Southwest Airlines Boarding Process

Southwest Airlines Boarding Process

Southwest Airlines uses an open seating style and has a distinctive boarding procedure. At check-in, travelers are given a position number (1–60) and a boarding group (A, B, or C) rather than assigned seats, which dictates the sequence in which they board. The order in which groups are called is A first, then B and C. Company Priority boarding is usually given to A-List members and select passengers in Group A. Once on board, travelers are free to select any seat that is available. Between Groups A and B, families with small children and travelers in need of special help are permitted to board. A better place in line can be obtained by getting to the entrance early. During boarding, this system encourages efficiency and adaptability.