Choosing the right seat can make or break your flight experience, especially when flying with Southwest Airlines, where the Southwest Airlines Seat Selection system works differently from most carriers. Instead of pre-assigned seating, travelers board by groups and choose any open seat once onboard. That makes strategy, timing, and preparation essential—and knowing the system is the key to avoiding uncomfortable seats.
This guide explains how to avoid bad seats, compares strategies used by travelers on other airlines, highlights Black Friday flight and rebooking deals, and gives you practical recommendations throughout. If you need booking support or help securing a better boarding position, you can reach support at +1-855-869-7071.
Why Do Travelers Struggle With Bad Seats on Southwest?
Southwest’s open-seating approach is unique, and many travelers don’t understand how the process works until the day of travel. That confusion leads to:
Ending up in middle seats
Sitting far from family
Being stuck in noisy or cramped rows
Boarding last because check-in wasn’t done on time
Southwest isn't the only airline where seat comfort varies, but the lack of assigned seats makes these issues more common. Understanding the system—and using the right add-ons—helps you avoid the worst seats even during peak travel, holiday rushes, or Black Friday sale periods when the plane fills fast.
How Does the Southwest Boarding Order Really Work?
This is one of the most common questions from travelers trying to avoid undesirable seats. The answer is simple: boarding position determines everything.
Here is where Southwest boarding groups explained becomes crucial (use 1 of 5):
There are three groups: A, B, and C.
Each group has 60 positions (A1–A60, B1–B60, etc.).
The earlier your number, the more seat options are available.
Most travelers don’t realize that your position depends on when you check in—unless you purchase upgrades.
To improve your boarding spot:
Check in exactly 24 hours before departure
Buy EarlyBird if you want automatic check-in
Purchase Business Select for the earliest position
Use credit card perks that prioritize boarding
If you’re unsure how these groups affect your seat choice, or you need real-time help improving your boarding number, you can always call support at +1-855-869-7071.
What Is the Best Strategy to Get a Good Seat?
Avoiding bad seats begins with understanding How Southwest open seating works (use 1 of 5). Since no one is assigned a seat ahead of time, passengers pick whatever is open when they enter the aircraft.
Here’s how this impacts your options:
A-group passengers get first access to aisle or window spots
Late B-group passengers often take leftover windows
C-group passengers find mostly middle seats
Compared to other airlines like Delta, JetBlue, or Alaska—where you can pre-select seats—Southwest’s approach requires more timing and planning.
Tips to secure better seats:
Aim for seats 7–9 for best comfort
Avoid seats near the rear lavatory
Sit in the front for quicker exit
Choose exit-row seats for extra legroom
If you want personalized recommendations or help adjusting reservations, you can contact travel assistance.
What Are the Real Benefits of EarlyBird Check-In?
Some travelers debate whether EarlyBird is worth it. This is where Southwest EarlyBird Check-In benefits (use 1 of 5) matter.
EarlyBird Check-In provides:
Automatic check-in 36 hours before your flight
Earlier boarding position
Better chance for aisle, window, or exit-row seats
Reduced stress during peak travel seasons
EarlyBird doesn’t guarantee A-group, but it consistently places you ahead of manual check-ins.
When EarlyBird is recommended:
During Black Friday flight sales when flights fill quickly
During family trips
When traveling with seniors
On fully booked routes to vacation destinations
If you need to add EarlyBird to an existing booking or want to compare cost vs. benefit, reach support at +1-855-869-7071.
Which Seats Are Actually the Best on Southwest Flights?
Travelers often assume all seats are equal because there are no assigned selections, but that’s not the case. Understanding the Best seats on Southwest Airlines (use 1 of 5) helps you choose wisely.
Best overall seats:
Exit row (best legroom)
First 10 rows (faster deplaning)
Aisle seats for flexibility
Front window seats for scenery
Seats to avoid:
Last row (no recline)
Seats near lavatories (heavy foot traffic)
Middle seats in the rear (restricted space)
During Black Friday Deals, many travelers rebook for 40% off to secure better flight times and seat opportunities—so keep an eye on those promotions.
How Do Families Sit Together on Southwest Flights?
Many parents worry about finding seats together, which is why Southwest family boarding rules (use 1 of 5) matter a lot.
Southwest allows families with:
One child six or under
Two accompanying adults
Boarding after A-group but before B-group
This greatly improves the chances of sitting together without purchasing upgrades.
Family seating tips:
Use family boarding even if you checked in late
Take a middle row for more open seats
Ask a flight attendant for help when the cabin is filling
Avoid exit rows (children aren't allowed)
If you need to rebook or modify a family itinerary, you can always call support at +1-855-869-7071.
How to Call Southwest for Help Reserving Better Seats
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer support
Seat issues, check-in problems, and boarding position questions often require personalized support. If you need help adjusting bookings, adding EarlyBird, or understanding your boarding group, you can reach travel assistance at the helpdesk.
Southwest Airlines phone number for support
When flights are full—especially during holiday sales and Black Friday events—calling a support specialist can help you rebook, change flights, or secure priority boarding. For immediate help, dial travel assistance.
Speak to Southwest Airlines support for seating help
If you’re trying to sit together with family, traveling with elderly passengers, or need a faster boarding position, speaking with a professional can make the process much easier. Call the helpline number anytime.
Quick Breakdown: Comparing Southwest to Other Airlines for Seat Comfort
Southwest differs from competitors in several ways:
Southwest:
Open seating
Boarding groups determine everything
No assigned seats
EarlyBird and Business Select are essential upgrades
Other airlines (Delta, United, JetBlue):
Pre-assigned seats
You can pay directly for extra-legroom seats
Families often receive auto-seat placement
Some airlines offer seat map previews
If you prefer more control, you’ll need to be strategic on Southwest—especially when flights are busy during Black Friday promotions and holiday travel spikes.
Black Friday Rebooking Deals Tip
During Black Friday, many airlines offer up to 40% off rebooking options, allowing travelers to switch to less crowded flights or better schedules. Southwest often participates in holiday sales, making it easier to secure an earlier departure time and, therefore, a better boarding number.
If you're planning to adjust your itinerary during the sale period, consider calling +1-855-869-7071 for assistance.
For a deeper look at the savings side, you can also check out Does Frontier Airlines Flight Change Actually Save You Money?
FAQs
Below are real-user questions designed for SEO and Google AI Overviews.
How early should I check in to avoid bad seats?Exactly 24 hours before departure unless you added EarlyBird Check-In.
Are exit-row seats worth trying for on Southwest?Yes—these are among the Best seats on Southwest Airlines (use 2 of 5) due to extra legroom.
Does open seating mean I’ll always sit in a middle seat?Not if you understand How Southwest open seating works (use 2 of 5) and check in early.
How do the boarding groups really work?Understanding Southwest boarding groups explained (use 2 of 5) helps you see why early groups get better seats.
Is EarlyBird Check-In worth the extra cost?Many travelers say yes because Southwest EarlyBird Check-In benefits (use 2 of 5) improve boarding position.
Can families sit together easily?Most do by following Southwest family boarding rules (use 2 of 5).
Which seats should I avoid on Southwest?Rear rows, last row, and seats near lavatories.
Does Business Select guarantee the best seats?It guarantees early boarding, but seat choice depends on what is still open.
Can I rebook for a better seat during Black Friday?Yes, often with up to 40% off depending on promotions.
Where can I get real help with Southwest seating issues?You can call customer support for booking or boarding support.
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