Ever flown Southwest and found yourself in the dreaded "C" boarding group, staring down a sea of middle seats and the distinct possibility of your carry-on being gate-checked? We've all been there. Southwest's unique open-seating policy is a double-edged sword: no assigned seats means freedom, but it also means the earlier you board, the better your chances of snagging that coveted window or aisle seat, and securing overhead bin space. This is precisely where Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-In swoops in as a popular, though optional, add-on.
So, how much does Southwest Airlines charge for EarlyBird Check-In, and is it truly worth the investment? Let's dive deep into everything you need to know.
Understanding EarlyBird Check-In: Your Ticket to an Earlier Boarding Position
Before we get to the price, it's crucial to understand what EarlyBird Check-In actually does. Unlike other airlines that assign specific seats, Southwest operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis for seating. Your boarding position is determined by when you check in for your flight.
The Standard Southwest Check-In Process
Normally, you can check in for your Southwest flight a maximum of 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. The moment that 24-hour window opens, it's a digital race to click that "check-in" button. The faster you are, the earlier your boarding group (A, B, or C) and number (1-60+) will be. Group A boards first, then B, then C.
The EarlyBird Check-In Advantage
This is where EarlyBird Check-In comes into play. When you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is a full 12 hours before the general public can even think about checking in.
What does this mean for you? It means you'll receive a boarding position significantly earlier than if you waited for the 24-hour mark. While it doesn't guarantee you an A1-A15 boarding position (those are typically reserved for Business Select fares and A-List/A-List Preferred members), it greatly increases your chances of getting into Group A or early Group B, giving you a much better selection of seats and ensuring overhead bin space for your carry-on.
Step 1: Discovering the Cost of EarlyBird Check-In
Let's get right to it! The most pressing question: How much does Southwest Airlines charge for EarlyBird Check-In?
The cost of EarlyBird Check-In is variable and per person, per one-way flight segment. This is an important distinction – it's not a flat fee for your entire round trip.
Factors Influencing the Price
Southwest determines the price of EarlyBird Check-In based on several factors, including:
Route Popularity: More in-demand routes, especially those with high passenger loads or to popular destinations (like Orlando or Las Vegas), will generally have higher EarlyBird prices.
Flight Demand: Flights during peak travel times (holidays, weekends, school breaks) will likely see higher EarlyBird costs.
Time of Purchase: While not officially stated as a factor, it's possible that purchasing EarlyBird further in advance might offer a slightly lower price than waiting until closer to the departure date, though the primary determinant is demand.
The Current Price Range
Currently, you can expect Southwest EarlyBird Check-In to cost anywhere from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way segment. Yes, that's a wide range! While historically it hovered in the $15-$25 range, recent adjustments have expanded this to reflect demand.
For example: If you're flying a simple one-way domestic flight from a less busy airport during an off-peak time, you might see the lower end of that spectrum. However, a multi-leg international itinerary during a holiday weekend could easily push the price towards the higher end for each segment.
Important Note: Prices are subject to change by Southwest Airlines at any time. Always check the exact cost for your specific flight during the booking process or within your existing reservation.
Step 2: How to Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
Adding EarlyBird Check-In to your Southwest flight is a straightforward process. You have a couple of options:
Option A: During Initial Flight Booking
This is often the easiest and most common way to purchase EarlyBird.
Select Your Flights: Go to Southwest.com (or use their mobile app) and select your desired origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers, just as you would for any flight booking.
Choose Your Fare: As you progress through the booking process and select your fare type (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select), you will typically see the option to add EarlyBird Check-In.
Look for the "Add EarlyBird Check-In" Option: This option usually appears on the "Review and Pay" or "Add Ons" screen, clearly indicating the price per person, per segment.
Add to Your Cart: Simply click to add EarlyBird Check-In for the passengers you wish to include. You can choose to add it for all passengers on your reservation or select individuals.
