The open-seating policy of Southwest Airlines is legendary, offering a unique blend of freedom and a dash of friendly competition for the best seats. But what if you could virtually cut the line and significantly improve your chances of snagging that coveted window seat or ensuring your family sits together without the rush? That's precisely where Southwest Airlines' EarlyBird Check-In comes into play. It's an optional, paid service designed to give you a head start in the boarding process, adding a layer of convenience and peace of mind to your travel experience.
Unveiling EarlyBird Check-In: Your Ticket to a Smoother Southwest Journey
Think of EarlyBird Check-In as your secret weapon in the Southwest boarding game. While Southwest famously doesn't assign seats, it does assign boarding positions (A, B, or C, followed by a number from 1-60+). The earlier your boarding position, the earlier you get on the plane, and the more seat options you'll have. EarlyBird Check-In automates your check-in process and aims to get you a better boarding position.
Why Even Consider EarlyBird Check-In?
Peace of Mind: No more setting alarms for exactly 24 hours before your flight! EarlyBird takes the stress out of scrambling to check in at the precise moment online check-in opens.
Better Seat Selection: Want that window seat, an aisle seat for easy access, or just a spot closer to the front? A better boarding position significantly increases your chances of getting your preferred seat.
Overhead Bin Space: For those traveling with carry-on luggage, boarding earlier means more available overhead bin space. No more worrying about gate-checking your bag!
Traveling with Companions/Family (especially older children): While Southwest offers Family Boarding for families with children aged six and under, EarlyBird can be a game-changer for families with older kids or groups who want to ensure they sit together.
Busy Schedules: If you know you'll be tied up exactly 24 hours before your flight, EarlyBird handles the check-in for you.
Longer Flights: For extended journeys, having a comfortable seat can make a huge difference, making EarlyBird Check-In a worthwhile investment.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using Southwest EarlyBird Check-In
Ready to experience a more relaxed Southwest boarding process? Let's walk through exactly how EarlyBird Check-In works, from purchase to boarding.
Step 1: Are you ready to elevate your Southwest experience? Consider the "Why" and "When" of Purchasing EarlyBird.
Before you even think about clicking "add to cart," take a moment to assess if EarlyBird Check-In is right for your trip.
Sub-heading: When to Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
During Initial Booking: This is often the easiest and most common way to purchase EarlyBird. As you're selecting your flight and entering passenger details, you'll typically be given the option to add EarlyBird Check-In. If you purchase it for an entire itinerary with multiple eligible passengers, all will be enrolled.
Adding to an Existing Reservation: If you've already booked your flight, you can still add EarlyBird Check-In up to 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled local departure time, subject to availability. This is especially useful if your travel plans change or you realize the added convenience would be beneficial. You can do this via Southwest.com, the Southwest app, or by calling customer service.
For Specific Passengers: Unlike some other add-ons, you can selectively purchase EarlyBird Check-In for individual passengers on your itinerary if you add it after the initial booking. This is great if only certain members of your group prioritize an earlier boarding position.
Sub-heading: Eligibility and Limitations
Fare Types: EarlyBird Check-In is generally available for Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares. It's often included with Anytime fares and Business Select fares already include priority boarding, so purchasing EarlyBird would be redundant for those.
A-List/A-List Preferred Members: If you're a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Member (or traveling on the same reservation as one), you already receive priority boarding and an automatically assigned boarding position, making EarlyBird unnecessary.
Unaccompanied Minors: Unaccompanied Minors preboard the flight, so EarlyBird Check-In is not needed for them.
Partner Itineraries: EarlyBird Check-In is not available for flights on partner airlines.
Availability: While generally available, EarlyBird Check-In is subject to availability. On very popular flights, it might sell out. Purchasing it earlier rather than later is often recommended to secure your spot.
Step 2: Making the Purchase – It's Simpler Than You Think!
Once you've decided EarlyBird is for you, the purchase process is straightforward.
Sub-heading: Online Purchase (Recommended)
Via Southwest.com:
New Booking: When you're in the flight selection and passenger information steps, look for the "Add EarlyBird Check-In" option. It's usually presented clearly during the booking flow.
Existing Booking:
Go to Southwest.com and navigate to "Manage Reservations" or "Check In."
Enter your confirmation number and first/last name.
Once your reservation appears, you should see an option to "Add EarlyBird Check-In" if it's still available. Follow the prompts to select the passengers and flights you want to add it for.
Via the Southwest App: The process is very similar to the website. Navigate to your existing trip or during a new booking, and you'll find the option to add EarlyBird Check-In.
Sub-heading: Other Purchase Methods
Over the Phone: You can call Southwest Airlines' customer service to add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing reservation.
At the Airport: While possible at the ticket counter, it's generally not recommended as availability might be limited, and you'll miss out on the benefit of earlier automatic check-in.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Cost
EarlyBird Check-In is priced per person, per one-way flight.
The cost can vary, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per segment, depending on the popularity and length of the flight. This means a round-trip journey will incur the fee for each one-way segment.
A credit card must be used for the purchase.
