Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Tricks – Pick Your Favorite Spot

Planning your holiday travels can be stressful, but knowing the Southwest Airlines Seat Selection tricks can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're traveling for Christmas or New Year, getting the right seat matters for comfort and convenience. Southwest Airlines operates differently from many carriers, offering an open seating system rather than traditional assigned seats, but there are clever ways to maximize your seating experience.

From timing your boarding to understanding free versus paid seating options, here’s a detailed guide to help you secure your preferred spot. For immediate help booking or selecting seats, call +1-855-869-7071.

How Does Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Work?

Southwest Airlines uses an open seating policy, meaning passengers choose seats as they board rather than being assigned a specific one at purchase. However, you can still optimize your seating using these methods:

• Early Bird Check-In: This optional service automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, giving you a better boarding position.

• Boarding Groups: Passengers are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number. Earlier groups have the first pick of seats.

• Paid vs. Free Seats: While all seats are essentially free once you board, paying for Early Bird Check-In or upgraded seating can secure premium spots.

Tip: Families traveling together should aim for early boarding or consider purchasing Early Bird for stress-free seating. Call travel assistant for assistance with boarding tips and seat upgrades.

What Are the Differences Between Free and Paid Seats?

Southwest offers all passengers access to any available seat during boarding, but some options come with extra perks:

• Standard Seats (Free): All passengers can select from the remaining seats after boarding.

• Preferred/Extra-Legroom Seats (Paid): These include aisle and window seats with more legroom. Purchasing these seats ensures comfort, especially on long flights.

• Early Bird Check-In (Paid): Secures a better boarding position to pick your favorite free seat without stress.

Recommendation: For holiday travel when flights are crowded, securing a paid option like Early Bird or extra-legroom seats can make a big difference in comfort.

How to Choose Seats During Booking

Even with open seating, there are ways to improve your chances of sitting where you want:

1. Book Early: The earlier you book, the better your boarding position.

2. Add Early Bird Check-In: Automatically checks you in 36 hours prior to departure.

3. Select Paid Preferred Seats: During the booking process, opt for extra-legroom or aisle/window priority seats if desired.

Using these strategies gives you the flexibility to choose your seat without the stress of last-minute boarding. For live guidance, contact +1-855-869-7071.

How to Use the App or Website to Manage Your Seats

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to manage their seat options conveniently:

• Southwest Manage Booking Seat Selection: Log in to your account, view your upcoming flights, and select extra-legroom seats or add Early Bird Check-In.

• Mobile App Tips: Use the app to monitor your boarding position and see if seats become available that better fit your preferences.

• After Check-In: Check your boarding position; if your group hasn’t boarded yet, you may be able to move closer to your preferred seat.

These tools simplify the Southwest seat reservation process and help you make informed choices quickly.

Southwest Airlines Fare Types and Refund Amounts

Fare Type	Seat Selection / Boarding	Refund / Cancellation Policy	Extra Perks
Wanna Get Away	Open seating; first-come, first-served	Non-refundable; funds applied to future travel (Travel Credit)	No EarlyBird Check-In included; basic boarding
Wanna Get Away Plus	Open seating; first-come, first-served	Non-refundable; funds applied to future travel (Travel Credit)	EarlyBird Check-In available for purchase
Anytime	Priority boarding (A1-A15)	Refundable; full refund to original payment method	Earn more points; flexible travel
Business Select	Priority boarding (A1-A15)	Refundable; full refund to original payment method	Extra Rapid Rewards points, premium boarding
Extra-Legroom / Stretch	Assigned at purchase; additional fee	Depends on fare type purchased; non-refundable unless flight is canceled	More legroom, quicker exit
EarlyBird Check-In	Automatic early boarding; fee applies	Non-refundable; improves boarding position	Better seat choice without manual check-in

How Timing Affects Your Seat Choice

Boarding early can significantly affect your seat choice:

• Check-In Opens 24 Hours Before Departure: Be ready to check in early manually if you haven’t purchased Early Bird.

• Monitor Boarding Groups: Being in Group A or B ensures access to preferred seats, while Group C may require flexibility.

