How Does Southwest Group Boarding Work? A Simple Guide (2025–2026)

How Does Southwest Group Boarding Work? A Simple Guide (2025–2026)

Every airline has its own boarding system, but Southwest Airlines’ boarding process is unique. It has an open seating system where passengers are assigned differently from most airlines, as there are no assigned seats. It has an open seating system where you board in a group and pick any seat once you are on the plane. That means the earlier you board, the more choices you have.

When you check in, you are given a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number (1–60). This tells you when to line up at the gate. Passengers board in order, such as A1 boards first, then A2, and so on.

How Does Southwest Boarding Work?

Southwest’s boarding process is different from most airlines, and that’s what makes it stand out. Instead of assigning seats in advance, Southwest uses a system of boarding groups and positions, allowing passengers to choose their seats once they’re on the plane. The earlier you board, the more seat choices you’ll have. Understanding how this system works from check-in to group order can help you board faster and get the seat you want.

Check-In and Assignment of Boarding Group:

• You can check in starting 24 hours before your flight.
• At check-in via app, website, or kiosk, you receive a boarding group A, B, or C and a position number from 1 to 60+.
• Your boarding pass will clearly display this group and number, which governs when you are allowed to board.

Boarding Order and Flow:

• First, preboarding is offered to customers who need extra time or assistance.
• Then, boarding proceeds in group A (in ascending numerical order, like A1, A2, A3).
• Family boarding or special groups (like parents with a child age 6 or younger, or others needing assistance) board after Group A and before Group B.
• Group B (in numerical order).
• Group C (in numerical order).

Thus, your group (A, B, or C) plus your position number together determine the order in which you board.

Also Read: Southwest Airlines Review

Pick Any Open Seat:

• Southwest uses open seating as there are no assigned seats right now. Once you're on board, just choose any available seat. The earlier you board, the more options you’ll have.

Extra Options: EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding

• EarlyBird Check-In: It allows Southwest to automatically check you in before the standard 24-hour window (depending on availability), which often helps you secure a better boarding position.
• Upgraded Boarding: You can purchase a better boarding position (A1–A15), if seats are available, beginning 24 hours before the flight.

How Many Boarding Groups and Positions Are There?

• There are three boarding groups: A, B, and C.
• Within each group, there is a position number. These usually go from 1 to 60+, so your full boarding spot might look like A23, B15, or C47.
• Your boarding group and position number tell you when you’ll get on the plane. Lower numbers board earlier.

What’s Changing in Southwest’s Boarding System?

Assigned Seating Replaces Open Seating:

• Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest will formally adopt an assigned seating system. 
• Most passengers will select seats during booking, and they will no longer have to choose onboard.

New Boarding Groups:

• The old A/B/C boarding groups with position numbers (e.g., A16, B32) will be replaced by Groups 1 through 8.

Seat Selection Opens Early:

• Seat selection for flights on or after January 27, 2026, becomes available beginning July 29, 2025.

End of EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding:

• Once assigned seating is live, EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding will no longer be part of the boarding process.

New Family Boarding Policy:

• Under the new system, all the passengers on the same reservation will be placed in the same boarding group, and kids under 13 will be seated next to an adult.

New Seat Options and Cabin Layout

• On flights with assigned seating from Jan 27, 2026, onward, Southwest will offer three seat types: Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard.
• Extra Legroom seats will be in the exit rows and at the front of the cabin, giving you up to five extra inches of space compared to a Standard seat.
• Preferred seats have standard legroom but are located toward the front of the aircraft.
• Standard seats will cover the remaining cabin areas, typically toward the back.

Conclusion

Wondering how Southwest boarding works? Well, it’s different from other airlines. Right now, Southwest uses open seating, meaning you don’t get an assigned seat, but you simply choose any open seat when you board. So, how many boarding groups does Southwest have? Currently, there are three groups: A, B, and C, with positions 1 to 60+ in each.

If you're flying before 2026, the current Southwest boarding process still applies, so check in early and watch your boarding position. If you're flying after the change, you'll need to learn the new system so you’re ready.

Get Ready to Fly Smarter with Travelpodium

Visit Travelpodium today to book your Southwest trip, secure your spot, and fly confidently. Experience both the old and new boarding systems seamlessly with Travelpodium, no matter what group you’re in.