Southwest Airlines does not operate like any other major airline.
That’s an intentional choice as the discount carrier has a unique boarding process that’s designed to be more democratic. Instead of selling seat assignments, Southwest has open seating.
When a passenger buys a ticket, that only entitles them to a seat, not a specific seat. Instead, they get a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number (between 1-60). There are ways to get an earlier boarding position, but most passengers have theirs assigned when they check in 24 hours before their flight.
Once you get to the airport, Southwest Airlines (LUV) – Get Free Report boards with a very specific system. First, it boards “pre-board” customers, people who need special assistance, then it boards Business Select, people holding the A 1-15 positions, followed by A 16-60, and then the B and C groups also in numeric order.
After people get on the plane, they can take any seat. That’s where a level of chaos kicks in for Southwest passengers.
Southwest has boarding policy problems
Many passengers are confused by the Southwest boarding system and look for an assigned seat once they get on the plane. In reality, all seats are first come, first served.
