southwest seat assignment fee

Simple Flying

How does the southwest airlines boarding process work.

The major American carrier uniquely does not assign seats at all.

• Southwest Airlines' open seating policy improves boarding times, on-time departures, and cost savings.
• Passengers are assigned boarding positions based on fare status and check-in time.
• To get a better seat, consider purchasing a Business Select fare, buying upgraded boarding, or having Southwest Elite status.

Southwest Airlines adopts a unique approach to boarding that sets it apart from other carriers. Unlike traditional seat assignments, the Dallas-based airline employs an open seating policy, where passengers choose any available seat upon boarding the plane.

The open seating policy is credited with improving boarding times, contributing to on-time departures and cost savings, a benefit that Southwest claims translates into lower ticket prices for its customers . While boarding at the gate is organized, the process can become chaotic, with passengers moving back and forth on the aircraft, trying to find seats together. By understanding and leveraging this system, passengers can enjoy a more personalized and stress-free travel experience.

How Southwest assigns seats

On Southwest Airlines flights, people are assigned boarding positions in order of fare status and check-in. Higher fares and earlier check-in lead to better positions, and earlier boarding positions mean greater odds of getting their desired aircraft seat.

Every flight is organized into three boarding 'groups': A, B, and C. Each seat consists of a letter and number. Within these groups, passengers are assigned individual 'positions' numbered 1 through 60 (ranging from A1 to C60). When passengers board, they can choose any available seat remaining.

This usually means getting:

• Window seat closer to the front of the aircraft.
• Aisle seat closer to the front of the aircraft.

Pre-board is designated for passengers with disabilities or those requiring special assistance to board, which must be arranged before the boarding process.

If fewer than fifteen Business Select tickets are sold, the remaining spots from A1 to A15 become available twenty-four hours before departure for a nominal fee (Upgraded Boarding). Passengers provided they do so before boarding begins. Recently, Southwest Airlines has raised the price for its 'Upgraded Boarding' service . The fee has increased from up to $60 to a range between $30 and $80 per flight segment, effective May 15th, 2023.

What Is The Fastest Way To Get Everyone Onboard An Aircraft?

This usually means:

• Window seat in the rear of the aircraft
• Aisle seat in the rear of the aircraft
• Center seat in the front of the aircraft.

Regarding Early Bird Check-In, for a fee starting at $15, Southwest automatically checks you in before the standard 24-hour window (automatic check-in thirty-six hours before departure). This service simplifies the check-in process and almost guarantees an "A" boarding group position. It applies to all flight segments on your travel day, including connecting flights.

However, holding this status does not guarantee an A-boarding position. Within this group, the order is determined by:

• Which fare was purchased (more expensive fare means better position)
• When Early Bird Check-In was purchased (earlier means better position)

Being in the B group usually means a good chance of securing a window or aisle seat or finding two seats together if traveling with a companion.

• Center seat near the rear of the aircraft.

While being in this group doesn't automatically mean you'll be stuck in the middle seat, the likelihood is higher.

Boarding order

Upon arriving at the gate, passengers are advised to locate the boarding group assignment on their boarding pass, determining their position in the queue. They are encouraged to watch the monitors for their boarding group and listen to the gate agent's announcement to start boarding.

When their group is called, passengers are expected to join the line. The boarding order is the following:

• Pre-board & Business Select passengers
• A-list members, along with passengers who need extra time but are not eligible for pre-boarding, families (traveling with children six years old or younger), and active-duty military personnel.
• B group passengers
• C group passengers

Passengers arriving late after their boarding group has been called can board any time after their group, but seat selection may be limited. Early boarders have the first pick of window and aisle seats and overhead bin space for luggage. The arrangement for families and military personnel does not require pre-boarding arrangements, but customers with disabilities should arrange this beforehand.

Southwest Airlines is reportedly considering changes to its family boarding process, moving to allow children under 13, up from the current six years, to board earlier. Based on traveler reports and not officially confirmed by Southwest, this potential adjustment suggests families with children six and under may board during pre-boarding , ahead of general boarding.

How to get a better seat

To secure the best seat on a Southwest flight, consider purchasing a Business Select fare for guaranteed A1-15 boarding, buying upgraded boarding on travel day, having Southwest Elite status, or using a Southwest credit card for complimentary upgrades.

However, unlike other airlines, Southwest credit cards don't automatically grant priority boarding but offer reimbursements for expenses on upgraded boarding positions or EarlyBird Check-In. Download the Southwest App and log in to your account for a convenient check-in process that requires just a few taps on your phone and allows you to check in early, aiming for a better boarding position.

Additionally, prioritizing seats towards the back of the plane can be beneficial, especially for those in the B or early C boarding groups, as front seats tend to fill up first. Solo travelers in the C group might find better window or aisle seats at the back.

How Do Boarding Processes Differ At Major US Airlines?

Furthermore, flight attendants can assist in finding seats, especially near the middle or exit rows. While some passengers may reserve seats with their bags, asking politely can lead to getting a preferred spot. Prime seats at the front are up for grabs and can be claimed by any passenger, offering a chance for a great seat even with a later boarding number.

Continuously innovating

Southwest Airlines is testing new boarding methods , experimenting with dual-boarding and de-planing techniques, and using data science to optimize the process. The aim is to enhance efficiency without compromising a low-cost approach, with successful strategies possibly becoming permanent.

Southwest continually evaluates its boarding procedure to enhance customer experience. Updates and changes are communicated through Southwest's official channels, ensuring passengers are well-informed of any adjustments affecting the boarding process.

Despite these challenges, we can acknowledge the fairness of this boarding process, where early check-in increases the chance of securing a preferred seat without additional charges, contrasting this with airlines that charge for regular economy seating.

Southwest's boarding procedure emphasizes the importance of checking in early, considering upgrades for better boarding positions, and employing strategic seat selection tactics once onboard to enhance your travel experience.

Boarding efficiency is crucial for Southwest, as delays can impact its on-time performance and operational costs, where it seeks to maintain competitiveness and customer loyalty in the low-cost airline market.

What do you think about Southwest Airlines' boarding process? Let us know in the comments below.

Southwest Airlines

How to get seats together as a family on Southwest Airlines

Editor's Note

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

There's a lot for families to love about Southwest Airlines . Free checked bags can be a lifesaver and knowing you're eligible for free changes and cancellations is also a customer-friendly policy for whenever "life happens." The open-seating policy, though, can be stressful if you're traveling with children since there's no guarantee about where you'll sit.

While some airlines make it challenging to get free seat assignments with your family , Southwest's approach is quite different. In fact, Southwest does not assign seats in advance at all. While Southwest's open-seating policy is unusual compared to other U.S. airlines, it works to the advantage of some young families, especially if you are hoping to score a free open seat for your lap baby .

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

How does Southwest boarding work?

Before we get into specific seating strategies, here are some basics on how the Southwest boarding process works.

When you check in for your flight, you are assigned a boarding pass number in one of three groups based on the time you check in: A, B or C. The passes in each group are numbered from 1-60. Someone who checks in relatively early may be assigned A45, potentially the 45th person to board. Someone who doesn't check in until much later may end up with C15, or roughly the 135th person to board. However, the numbers aren't exact because some people get a chance to board early in the process, regardless of their assigned number.

If you have Southwest A-List status , purchase a Business Select fare or buy EarlyBird Check-In , you are automatically reserved a boarding slot before the 24-hour check-in mark. So, you'll board early on in the process. Otherwise, you are assigned your number based on when you check in for your flight. The highest available boarding slot at your time of check-in will go to you.

Related: 9 cool places you didn't know you could fly on Southwest

When it comes time to board, you will line up in order at signs for your respective boarding groups. There will be an A1-A30 line and an A31-A60 line. Once the A group starts boarding, the B group will begin lining up in the spots the A group previously occupied. You do need to (more or less) get in your actual numerical order. For example, if you have B25, you need to be toward the back of the B1-B30 line. It isn't as hard as it sounds, but it is a unique process. And yes, you may feel a bit like cattle.

Southwest offers Family Boarding after the A group but before the B group, for up to two adults traveling with children 6 and younger. This essentially allows families to "skip the line" if they were otherwise assigned a B or C boarding position.

Once you get on board, you can choose any seats that are still unoccupied. The better your boarding group and number, the more seats you will have to select from. This is relevant for everyone, but especially relevant if you are trying to get multiple seats together for your family. However, if the flight has through passengers from a previous flight, some seats will be occupied even when A1 boards.

Related: Best offer we've seen yet: Earn up to 100,000 bonus points with these Southwest cards

How to make sure your family sits together

Now, let's discuss a few things you can do to ensure that your family gets seats together when flying Southwest.

Purchase EarlyBird Check-In

With EarlyBird Check-In, you'll automatically get a spot in the boarding process 36 hours before the flight -- which is 12 hours before you'd otherwise be able to check in. Purchasing EarlyBird doesn't guarantee you'll get an A boarding spot, but you have an excellent chance.

EarlyBird Check-In is the easiest way to secure a good boarding spot, but it comes with an extra cost that ranges from $15-$25 per direction per person. This purchase is nonrefundable, even if you later cancel your reservation. So, you won't want to buy EarlyBird Check-In unless you're sure you'll take the trip.

However, note that several Southwest credit cards , including the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, reimburse you for up to two EarlyBird Check-Ins that you charge to your card each anniversary year.

