Customers will be assigned a boarding group between 1 and 8.
- All Customers on the same reservation will be assigned the same boarding group (except for Group travel reservations).
- A-List, A-List Preferred, and Rapid Rewards® primary Credit Cardmember boarding benefits will extend to up to eight Passengers on the same reservation.
- Companion Pass® holders and their Companion will receive the highest applicable boarding benefit based on their Rapid Rewards tier status.
Boarding groups are assigned based on the fare, tier and/or Credit Cardmember status, seat type, and location in the cabin. Customers on Group travel reservations will be assigned a boarding group based on their seat assignment.
- Your boarding group will be displayed on your boarding pass.
- When available, digital screens in the boarding area will show your boarding group number when it is time to line up and board.
- Once onboard, locate your assigned seat and stow your carryon items in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
| Boarding | Eligibility |
| Preboarding |
Passengers with disabilities who need additional time or assistance to board, stow accessibility equipment, or be seated |
| Priority Boarding |
Priority Boarding (available for purchase starting 24 hours before original scheduled departure, when available) |
| A-List Preferred | Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members |
| Group 1 |
Rapid Rewards A-List Members |
| Group 2 | Extra Legroom seat (Choice, Choice Preferred fares) |
| Groups 3-4 | Choice Preferred fare (in Standard or Preferred seats) |
| Group 5 | Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers1 (if not already assigned an earlier boarding group based on seat type, fare type, or tier status) |
| Groups 3-7 |
Choice fare (in Standard or Preferred seats) |
| Group 8 | Basic fare |
Passengers traveling on a Getaways by Southwest™ vacation package will board between Groups 3-7 or earlier based on tier status or Rapid Rewards® Credit Card benefits.
Learn more about boarding and seating for families and about preboarding for Customers with disabilities.
Interested in improving your boarding group?
Learn about Priority Boarding.
1Group 5 Boarding Benefit: Primary Cardmembers with a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Business Credit Card will be able to board their Southwest® flight with Group 5, or earlier if they qualify for a better boarding group based on their status, fare, or seat type and location. Up to 8 Passengers traveling on the same reservation as the Cardmember will be able to board with Group 5 as long as the Cardmember remains booked on the same reservation. Eligible Passengers will have “Cardmember” displayed on their Southwest® boarding pass to indicate their boarding privilege. If the Cardmember’s account is closed or in default before or at the time of travel, this benefit will be canceled for them and all Passengers on the same reservation. If the Cardmember is removed from the reservation and there is no primary Cardmember or tier Rapid Rewards member with the same or greater boarding benefits, boarding will be assigned in accordance with the fare rules of the ticket purchased. Cardmembers should allow up to 14 days from approval for card status to be updated in their Rapid Rewards® account to be eligible for this benefit. Authorized users of Rapid Rewards Credit Cards and employee cards of Rapid Rewards Business Credit Cards are not eligible for this benefit. This benefit is available on Southwest Airlines® operated flights only. Benefits may not apply on itineraries booked with partner airlines. Chase is not responsible for the provision of or failure to provide the stated benefits and services.