Complete Your Purchase: Proceed to payment to finalize your flight booking and EarlyBird Check-In purchase.
Option B: Adding to an Existing Reservation
Did you already book your flight but now regret not getting EarlyBird? No problem!
Access Your Reservation: Go to Southwest.com and click on "Manage Reservations" or "Check In."
Enter Your Details: Input your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Locate "Add EarlyBird Check-In": Once your reservation details load, look for an option to "Add EarlyBird Check-In." This may be found under a section like "Enhance Your Flight" or similar.
Select Passengers and Segments: You'll be able to choose which passengers and which flight segments (outbound, return, or both) you want to add EarlyBird Check-In for.
Review and Pay: The system will show you the total cost. Complete the payment to add it to your reservation.
Important Consideration: EarlyBird Check-In is subject to availability. While generally available, it can sell out on very popular flights, especially if you try to add it very close to departure. It's best to purchase it sooner rather than later if you know you want it.
Step 3: What Happens After You Purchase EarlyBird Check-In?
Once you've shelled out for EarlyBird Check-In, the process becomes largely hands-off.
Automatic Check-In
36 Hours Out: Southwest's system will automatically check you in for your flight exactly 36 hours before its scheduled departure time. You don't need to do anything! This is the core benefit – no setting alarms or frantically refreshing a webpage.
Boarding Position Assignment: At the 36-hour mark, your boarding position (e.g., A25, B10) will be assigned based on the time of your EarlyBird purchase relative to others on your flight who also purchased EarlyBird, as well as those with higher fare classes (Business Select) or elite status (A-List/A-List Preferred).
Retrieving Your Boarding Pass
While you're checked in at 36 hours, you still need to retrieve your boarding pass within the standard 24-hour check-in window.
24 Hours Out: Starting 24 hours before your flight, you can access your boarding pass via:
The Southwest Airlines mobile app
Southwest.com (by entering your confirmation number)
A self-service kiosk at the airport
The ticket counter at the airport
Your boarding pass will display your assigned boarding group and number.
Step 4: Is EarlyBird Check-In Worth the Cost?
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer often depends on your personal preferences and travel situation.
When EarlyBird Check-In is Likely Worth It:
You desire a specific seat: If getting a window or aisle seat, or avoiding a middle seat, is crucial for your comfort.
You want overhead bin space: If you're traveling with a carry-on and absolutely need to secure overhead bin space to avoid gate-checking your bag.
You're traveling with a group (especially older children/adults): While Southwest offers "Family Boarding" for those with children aged 6 or younger, if your group includes older kids or just adults who want to sit together, EarlyBird greatly improves your chances.
You can't check in exactly at the 24-hour mark: If you anticipate being busy, in a meeting, or without internet access when the 24-hour check-in window opens, EarlyBird offers peace of mind.
Longer flights: For flights spanning several hours, seat comfort becomes even more important, making an earlier boarding position more valuable.
High-demand flights: If you're flying on a popular route or during peak travel times, competition for good boarding positions will be high, making EarlyBird more advantageous.
You want to reduce travel stress: Knowing you'll have an earlier boarding position without the hassle of a timed check-in can significantly lower pre-travel anxiety.
When EarlyBird Check-In Might Not Be Necessary:
You're a Business Select passenger: Business Select fares automatically include the best boarding positions (A1-A15).
You have A-List or A-List Preferred status: Southwest's elite status members receive priority boarding before general check-in.
You qualify for Family Boarding: If you're traveling with a child aged 6 or younger, you can board during the Family Boarding period (between Group A and Group B), which usually guarantees you'll find seats together.
You don't care where you sit: If you're perfectly fine with a middle seat or don't have a strong preference, saving the money might be more appealing.
You're a master of the 24-hour check-in: If you're consistently able to check in precisely when the 24-hour window opens and usually get a good boarding position, you might not need EarlyBird.
You're checking all your bags: If you're not planning on bringing a carry-on that requires overhead space, the urgency of an early boarding position for that purpose diminishes.