Related: Why purchasing Southwest early boarding rarely makes sense for young families

Check in exactly 24 hours before departure

As we have noted, Southwest starts handing out most spots in the boarding process exactly 24 hours before the flight. If your boarding number matters to you, and you don't want to pay extra to secure a good spot, then it is crucial that you are at a computer or in the Southwest app precisely 24 hours before departure to check in your whole party. This will be the difference between you getting in the A group or the C group.

Remember, if you are using your Southwest Companion Pass to have a friend or family member fly with you for free (other than taxes), you'll have to check them in separately. Your companion will have a different confirmation number for their ticket, so make sure to check that person in at the 24-hour mark as well.

Related: Top 9 Southwest international destinations for families

Board during Family Boarding

If you have a child in your party who is 6 or under, you can board during Family Boarding after the A group regardless of your boarding pass position. Your young children and up to two adults can board during this time.

In theory, only 60 folks will have boarded ahead of you and about two-thirds of the plane should be empty if you board during Family Boarding. However, passengers on the flight's previous segment will also occupy some seats unless you're on the first flight of the day. Even so, you'll almost certainly find a few empty rows if you board during Family Boarding.

Related: Your guide to flying with kids of every age

Have A-List status or fly on a Business Select fare

If someone on your reservation has A-List status, Southwest will automatically reserve boarding positions for the entire group 36 hours before departure. Likewise, you can purchase Business Select fares to guarantee A1-A15 boarding positions -- but these fares are often rather pricey.

As such, neither of these solutions are practical for most families traveling on Southwest. However, families that fly Southwest often should consider holding one or more Southwest credit cards to make earning status a little easier. For example, with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, you'll earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent. Plus, those purchases count toward earning a Companion Pass , too.

Related: The ultimate guide to Southwest credit card eligibility

Pay for an Upgraded Boarding slot, if available

If there are unsold A1-A15 boarding slots (ones that typically go to those who pay higher Business Select fares), Southwest may offer them as Upgraded Boarding slots for $30-$50 each before the boarding process gets underway. This is a last-ditch way to board early if all other methods have failed.

Paying for upgraded boarding is an expensive solution unless you have the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card . After all, both of these cards will reimburse the cardholder for up to four Upgraded Boardings each card membership year. While I'd have to be pretty desperate to pay for this perk, it's a nice bonus when it's available at no cost to the cardholder.

There's no way to buy Upgraded Boarding until you're at the airport, so you'll need to inquire at the ticket counter or departure gate to see if there are options available. If you want to use one or more of your complimentary Upgraded Boardings from the Southwest Priority Card or Southwest Performance Business Card , you'll need to have your card available for the transaction. The charge is processed normally and then later reimbursed on your credit card statement.

Related: Why now is the best time to apply for Southwest Airlines credit cards

Book the first flight of the day

Southwest offers many continuation flights, so passengers from the previous segment may already occupy some seats on board when boarding begins. However, if you are on the first flight of the day for your aircraft, there will be no through passengers already on board.

Related: The difference between direct and nonstop flights

Bottom line

Some passengers love Southwest's open-seating policy, while others strongly dislike it. But love it or hate it, families can work around it. With young children, Family Boarding is a great (free) option. And for families with kids older than 6, checking in exactly 24 hours before departure should be sufficient. But if you don't want to "sweat the small stuff," paying the extra $15-$25 per person per direction for EarlyBird Check-In is an excellent way to ensure your family will sit together.

Finally, if you've had your eye on a new Southwest credit card , now is an excellent time to apply. After all, the following Southwest consumer cards are all offering a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 50,000 points after you spend $12,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

Best of all, these bonus points could help you earn the famous Southwest Companion Pass through the end of 2023 if you time your spending carefully . And with the Companion Pass, you'd only need to pay the taxes and fees on your companion's ticket when you fly together on Southwest.

Additional reporting by Becky Pokora.

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The Best Seats When Flying on Southwest Airlines [2024]

Katie Seemann

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Why Fly Southwest Airlines?

Southwest airlines boarding process, boeing 737-700, boeing 737-800, boeing 737 max 8, the best seats if you’re flying with young kids, the best seats for the most legroom, the best seats if you’re a nervous flyer, the best seats if you’ve got a short connection time, the best seats if you want an empty seat next to you, the best seats if you want to recline, the best seats if you’re traveling with a large group, the best seats if you’re sick, the best seats if you want your drinks first, final thoughts.

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Having the right seat on your flight can sometimes make or break your day (or trip). Unlike other airlines, Southwest has an open seating policy . That means you can choose any open seat on the plane once it’s your turn to board.

But if you aren’t a frequent flyer, how do you know which seat will be right for you? Here are some tips about choosing the best seat on Southwest Airlines so you’ll have the most comfortable flight possible.

Why would you even want to fly on Southwest Airlines anyway? There are a lot of reasons — here are just a few:

• 2 free checked bags
• No cancellation or change fees
• The Southwest Companion Pass
• Free inflight entertainment
• Lots of great destinations, including Hawaii and the Caribbean

Since the Southwest Airlines boarding process is a bit different than other airlines, let’s take a quick look at the basics.

You’ll board your Southwest flight based on a boarding group (A, B, or C) and boarding number (1 to 60). Once you’re on the plane, you can choose any open seat.

Your boarding position is based on a few factors:

• Check-in Time: Check-in begins 24 hours before your flight is due to depart; the earlier you check-in, the better your boarding position.
• Type of Ticket: Business Select tickets are automatically assigned an A1 to A15 boarding position.
• Elite Status: If you have  A-List or A-List Preferred status , you’ll be able to board before the B group regardless of your boarding position.
• EarlyBird Check-In: If you purchase EarlyBird Check-In , you will be automatically checked in up to 36 hours ahead of time for a better boarding position. Free EarlyBird Check-In comes as a perk with select Southwest credit cards .
• Upgraded Boarding: You can purchase Upgraded Boarding beginning 24 hours before departure, if available, which will get you an A1 to A15 boarding pass. Select Southwest credit cards come with free Upgraded Boarding passes.
• Preboarding: Travelers with disabilities, active-duty military members, and families traveling with children ages 6 and under can board between groups A and B if they do not receive an A boarding pass.

Hot Tip: While you might be inclined to always purchase EarlyBird Check-In , you won’t need it if you’re traveling with a child 6 years old or younger, have A-List or A-List Preferred status, have a Business Select or Anytime ticket, are active-duty military, have a disability, or are planning to purchase Upgraded Boarding.

Southwest Airlines Seat Configurations

Southwest Airlines flies only Boeing 737 planes . Currently, Southwest uses 3 types of 737: Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 737 MAX 8. A fourth type of plane, the Boeing 737 MAX 7, will be coming in the next couple of years to replace some of the older 737-700 planes.

The Boeing 737-700 has 143 seats, and it accounts for  60% of Southwest Airlines’ fleet. Each seat has a width of 17 inches and a pitch of 31 inches.

The slightly larger Boeing 737-800 has 175 seats, each with a width of 17 inches and a pitch of 32 to 33 inches.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes are the newest addition to the Southwest fleet. Each plane has 175 seats with a width of 17.8 inches and a pitch of 32 to 33 inches.

The Best Seats on Southwest Airlines

These tips have been collected from countless flights on Southwest Airlines. Keep in mind that since Southwest Airlines has open seating, a specific seat is never guaranteed — not even if you have an A1 boarding position. The flight could have passengers that are staying on the aircraft from the previous flight!

Flying with kids can be interesting. Even the most seasoned young travelers are prone to meltdowns and tantrums occasionally. If you’re flying with kids on Southwest , head to the back of the plane. You’ll want to do this for a few reasons.

• You’ll find the most empty seats in the back of the plane, so you’ll likely be able to find seats together. If you’re traveling with kids 6 and under, you’ll be able to utilize family boarding. Family boarding happens after the A group, so there shouldn’t be a need to purchase EarlyBird Check-In to guarantee seats together.
• Sitting in one of the very last rows will put you near the bathrooms and flight attendants. This can be crucial if you end up with a kid who’s sick, messy, or just “kind of” potty-trained.
• Most people with kids tend to end up near the back of the plane, so you’ll be among passengers who may be understanding if your toddler cries during the entire flight.

Everyone loves extra legroom on a flight and the good news is that Southwest offers more legroom than most other domestic carriers.

However, if you’re really tall , that still might not cut it. Sure, there’s more legroom in the bulkhead and exit rows , but there are 1 or 2 coveted seats on every Southwest flight that you’ll really want to find.

There is a window seat behind the exit row that doesn’t have any seat in front of it, giving you a ridiculous amount of legroom . It’ll be seat 12A on the Boeing 737-700, seats 16A and 16F on the Boeing 737-800, and seats 16A and 16F on the Boeing 737 MAX 8.

You need some luck to get this seat. Your chances are determined by your boarding position and the number of Business Select passengers ahead of you. Business Select passengers tend to be seasoned business travelers who know about this seat.

If you don’t have a Business Select ticket, but really want this seat, you may want to consider paying for Upgraded Boarding . Different from EarlyBird Check-In, an Upgraded Boarding position can be purchased at the gate or added at check-in if available. This will get you an A1-15 boarding pass and will give you a good chance at getting your desired seat.

These credit cards come with 4 Upgraded Boarding passes per year:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Performance Business Credit Card

If you’re not a fan of turbulence (and, really, who is) look for seats over the wings. These seats offer the smoothest ride. Additionally, seats toward the front of the plane will shield you from turbulence more than seats at the back of the plane, where you’ll feel any up-and-down bobbing more.

