Embarking on a journey with Southwest Airlines often means embracing their unique open-seating policy. While this can offer a sense of freedom, it also means that your boarding position significantly impacts your seat choice and access to overhead bin space. This is where EarlyBird Check-In comes into play – a service designed to give you a competitive edge.
So, you're curious about how EarlyBird Check-In works with Southwest Airlines? Excellent! You've already taken the first, most crucial step: being proactive about your travel experience! Forget the frantic 24-hour check-in dash; EarlyBird is your ticket to a more relaxed and potentially more comfortable flight. Let's dive deep into this valuable add-on.
The Southwest Boarding System: A Quick Primer
Before we dissect EarlyBird, it's essential to understand Southwest's boarding process. Unlike most airlines that assign specific seats, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served basis within boarding groups.
Your boarding pass will display a group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60+).
Group A boards first, then Group B, and finally Group C.
Within each group, you board in numerical order (A1 boards before A2, and so on).
The earlier your boarding position, the better your chances of securing your preferred seat (window, aisle, or even an empty middle seat next to you!), and having ample overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage. This is precisely what EarlyBird Check-In aims to optimize for you.
Understanding EarlyBird Check-In: Your Head Start
EarlyBird Check-In is an optional service offered by Southwest Airlines that provides the convenience of automatic check-in well before the traditional 24-hour check-in window. It's essentially a paid perk that helps you secure an earlier boarding position without the need to set a frantic alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight.
Step 1: Decide if EarlyBird Check-In is Right for You
This is where you engage with your own travel needs! Ask yourself:
Do you value choosing your seat? If getting a window or aisle seat is important, or if you're traveling with family/friends and want to sit together, EarlyBird significantly improves your odds.
Are you traveling with carry-on luggage? Early access means more overhead bin space, reducing the chance your bag will need to be gate-checked.
Do you dread the 24-hour check-in scramble? If the thought of being tethered to your phone or computer exactly 24 hours before your flight is stressful, EarlyBird offers peace of mind.
What's your fare type? EarlyBird is particularly beneficial for Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares, as Business Select fares already include priority boarding (A1-A15) and Anytime fares include EarlyBird.
What's your travel party like? If you're a family with children older than 6, EarlyBird can be invaluable for securing seats together. Families with children 6 and under can utilize Family Boarding (between A and B groups), making EarlyBird less critical for them specifically.
Step 2: Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In
Once you've decided EarlyBird is for you, the next step is to purchase it.
Sub-heading: When to Buy
The Sooner, The Better: While you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In up to 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled local departure time, the earlier you purchase it, the better your chances of a truly early boarding position. Southwest assigns EarlyBird positions based on when the service was purchased relative to others in the same fare class. So, buying it at the same time you book your flight is generally recommended for the best outcome.
Adding to Existing Reservations: Don't fret if you didn't buy it initially. You can go back to your reservation on Southwest.com or the Southwest app and add EarlyBird Check-In.
Sub-heading: Where to Buy
Southwest.com: The easiest and most common way. Simply select the EarlyBird Check-In option when booking your flight, or add it to an existing reservation under "Manage Reservations."
Southwest Mobile App: Conveniently purchase it directly through the app.
Over the Phone: You can also call Southwest Airlines customer service to add it.
Sub-heading: Cost Considerations
The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies based on the popularity and length of each one-way flight. It typically ranges from $15 to $99 per one-way flight, per Customer. Be aware that these prices can fluctuate, so always check the current pricing when you're making your purchase.
Step 3: The "Automatic" Check-In Process
This is the core of EarlyBird's convenience, though it can sometimes lead to a bit of confusion.
Sub-heading: What "Automatic" Means
36 Hours Prior: With EarlyBird, Southwest automatically checks you in and assigns your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled local departure time. This is a full 12 hours before the standard 24-hour check-in window opens for everyone else.
Position Reserved: Your boarding group and number (e.g., A25) are secured at this 36-hour mark. This means you don't need to be online precisely at the 24-hour mark to try and grab a good spot. Your spot is already "saved."
Sub-heading: What "Automatic" Doesn't Mean
Still Need to Retrieve Boarding Pass: It's important to understand that "automatic check-in" does not mean Southwest sends you your boarding pass at the 36-hour mark. You will still need to manually check in (online or via the app) within the standard 24-hour check-in window to retrieve your actual boarding pass. This is often where travelers get confused, expecting the boarding pass to magically appear at 36 hours.
Why the Manual Step? This manual step is required to confirm your travel and allow for any final checks or updates before you head to the airport.
Step 4: Retrieving Your Boarding Pass
Even with EarlyBird, you still need to actively get your boarding pass.
Sub-heading: When to Get Your Boarding Pass
Within 24 Hours: You can retrieve your boarding pass anytime within 24 hours of your flight's scheduled departure, just like a regular check-in. The difference is that your prime boarding position is already locked in due to EarlyBird.
