Oh, the joys and occasional anxieties of air travel! Before we dive into the specifics of Southwest Airlines' EarlyBird Check-In, let me ask you: have you ever found yourself anxiously waiting for that 24-hour mark to hit, fingers hovering over the "check-in" button, desperately hoping for a decent boarding position? If so, you're not alone! That's exactly where EarlyBird Check-In comes in, offering a way to bypass some of that pre-flight stress.
Southwest Airlines, famously known for its open seating policy, operates a unique boarding system. Unlike most airlines where you're assigned a specific seat, Southwest assigns you a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within that group (1-60+). Your spot in line directly impacts your choice of seats and access to overhead bin space. This is precisely why EarlyBird Check-In can be such a game-changer for many travelers.
Let's break down everything you need to know about Southwest's EarlyBird Check-In.
Understanding Southwest EarlyBird Check-In: Your Guide to a Better Boarding Experience
EarlyBird Check-In is a paid add-on service offered by Southwest Airlines that automatically checks you in for your flight 36 hours prior to departure. This is a full 12 hours before the general public can check in (which is 24 hours before departure). By checking you in earlier, Southwest aims to secure you a better boarding position, increasing your chances of getting your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
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| How Much Is Early Bird Check In At Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: What is EarlyBird Check-In and Why Should I Consider It?
Imagine strolling onto the plane, looking for an aisle seat, a window seat, or perhaps a row where your entire family can sit together, and actually finding one! That's the primary appeal of EarlyBird Check-In.
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The Core Benefit: Earlier Boarding Position. In Southwest's "first-come, first-served" seating system, an earlier boarding position is paramount. While EarlyBird doesn't guarantee an A1 boarding position (those are typically reserved for Business Select fares or Upgraded Boarding purchases), it significantly improves your chances of securing a spot in the A or early B group. This means you'll board the plane sooner than those who check in manually at the 24-hour mark.
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Stress Reduction and Convenience. Forget setting alarms for 24 hours before your flight! EarlyBird Check-In automates the process, freeing you from the anxiety of rushing to check in precisely when the window opens. This is especially valuable for early morning flights or if you're in a time zone different from your departure city.
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Preferred Seating. Want that window seat for a scenic view, or an aisle seat for easy access? Perhaps you need an exit row for extra legroom. With an earlier boarding position, you have a much better selection of available seats.
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Overhead Bin Space. This is a big one! On full flights, overhead bin space can be a precious commodity. Boarding earlier means you'll have a better chance of stowing your carry-on bag directly above your seat, avoiding the dreaded gate-check and the hassle of retrieving your bag at the baggage claim.
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Group Travel. If you're traveling with family or friends and want to ensure you sit together, EarlyBird Check-In can be a lifesaver. While not a guarantee, it greatly increases the odds that your group can find adjacent seats.
Step 2: How Much Does EarlyBird Check-In Cost? (The Nitty-Gritty)
This is the question on everyone's mind! The cost of Southwest EarlyBird Check-In is variable and depends on several factors, including the specific route, flight distance, and demand.
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
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Price Range: As of mid-2025, EarlyBird Check-In generally ranges from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight. This means if you're flying round-trip and want EarlyBird for both legs of your journey, you'll need to purchase it for each segment separately.
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Factors Influencing Price:
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Popularity of the Route: Flights to popular destinations or during peak travel times often see higher EarlyBird prices due to increased demand.
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Flight Length: Longer flights might have a higher EarlyBird cost.
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Time of Purchase: While you can purchase EarlyBird at the time of booking or later, prices may fluctuate, and it's generally recommended to buy it as early as possible for the best chance at a lower price and a better boarding position relative to other EarlyBird purchasers.
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Important Note: Prices can change, and Southwest has adjusted EarlyBird pricing in the past. Always check the current price during the booking process or when adding it to an existing reservation.
Step 3: How to Purchase EarlyBird Check-In (A Step-by-Step Guide)
Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In is straightforward, whether you're booking a new flight or adding it to an existing reservation.
Sub-heading: Purchasing During New Flight Booking
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Select Your Flight: Begin your flight search on Southwest.com or via the Southwest Airlines mobile app as you normally would, choosing your departure and arrival cities, dates, and number of passengers.
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Review Flight Options: After selecting your desired flights, you'll typically be presented with various fare types (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select).
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Look for the EarlyBird Option: On the passenger details or checkout page, you'll usually see an option to add EarlyBird Check-In. It will clearly display the cost per passenger, per flight segment.
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Add to Cart: Select the EarlyBird option for each passenger and each flight segment you wish to apply it to.
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Complete Purchase: Proceed with the rest of your booking process, entering passenger details and payment information. The EarlyBird cost will be added to your total.
Sub-heading: Adding to an Existing Reservation
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Log In to Your Account or Retrieve Reservation: Visit Southwest.com or open the Southwest Airlines app. Log in to your Rapid Rewards account, or if you don't have one, use your confirmation number and last name to retrieve your reservation.
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Access Your Trip Details: Once your trip is displayed, look for an option to "Manage Trip," "Change/Cancel," or "Add Services."
