This is the first time we booked Southwest because of the great price, but I'm a little concerned about seating. Nothing assigned - just first-come, first-served. Does this mean I have to show up at the airport 3 hours early to make sure husband and I get seats together? Can you get a boarding pass with seat number at the gate or does everyone just hang around the gate and then make a mad dash for a seat? Please help. Thanks.

It is a first come, first serve basis. There are three lines A, B, and C that correspond to a letter on your boarding pass, assigned based on your arrival time (the earlier you get there, the better). A's board first, C's last.

If you wish to make sure you sit together get there as early as you can. They issue the seating groups the way Mazey describes and you can wait at the front of the line for your group.

Handicap individuals and families with small children wil still be seated before you.

You should be OK as long as you don't have to change flights and have a short lead time for the second flight.

Keith

Yes, arrive early to check-in to be in the first group to board the plane. I am a frequent flyer of Southwest and no one can beat the airfares they offer. The airline is very reliable.

The longest SW flight is maybe 5 hours? Most of us spend more time than that each day separated from our spouses/ friends / co-workers. Not only do I fail to see why people make such a deal of being seated together (except in the case of small children, of course), but I've often requested to be seated AWAY from co-workers.

Yes, if you're assigned to the "C" group it is possible you'll not find seats together. Sometimes the seats facing backwards go empty, so grab them if they're available. With what I save on SW flights, I'll sit separated anytime!

I wouldn't arrive 3 hours early. Even if you're not in the first boarding group, the chances of getting 2 seats together are still very good. I think only once did we not find 2 seats together (we were in the last group) and even then, another very considerate passenger offered to change seats without either one of us asking.

Southwest does not start issueing boarding passes until one hour prior to departure. If you are there an hour or so ahead of time, you should have no problem.

C

There can be a great many people waiting in line when Southwest starts issuing the boarding passes. If someone wants to be sure of being in the first group, they shouldn't wait until 1 hour before.

Keith

Occasionally, I will get to the SW gate 1.25 hours ahead so I can get in the first boarding group. It is true that they do not start checking in the flight and assigning boardingcards until exactly 60 minutes prior to departure. Keep in mind that there are enough seats for everyone on the plane, so it's not like you'll end up sitting in the lav for your flight if you're in the C group!

After watching the first "Airline" episode, I wouldn't want to get there too early and have a few drinks because they might not let me on the plane!

After receiving your "A, B o C" boarding pass that you can stand (or sit!) in the queue before the agent calls your seating. I have checked in 2 hours prior on SW..gotten a"B" pass..and was surprised that people were already standing (and sitting) in the line prior to boarding. If you wait until the agent calls "B" seating, 50 people will already be ahead of you, because they are standing in line. Don't be ashamed to practice the same. These days, traveling knows no diplomacy!!!

I've flown SW quite a few times and rarely had to sit apart from my group. The only times I've had to sit seperated was when making a connecting flight which ran late and my group was one of the last to get on the plane.

You can get a boarding pass up to 4 hours prior to departure.

Although you wil be guaranteed a seat if you are in the "C" group...you may find that the overhead bins space is full.

From SWA site

Q. When do I check in for a Southwest Airlines flight?
A. Southwest Airlines accepts luggage at the Skycap or Ticket Counter up to four hours prior to scheduled departure, at which time an Automated Boarding Pass can be issued. Checkin at the Gate begins one hour before scheduled departure. For the most current airport specific information, please check the suggested airport arrival times, or call Southwest Airlines Reservations.

If you travel with just the carry-on MAKE use of the kiosk to print your boading pass out in the lobby/entrance. Very easy to do, and we have always gotten a B pass..then go and buy snacks or eat and wait at your line when the time comes.

I read somewhere that Southwest was going to do away with the seat boarding cards and just assign them when bookings are made. Anyone else hear this?

to curious..
things at Sw change..they start giving boarding passes 3 hours prior departure...thats the latest..be the earlier...My husband and I got group b and theres was seat at the back of the plane which was fine with me...very quiet but aLso it was not a heavily full flight

to christie p
you wont have a problem drinking if you dont get obnoxious with the crew and flight attendants.believe me they can deny someone boarding if they appear intoxicated due to safety reasons and they dont have to do anything for you...If you just have a few drinks you dont have anything to worry about...if you are drunk...thats another story...sorry about the spelling

I used a site called www.boardingfirst.com They secured my A group boarding pass for 5 dollars and saved me the hasstle of waiting in line. I basically got to the airport and walked on the plane.

I wouldn't that website at all. hooksy has never posted before.

Keith

Why would I pay $5 for something I can do myself on www.southwest.com?

hooksy probably used that website before WN changed their check-in policy to 24 hours prior to travel, rather than midnite.