So you're flying Southwest Airlines? First thing you should know: forget everything you thought you knew about airline seats. Southwest does things differently with their open seating policy, and honestly, it can be confusing at first. I remember my first time flying with them – I showed up at the gate completely unprepared and ended up in a middle seat near the bathroom. Not fun.
How Southwest's Open Seating Actually Works
Unlike most airlines, Southwest doesn't assign specific seats. Instead, you get a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). When your group is called, you line up in numerical order and choose any available seat. It's like musical chairs at 30,000 feet.
Real talk: Your boarding position makes or breaks your experience. A1 through A15? You'll have your pick of prime seats. C50? You're likely getting that middle seat nobody wants.
Southwest Airlines Seating Chart Layout Explained
Regardless of which Boeing 737 model you're on (they fly only 737s), the Southwest Airlines seating chart follows a similar layout:
- Rows 1-10: Front of plane (quickest exit after landing)
- Rows with exits: Extra legroom seats (typically rows 11-17)
- Overwing rows: Smaller windows (around rows 18-24)
- Last 10 rows: Near bathrooms and galley (can be noisy)
| Section | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Front Rows (1-5) | First to exit, less turbulence | Overhead bins fill fastest |
| Exit Rows (11-17) | Legroom! (34 inches vs standard 31) | No personal items under seat during takeoff |
| Middle Section | Quieter than rear galley | Middle seats galore |
| Back Rows (20+) | Overhead space availability | Bathroom traffic, galley noise |
Getting the Best Seat on Southwest Airlines
Here's what I've learned from flying Southwest 20+ times:
Priority Boarding Options That Actually Work
Southwest offers three ways to improve your boarding position:
| Option | Cost | How It Works | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| EarlyBird Check-In | $15-$25 each way | Automatically checks you in 36hr pre-flight | Usually gets A group |
| Upgraded Boarding | $30-$50 at gate | Secures A1-A15 if available | Best chance for prime seats |
| Business Select | Premium fare | Includes A1-15 boarding | Guaranteed early boarding |
My personal take? Upgraded Boarding is worth it for long flights when you really need that exit row. But for short hops, just set your alarm for exactly 24 hours before departure and check in promptly.
Pro tip: Use Southwest's mobile app for check-in – it's way faster than the website. I missed getting an A group position once because my laptop took 45 seconds to load the page. Never again.
Understanding Southwest's Different Aircraft Seat Maps
Not all Southwest planes are created equal. They operate three versions of the Boeing 737:
737-700 Seating Layout
- 143 seats total
- Rows 1-12: Standard seats
- Exit rows at 12ABC/12DEF
- Last row: 23
737-800 Seating Layout
- 175 seats total
- Slightly wider cabin
- Exit rows at 16 and 17
- Last row: 27
737 MAX 8 Seating Layout
- 175 seats
- Newest interiors with updated bins
- Exit rows at 13 and 14
- Last row: 27
Watch out: The Southwest Airlines seating chart for MAX 8 shows seats ABC on left, DEF on right – but the exit row windows don't line up perfectly with seats. I got stuck in 14F once thinking I'd have extra space, only to find the wall jutted out awkwardly.
Special Seating Situations
Traveling With Kids or Groups
Here's where Southwest's seating policy gets tricky for families. Families with children under 6 can board between A and B groups, but only:
- If you didn't get A boarding passes
- For children 6 and under only
- Maximum two adults per child
My sister learned this the hard way when traveling with her twins – they split up across the plane because she assumed "family boarding" meant all families. Nope.
Accessibility Needs
Southwest handles special needs seating differently than other airlines:
- Pre-boarding available for those needing extra time
- No assigned seats even for wheelchair users
- Flight attendants will help relocate passengers if needed
Southwest Airlines Seating Chart Controversies
Let's be honest – not everyone loves this system. The main complaints I hear:
"The cattle call boarding process stresses me out more than security lines." - Frequent Southwest flyer complaint on FlyerTalk
From my experience, the open seating works great if you:
- Travel alone or with one other person
- Don't mind middle seats
- Master the check-in timing
But for larger groups? It's a headache. I once saw a bachelorette party of eight get scattered throughout the plane because they didn't understand how boarding positions work.
FAQs: Southwest Seating Questions Travelers Actually Ask
Can I reserve a specific seat on Southwest Airlines?
No, and this trips up so many first-time Southwest flyers. There's no advance seat selection at all. Your seat is determined by when you board the plane.
Where are the best seats on a Southwest flight?
Exit rows (more legroom) or front rows (quick exit) are generally best. Avoid seats immediately in front of exit rows - they don't recline. Bulkhead seats lack under-seat storage.
How does Southwest assign boarding groups?
Boarding positions are assigned based on check-in time. Check in exactly 24 hours before departure for best positions. EarlyBird Check-In automates this process for a fee.
Are Southwest exit row seats free?
Yes! Unlike most airlines, Southwest doesn't charge for exit rows. But you must be physically capable and willing to assist in emergencies.
What happens if I need to sit with my children?
Family boarding occurs after A group. Children must be 6 or younger. For older kids, your best bet is EarlyBird Check-In to get higher boarding positions together.
Little-Known Seat Selection Hacks
After flying Southwest routes like Chicago-Midway to Denver more times than I can count, here are my unspoken rules:
- The "Secret Exit Row" Trick: On 737-800s, row 17 has even more legroom than row 16 but fewer people know this
- Left Side Advantage: ABC seats have slightly better window alignment than DEF seats
- Undesirable "Good" Seats: Row 1 windows don't have under-seat storage but people grab them anyway
- Quiet Zone: Rows 7-14 are usually quietest on most flights
Weird but true: Southwest flight attendants have told me row 10 on 737-700s has fractionally more legroom due to how the galley wall curves. Every inch counts!
How Southwest's Seating Compares to Other Airlines
Honestly, whether you'll prefer Southwest's approach depends entirely on your travel style:
| Airlines | Seating Method | Best For | Worst For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Open seating | Solo travelers, flexible people | Large groups, control seekers |
| Delta/United | Assigned seats | Families, planners | Last-minute flyers |
| Spirit/Frontier | Paid assignments | Budget-focused travelers | Tall passengers |
Final Thoughts on Navigating Southwest's Seating
Mastering the Southwest Airlines seating chart isn't rocket science, but it does require strategy. What I've learned:
- The Southwest Airlines seating chart system rewards early planners
- $25 for EarlyBird often saves more than $25 in frustration
- Always check aircraft type – legroom varies between models
- Download the app and check in EXACTLY at 24-hour mark
At the end of the day, I both love and hate Southwest's approach. When you get that A1 spot and snag an exit row with nobody beside you? Glorious. When you're C57 and stuck in a middle seat between two snorers? Pure misery. But understanding exactly how that Southwest Airlines seating chart works gives you way better odds of coming out ahead.
Just don't forget to smile at the gate agent – they've seen grown adults nearly come to blows over boarding positions. Trust me, I've witnessed it at Dallas Love Field more than once!