If you’ve got a short connection time, you’ll want to get off the plane as quickly as possible. The bulkhead seats (first row) will be your best bet . However, these seats tend to go pretty quickly. If you’re really short on time, you may want to consider paying to upgrade your boarding position. As mentioned, some Southwest credit cards come with free Upgraded Boarding passes.

If you choose the bulkhead, remember that you won’t be able to put a carry-on or personal item in front of you , so everything will need to be stored in the overhead bins.

If the bulkhead seats are already full, choose the first aisle seat you see.

Hot Tip: Looking for a great credit card that will earn tons of points? Check out our guide to the best credit cards for Southwest Airlines flyers .

There’s never a guarantee that you’ll have an empty seat next to you, but you can do your best to be one of the lucky ones if your flight isn’t full. After boarding, head towards the back of the plane, and grab a seat that’s about three-quarters of the way back .

Once the last people have boarded and are looking for an aisle or window seat, they have a tendency to go toward the back of the plane before admitting defeat and taking a middle seat. If you’re just a little way up from the very back, you stand your best chance of missing these people and ending up with an empty seat next to you.

If you’re looking forward to putting your seat back to take a little snooze on your flight, be sure to choose a row that can actually recline.

You’ll want to avoid the exit rows, the row in front of the exit row, plus the last row of seats on the airplane. These seats typically do not recline at all.

These rows may have limited or no recline on Southwest Airlines:

• Boeing 737-700 : Rows 10, 11, and 24
• Boeing 737-800 : Rows 13, 14, 15, and 30
• Boeing 737 MAX 8 : Rows 13, 14, 15, and 30

If you’re traveling with a large group and you all want to sit together, your best bet will be to head to the back of the plane . It’s probably not necessary to purchase EarlyBird Check-In as long as your whole party can remember to check in exactly 24 hours ahead of time. You’ll most likely end up with boarding positions in the B boarding group, which should be enough to get most of your group together.

Flying while you’re sick isn’t fun for anyone. While it’s best to stay home if you can, sometimes you have to get on a plane when you aren’t feeling your best. If this is the case, head for the last row of the plane. This way, you’ll be close to the bathroom and most of the passengers will face away from you, so you can be as discreet as possible.

However, if you have a tendency towards motion sickness , a seat over the wings will be your best bet to avoid as much turbulence as possible.

If you want to be the first to get a drink on your Southwest flight, you’ll want to choose your seat wisely. On a 737-700, choose rows 1, 9, or 17. On a 737-800 or 737 MAX 8, you’ll want to choose rows 1, 9, 16, or 23 for the fastest drink service.

Flying on Southwest Airlines can be great — you won’t have to pay to check your bags and you can change your flight with no penalty. Plus, you can choose any seat you want once you’re on the plane. While that might be a little confusing at first, once you know what you’re doing, it’s a great system.

Knowing what type of flyer you are can help guide you to the right seat. Once you know what works best for you, you’ll be boarding your flights like a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rows have the most legroom on southwest airlines.

If legroom is what you’re after, you’ll want to look for a seat in the first row (the bulkhead) of the aircraft or the exit rows. If you’re flying on a Boeing 737-700, the absolute most legroom is in seat 12A which is missing the seat in front of it. On a Boeing 737-800 or Boeing 737 MAX 8, the seats with the most legroom are 16A and 16F.

Can families sit together on Southwest?

Yes, if you’re traveling with young children you will be able to sit together. When you are traveling with a child 6 years old or younger, you’ll be able to use family boarding which takes place before the B group. This ensures you’ll be able to find seats together. If you aren’t traveling with young children, head to the back of the plane when you board for your best chances of finding seats together.

How do you get priority boarding on Southwest?

If you’d like a better boarding position on Southwest, there are a few ways to get it.

• You can purchase a Business Select ticket which will automatically come with an A1 to A15 boarding position.
• You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In which will automatically check you in up to 36 hours ahead of time (EarlyBird Check-In comes free with Anytime tickets).
• You can purchase an Upgraded Boarding position beginning 24 hours before departure if there are spaces available. This will give you an A1 to A15 boarding position.

Where should I sit on a Southwest flight?

The best place to sit on a Southwest flight depends on a few factors. If you want extra legroom, look for the bulkhead seats or exit row seats. If you want the best chance of having an empty seat next to you, head to the mid-back of the plane. If you’ve got a tight connection, stick to an aisle seat in the front of the plane.

What row on Southwest gets drinks first?

To get the fastest drink service on a Southwest Airlines flight, choose row 1, 9, or 17 on a 737-700, or choose row 1, 9, 16, or 23 on a 737-800 or 737 MAX 8.

What is the best seat on Southwest Airlines?

While the best seat can be subjective, seats with the most legroom are often the most coveted. These seats include the bulkhead seats (row 1), the exit row seats, and the window seats behind the exit row door (seat 12A on the Boeing 737-700 and seats 16A and 16F on the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8).

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Boarding Southwest Airlines: A Complete Guide to the Chaos

by Amanda Slutzky | Jul 25, 2023

Southwest Airlines is known for its unique, free-for-all boarding process that might be more reminiscent of the Hunger Games than what passengers are used to on other airlines. Instead of assigned seats, Southwest Airlines divide passengers into zones A, B, or C, split into boarding positions 1-30 and 31-60.

The unique boarding process involves passengers lining up by boarding position at the gate, then scrambling for any available seat once they’re on the plane.

For travelers who value flexibility and a more personalized in-flight experience, Southwest’s boarding process can be an attractive option. However, the process can be confusing and overwhelming for those who are unfamiliar with it. This guide will help you understand Southwest’s boarding order, how Southwest’s boarding process works, how to secure a favorable boarding position, and the logistics of the process so you can get the best seat even if you booked a Wanna Get Away fare .

In this post:

How Does Boarding on Southwest Airlines Work?

Unlike other airlines, Southwest does not assign seats to passengers at the time of booking.

Instead, passengers are assigned a boarding position when they check-in for their flight. During check-in for Southwest Airlines, you will receive a designated boarding group and position, ranging from A to C and 1 to 60 respectively. This information will be printed on your boarding pass.

The boarding process will start with Group A, followed by Group B, and then Group C. Each category has a range of numbers, and passengers are assigned a specific number within their category. This boarding position determines the order in which passengers board the aircraft and select their seats. 

During the boarding process, the gate agent will announce the boarding groups and their corresponding positions (e.g., Group A, positions 1-30). You should head to the gate area and stand between the numbered posts, or “boarding columns” as Southwest terms them, that correspond to your assigned boarding position.

Then, you board with your group when you’re called. Once you’re on the plane, you can choose any available seat and store your belongings in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Prepare for takeoff!

Of course, if your goal is to board the plane first, it’s smart to aim for boarding group A. However, if you end up boarding group C and position 60, you might have to settle for a middle seat in the back next to the toilet.

Pro-tip: Be ready to board when your group is called! Pay attention to the boarding announcements and be ready to board when your group is called. Unlike on other airlines, if you show up to board last minute, you will lose your boarding position and it’s unlikely your preferred seat will still be available when you’re on board.

What Is the Southwest Boarding Order

Southwest’s boarding order is based on the boarding positions assigned to passengers. The boarding order is as follows:

Pre-boarding : This is for passengers who need extra assistance, such as those with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, and families with young children.

Business Select : This is for passengers who have purchased a Business Select fare. These passengers are assigned the first boarding positions in the A group (A1-A15).

Upgraded Boarding : Passengers flying with Anytime, Wanna Get Away, or Wanna Get Away Plus fares have the ability to purchase Upgraded Boarding starting at $30 per segment based on availability. This will allow them to board A1-A15 as well.

Group A: After Business Select & Upgraded Boarding complete boarding, other passengers in Group A will have the opportunity to board (positions A16-A60).

Group B : Passengers with boarding positions B1-B60.

Group C: Passengers with boarding positions C1-C60.

How to Get Your Southwest Boarding Position

To get your Southwest boarding position, you can check in online or using the Southwest app starting exactly 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time.

You can use a mobile boarding pass, print your boarding pass at home, or get a boarding pass at the airport. If you forget to check in ahead of time, you will be assigned a boarding position at airport check-in.

How to Get the Best Seat on Southwest Airlines

Securing the prime seat on a Southwest flight boils down to nabbing a spot in the A1-15 boarding group. With this coveted position, passengers get first picks on seating. Southwest Airlines organizes passengers into boarding ‘zones’. These zones, labeled A, B, and C, are further split into two groups: positions 1 to 30 and 31 to 60. Once on board, passengers choose their seats. The allocation to a particular zone hinges on a variety of factors.

Ticket Type

Fare type impacts your boarding zone. Buying a Business Select fare gets you a spot in the ‘A’ zone, positions 1 to 15, allowing you to choose from more seat options. Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In with a Wanna Get Away fare auto-checks you in 36 hours before departure, but doesn’t guarantee an ‘A’ zone.

Elite Status

Regular passengers can earn A-List or A-List Preferred elite status by taking a certain number of flights or earning qualifying Southwest Rapid Reward points. Like EarlyBird Check-In, elite status holders auto-check-in 36 hours before the flight. The check-in sequence is Business Select, A-List Preferred, A-List, and then EarlyBird.

Southwest will automatically reserve boarding positions for all elite members of its Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program and their travel companions 36 hours prior to departure. See the complete terms for details.

