Preboarding on Southwest Airlines lets families board earlier, reduce stress at the gate, and secure overhead bin space for carry-ons. If you are eligible, the process is simple and can usually be completed from your booking details or the Southwest app.
Below is a quick reference overview of how preboarding works, eligibility, and how to secure your early spot without confusion.
How Southwest Preboarding Works
Southwest assigns early boarding groups to specific customers, including families, military, and local customers near the destination. Knowing which group you are in helps you plan when to arrive and where to wait at the gate.
| Boarding Group | Typical Eligibility | When You Can Board | Notes for Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | Customers with disabilities or mobility needs | First | PASS Boarding announcement |
| A1 | Active duty and retired military with ID | Early, before general groups | Requires military verification |
| A2 | Customers traveling with small children | Before general groups | Child in arms or car seat |
| B1 to B15 | General customers by zone or check-in order | Mid to later in boarding process | Depends on destination and zone |
| C | Cubes or Economy passengers | Late groups | May have limited bin space |
Eligibility For Preboarding On Southwest
Southwest preboarding groups are not purchased; they are assigned based on trip details, fare type, or special status. Most travelers in groups A0, A1, and A2 qualify automatically, while general groups are handled in sequence.
Traveling With Young Children
If you are holding a child age two or younger, or using an approved car seat, you usually qualify for group A2 preboarding. This allows you to secure the car seat and settle before the main boarding waves.
Military Service Recognition
Active duty, retired, and honorably discharged military members can receive group A1 preboarding with proper identification. This recognition reflects Southwest’s commitment to serving those who serve the country.
How To Get Preboarding On Southwest Step By Step
You do not need a special ticket add-on to get preboarding on Southwest for eligible groups. The airline assigns groups automatically and announces them at the gate based on the flight schedule.
- Check your booking and boarding pass for any preboarding group name such as A2 or A1.
- Arrive at the gate at least 20 to 30 minutes before the earliest boarding call listed on your boarding pass.
- Listen for boarding group announcements over the speaker system at the gate.
- If you are in a qualifying group, you will be called before general customers to begin boarding.
- Have your boarding pass and identification ready for verification if requested by a gate agent.
Southwest Boarding Groups And Timing
Boarding order on Southwest moves in waves, starting with priority groups and ending with general customers. Arriving early ensures you are in the right location when your group is called.
Maximizing Your Preboarding Experience On Southwest
Understanding how preboarding works on Southwest helps families and eligible travelers move through the airport smoothly and board at a comfortable pace.
- Confirm your flight details and boarding group via the Southwest app or your email confirmation.
- Arrive at the gate early, especially if you need extra time for a car seat or mobility assistance.
- Keep your boarding pass accessible and be ready to present identification if asked at the gate.
- Use the time before boarding to organize carry-ons and confirm seat assignments with traveling companions.
- Monitor gate announcements, since group call order can vary by airport and aircraft type.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I buy preboarding or an earlier boarding group on Southwest.
No, Southwest does not sell preboarding or earlier boarding groups. Assignment is automatic based on eligibility, such as traveling with young children or military status.
What should I bring to prove eligibility for group A1 or A2 preboarding.
For group A1, bring a valid military ID. For group A2, be ready to indicate that you are traveling with a child age two or younger or using an approved car seat during boarding.
If I have a wheelchair or mobility device, which group will I be in.
Customers with mobility needs are typically assigned to group A0 and are called to board first to accommodate accessibility requirements at the gate.
Does checking bags early give me preboarding on Southwest.
Checking bags does not affect your boarding group. Preboarding is based on passenger eligibility, not when you drop off luggage at the curb or kiosk.