While not guaranteed an A boarding group, your chances are very good. Least Expensive – purchase early bird check-In for $15-$25 dollars – Southwest will automatically check-in for you 36 hours before departure.Most Expensive – purchase a Business Select fare to receive A1-A15.There are a few ways to get a better boarding position if you are not disabled or traveling with children 6 and under: Active Military & Family Boarding – immediate family members traveling with children 6 and under.A1 thru A15 – passengers who purchase the most expensive Business Select Fares.Preboarders – passengers with disabilities or needing assistance.When it’s time to board, usually 30 minutes prior to departure, this is the following boarding order: When you check in for your flight, you are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number in the group (1-60). Southwest’s open seating policy is unique to the airline industry – I can’t think of another airline that does it. One thing I don’t like about Southwest is their open seating policy. The flight attendants are very friendly, there is no charge for checking two bags, tons of nonstop flights from BWI, and there are no change or cancellation fees. Living near BWI Airport (Southwest hub) and having the Southwest Companion pass for the past 4 years, I fly Southwest a LOT.