Check-In Time

For less expensive fares like Wanna Get Away and for non-elite status passengers, zone assignment depends on check-in time. You can check-in up to 24 hours before departure. Earlier check-in usually means a better zone and position.

Traveling with Young Children

Families with children aged 6 or younger may board between the ‘A’ and ‘B’ zones. The policy applies to the whole family.

Get A Southwest Credit Card

Get a complimentary upgraded boarding position on Southwest by having the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card. This benefit allows you to receive up to four upgraded boardings to positions A1-A15 every year on your anniversary. The process for getting upgraded boarding is the same as for any other customer, requiring you to buy it at the ticket desk or gate on the day of travel, and it’s subject to availability.

You’ll receive a credit reimbursement for the cost, whether it’s $30 or $50. You can purchase all four upgraded boardings at once or for different flights, giving you the option to upgrade your seat once or enjoy the VIP treatment multiple times throughout the year.

Other Ways To Secure Better Seats On Southwest

If getting an A1-A15 boarding position is not necessarily your goal or isn’t feasible, you still have options to improve your chances in Southwest’s seating Hunger Games. Here are some tips on how to get your preferred seat on Southwest Airlines.

While purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or a Business Select fare is the easiest way to ensure you have a high Southwest boarding zone, if you don’t want to spend the money, there are other things you can do to improve your odds of boarding early and getting a blood seat.

Check-In Early (Set An Alert)

The earlier you check in for your flight, the better your chances of getting a good boarding position. Check in online or using the Southwest app exactly 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time.

For a good boarding zone, check in as close to 24 hours before your flight as possible. This is important if you didn’t opt for EarlyBird Check-In, a Business Select fare, or aren’t traveling with kids aged 6 or younger. Set alerts as reminders. Don’t forget return flight alerts and consider time zones when setting reminders.

Multiple Devices for Check-In

Traveling with others using Southwest Rapid Reward points means each person must check in separately. Have each passenger’s name and confirmation number ready. This also applies if checking in a companion using a Southwest Companion Pass. Use multiple devices for check-in. Keep personal information private. Check in on the Southwest website or by using the Southwest mobile app.

EarlyBird Check-In

EarlyBird boarding positions are assigned in the order of purchase. For an additional fee, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In from Southwest and they’ll automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time. While it might not get you into A1-A15, you’ll still have a great chance of having a higher boarding position.

Upgraded boarding can be purchased on the day of travel at the ticket desk or gate, or up to 24 hours before takeoff through Southwest’s website.

The cost of upgraded boarding varies depending on your itinerary, typically ranging from $30 to $50 per segment. Once the 24-hour check-in window begins, these positions are not assigned to regular ticket customers. Therefore, if there is a low number of elite flyers or Business Select passengers on the flight, there may be some A1-A15 positions available for purchase.

Seat Selection & Saving Seats

The first seats to fill up are usually at the front and aisle. While Southwest Airlines doesn’t have a policy on saving seats for passengers who board later, it can be controversial with other passengers. You’ll want to be considerate of this when selecting seats.

We regret any disappointment during the boarding process today. As you may know, all Southwest flights are open seating, and we don't have a specific policy for or against saving seats. We apologize for any frustration, and hope for smoother sailing in the future. -Hannah — Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) March 28, 2022

The Logistics of Boarding Southwest Flights

Boarding a Southwest flight can be a little chaotic, but there are some things you can do to make the process smoother for everyone on board. Your passengers and crew will thank you.

• Know which seats to choose: The best seats on Southwest Airlines are typically the exit rows and bulkhead seats. These seats offer more legroom and are located at the front of the aircraft.
• Move quickly down the aisle: Once you board the aircraft, move quickly down the aisle to find a seat. This will help keep the boarding process moving smoothly.
• Store your luggage quickly: If you have a carry-on bag, try to store it quickly to avoid blocking the aisle. 

Bottom Line

Southwest’s boarding process is different from other airlines and requires passengers to be aware of their assigned boarding position and boarding groups. While this process can provide passengers with the opportunity to select their desired seat and potentially improve their overall travel experience, its enjoyableness may vary depending on the individual traveler’s preferences and circumstances.

Some passengers may find Southwest’s boarding process stressful or chaotic, particularly if they are not familiar with the process or have specific seating requirements. Others may appreciate the flexibility and convenience that the process provides. Factors such as travel purpose, route, and time of day can also impact how Southwest’s boarding process goes.

Regardless of how you feel about Southwest’s boarding process, if you find yourself flying the Luv carrier, understanding how boarding works and following the tips provided can help ensure a smoother boarding experience — and help you get the seat you want.

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I want to add Earlybird Check-In

EarlyBird Check-In® gives Customers the convenience of automatic check-in before our traditional 24-hour check-in, depending on availability. As an EarlyBird Check-In Customer, you'll have the benefit of an earlier boarding position, a better opportunity to select your preferred available seat, and earlier access to overhead bin storage for your carryon luggage.

Customers traveling on Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares can purchase EarlyBird Check-In up to 36 hours prior to a flight's scheduled local departure time, when it is available.

Priority boarding privileges are already included with the purchase of Business Select® fares and are a benefit of being a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred or A-List Member or a Passenger on a reservation that includes an A-List Preferred or A-List Member. EarlyBird Check-In is included with the purchase of an Anytime fare.

NOTE: EarlyBird Check-In should not be purchased (1) for Passengers on the same reservation as an A-List or an A-List Preferred Member as they will receive priority boarding or (2) Unaccompanied Minors since they will preboard the flight.

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Here’s what i love about southwest’s boarding policy - and what i don’t.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 5, 2013: A sign at a Southwest Airlines gate at San Francisco ... [+] International Airport informs passengers that for an additional fee they can upgrade their boarding positions. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

Last week, Southwest’s CEO Bob Jordan ignited a flurry of headlines when he suggested that the struggling airline could make changes to some of its long-standing policies in an attempt to increase ancillary revenue.

The company reported a $231 million loss in the first quarter of 2024, up from a $159 million loss in the same quarter last year. The airline is reportedly looking for new streams of revenue to boost earnings.

Southwest made clear that it would not change its industry-leading free bag policy, but it was less certain about other long-standing traditions - most notably, its unique open-seating policy.

That is, on Southwest, seats are not assigned prior to boarding. Customers receive a boarding group (A, B, or C) based on when they check in, and then sit wherever they want when they get on the plane. There is no first class or any other elevated class on Southwest (although you can pay extra to be in Group A boarding).

I’ve always thought Southwest’s open-boarding policy to be a cool idea, mostly because it’s novel and not seen elsewhere. But at the same time, there are drawbacks to the system.

As the airline considers doing away with the unique policy, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the open seating policy.

People line up based on boarding group numbers to board a Southwest Airlines flight at Oakland ... [+] International Airport (OAK) in Oakland, California, Southwest's boarding policy keeps things organized and reduces crowding at the gate by using numbered signs.

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Here are the things I like about Southwest’s boarding policy:

New, Novel Experience : Being able to board the plane and pick any available seat is a fun, new experience that you don’t get on other airlines.

More Organized Gate : Southwest does a great job of keeping the boarding area organized. Southwest assigns passengers a boarding group (A, B, or C) and then a number (typically 1 through 60) upon check in. At each gate, there are posts with numbers on them that correspond to the boarding numbers, lining up passengers in a neat, straight line. The organized posts/numbers tell passengers where to stand as they prepare to board, instead of having passengers bunch up around the gate in order to board ahead of others.

Spontaneous Seating : People don’t talk too much on the plane anymore, but there is a charm to selecting your seat on the fly - and thus, selecting who you will sit next to. If you do end up getting stuck in a middle seat (usually Group C boarding), at least you can lay eyes on who you will be sitting between before selecting the seat. There’s something to that, however superficial.

Here are the things I don’t like about Southwest’s boarding policy:

Stressful Check In : Southwest’s boarding policy requires you to be on the ball when check-in opens 24 hours prior to departure. If you’re late or forget to check in promptly, you’ll end up in Group C, and most likely in a less-desirable seat. I don’t particularly like this aspect, since we are all busy and don’t always have the ability to check in exactly when it opens. I much prefer the ability to select my seat when booking the ticket.

Prompt Gate Arrival : On other airlines, when you already have an assigned seat, you can run to get coffee or a snack while the plane is boarding, knowing that your pre-selected seat will be available, even if you’re the last person on the plane. With Southwest, you must be on the ball at boarding time, lined up and ready to go. If not, you will likely get the choice of the worst seats.

Harder for Groups : If you’re traveling with family or friends, it can be more difficult to find seats together, especially if you are in boarding group C.

Less Benefit for Frequent Fliers : Southwest has a frequent flier program, but the upside is limited due to the lack of premium seats or upgrade opportunities.

The End of an Era?

Looking back over my list, I think it might be better for Southwest to let the old ways die off and switch to a more traditional seating policy. When novelty is the best perk of a system, it might behoove the airline to pivot to something more practical.

A switch to something more akin to industry standard might help the airline attract more frequent fliers and business travelers, who appreciate the myriad of advance-booking options offered by other airlines.

That said, other airlines can also learn something from Southwest - namely, its organized boarding policy that reduces congestion at the gate.

Either way, we won’t know what Southwest will do until later this year. Jordan said the airline will have more updates later this year after its investor conference in September, at the earliest.

