Boarding Your Flight

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It’s Time To Depart

At Southwest, we have a quick, easy, and efficient boarding process.

  • Check in to get assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and number (1-60). This is your spot in line. Remember, the earlier you check in, the earlier your boarding position.
  • Sit back and relax until we call your group.
  • When your group is called, stand by the column with your number on it, and wait to proceed down the jetbridge.

Learn more about the Southwest boarding process.

If traveling on a shared itinerary, you will follow the existing boarding procedures for each Operating Carrier, whether flying on Southwest or AirTran.  Learn More

If you want to be one of the first to board, buy a Business Select Fare to be guaranteed a boarding position at the front of the A group. Rapid Rewards Members with A-List and A-List Preferred status and Customers who buy EarlyBird Check-In™ are also automatically assigned boarding positions before everyone else, ensuring the best boarding positions available.

If you’re traveling on a shared itinerary and purchased a Business Select fare, you will receive Business Class on your AirTran operated flight. Your seat will be automatically assigned in Business Class at the time of Checkin.  Learn More

Our New Cabin Interior

Southwest recently unveiled our first 737-800, Warrior One, with our new Evolve interior, an eco-friendly, cost-efficient new look for our cabin with an emphasis on comfort and personal space. We began retro-fitting our Boeing 737-700 aircraft with the new interior in March and expect to have the fleet completed in 2013.

The bottom cushion is more comfortable with better lumbar support and a fixed wing headrest on each seat that will provide for a more relaxing experience. We’ve replaced the seatback pocket with a netted pocket that not only allows for more knee room but also makes it easier to see what items have been stowed in it.

With an eye on sustainability, the new seats are made using E-Leather, an eco-friendly, lightweight alternative to traditional leather. We’re also installing new InterfaceFLOR carpet that is totally carbon-neutral, will reduce labor and material costs, and is fully recyclable at the end of its life-cycle.

The redesign is inspired by Southwest’s past with a nod to our future (and our commitment to being a Green Company) with natural, earthy tones combined with our Canyon blue to give our cabin a more modern, fresh appeal. We look forward to having you try out the new Evolve interior on a flight in the near future.

evolve interior seats

Open Seating

At Southwest, we let you sit where you like. We don’t assign seats on Southwest flights, so feel free to sit in any available seat when you get onboard.

Learn More about seat assignment policies in place for shared Southwest/AirTran itineraries.

Our Fleet

At Southwest, we only fly spacious Boeing 737 jets:

  • 737-300- 137 seats onboard
  • 737-500- 122 seats onboard
  • 737-700- 137 seats onboard
  • 737-800- 175 seats onboard
On Board Plane

In addition to a comfortable cabin, you might encounter one of our specialty aircraft the next time you fly with us. So don’t be surprised if your next flight is aboard a plane painted like Shamu or the insignia of a state flag. We like to have fun and show our true colors, and our specialty aircraft are a high-flying reflection of this unique aspect of our brand.

Rapid Rewards Last Activity Date
Rapid Rewards accounts will remain active and points won't expire as long as you earn Rapid Rewards Points from flights or partners every 24 months.