how many boarding groups on southwest

Southwest is moving from 3 traditional boarding groups (A, B, C) to a new system with 8 numbered boarding groups , plus an extra priority group on some tickets.

Quick Scoop

• Historically, Southwest has had:
  • 3 main boarding groups: A, B, and C, each with positions 1–60.

* Plus special categories like preboarding and family boarding in between those groups.

• Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest is rolling out a redesigned process tied to assigned seating:
  • 8 standard boarding groups, labeled 1 through 8.

* A separate priority/early group ahead of those if you buy certain premium or extra‑legroom seats or hold higher status.

* Your group will be determined by seat location (a “Wilma” style: window, then middle, then aisle, back to front), plus fare type and status.

In practical terms, most regular travelers without status or upgrades can expect to board in groups 6–8 under the new system, depending on whether they book a higher “Choice” fare or a cheaper “Basic” fare.

So if you’re just wondering “how many boarding groups on Southwest?” the simple current answer going forward is: 8 main groups , with an additional priority group before them and limited preboarding accommodations around that.

TL;DR:
Right now: 3 lettered groups (A, B, C) plus special pre/family groups.

From Jan 27, 2026: 8 numbered groups (1–8) plus a priority group, as Southwest fully revamps boarding.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.