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Does Southwest Airlines group travel include priority boarding?


When booking flights for a large group, one of the most common concerns is whether everyone can sit together. If you’re considering Southwest Airlines Group Travel, you might be wondering whether priority boarding is included in your booking.

Unlike most airlines that assign seats in advance, Southwest Airlines uses an open seating policy, which means that passengers choose their own seats when they board. This makes boarding order a key factor in determining where your group sits. So, does Southwest Airlines Group Travel include priority boarding?

At Group Tripo, we specialize in group travel planning, helping customers understand airline policies and find the best options for their trips. In this blog, we’ll break down Southwest Airlines’ boarding process, whether priority boarding is included for group travel, and how to improve your group’s boarding position.

How Does Southwest Airlines' Boarding Process Work?

Southwest Airlines does not assign seats in advance. Instead, they use an open seating policy, where passengers are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60) based on check-in time or ticket type.

Boarding Groups Breakdown:

  1. Business Select® Passengers (A1-A15): Guaranteed early boarding.

  2. A-List & A-List Preferred Members: Frequent flyers with elite status get priority boarding.

  3. EarlyBird Check-In® Passengers: Those who purchase this option get an earlier boarding position.

  4. General Boarding (Groups A, B, C): Passengers are assigned a spot based on when they check in.

  5. Family Boarding (After Group A): Families with kids under 6 board before Group B.

  6. Late Check-Ins (Group C): The last to board, with limited seating choices.

Does Southwest Airlines Group Travel Include Priority Boarding?

No, Southwest Airlines Group Travel does not automatically include priority boarding. Even though group travel offers convenience and flexible booking, it does not come with guaranteed early boarding.

Southwest assigns group travelers a boarding position based on when they check in, just like regular passengers. This means that unless your group takes extra steps, you may end up in different boarding groups.

How to Improve Your Group’s Boarding Position

Since priority boarding is not included in Southwest Airlines Group Travel, here are some ways to improve your group’s boarding position and increase the chances of sitting together:

1. Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®

EarlyBird Check-In® is an optional service that automatically checks in passengers 36 hours before departure, improving their boarding position.

  • Cost: $15-$25 per person (varies by flight).

  • Benefit: Better boarding positions (likely Group A or early Group B).

  • Best for: Groups who want a higher chance of sitting together without manual check-in.

2. Consider Upgraded Boarding

If available, Upgraded Boarding allows passengers to move into the A1-A15 boarding range, ensuring earlier access to seats.

  • Cost: $30-$80 per person (varies by availability).

  • Best for: Groups who want guaranteed early boarding.

3. Choose Business Select® Fare

Business Select® fares automatically include priority boarding (A1-A15) along with other perks.

  • Cost: More expensive than Wanna Get Away® fares.

  • Best for: Business travelers or groups who want early boarding.

4. Check-In Exactly 24 Hours Before Departure

Since Southwest assigns boarding positions based on check-in time, it’s crucial to check in right at the 24-hour mark before departure.

  • Tip: Have one person check in all group members at the same time to get similar boarding positions.

  • Best for: Groups looking to save money but still get decent boarding spots.

What Happens If Your Group Has Different Boarding Positions?

Since Southwest does not assign seats, passengers in the same group may receive different boarding positions. Here’s what to do if that happens:

  1. Save seats: While Southwest does not have an official seat-saving policy, many passengers reserve seats for later boarders.

  2. Ask for seat swaps: If sitting together is crucial, some passengers may be willing to change seats.

  3. Use Family Boarding: If your group includes kids under 6, you can board after Group A, giving you better seat choices.

Who Gets Automatic Priority Boarding on Southwest Airlines?

While group travelers do not receive automatic priority boarding, the following passengers do:

  1. Business Select® Passengers: Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding.

  2. A-List & A-List Preferred Members: Frequent flyers with elite status.

  3. Passengers with Disabilities: Eligible for preboarding.

  4. Families with Children Under 6: Allowed to board before Group B.

  5. Military Personnel in Uniform: May be allowed to board early.

Pros and Cons of Southwest Airlines’ Boarding Policy for Groups

✅ Pros:

✔ No seat selection fees – Unlike other airlines, you don’t pay extra to pick seats.✔ Flexible seating arrangements – Groups can rearrange seats after boarding.✔ Affordable group fares – Southwest offers competitive rates for 10+ travelers.

❌ Cons:

✖ No automatic priority boarding for groups – You must pay extra for earlier boarding.✖ Seats are not pre-assigned – If you board late, your group may be separated.✖ Check-in timing matters – Late check-in can mean fewer seat choices. Related Post : lufthansa group reservations

Final Thoughts: Does Southwest Airlines Group Travel Include Priority Boarding?

While Southwest Airlines Group Travel is a great option for large parties, priority boarding is not included automatically. However, by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In®, Upgraded Boarding, or Business Select® fares, your group can improve their boarding position and increase the chances of sitting together.

At Group Tripo, we make group travel simple by helping you understand airline policies and optimize your booking experience. Whether you’re planning a corporate trip, school event, or family getaway, we can assist you with Southwest Airlines Group Travel to ensure a smooth journey.

 
 
 

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