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You Can Now Upgrade Your Southwest Seat Online Before Your Flight — Here's How

It's a whole new world on Southwest.

Passengers flying Southwest Airlines can now upgrade their seats online ahead of their flight — for a fee.

The new option, which the airline first announced this spring as part of a series of upgrades to the flight experience , allows customers to improve their boarding number through Southwest's website or mobile app when checking in for a flight, according to the company . Upgraded boarding can only be purchased within 24 hours of a flight's departure time and sales end 30 minutes before departure.

The new feature was rolled out on Monday, a Southwest spokesperson confirmed to Travel + Leisure.

Previously, upgraded boarding had to be purchased at the airport.

"We announced our commitment in May to enhance our entire Customer Experience, from shopping and booking flights, to check-in, traveling onboard, and to the arrival at the destination," the spokesperson told T+L. "As part of this transformation, Customers now will be able to skip a line and go online to secure an Upgraded Boarding spot."

Customers who do purchase this feature, which starts at $30 per segment, receive a boarding assignment position from A1 to A15. They then become the first customers to board an aircraft and have first dibs on the seat they want as well as on overhead bin space.

While customers in all fare classes — including "Anytime," "Wanna Get Away," and the newest available " Wanna Get Away Plus " — are able to purchase this upgrade, it is already included with Business Select seats.

Beyond the upgraded boarding option, Southwest also offers an " EarlyBird Check-In ," which will automatically check customers in for their flight before the typical 24-hour check-in period, also ensuring a more desirable boarding slot. This option, which starts at $15 per one-way flight, can be purchased up to 36 hours before a flight's scheduled departure.

Southwest doesn't assign seats and offers "open seating," instead assigning travelers a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position (1 through 60 or more) when they check in, according to the airline .

In addition to moving the upgraded boarding process online, Southwest plans to install other modern amenities like USB A and USB C power ports at every seat and larger overhead bins, as well as upgrade its Wi-Fi.

Currently, Southwest has put fall and winter tickets on sale starting as low as $59 each way. The sale, which must be booked by 11:59 p.m. CT on Aug. 26, is good for travel on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from Sept. 6 through Feb. 15, 2023.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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You are awarded at least 6 points for every dollar spent on our base fare. Use those points to book future travel.

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Get your money back if your plans change.

Get your boarding position automatically with EarlyBird Check-In®. 9 EarlyBird Check-In means you will automatically be checked in to your flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure. For Anytime fares purchased between 36 and 24 hours, the boarding position assignment process has begun so this may impact the boarding position assigned to you. If you purchase an Anytime fare within 24 hours of your flight’s scheduled departure, you will not receive the EarlyBird Check-In benefit. In an irregular operation situation, the boarding position is not guaranteed.

Enjoy early access to overhead bins and seats. Don’t forget to grab your boarding pass online, on the app, or at the airport. This benefit is included on the Anytime fare if purchased at least 36 hours from your time of departure.

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When you cancel, if you choose a Transferable Flight Credit TM , all Rapid Rewards members can give flight credits to a friend, co-worker, or loved one if they don’t have plans to use them. SWABIZ ® and SPS Customers with this benefit can transfer flight credits to other SWABIZ Customers within their company. GDS Customers will work with their Travel Agent who will conduct a transfer within that system.

Be one of the first to board with A1-A15 boarding.

Be one of the first to select your seat and find space for your carryon bags. The boarding position is guaranteed even if Business Select is purchased on your day of travel, and automatic check-in is included.

Change your flight at the last minute. 2 Priority and Express Lanes: Priority Lanes and Express Lanes, ( where available ), are designed to speed our Business Select and Anytime Customers, as well as A-List, and A-List Preferred Members, through check-in and security lines. Priority Lanes are at Southwest check-in counters, and Express Lanes are at security checkpoints.

Change to a different flight on your day of travel without additional airline charges if there are seats available with same-day confirmed change. If there are no seats available, you can get on the same-day standby list for a different flight through a Southwest Gate Agent or on the Southwest app or mobile web. Taxes and fare difference may apply but will be refunded.

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Enjoy free entertainment onboard. 5 --> Download the Southwest app to view movies and on-demand content. Inflight messaging only allows access to iMessage and WhatsApp. Apps must be downloaded before the flight. Available only on WiFi-enabled aircraft. May not be available for the full duration of flight. -->

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To help improve your airport experience, dedicated check-in and security lanes help you get to your gate faster. Check to see if these lanes are available at your airport here .

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You are awarded 6 points for every dollar spent on our base fare. Use those points to book future travel.

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You are awarded 12 points for every dollar spent on our base fare. That’s double what you earn with the Wanna Get Away fare. Use those points to book future travel.

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Two bags fly free ®1 First and second checked bags. Weight and size limits apply. A golf bag or skis in a container acceptable to Southwest ® can be substituted for one checked bag.

No change 2 or cancel fees 3 If you need to change an upcoming flight itinerary, you’ll only pay the difference in fare (if one applies). Failure to cancel a reservation at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited travel funds.​

Flight credit 4 Flight credits will be issued as long as the flight is canceled at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Flight credits don’t expire and are non-transferable. For travel booked with Rapid Rewards points: starting July 1, 2023 (12:00 a.m. CT), for Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus™ reward travel reservations (booked with points): If you do not cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before the flight’s original scheduled departure time, any points used for booking will be forfeited, along with any taxes and fees associated with your reward travel reservation.

Transferable Flight Credit ™5 Transferable Flight Credit™ will be issued as long as the flight is canceled at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Transferable Flight Credit can be transferred between Rapid Rewards® Members. Only one transfer is permitted. For bookings made through a Southwest® Business channel, there is a limitation to transfer only between employees within the organization. Transferable Flight Credits don’t expire. For travel booked with Rapid Rewards points: starting July 1, 2023 (12:00 a.m. CT), for Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus™ reward travel reservations (booked with points): If you do not cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before the flight’s original scheduled departure time, any points used for booking will be forfeited, along with any taxes and fees associated with your reward travel reservation.

Free same-day change/standby 6 Same-day change: On the day of travel, you can switch free of airline charges to another flight with space available departing on the same calendar day between the same origin airport and destination airport as your original flight. With the exception of A-List Preferred and A-List Members, Customers who purchase Wanna Get Away fares are not eligible for free same-day change. Same-day standby: You can list for same-day standby on an earlier flight via a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport or the Southwest app or mobile web. You will receive a message based on the contact preference selected during booking if you are cleared on the flight. For both same-day change and same-day standby, you must change your flight or request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight or the no-show policy will apply. If using the app or mobile web for standby, you must list your name 30 minutes ahead of scheduled departure. You will be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes but refunds will be provided. Your original boarding position is not guaranteed. Southwest Business Customers booked through travel agencies may need to see a Southwest agent at the airport for both a same-day change or standby listing. See southwest.com/standby for more details.

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Complimentary premium drink 10 Flights traveling 175 miles or less only serve water.​

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FILE - Southwest Airlines plane prepares to land at Midway International Airport, Feb. 12, 2023, in Chicago. Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, ratified a contract that includes pay raises totaling more than 33% over four years, as airline workers continue to benefit from the industry’s recovery since the pandemic. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

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DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines is studying changes to its quirky boarding and seating policies as it searches for ways to raise more revenue .

Airline officials say they are studying possible changes but won’t have anything to announce until September. That tease is leading to speculation about whether Southwest might ditch some longstanding traditions, including the practice of passengers picking their own seats only after they board a plane.

CEO Robert Jordan says he is proud of Southwest’s “product,” but it was developed when flights weren’t as full as they are today, and customers’ preferences change over time, prompting the “deep dive” into “transformational options” in boarding and seating.

“Early indications, both for our customers and for Southwest, look pretty darn interesting,” he told analysts and reporters Thursday.

Every other major U.S. airline sells first- or business-class seats with more room and amenities. They assign seats long before passengers arrive at the airport. And increasingly, they charge extra if economy-class passengers want to pick a particular seat, such as one in an exit row or near the front of the cabin.

Those policies generate significant “ancillary revenue.” Delta Air Lines took in $4.4 billion in “premium products” during the first quarter.

Southwest doesn’t have a first-class cabin or assigned seats. Passengers line up in the gate area in an order determined partly by who checked in first and – increasingly – who paid extra to move up in line . The lucky or high-paying ones get in the “A” boarding group, followed by the middling “B” crowd and finally the dreaded “C” group, whose unfortunate inhabitants usually wind up in a middle seat, maybe in the back of the plane.

Over the years, Southwest customers learned to check in online exactly 24 hours before departure to get the best shot at grabbing the seat they wanted. In 2009, the airline began charging an extra fee — called EarlyBird — to move up in the boarding line. The fee starts at $15 per flight but goes up when planes are full.

Jordan said any changes must generate significant new revenue and can’t slow down flights . Beyond that, he was deliberately and repeatedly vague, but executives did indicate that two possible changes have been ruled out already.

Ryan Green, Southwest’s chief commercial officer, said the airline won’t impose baggage charges — it’s the only U.S. carrier that lets passenger check one or two bags for free. He said Southwest also won’t install curtains like those that separate premium cabins from the economy-class section on other airlines.

Savanthi Syth, an airlines analyst with Raymond James Financial, said the lack of assigned seating is “a huge pain point for passengers,” although a shrinking contingent still likes it. Syth thinks passengers would prefer the ability to select a seat in advance to trying to get a better spot in the boarding line.