Step 3: Relax! Automatic Check-In Takes Over.
This is where EarlyBird Check-In really shines and gives you peace of mind.
Sub-heading: The 36-Hour Advantage
Unlike standard check-in, which opens 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight.
This automatic check-in is the key to securing an earlier boarding position. Southwest assigns boarding positions based on when you check in (among other factors like fare class and A-List status). By checking you in 12 hours earlier than everyone else (who isn't A-List or Business Select), EarlyBird gives you a significant advantage.
Sub-heading: What Happens Next
You won't receive your boarding pass at the 36-hour mark. Instead, Southwest is simply reserving your place in the check-in queue.
You will still need to officially check in within 24 hours of your flight's departure to retrieve your actual boarding pass. This can be done online, via the app, or at the airport kiosk/ticket counter. The time you retrieve your boarding pass doesn't affect your boarding position; it's the automated 36-hour check-in that determines it.
Step 4: Retrieving Your Boarding Pass and Boarding the Aircraft.
The final steps are just like any other Southwest flight, but with the added benefit of your improved boarding position.
Sub-heading: Getting Your Boarding Pass (Within 24 Hours)
Online/App Check-In:
Within 24 hours of your flight, go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest app.
Click "Check In" and enter your confirmation number and name.
Your boarding pass, with your assigned group (A, B, or C) and position (e.g., A35), will be displayed.
Print or Mobile: You can print your boarding pass at home, at an airport kiosk, or use the mobile boarding pass on the Southwest app.
Sub-heading: The Boarding Process at the Gate
Numbered Poles: At the gate, you'll see numbered poles. These indicate where you should line up based on your boarding group and position.
Group A, B, C: Southwest boards in three groups: A, B, and C, each with positions 1-60+.
A Group (A1-A60+): This is the earliest boarding group. Business Select passengers get A1-A15. A-List and A-List Preferred members typically get early A positions. EarlyBird Check-In passengers will generally fall into the remainder of the A group or early B group, depending on how many higher-priority passengers are on the flight and how early you purchased EarlyBird.
B Group (B1-B60+): The middle boarding group.
C Group (C1-C60+): The last boarding group.
Family Boarding: Occurs between the A and B groups for families traveling with children aged six or younger.
Open Seating: Once onboard, it's open seating. Find any available seat you like! Your earlier boarding position from EarlyBird Check-In means more choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Southwest EarlyBird Check-In
Here are 10 common questions about EarlyBird Check-In to help clarify everything:
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is worth it for my trip?
Consider EarlyBird Check-In if you prioritize specific seating (window/aisle/front), are traveling with older children or a group you want to sit with, have valuable carry-on items requiring overhead bin space, or simply want to avoid the 24-hour check-in scramble. For short flights or if you're indifferent to your seat, it might not be necessary.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for an existing reservation?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In for an existing reservation by visiting "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com or within the Southwest mobile app. Enter your confirmation number and name, and if available, you'll see an option to add EarlyBird Check-In.
How to tell what boarding position I'll get with EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In does not guarantee an A boarding position, but it significantly increases your chances of getting one, or at least an early B position. Your exact position depends on when you purchased EarlyBird, the number of Business Select passengers, and A-List/A-List Preferred members on your flight.
How to get a refund for EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In purchases are generally non-refundable unless Southwest cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change (typically 3+ hours domestically, 6+ hours internationally) and you opt to cancel your reservation as a result. If you voluntarily cancel your flight, the EarlyBird fee is usually forfeited.
How to transfer EarlyBird Check-In to a different flight?
EarlyBird Check-In is tied to the specific flight segment for which it was purchased. If you change your flight, the EarlyBird Check-In typically does not transfer. You would need to purchase it again for the new flight, if available.
How to check in if I purchased EarlyBird Check-In?
Even with EarlyBird Check-In, you still need to formally check in within 24 hours of your flight to retrieve your boarding pass. Southwest will have already assigned your position at the 36-hour mark, so your boarding pass will reflect that pre-assigned position.
How to know if I'm already covered by A-List status for priority boarding?
If you have A-List or A-List Preferred status with Southwest's Rapid Rewards program, you automatically receive priority boarding and a better boarding position. Therefore, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In would be redundant for you.
How to use a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for EarlyBird Check-In benefits?
Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins as a benefit (e.g., two per year with the Premier or Priority card). Check your specific card's benefits to see if you qualify and how to redeem them.
How to decide between EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding?
EarlyBird Check-In secures an earlier check-in time for a better general boarding position. Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15) is purchased at the airport within 24 hours of departure (if available) and guarantees one of the very best boarding positions for immediate priority. EarlyBird is about convenience and a good position; Upgraded Boarding is about getting one of the absolute top spots.
How to ensure my family sits together with EarlyBird Check-In?
While EarlyBird Check-In significantly improves your chances of getting an A or early B boarding position, which allows for better seat selection, Southwest's open seating means it's not a guarantee of sitting together. However, it's your best non-elite status option to board early enough to find seats for your group, especially if you have children older than six (who don't qualify for Family Boarding).