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Find EarlyBird Check-In: Within the trip management section, you should see an option to add EarlyBird Check-In. It will show you the availability and cost for each segment of your flight.
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Select and Pay: Choose EarlyBird for the desired passengers and segments, and proceed with payment.
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Crucial Tip: You can add EarlyBird Check-In up to 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled local departure time, or until it sells out, whichever comes first. However, to maximize its benefit, it's always best to purchase it as early as possible. Remember, your relative boarding position within the EarlyBird group is determined by when you purchased it compared to other EarlyBird purchasers.
Step 4: What Happens After You Purchase EarlyBird Check-In?
Once you've successfully purchased EarlyBird Check-In, the process becomes largely automated.
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Automatic Check-In: Southwest's system will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. You do not need to do anything at that 36-hour mark.
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Boarding Position Assignment: At the time of automatic check-in, you will be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+). This position will be better than what you would likely receive if you waited for the standard 24-hour check-in.
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Retrieving Your Boarding Pass: While Southwest checks you in automatically, you still need to retrieve your boarding pass within 24 hours of departure. You can do this:
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Online: Via Southwest.com by going to the "Check In" tab and entering your confirmation number.
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Southwest Airlines App: Using the mobile app, which allows you to save your boarding pass to Apple Wallet or Google Pay.
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Airport Kiosk or Ticket Counter: If you prefer a physical boarding pass.
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QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Step 5: Is EarlyBird Check-In Always Worth It? (Considerations)
While EarlyBird Check-In offers significant advantages, it's not always necessary or cost-effective for every traveler. Consider these points:
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Flight Fullness: On a less crowded flight, you might naturally get a good boarding position even without EarlyBird. However, it's hard to predict flight fullness in advance.
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Travel Style: If you're a relaxed traveler who doesn't mind a middle seat or checking your bag, EarlyBird might not be a priority.
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Fare Type: If you've purchased a Business Select fare, EarlyBird is generally unnecessary as Business Select fares automatically receive the A1-A15 boarding positions. Anytime fares also include EarlyBird Check-In.
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Southwest Credit Cards: Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins as a benefit. Check your card's benefits to see if you qualify.
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Family Boarding: 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. This allows up to two adults traveling with the child to board early. In such cases, EarlyBird might be less critical for seating together, though it could still help with overhead bin space.
Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest EarlyBird Check-In
Here are 10 common questions related to Southwest EarlyBird Check-In, with quick answers:
How to check if EarlyBird Check-In is available for my flight?
You can check for EarlyBird Check-In availability during the booking process or by going to "Manage Trip" on Southwest.com or the Southwest app for an existing reservation. If it's available, the option will be displayed.
How to get a refund for EarlyBird Check-In if my plans change?
EarlyBird Check-In purchases are generally non-refundable. However, if Southwest cancels your flight, or if your flight is significantly delayed or changed (typically 3+ hours domestically) and you opt to cancel your reservation, a refund for EarlyBird Check-In will be processed to your original form of payment.
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
How to know my boarding position after purchasing EarlyBird Check-In?
Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before departure. You will see your assigned boarding group and position when you retrieve your boarding pass within 24 hours of departure, either online, through the app, or at the airport.
How to add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing reservation?
Log into your Rapid Rewards account or retrieve your reservation on Southwest.com or the Southwest app, navigate to "Manage Trip," and look for the option to "Add Services" or "EarlyBird Check-In."
How to ensure my entire group gets a good boarding position with EarlyBird?
While EarlyBird checks everyone in automatically, the exact position within the EarlyBird group is determined by the time of purchase. To maximize your chances of sitting together, purchase EarlyBird for all members of your group at the same time as early as possible.
How to board early on Southwest without EarlyBird Check-In?
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
You can opt for a Business Select fare (which includes A1-A15 boarding), purchase Upgraded Boarding within 24 hours of departure (if available), or be a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member. Otherwise, your best bet is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure.
How to retrieve my boarding pass after EarlyBird Check-In?
You can retrieve your boarding pass online at Southwest.com (under the "Check In" tab), through the Southwest Airlines mobile app (saving it to your phone's wallet), or by visiting a self-service kiosk or ticket counter at the airport, starting 24 hours before your flight.
How to utilize Family Boarding if I have EarlyBird Check-In?
If you have EarlyBird Check-In and also qualify for Family Boarding (traveling with a child age six or younger), you can still utilize Family Boarding. However, if your EarlyBird position is better than the Family Boarding group (i.e., you get an "A" group boarding pass), you should board with your assigned A group.
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is worth it for my specific flight?
Consider the importance of seat choice and overhead bin space for your flight. If you're on a long flight, traveling with family, carrying a full-sized carry-on, or simply want to reduce pre-flight stress, EarlyBird can be highly beneficial. On short, less crowded flights, it might be less critical.
How to check if my Southwest credit card offers complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins?
Refer to your specific Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card's benefits guide or log into your credit card account online. Many co-branded Southwest cards offer this perk annually, often for a limited number of segments.
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