“More importantly, I think it opens you up to a greater pool of passengers that would not consider (Southwest) because of the stress of the current process,” she said. “This is particularly important now that Southwest has lost the differentiation of no change or cancellations fees.” Southwest’s closest rivals dropped change fees too during the pandemic.

Syth is less convinced that Southwest needs a first-class cabin, but she thinks adding extra-legroom seats could be attractive. “There are plenty of tall people who could use the extra space,” she said.

Southwest executives are frequently asked about changes in their policies around baggage, seating and first-class cabins. At an industry conference in November, Jordan said there was nothing in the works.

What changed?

Southwest’s financial results have become more dismal. The company reported Thursday that it lost $231 million in the first quarter, which was worse than analysts expected and a wider loss than a year ago.

The Dallas-based airline faces sharply rising labor costs — up 19% or $462 million from a year ago, and that was before flight attendants ratified a new contract with sharply higher wages. Spending on maintenance and airport fees are rising by double-digit percentages. And Southwest can’t add as many flights as it would like because a production crisis at Boeing means there are fewer new planes.

The company is freezing hiring other than critical positions, and it will take the rare step of pulling out of four airports in August to cut costs. Even with revenue rising on strong travel demand , the airline needs more to offset inflation.

The airline promises that whatever it decides, it won’t change Southwest’s unique character. That could be a tricky balancing act in the view of its many loyal customers. They must wait out the next several months.

“We are committed to a set of new strategic initiatives. I have hinted at boarding and seating and the cabin, and we’re going to share those with you at investor day” in September, Jordan told analysts.

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The Guide to Southwest Wanna Get Away Fares

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Table of Contents

Southwest ticket options at a glance

What is wanna get away on southwest airlines, how southwest seating and boarding works, how to book southwest wanna get away fares, is wanna get away the best value, is southwest wanna get away worth the savings, wanna get away fares recapped.

Southwest Wanna Get Away fares are the cheapest of the four Southwest fare types — but should you book them? Sure, you’ll save money, but the tradeoffs in not getting all the perks that the more expensive fare classes offer might not necessarily be worth it.

Here’s everything you need to know about Southwest Wanna Get Away fares, and how to decide if booking Southwest’s most affordable fare type is for you.

» Learn more : Why fly Southwest Airlines?

Southwest has four fare options:

Wanna Get Away: The cheapest fare — and the one with the fewest benefits.

Wanna Get Away Plus : Southwest’s newest fare, introduced in the first half of 2022.

Anytime: The formerly–sole middle fare, but now one of the better tiers.

Business Select: Southwest’s version of first class.

Although a Southwest Wanna Get Away fare can be cheaper, this fare type may have some drawbacks. For example, Wanna Get Away tickets aren’t refundable. Instead, they’re reusable because you'll receive a travel credit if you cancel your trip (luckily though, travel credits never expire). You'll also earn fewer Southwest Rapid Rewards points with this fare type.

Wanna Get Away is the cheapest Southwest fare class. But unlike the airlines with basic economy that don’t even let you bring a small suitcase for the overhead bin and refuse to even give you a flight credit for a canceled flight, Wanna Get Away is surprisingly consumer-friendly.

Here’s what you can expect when flying on a Wanna Get Away ticket:

You’ll earn 6 Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on airfare , rather than the 8, 10 or 12 Rapid Rewards points you can earn on other Southwest fares. However, the earning potential of just two, four or six extra points per dollar is pretty nominal, so we wouldn't recommend choosing a higher fare to earn more points. There are far better ways to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points .

You can cancel Wanna Get Away tickets without penalty as long as you do so at least 10 minutes before the flight’s scheduled departure time, but you’ll get a flight credit instead of a refund. Flight credits don't expire.

Wanna Get Away ticketed passengers aren’t eligible for same-day change or same-day standby benefits. If your travel plans change, you won’t be offered a seat on another same-day flight, if available. You also won’t be able to get on a waitlist for a same-day standby flight. These perks are available to travelers with Anytime and Business Select tickets.

There are no change fees as long as you make changes at least 10 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure time. This benefit applies to all Southwest fare types. If you buy a new ticket, you’ll be responsible for any price differences for the new fare.

You can bring two checked bags for free . All Southwest fares qualify for this perk.

» Learn more: Your guide to booking award flights on Southwest

When you purchase Southwest’s Wanna Get Away fare, you won’t receive a seat assignment. Unlike other U.S. airlines, Southwest has an unconventional boarding system. There’s no assigned seating, and you can’t choose your seat in advance. Instead, travelers select their seats after boarding the plane.

Your boarding group (A, B, C) and position (1-60) determine when you board the plane. Your boarding group and position are assigned at check-in, so the sooner you check in, the better position you get. You can check in for your flight starting 24 hours before departure time.

» Learn more: How to hack Southwest's boarding groups

If you don’t like the idea of getting on the plane later, you might purchase a Business Select fare. With Business Select, you’ll be guaranteed an A1 to A15 boarding position.

If Business Select is out of your budget, you might turn to Anytime, which gives you the slightly-less-good, but still useful, EarlyBird Check-In. With this, Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time.

Alternatively, you can buy EarlyBird Check-In separately for your Wanna Get Away fare. Prices vary by flight but are typically $15-$25 per person. You also receive two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year as a benefit of holding the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card .

If you’re a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred loyalty member, Southwest will automatically check you in for your flight 36 hours before departure.

on Chase's website

• 3 points per $1 on Southwest purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, on local transit and commuting (including rideshare) and on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming.

• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, on local transit and commuting (including rideshare, and on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming.

• 2 points per $1 on Southwest purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming.

• Reimbursement for 4 upgraded boardings, when available, each anniversary year.

• $75 Southwest travel credit each year.

• 7,500-point anniversary bonus each year.

Bonus offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Reimbursement for 2 EarlyBird check-ins each anniversary year.

• 6,000-point anniversary bonus each year.

• 3,000-point anniversary bonus each year.

How do you buy Wanna Get Away tickets?

Since Southwest doesn't allow online travel agencies or other online search tools, like Google Flights, to show their prices, you'll need to search for tickets on the Southwest website.

After you search, you'll see prices listed for all four fare types. You can view pricing in dollars or points. You can also use the search filters to find nonstop flights or flights at certain times of the day. Use the low-fare calendar to see the lowest available prices. Select the Wanna Get Away fare option and complete the check-out process to buy your tickets.

» Learn more: How to rebook and save when Southwest prices drop

If you're a traveler who appreciates a good deal and doesn't need special perks, Wanna Get Away fares may make sense for your travel style. They're often the best value because they still get you where you need to go at a lower price.

We compared Wanna Get Away fares with the three other Southwest fare types to determine which is best:

Southwest Wanna Get Away fare vs. Wanna Get Away Plus

Wanna Get Away Plus is Southwest’s newest fare class. While similar to Wanna Get Away, it does offer a couple benefits that can be significant if you value flexibility. Here’s why Wanna Get Away Plus might turn out better for you:

Higher points earning: As a Rapid Rewards program member, you earn 6 points per dollar spent on your Wanna Get Away Plus ticket. Wanna Get Away Plus fares earn rewards at a higher rate of 8 points per dollar.

Let’s say you’re spending $100 with Southwest. Given NerdWallet’s valuation of a Southwest point at 1.5 cents , you’d earn about $8 worth of points if that $100 went toward an Anytime ticket. You’d earn about $11 if that money went to buy a Wanna Get Away Plus fare.

Transferable flight credit: Assuming you and your buddy are both Southwest Rapid Rewards program members, you can transfer your unused flight credit to another traveler for future use. If you don’t intend to fly Southwest again, this can be a helpful benefit.

Same-day confirmed changes and standby list: If there’s an open seat on a different flight on the same calendar day as your original flight (and it’s between the same cities), you can book a confirmed seat on the new flight at no additional cost — even if that flight is more expensive.

» Learn more: The complete guide to the Southwest Rapid Rewards program

Southwest Wanna Get Away fare vs. Anytime fares

While the difference between Wanna Get Away versus Plus is relatively minor, you start to see some major changes when you upgrade to an Anytime fare. Among the reasons to opt for Anytime over Wanna Get Away: We found Wanna Get Away fares cost about 31% less on average than Anytime fares. The exact difference in price can vary significantly depending on your destination and travel dates.

Although Wanna Get Away fares can be significantly cheaper than Anytime fares, you should remember that Wanna Get Away tickets have some disadvantages. Here are the perks of paying for the higher-level ticket.

Higher points earning: As a Rapid Rewards program member, you earn 10 points per dollar spent on your Anytime ticket. Wanna Get Away fares earn rewards at a lower rate of 6 points per dollar.

Let’s say you’ve spent $100 with Southwest. Given NerdWallet’s valuation of a Southwest point at 1.5 cents , you’d earn about $14 worth of points if that $100 went toward an Anytime ticket. You’d earn about $8 if that money went to buy a Wanna Get Away fare.

Get your money back in cash: Sure, Southwest is generous in allowing you to cancel your flight and receive the money back in the form of Southwest travel funds. But with Anytime fares, Southwest is even more generous. Assuming you cancel at least 10 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time, you’ll get a full refund back to your original form of payment.

That’s likely far more convenient than tying up your money to an account that can only be used for a future Southwest flight.

Get same-day changes and standby list access: If you want to fly on an earlier flight going to the same destination, you can get on a standby list at no extra cost. Meanwhile, Wanna Get Away flyers must pay the fare difference for the privilege.

