Southwest Airlines Seat Saving and Family Seating Policies
Southwest Airlines does not allow passengers to reserve specific seats in advance. Travelers receive an assigned boarding group and seat number at check-in, which can complicate family seating. The airline has updated its boarding process over time to improve group seating, but seat saving remains informal and subject to gate agent discretion. According to Southwest's official policy, families with young children may receive priority boarding and seating assistance at the gate on Southwest's boarding page.
Passengers who attempt to save seats for family members risk having those seats reassigned during boarding. Southwest agents can reassign seats if a passenger is not present at the gate. The airline's boarding groups A, B, and C determine seat selection order, with Group A boarding first. Southwest recommends checking in exactly 24 hours before departure to secure the best available seat assignment for your group.
Fees, Costs, and Upgrades for Southwest Seat Selection
Southwest does not charge a fee for standard seat selection, but the airline offers paid upgrades through its Business Select and Anytime fares. Business Select passengers receive priority boarding, which can help families secure adjacent seats earlier. The airline's fare classes include Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select, with Business Select providing the most flexibility for seating. As of the latest public data, Southwest's Anytime fares include free changes and priority boarding benefits according to Forbes travel analysis.
Southwest's fare structure does not include assigned seat fees for basic economy or regular Wanna Get Away tickets. Families seeking guaranteed seating together may consider purchasing Business Select fares or using the EarlyBird Check-In option, which costs between $15 and $25 per passenger depending on the route. EarlyBird Check-In assigns a boarding position earlier in the queue, improving the chance of seating together. Southwest's fee schedule is publicly available on its website and updated regularly on Southwest's fees page.
Recent Changes and Practical Tips for Southwest Family Travel
Southwest updated its boarding procedures in recent years to allow families with children under 12 to board after Group A but before Group B in many cases. The airline has also expanded its capacity and fleet, adding Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 7 aircraft to its network. These aircraft feature different seat configurations that can affect family seating options. Southwest's fleet includes over 800 aircraft as of the latest operational data per FlightsConnections fleet tracking.
Passengers can improve their chances of seating together by checking in early, using EarlyBird Check-In, or requesting gate assistance upon arrival. Southwest's gate agents have discretion to seat families together when possible, especially for families with small children. The airline's customer service policies emphasize flexibility, but seat assignments remain subject to operational constraints. Travelers should verify current boarding and seating rules directly with Southwest before departure via Southwest's official boarding guide.