Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular low-cost carriers in the U.S., offering many benefits to its customers, such as no baggage fees, no change or cancellation fees, and free snacks and drinks. However, Southwest also has a unique Check-in for Southwest Airlines and boarding process that can be confusing for first-time flyers or those who are used to other airlines. Here are some of the changes and tips that you need to know for your next Southwest flight.
How does Southwest check-in and boarding work?
Unlike other airlines, Southwest does not assign seats to its passengers. Instead, passengers are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a boarding position (1 to 60) based on several factors, such as the type of fare they purchased, their elite status, when they checked in, and if they have young children. The boarding group and position determine the order in which passengers can board the plane and choose any available seat.
The boarding process starts with pre-boarding, which is reserved for passengers with disabilities or special needs. Then, the A group is called, followed by the B and C groups. Within each group, passengers line up according to their boarding position, which is displayed on their boarding pass. For example, A1 will be the first to board, followed by A2, A3, and so on. Once on board, passengers can select any open seat, whether it is a window, aisle, or middle seat.
What are the changes to Southwest check-in and boarding?
Southwest has recently made some changes to its check-in and boarding process to enhance the customer experience and safety. Some of the changes are:
- Mobile boarding passes: Southwest now offers mobile boarding passes for all domestic flights, which means you can use your smartphone or tablet to check in and board your flight. You can access your mobile boarding pass through the Southwest app, the mobile website, or the confirmation email. You can also save it to your digital wallet or take a screenshot of it. To use your mobile boarding pass, you need to scan the QR code at the security checkpoint and at the boarding gate. You can also print your boarding pass at home or at the airport kiosk if you prefer a paper version.
- Touchless check-in: Southwest has introduced a touchless check-in option for customers who want to minimize contact with surfaces and staff. You can use the touchless check-in feature on the Southwest app or the mobile website, where you can enter your confirmation number and name, and receive your mobile boarding pass. You can also use the touchless check-in feature at the airport kiosk, where you can scan your confirmation email or mobile boarding pass, and print your boarding pass and baggage tags without touching the screen.
- Physical distancing: Southwest has implemented physical distancing measures at the airport and on board the aircraft to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. At the airport, you will see signs and floor markers to remind you to keep a safe distance from others. You will also notice that some seats and areas are blocked off or limited to ensure adequate spacing. On board the aircraft, Southwest has reduced the number of passengers per flight to allow more space between customers. Southwest has also extended its policy of keeping the middle seats open through November 30, 2023, except for customers traveling together.
- Face masks: Southwest requires all customers and employees to wear a face mask or covering over their nose and mouth at all times, except when eating or drinking. You can bring your own face mask or covering, or request one from a Southwest agent at the airport. Southwest also provides sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer for customers on board the aircraft. You can also bring your own wipes and sanitizer, as long as they comply with the TSA liquid rules.
How can you get the best Southwest boarding zone and seat?
If you want to get the best Southwest boarding zone and seat, you need to plan ahead and follow some tips and tricks. Here are some of the ways you can improve your chances of getting a good boarding position and seat:
- Purchase a Business Select fare: If you want to guarantee yourself a spot in the A1-A15 boarding group, you can purchase a Business Select fare, which is the most expensive fare option on Southwest. Business Select fares also include other perks, such as priority security lane access, a free drink coupon, and more Rapid Rewards points.
- Add EarlyBird Check-In to your reservation: If you want to avoid the hassle of checking in online exactly 24 hours before your flight, you can add EarlyBird Check-In to your reservation, which costs $15-$25 per person one-way. EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight and assigns you a boarding position. EarlyBird Check-In does not guarantee you an A group boarding position, but it does give you an advantage over those who check in manually.
- Buy an upgrade at the gate: If you want to try your luck at the gate, you can buy an upgrade to the A1-A15 boarding group, if available. The upgrade costs $30-$50 per person one-way, depending on the length of your flight. You can ask the gate agent if there are any upgrades available before boarding begins.
- Check in online as soon as possible: If you don’t want to pay extra for a better boarding position, you can check in online as soon as possible, which is 24 hours before your flight. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be. You can check in online through the Southwest website, the mobile app, or the mobile website. You can also set a reminder or an alarm to check in on time.
- Join the Rapid Rewards program and earn elite status: If you fly frequently with Southwest, you can join the Rapid Rewards program and earn points for every flight. You can also earn elite status, which gives you priority boarding and other benefits. There are two levels of elite status: A-List and A-List Preferred. A-List members get priority boarding in the A group after the A1-A15 group, priority check-in and security lane access, 25% more points per flight, and free same-day standby. A-List Preferred members get all the benefits of A-List, plus free inflight Wi-Fi and 100% more points per flight. You can earn A-List status by flying 25 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. You can earn A-List Preferred status by flying 50 qualifying one-way flights or earning 70,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.
- Travel with children under 6 years old: If you travel with children under 6 years old, you can take advantage of the family boarding option, which allows you to board after the A group and before the B group. This way, you can have more seat options and sit together with your family. However, if you already have an A group boarding position, you should board with your group instead of waiting for family boarding.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines Check-in has a different check-in and boarding process than other airlines, which can be confusing for some travelers. However, by knowing the changes and tips, you can make your Southwest flight more enjoyable and comfortable. Whether you want to pay extra for a better boarding position, check in online as soon as possible, or use your elite status or family boarding option, you can find the best way to get the seat you want on Southwest.
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