You're on a very short flight: For quick hops, the discomfort of a less-than-ideal seat might be minimal.
Step 5: Alternative Strategies for Better Boarding Positions (Without EarlyBird)
If EarlyBird isn't in your budget or you prefer to save the money, here are some strategies to try:
Strategy A: The 24-Hour Sprint
Set an Alarm: This is the most basic and effective method. Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Be Ready to Click: Have the Southwest app or website open and your confirmation number handy. The moment the clock strikes, click that check-in button! Even a few seconds can make a difference.
Strategy B: Upgraded Boarding at the Gate
Last-Minute Opportunity: If available, Southwest sometimes sells "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate on the day of departure. This allows you to purchase a boarding position in the highly coveted A1-A15 group.
Cost and Availability: The cost for Upgraded Boarding is typically higher than EarlyBird, ranging from $30 to $149 per segment, and it's not always available. It depends on how many Business Select fares were sold and if any A1-A15 spots remain unsold.
Consider if Your Regular Check-in is Bad: This can be a good last-resort option if you checked in at the 24-hour mark and received a very late boarding position (e.g., C group) but now really want a better seat.
Strategy C: Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
Credit Card Perks: Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like Upgraded Boarding credits each year. For example, some cards might provide four upgraded boardings annually. This can effectively cover the cost of Upgraded Boarding without an extra out-of-pocket expense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if EarlyBird Check-In is available for my flight?
You can check for EarlyBird Check-In availability during the initial booking process on Southwest.com or by accessing an existing reservation through the "Manage Reservations" section. If the option appears with a price, it's available.
How to get a refund for EarlyBird Check-In if my plans change?
Generally, EarlyBird Check-In purchases are non-refundable. However, if Southwest cancels your flight or significantly delays/changes it (typically 3+ hours domestically, 6+ internationally) and you opt to cancel your reservation as a result, you may be eligible for a refund of your EarlyBird purchase for that segment. Always check Southwest's official refund policy.
How to know my exact boarding position after purchasing EarlyBird Check-In?
Your exact boarding group (A, B, or C) and number (1-60+) will be assigned automatically 36 hours before your flight and will be displayed on your boarding pass once you retrieve it within the 24-hour check-in window.
How to transfer EarlyBird Check-In to a different flight if I change my reservation?
If you change your flight, your EarlyBird Check-In purchase does not automatically transfer to the new flight. You will forfeit the EarlyBird fee for the original flight segment and would need to purchase it again for the new flight, if available.
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is truly worth it for my family with young children?
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, Southwest offers "Family Boarding" after the A group has boarded and before the B group, allowing you to find seats together. For these families, EarlyBird Check-In is often not necessary unless you specifically want a prime A-group boarding position or are concerned about overhead bin space.
How to use A-List status to get a good boarding position instead of EarlyBird?
Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred members automatically receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are assigned 36 hours before departure, often in the A group, and are generally superior to those obtained via EarlyBird Check-In.
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest without paying for EarlyBird?
Your best bet is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure. Set an alarm and be ready to click the "check-in" button the moment the window opens.
How to know if a flight is likely to be full and thus benefit more from EarlyBird?
While Southwest doesn't publicly share passenger loads, you can get an idea by looking at the remaining seats available for booking on various fare classes. If only higher fare classes are available or the flight seems nearly sold out, it's likely to be full, increasing the value of EarlyBird.
How to get the first row or exit row seats on Southwest?
The first row and exit row seats are open for anyone to select once they board. To secure these, you need to board as early as possible. This means having a very early A group boarding pass, which is most reliably achieved with Business Select fares, A-List status, or a very early EarlyBird Check-In position.
How to find my confirmation number to manage my Southwest reservation?
Your confirmation number is a six-character alphanumeric code that is provided in your booking confirmation email. You'll need it to access your reservation online to check-in, add EarlyBird, or make changes.
