How the Southwest Airlines Boarding Process Works

I have flown quite a bit, but I recently flew Southwest Airlines for the first time. They have a unique boarding process, which I explain here at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Filmed on February 25, 2023.

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[tznvggq]

I'm fixing to fly by myself for the first time and when I tell you im ANXIOUS 😂

[liljezz]

I'm anxious as well to fly for first time ever and by myself. I am literally looking at what can i pack and how to board an airplane. ✈️ I'll be flying southwest in June. Wishing you and everyone safe travels!! 🙏 ❤

[MikaelaOtavalo]

I came across this video because we are flying in July. I was confused that Icouldnt pick my seats before hand. Thank you for this video, it answered alot of my questions.

[OrlandoGarza-jgil]

I have been flying with Southwest for at least 40 yrs.This is the way they do it at every airport that I have been through.I love Southwest, you have some delays here and there, but that is the way it is since covid .If you use their low fare calendar to book a flight, you will see some of these flights are super cheap.

[tkouokj]

As a reviewer that i absolutely correct when you have a disabled person that is to check in before the flights and the the many flights is that you must with the seating you can get prior boarding and yet you caa get the early seating .

[RickZhou-le]

Thank U ! this is super useful! Tmw is my first time to take southwest, I am so confused

[debraarnold]

Btw, great instructions for those who are new to SW. We just ask someone near our number, what number they have. Everyone has always been nice, and all SW airport gates lineup like this now. I've been in twenty different Southwest airports and the silver columns are numbered do you can gage where to stand. If someone has a number that would mean they stand in front of you, and board sooner, we all just back up. It's no biggie. We have found travelers on Southwest to be respectful and friendly, while we're all waiting to board. Attendants on the planes, are in good humor, help out and it's enjoyable to fly SW

[NormanFoxLee]

Gosh, I just found out about this process. Thanks for the video - it explains it very well. Sadly, it is the only plane w/o stops available right now… I hate not assigned sits.

[dillonmann]

Damn.. Now I have anxiety about getting my window seat😵‍💫

[romanhankewycz]

Really wish Southwest would let you pick your seat when you buy your ticket. That's what the other low fare airlines do. You pay a little more for the seats up front and early boarding, and the bargain seats are in the back. That way you know where you and your loved ones are sitting ahead of time. No worries about who jumps up in line. Less stress that way.

[jasonsumpter-foft]

Great information…thank you!! I’ll be flying for the first time in over 20 years and first time on Southwest. This video helped tremendously on what to expect.

[Brendac]

Thanks for the video! Flying SW soon .

[tkouokj]

Full flights can be very crowded and with the many flights you do have the chance to go over another flight and with the feel of the flight you can get the latter flights that are at the low levels of the passenger loads.

[lobotomyof]

Wish I found this video before I flew with southwest on my first ever plane ride lol. But I'll be flying with them again next year

[debraarnold]

It goes very smoothly. Get in line according to your boarding pass number. Everyone is very respectful and I fly SW all the time. 20 years ago it was first come first on the plane with a crowd inching through to get on first. It was horrible. The only thing to watch for is somebody that boards in a wheelchair only to get the exit row and then saves a seat for their friend who's boarding later.
Nope - not on my flight. The flight attendant will move them if they boarded as a handicapped and her sitting in the exit row, who can't hardly help us get out of the plane in an emergency.

[uocgwxp]

How could anyone be upset for a no frill airline. Southwest is a great airline and this is part of the process

[cribs]

super helpful! i'm a 17 year okd who is going to be traveling alone for the first time using southwest, and everywhere i looked (especially online) made it super confusing. thank you so much! by the way, you can put a small carry on underneath the seat in front of you, correct?

[steveandrushko]

This is going way not sure when yet but South west is going to assigned seating

[nelfid]

If I ever visit the US and Southwest is not too expensive I will Fly with them to experience this unique way seating passengers.

[servicepupphoenix]

I've flown a ton growing up, but my last flight was 2yrs ago, and now I'll be flying with my service dog, and this was a great mind refresh of what to expect! I leave in 4 days, so I'm trying to take in as much info as I can, since this will be my first flight that I drive myself and am completely alone from the second I leave home 😅