EarlyBird Check-In: For those of you who are anxious about checking in to your flight at the exact 24-hour mark in hopes of getting that coveted A boarding group (only to inevitably find you’re in a B or C boarding group), EarlyBird Check-In removes that stress. With EarlyBird Check-In , you’re automatically checked in to your flight 36 hours before the scheduled departure (assuming you also bought the fare at least 36 hours in advance). For the folks with Wanna Get Away fares, go ahead and accept that C or D boarding group.

Priority and Express Lane access: If your airport offers it, Anytime customers can access special lines at check-in and security lines. Priority Lanes mean you can skip the line to check bags or speak to an agent at Southwest check-in counters. Meanwhile, Express Lanes whisk you through security checkpoints.

Southwest Wanna Get Away fare vs. Southwest Business Select

Southwest Business Select is Southwest’s most expensive fare type. Though there’s no such thing as a business class cabin on Southwest, this fare is most akin to business or first class. Here’s what you’ll get when booking Business Select versus Wanna Get Away.

Higher points earning: Business Select fares receive a hefty 12 points per dollar spent on Southwest.

Going back to the example of spending $100 with Southwest, and accepting NerdWallet’s valuation of a Southwest point at 1.5 cents , you’d earn about $17 if that money went to buy a Business Select fare (as opposed to just about $8 on the Wanna Get Away fare).

The best boarding position: Business Select fares guaranteed a priority boarding position between A1 and A15. This boarding position gives you the best possible chance of getting that front, window seat (or whichever seat you love most) because of the airline's open seating policy.

A premium drink: If the free Sprite or Diet Coke isn’t good enough for you, turn to Business Select, which will offer you a free premium beverage (assuming your flight is at least 175 miles).

There’s no clear answer to whether Wanna Get Away is the best fare class, as it depends on not just the flight route but also your travel preferences. Sometimes the price difference is only $10 less, which might make the choice to upgrade easy. If the price difference is many hundreds of dollars less, then you’ve got some serious calculations to make.

Here’s a sample one-way flight from Las Vegas to Maui in December 2022. The parameters are as follows, taking into account a valuation of 1.5 cents per Rapid Rewards point, as per NerdWallet’s estimate.

Wanna Get Away Plus

Perhaps the toughest decision you’ll make when booking a Wanna Get Away fare is whether to upgrade to Plus which, in this example, is $30 more.

Accounting for the difference in value of points earned ($10) let’s consider Wanna Get Away to be $20 cheaper, assuming you’ll use those points anyway.

The big difference is that you can transfer your flight credits to someone else and you can make same-day changes if you purchase the Plus fare. If you might not fly Southwest again in your life and there’s a chance you’ll need to cancel your flight, then Plus is easily worth it to give your ticket’s value to someone else.

And if you want the flexibility to fly out early (say, you’re on a business trip but you’re not sure how early your meetings will end), then you might be able to get home sooner with no extra cost. For those folks, opt for Wanna Get Away Plus .

In this example, the price difference is over $450. Sure, you earn about $80 more worth of points, but you could also just get into a faster security lane by holding TSA PreCheck , which costs just $78 to apply for and is good for five years.

Considering you can buy EarlyBird Check-In separately as well, it might be better to just go a la carte. You can also get two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year when you hold the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card .

Unless you really value the ability to get a refund in cash versus Southwest travel funds (say, this is your only Southwest flight you ever intend to take, and there’s a high likelihood you’ll cancel it anyway), skip Anytime on this particular flight.

But realize that the price difference in this particular example is stark, and that’s not always the case. Sometimes Wanna Get Away fares are as little as $20 less, in which case Anytime’s upgrade could be far more valuable.

Business Select

A Business Select fare costs an even heftier $506 on this selected flight.

The extra earnings here are worth about $105 more though, which really leaves you with $400 in extra cost assuming you value the points like we do.

You will get nice benefits like an automatic spot in the A1 through A15 boarding group and an adult beverage. That can be really nice on a long flight to Hawaii — but you’ll have to decide if it’s $400-difference nice.

Southwest Wanna Get Away fares offer travelers an opportunity to save on travel costs. Southwest has no change or cancellation fees, and every passenger can check two bags for free. These extra perks are available to all Southwest passengers; even Wanna Get Away flyers. Just make sure you understand how refunds and ticket changes are handled with this fare type before you book.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Open seating no more? Southwest CEO says airline is weighing cabin changes

Southwest Airlines  is considering changes to its single-class, open-seating cabins to drive up revenue, CEO Bob Jordan told CNBC on Thursday, a shift that could be among the largest in the airline’s history.

“We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan said in an interview after the carrier’s  disappointing first-quarter report.

Southwest’s all- Boeing  737 fleet has a single economy class cabin and no seating assignments, though it does offer earlier boarding for a fee so customers can snag their preferred seats. The airline has focused on keeping its product simple and user-friendly for years, aiming to keep its own costs and complexity to a minimum.

Meanwhile, rivals including  Delta  and  United  have touted high revenue growth for premium seating such as business class and  strong upsell rates .

Analysts have repeatedly asked Southwest about opportunities for premium seating or additional fees. (The airline doesn’t charge travelers for their first two checked bags.)

Most U.S. airlines charge travelers to choose many of its seats in advance, even those that don’t come with extra legroom. Eight U.S. carriers —  Alaska ,  Allegiant ,  American , Delta,  Frontier ,  JetBlue ,  Spirit  and United — together brought in $4.2 billion from seating fees in their domestic networks in 2022, according to Jay Sorensen, an airline ancillary revenue expert at IdeaWorksCompany.

Jordan said no decisions have been made on what kind of changes Southwest will ultimately make, but he said studies have yielded “interesting” results.

“Customer preferences do change over time,” Jordan said.

While details were scarce during Southwest’s earnings call, when asked whether Southwest would consider a separated cabin on its planes, Ryan Green, the carrier’s chief commercial officer said: “Curtains and things like that are a bit far afield from what Southwest Airlines is.”

Green added that the carrier is not considering charging for checked bags because “people choose Southwest Airlines because we don’t have bag fees.”

— CNBC’s  Phil LeBeau  contributed to this report.

More from CNBC:

• Honda to build $11 billion electric vehicle hub in Canada
• Comcast beats earnings estimates even as it sheds more broadband subscribers
• American Airlines swings to a loss, but tops estimates for Q2 forecast

Southwest is considering implementing assigned seats, report says

(Gray News) – Flyers always expect seating to be first come, first serve on Southwest Airlines, but the company is considering making major changes to its seating arrangements.

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan told CNBC in an interview Thursday that the company is looking into “new initiatives,” including changes to seating and boarding.

Southwest has focused on keeping its seating simple and flyer-friendly for years, with a single-class cabin and no assigned seats. However, the airline does offer early boarding for a fee so flyers can secure their preferred seats.

To drive revenue, most other major airlines charge travelers to choose seats in advance, profiting off extra fees for window seats and other desirable spots.

Jordan told CNBC that no final decisions have been made for any changes to Southwest’s policy.

Even if seating arrangements change, Southwest flyers can rest assured that another popular airline perk won’t be going anywhere – free checked bags.

Southwest’s Chief Commercial Officer confirmed to CNBC that the airline will not consider charging for checked bags because “people choose Southwest Airlines because we don’t have bag fees.”

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Shady southwest passengers are abusing the preboarding process — and fellow flyers are furious.

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Southwest’s laissez-faire approach to preboarding is causing turbulence.

Rule-abiding frequent flyers are calling out unscrupulous passengers who take advantage of the Dallas-based airline’s laidback attitude toward travelers who “need a little extra time” when boarding — with the carrier suggesting there’s little they can do to stop the bad actors.

Because Southwest doesn’t assign seats , preboarders get the run of the cabin, and a growing number of people — who reportedly are allowed to merely “self-identify” as disabled — are abusing the policy designed to give families with small children, the disabled and elderly a leg up, eagle-eyed observers insist.

Steve Maziarka, a national account manager based near Chicago’s Midway airport, a Southwest hub, told the Wall Street Journal he counted approximately 30 preboarders in line on a holiday period flight last year. He reported seeing nearly as many on a Philadelphia to Chicago flight in February.

Every person in line meant Maziarka lost out on a prime seat he’d normally have access to. (Preboarders are prohibited from bagging sought after exit row seats.)

“People are taking advantage of the system,” says Maziarka, who has the airline’s top frequent-flier status. “It’s just gotten out of control.”

So out of control, in fact, that discussions on Reddit’s Southwest board have become heated to the point where moderators have repeatedly had to intervene, pleading for civility.

Because airlines can only pry so far into people’s personal situations, it’s difficult to prove that someone is preboarding under false pretenses.

This allows someone without scruples to use the longstanding policy to jump the line.

“Preboarding is offered to customers needing assistance for various reasons. We work hard to maintain the integrity of the boarding process while providing accommodations for all who fly,” followers of Southwest’s X feed will be used to hearing. “Since many disabilities aren’t visible, we’re unable to question the validity of preboarding requests.”

Spokesperson Chris Perry told the Journal that federal rules state all airlines are required to offer preboarding to any passenger self-identifying as disabled.

The outlet reported that the airline professes to ask a handful of questions to ensure that people qualify, but noted that the rep was unable to disclose details.