Sub-heading: How to Get Your Boarding Pass
Southwest Website: Go to Southwest.com, click "Check In," enter your confirmation number and last name, and your boarding pass will be displayed. You can print it or send it to your email/phone.
Southwest Mobile App: Open the app, go to your trip, and you'll see the option to check in and view your boarding pass. It's often the most convenient method.
Airport Kiosk or Ticket Counter: If you prefer, you can also check in and print your boarding pass at a self-service kiosk or the ticket counter at the airport.
Step 5: Boarding the Aircraft
With your EarlyBird-secured boarding position, your airport experience should be smoother.
Sub-heading: The Gate Experience
Line Up By Number: At the gate, look for the numbered poles that correspond to your boarding position (e.g., A1-A30, A31-A60). Line up in the correct spot when your group is called.
Enjoy Earlier Boarding: As an EarlyBird customer (especially if you purchased early), you'll likely be among the first to board after Business Select passengers and A-List/A-List Preferred members. This means a wider selection of seats and easy access to overhead bin space.
Benefits of EarlyBird Check-In: Is it Worth It?
Peace of Mind: No more setting alarms for midnight or worrying about missing the 24-hour check-in window. EarlyBird handles the initial check-in for you.
Better Boarding Position: This is the primary benefit. You significantly increase your chances of getting an A or early B boarding position, leading to more seat choices.
Preferred Seating: Want a window seat? An aisle? EarlyBird makes it much more likely you'll snag your desired spot.
Overhead Bin Access: Crucial for carry-on luggage. Boarding earlier means less competition for overhead space, so your bag is less likely to be gate-checked.
Sitting Together: For families or groups traveling with older children (ages 7+), EarlyBird can be a game-changer for ensuring everyone gets to sit together.
Potential Downsides and Considerations
Cost: It's an additional expense per person, per one-way flight. If you're on a tight budget or indifferent to seating, it might not be worth it.
Not Refundable: Generally, EarlyBird Check-In purchases are non-refundable. If you cancel your flight, you typically forfeit the EarlyBird fee, unless Southwest cancels or significantly delays/changes your flight (generally 3+ hours domestically, 6+ internationally) and you opt to cancel your reservation as a result.
No Guarantees of "A" Boarding: While it increases your chances of an A boarding position, it doesn't guarantee A1-A15. Business Select fares get A1-A15, and A-List/A-List Preferred members get priority after that. EarlyBird positions are assigned after these categories, and then by time of EarlyBird purchase.
"Automatic" Misconception: As discussed, the need to still retrieve your boarding pass can be confusing for first-time users.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to get the best boarding position on Southwest Airlines without EarlyBird?
To get the best boarding position without EarlyBird, you need to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Be prepared with your confirmation number and have a fast internet connection!
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In was successful?
You'll typically see a small EarlyBird symbol (often resembling a sunrise) next to your name on your flight reservation in the Southwest app or on Southwest.com if your purchase was successful and applied to your itinerary.
How to check my boarding position with EarlyBird Check-In?
Your boarding position will be assigned 36 hours prior to departure, but you can only see it and your boarding pass by checking in within the standard 24-hour window via the Southwest website or mobile app.
How to use Southwest Rapid Rewards points for EarlyBird Check-In?
Currently, you cannot directly use Rapid Rewards points to purchase EarlyBird Check-In. It must be paid for with a credit card.
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is available for my flight?
EarlyBird Check-In is generally available for most flights, but availability can depend on demand. You'll see the option to purchase it when booking your flight or when managing your existing reservation if it's available.
How to change my flight with EarlyBird Check-In?
If you change your flight, your EarlyBird Check-In generally does not automatically transfer to the new flight. You would need to purchase EarlyBird for the new flight segment if you still desire the benefit, and the previous EarlyBird purchase is usually forfeited unless Southwest initiates the flight change or cancellation.
How to get a refund for EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In purchases are non-refundable except in specific situations, such as when Southwest cancels your flight or significantly delays/changes it (generally 3+ hours domestically, 6+ internationally) and you cancel your reservation as a result.
How to board early with children on Southwest without EarlyBird?
Southwest offers "Family Boarding" between the A and B groups for families traveling with children aged six years old or younger. Up to two adults can board with the child during this time.
How to check in for Southwest if I have A-List or A-List Preferred status?
A-List and A-List Preferred members, along with anyone on their reservation, automatically receive priority boarding positions 36 hours prior to the flight. You still need to check in within the 24-hour window to retrieve your boarding pass.
How to find out the cost of EarlyBird Check-In for my specific flight?
The cost of EarlyBird Check-In will be displayed during the booking process on Southwest.com or when you go to add it to an existing reservation. The price is dynamic and depends on the route and demand.