• Holiday Travel Tip: During peak seasons, extra-legroom and aisle/window seats disappear fast.

Call +1-855-869-7071 for professional advice on managing your boarding group and maximizing your seat options.

What Happens With Basic Economy or Similar Fares?

Southwest’s fare structure is straightforward, but some restrictions exist:

• Wanna Get Away: Standard fare with open seating. Paid options improve your boarding and seat choice.

• Business Select: Highest fare with automatic A1-A15 boarding, free Early Bird Check-In, and priority seating.

• Limitations: Lower fares may limit access to premium seats unless you pay for Early Bird Check-In or extra-legroom upgrades.

Pro Tip: For families or groups, it may be worth paying a small fee to guarantee seating together during Christmas travel.

How to Handle Seat Reassignments

Airlines may occasionally reassign seats due to operational reasons:

• Flight Changes: Connecting or rebooked flights may adjust your boarding position.

• Weight and Balance Requirements: Certain aircraft may require reassigning passengers to balance the plane.

• Tip for Families: Keep an eye on notifications via email or the Southwest app to stay informed.

For real-time assistance, especially during busy holiday travel, call +1-855-869-7071.

Ways to Avoid Seat Fees

While Southwest doesn’t charge traditional seat selection fees, there are ways to ensure you sit comfortably without extra cost:

• Check-In Early: The standard 24-hour check-in helps you grab the best available free seat.

• Travel in Groups: Boarding together increases the chance of sitting together.

• Monitor Seat Changes: Sometimes premium seats are released closer to departure, which you can snag for free.

Holiday Travel Deals and Christmas Flight Discounts

Traveling during the holiday season doesn’t have to be expensive. Airfare Policies has tips for securing major savings:

• Discounts Up to 50% Off: Some airlines, including Southwest, offer early holiday discounts.

• Flexible Booking Policies: Take advantage of no-change-fee policies to adjust plans if necessary.

• Compare Multiple Airlines: Look at fares across carriers to find the best mix of price and convenience.

We are an independent travel assistance agency, not officially affiliated with any airline, but here to help you with your travel queries and support you every step of the way. For expert guidance, call customer support.

Expert Tips for Families Traveling Together

• Board Early Together: Purchase Early Bird or choose Business Select fares for A1-A15 boarding.

• Coordinate Seats with Kids: Use the app to watch boarding numbers and secure adjacent seats.

• Extra-Legroom for Long Flights: Ensures comfort for children and adults alike.

Summary: Be Prepared and Enjoy the Holidays

Southwest Airlines Seat Selection can seem tricky at first, but understanding boarding groups, Early Bird Check-In, and premium seating options can transform your experience. Remember:

• Book early to secure boarding position.

• Consider paid options for preferred or extra-legroom seats.

• Monitor the app for seat changes and boarding updates.

• Families should strategize boarding together.

For assistance booking or optimizing your Southwest Airlines seat selection, call +1-855-869-7071. Happy holidays and safe travels!

Read More: Delta Airlines Seat Selection: How to Choose the Best Seat Every Time

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you pick your seat on Southwest Airlines? Southwest uses an open seating policy, so you cannot select a specific seat in advance like traditional airlines. Your seat is determined by your boarding group and position. Early check-in or paying for extra-legroom seats can improve your options.

2. What date will Southwest assign seats? Southwest does not assign seats in the traditional sense. Instead, seats are selected during boarding based on your boarding group and position. You can influence this by checking in online exactly 24 hours before your flight or using Early Bird Check-In.

3. Does checking in early get you a better seat on Southwest? Yes. Checking in online 24 hours before departure gives you a better boarding position, allowing access to preferred seats such as window, aisle, or extra-legroom spots. Early Bird Check-In automatically secures a higher boarding position for more comfort.

4. Which airline is better between Delta and Southwest? Both airlines have strengths. Delta offers assigned seating, loyalty perks, and premium services, while Southwest excels at flexible fares, free checked bags, and open seating. Choice depends on priorities: comfort and perks (Delta) versus flexibility and cost savings (Southwest).