And even if the passenger runs into a skeptical gate agent, those who can’t get clearance to preboard are reportedly still allowed to join the family boarding group, which gets onto the plane after the A group.

The A group largely consists of frequent travelers and those who’ve paid extra fees for early boarding features.

Mike Worley, a fundraising exec who travels every week for work, told the Journal he has become less loyal to Southwest, upping his use of Delta Air Lines, partially due to the jetway jockeying.

On Delta, “you just never see preboarders go up to the counter en masse to get on,” he said.

While Worley’s status puts him in a good spot in Group A on Southwest, there are times he’s finding himself way too far back on the plane, he said.

“Ten or 12 rows back is 10 minutes to get off the plane,” the Charleston, S.C. traveler said. “That’s crucial time to me.”

Meanwhile, Southwest executives shrug, downplaying the complaints, the outlet said.

At least for now. The mood on the Southwest subreddit can at times appear to be almost ready to boil over, with passengers even posting photos of supposed scofflaws in an effort to publicly shame them.

The problem is now so bad, any post discussing pre-boarding is now being vetted for “ill-informed, unsympathetic” language,” moderators wrote. Videos of “alleged fakers taken by armchair physicians are going away,” they promised.

Passengers with actual disabilities who use the message board said they were heartened.

“While there is unfortunately a small category of people who abuse preboarding, there are tons of people with real and often invisible disabilities that truly need it for a safe and comfortable travel experience,” one said.

So far, suggestions from the subreddit on how to fix the nagging problem have gone unheeded by the airline — and even passengers say they’re kind of stumped themselves.

“I have actually wasted plenty of time contemplating how they can fix the problem,” frequent traveler Maziarka said. “I could never come up with a way to combat it.”

One popular idea: Forcing preboarders to move deeper into the plane, leaving the front rows open.

The issue may take care of itself — for the first time in years, there’s been discussion of assigned seats , something that would perhaps lure new customers at a time when profits are down.

Southwest isn’t the only organization coping with line cutters.

In April, Disney announced lifetime bans for anyone caught abusing the theme parks’ Disability Access Service in order to receive park perks, including no-wait rides.

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Which Airlines Have the Best (or Worst) Fees in 2024?

Vault’s viewpoint on airlines with the best (or worst) fees.

• Some of the most common airline fees are checked bag fees, seat selection fees, inflight Wi-Fi and fast track or priority boarding fees.
• Southwest, Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines have among the lowest airline fees, while Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant Airlines have some of the highest.
• You can save money on airline fees by booking your flight online, minimizing your luggage, skipping the seat selection and more.

The Best and Worst Airlines for Fees

The best airlines.

When we compared airline incidental fees across airlines, a few stood out as having some of the most favorable costs for customers. Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are the best airlines for fees because they either don’t charge all of the standard fees or they charge less than other airlines.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is the best overall airline for fees. Unlike other airlines, Southwest passengers don’t have the option to choose their own seats in advance, eliminating the seat selection fee that many airlines charge.

Another way Southwest stands out is in its baggage pricing. Southwest doesn’t charge for your carry-on, personal item or your first two checked bags. You won’t pay any baggage fees until your third checked bag. A final notable feature is that Southwest doesn’t charge a fee to make a reservation over the phone, which the majority of airlines do.

Southwest Airlines does charge several fees, with two of the most common being its inflight Wi-Fi and EarlyBird Check-In fees. Wi-Fi costs $8 per flight, while EarlyBird Check-In costs between $15 and $25 per flight.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines is another wallet-friendly airline when it comes to fees. Hawaiian’s baggage fees, which start at $30, are more affordable than most other airlines. But the lowest fee only applies to flights to neighboring islands. You’ll pay $40 for your first checked bag on other North American flights.

Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t charge a fee to select your own seat. The option isn’t available for Main Cabin Basic fares, but it’s free for all other fares. Additionally, Wi-Fi is free on most of Hawaiian’s flights. Hawaiian also doesn’t charge a fee to change your reservation if you’re in the Main Cabin or First Class, while many other airlines do.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is another option with relatively low customer fees. Its first checked bag fee is $35, which is on par with other airlines. You won’t have to worry about seat selection fees unless you’re upgrading to a premium seat. When you book a flight with Saver fare, you don’t have the option of choosing your own seat—it will be assigned when you check in for your flight. If you book with any other fair, the option to choose your own seat is included.

Alaska Airlines, though it does charge a fee to book a reservation over the phone, charges less than most other airlines. Additionally, it charges lower airline change fees than some competitors. The only fee Alaska Airlines charges that’s more expensive than some of its competitors is its inflight Wi-Fi fee, which is $8.

The Worst Airlines

Just as some airlines offer lower fees for customers, others are notorious for their high fees. Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air are the worst airlines on our list for fees.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is a budget airline that offers cheaper fares while making up for that savings with higher fees. First, Spirit charges considerably higher checked baggage fees than other popular airlines. If you book your checked bag ahead of time, your fee varies depending on the flight you’re on and the airports you’re flying in and out of. If you book your checked bag at the airport, you could pay a whopping $99.

Spirit also has costly fees if you want to choose your own seat. Depending on your selection, you’ll pay anywhere from $1 to $200. The airline does offer a package called the Boost It Combo, which allows you to combine several of its upgrades. You’ll get a checked and/or carry-on bag, the ability to choose your own seat and shortcut boarding for one price (though it doesn’t disclose that price).

Frontier Airlines

Like Spirit, Frontier Airlines is a budget airline that charges higher fees than its competitors. First, you’ll pay more than $50 for a checked bag, and the minimum fee is only available if you book your checked bag when you book your flight. If you wait until you’re at the airport, you’ll pay a minimum of $79. Frontier also has a minimum seat selection fee of $11. Finally, to get priority boarding, you can pay between $6 and $12.

Frontier also offers the option to bundle some of its upgrades, including a carry-on bag, checked bag, extra checked bag weight allowance, seat selection priority boarding and the ability to change your travel plans. But according to the company, bundle prices vary and are subject to change.

Allegiant Air

Checked bag fees and carry-on fees can be expensive when you fly Allegiant Air. These fees vary depending on your flight but start at $10. The minimum fee is only available if you book your bags at the time you book your flight.

If you book them after booking your flight or at the airport, you’ll pay up to $75 each, respectively. So if you bring both a checked bag and carry-on bag and don’t pay for them until you get to the airport, you’re looking at $150 just in baggage fees.

Allegiant offers free seat selection for some of its seats as long as you aren’t upgrading to a more premium seat. But depending on your selection, you could pay up to $80. You can also pay extra for priority access to board the plane early, but you’ll pay between $11.50 and $17.50.

How to Avoid Airline Fees

When you’re planning your trip, you can take steps to minimize your airline fees or even avoid them altogether.

• Choose the right airline: Perhaps the best way to minimize your airline fees is to be strategic when choosing an airline. While you may think you’re saving money with a discount airline, that’s only the case if you aren’t paying for the many upgrades available. Consider what you need from a flight and then choose the airline that offers those things at the lowest price.
• Use a travel credit card: In addition to helping you earn points and miles to pay for travel, the best travel credit cards come with extra perks, such as a free checked bag with a certain airline. Depending on the card you choose, you may also save money on other fees and upgrades.
• Book online when possible: Unfortunately, most airlines charge a fee when you book your flight over the phone. You can often save up to $50 simply by booking your flight online instead.
• Solidify your travel plans: Many airlines charge fees to change flights or amend your trip in other ways. Make sure you solidify your travel plans before paying for your plane ticket to avoid these change fees.
• Minimize your luggage: A checked bag fee is one of the most prevalent airline fees, and nearly every airline charges one. Because most airlines allow free carry-on and personal items, you can save money if you’re able to fit all of your luggage into those bags. If you do have to book a flight, make sure it’s under the weight limits to avoid additional fees. Additionally, depending on your airline, you may save money by booking a checked bag ahead of time rather than at the airport.
• Skip the seat selection: Many airlines charge a fee to choose your own seat, especially if you booked the basic economy fare. If you’re willing, you can save money by letting the airline assign you a seat. Just know that if you’re traveling with others, even children, you won’t automatically be allowed to sit together.
• Use a digital boarding pass: As silly as it seems, some airlines charge a small fee to have your boarding pass printed at the airport. To avoid this fee, either print your boarding pass at home or use a digital boarding pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airline has the most hidden fees.

We found that budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier have more hidden fees than many other airlines. In fact, a NetVoucherCodes study found that Spirit has hidden fees that are 736% of the original flight cost, which was significantly higher than any other airline.

Who Is the Cheapest Airline To Fly With?

The cheapest airline to fly with varies depending on the situation. Discount airlines like Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant usually have more affordable tickets. But they also charge higher fees. The airline that will be cheapest for you depends on where you’re traveling to and which, if any, upgrades you plan to purchase.

Are Discount Airlines Worth It?

Whether discount airlines are worth it depends on your travel preferences and finances. For travelers on a budget who are okay with the bare minimum, such as minimal luggage and no seat selection, a budget airline can be a good way to save money. But if you find you’re paying for multiple upgrades, it might be worth just flying with an airline that offers those services for free (or at a lower cost).

Which Airlines Don’t Charge for Carry-On Bags?

The majority of major airlines allow each passenger to bring one carry-on and one personal item at no charge. Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant generally allow only a personal item, but you’ll have to pay for a larger carry-on.

The post Which Airlines Have the Best (or Worst) Fees in 2024? first appeared on Newsweek Vault .