. On Southwest.com, navigate to the “Check-In” window and enter the confirmation number. The Upgraded Boarding option is displayed below the flight's itinerary.

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Southwest follows an open seating style, meaning there are no assigned seats. 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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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.

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Better comfort. Not only does waiting to board let you bypass the often stressful and crowded lines (or 'gate lice' as one woman put it), doing so lets you enjoy more legroom, open seating, and less claustrophobia for a few minutes longer in the gate rather than the plane.

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Benefits Of Boarding Your Flight First With this, you will have better chances of getting good cabin space for your luggage over your seat. If you board in late, you might have to set your cabin luggage in spaces over others' designated seats that will only add to your deboarding time when you reach your destination.

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You will not be allowed to board once the doors close. To allow enough time, review our recommended arrival and check-in times before planning your travel day. Customers who need special assistance and families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.

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