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.

On Southwest Airlines, Family Boarding is available for up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger. This special boarding period occurs between the A and B groups, ensuring that families can find seats together before the majority of the plane boards. In 2026, while Southwest has transitioned toward assigned seating for flights departing after January 27, 2026, the concept of family priority remains relevant for those who did not pre-purchase seats or for flights still operating under the legacy "open seating" model. If you are an A-List or A-List Preferred member, you will likely board even earlier. For families with children older than six, Southwest recommends boarding in your assigned position or purchasing "EarlyBird Check-In" to ensure your group isn't split up. It is a peer-to-peer "pro-tip" to always have your child's age verified if they look older than six, though Southwest agents are typically quite accommodating to families during the boarding process.