What is Southwest priority boarding?

What is Southwest priority boarding? Southwest priority boarding allows you to snag a more favorable boarding position. There are two ways you can onboard a Southwest plane earlier than others: EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding.



As of early 2026, Southwest Airlines has moved away from its historic "open seating" model and officially transitioned to assigned seating. With this change, the concept of "Priority Boarding" has replaced what was previously known as "Upgraded Boarding." Priority Boarding is a paid service that allows passengers to board ahead of the standard boarding groups (Groups 1–8). This perk is automatically included for those who purchase Choice Extra fares or hold top-tier A-List Preferred elite status. For all other passengers, including those on Basic or Choice fares, Priority Boarding can be purchased starting 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, provided there is availability. This benefit is highly valued because it ensures early access to overhead bin space and allows passengers to settle into their pre-assigned seats before the cabin becomes crowded. Unlike the old system, where boarding position determined your seat, Priority Boarding now focuses solely on the convenience of being the first on the aircraft. Additionally, all Southwest branded credit cards now include a specific number of "Priority Boarding" passes as an annual benefit to help cardmembers avoid the standard fees.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

Preboarding is available for Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.

MORE DETAILS

When a Customer requests to preboard, our Employees will ask 1) do you need assistance boarding the aircraft? and/or 2) do you have a specific seating need to accommodate your disability?

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Who should do it? A ticket upgrade may make sense if any of the following are true: You like the idea of boarding the plane quickly so you can choose your preferred seat and are guaranteed an A1 through A15 boarding position. You want to maximize the Rapid Rewards points that you earn.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Priority boarding – First class is the first group of passengers to get on and off the plane. Instead of waiting in long lines with other travelers, first-class passengers receive priority boarding that allows them to get to their seats faster.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Southwest allows preboarding only for customers who 1) need a specific seat on the plane, or 2) need assistance boarding the plane. If you find that having a specific seat helps with your anxiety, that would be a way for you to preboard.

MORE DETAILS

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. Business Select fares guarantee an A1-15 boarding position.

MORE DETAILS

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. Hot Tip: If you are in the B group (or even one of the first numbers in the C group), head to the back of the plane.

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

If you're looking for a more comfortable flight experience, then upgrading to A1 15 may be the right choice for you. It will give you priority boarding and access to the best seats in the plane, so if that's important to you then it could be worth it.

MORE DETAILS