Southwest Airlines is famous for its unique "open seating" policy, which means there are no assigned seats. Instead, passengers board the plane in groups and then choose any available seat. This system often leads to a scramble for prime seating, especially window or aisle seats, and overhead bin space. To alleviate some of this boarding anxiety, Southwest offers a paid service called EarlyBird Check-In.
Are you tired of setting an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your Southwest flight just to snag a decent boarding position? Do you dread being stuck in the middle seat, or worse, having to gate-check your carry-on because all the overhead bins are full? If so, Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-In might be exactly what you need to make your travel experience smoother.
Let's dive deep into how this service works, step by step, so you can decide if it's the right choice for your next Southwest adventure!
How Does Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-In Work? A Step-by-Step Guide
EarlyBird Check-In is designed to give you a significant advantage in the Southwest boarding process by automatically checking you in and assigning you an earlier boarding position before the general 24-hour check-in window opens.
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Boarding Process (Crucial First Step!)
Before we get into EarlyBird, it's essential to grasp how Southwest's standard boarding works. This will help you appreciate the value of EarlyBird.
No Assigned Seats: This is the golden rule of Southwest. Once you board, you pick any available seat.
Boarding Groups (A, B, C) and Positions (1-60+): When you check in for your flight, you're assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within that group (e.g., A35, B22, C50). This combination dictates your place in the boarding line.
First-Come, First-Served (Generally): For most passengers, your boarding position is primarily determined by how early you check in for your flight, starting precisely 24 hours before departure. The quicker you are, the better your chances of getting into Group A or early B.
The Race to Check In: Many savvy Southwest travelers set alarms to check in at the exact 24-hour mark to secure a good position.
Step 2: Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In
This is where EarlyBird Check-In comes into play to simplify things.
Sub-heading: When and Where to Buy It
During Booking: The easiest and often most cost-effective time to purchase EarlyBird Check-In is when you initially book your flight on Southwest.com or through the Southwest app. You'll see it offered as an add-on during the checkout process.
After Booking (Up to 36 Hours Before Departure): If you've already booked your flight, you can still add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing reservation. You can do this on Southwest.com under "Manage Reservations" or via the Southwest app. However, it's subject to availability and must be purchased at least 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled local departure time.
Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies. It typically ranges from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight, depending on the route's popularity and length. If you're flying a round-trip, you'll need to purchase it for each leg of your journey.
Sub-heading: Who is Eligible?
EarlyBird Check-In is generally available for passengers traveling on Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares.
It's important to note: It's usually not necessary or available for passengers who have purchased Business Select® or Anytime fares, as these already include priority boarding privileges. Similarly, Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred Members already receive priority boarding. If you're on a reservation with an A-List or A-List Preferred Member, EarlyBird Check-In for you (and others on your reservation) would be redundant. Unaccompanied Minors also preboard.
Step 3: Automatic Check-In and Boarding Position Assignment
This is the core benefit of EarlyBird Check-In.
36-Hour Head Start: If you've purchased EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest will automatically check you in and reserve your boarding position approximately 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled local departure time.
Before the General Public: This is 12 hours before the traditional 24-hour check-in window opens for everyone else. This significantly increases your chances of getting a better boarding position.
Prioritization within EarlyBird: While EarlyBird gives you a head start, it doesn't guarantee a specific A-list position. Boarding positions for EarlyBird Check-In customers are assigned based on a few factors:
Fare Type: Customers with Anytime fares (which include EarlyBird automatically) will get priority over those who purchased EarlyBird with Wanna Get Away Plus®, Wanna Get Away®, and Basic fares.
Purchase Timestamp: Within the same fare product, earlier EarlyBird Check-In purchases generally receive better boarding positions.
What You Get: You'll typically find yourself in the early to mid-A group or early B group, depending on the number of Business Select passengers, A-List members, and other EarlyBird purchasers on your specific flight.
Step 4: Retrieving Your Boarding Pass
Even with EarlyBird Check-In, you still need to obtain your boarding pass.
Still Within 24 Hours: You can retrieve your boarding pass anytime within 24 hours of your flight's scheduled departure.
Convenient Options: You can do this:
Online at Southwest.com
Through the Southwest mobile app
At a self-service kiosk at the airport
At the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter
At your departure gate
Step 5: Boarding the Plane
Once you have your boarding pass with your assigned group and number, the actual boarding process is straightforward.
Line Up at the Gate: Southwest gate areas have numbered poles to help you find your designated place in line.
Group Call: When your boarding group (A, B, or C) is called, find your spot in the numerical sequence and proceed to board the aircraft.
Open Seating: Once onboard, simply choose any available seat. An earlier boarding position means you'll have a wider selection of seats (aisle, window, front of the plane) and more available overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage.
Benefits of Southwest EarlyBird Check-In
Peace of Mind: No more setting alarms or rushing to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight. EarlyBird takes care of it automatically.
Better Boarding Position: A significantly improved chance of getting an A or early B boarding pass, leading to a smoother boarding experience.
Preferred Seat Selection: With an earlier boarding position, you have a much better opportunity to pick your desired seat – whether that's an aisle, window, or closer to the front for a quicker exit.
Guaranteed Overhead Bin Space: Less worry about finding space for your carry-on bag, potentially avoiding the need to gate-check it.
Reduced Travel Stress: For many, the ability to relax and not worry about the check-in sprint makes the cost well worth it.
When Might EarlyBird Check-In Be Most Valuable?
Busy Flights: During peak travel times (holidays, weekends, popular routes) when flights are likely to be full.
Longer Flights: For extended journeys where seat comfort (e.g., aisle vs. middle) becomes more important.
Traveling with Companions (not qualifying for Family Boarding): If you want to maximize your chances of sitting together with friends or family who don't qualify for family boarding.
Carry-on Luggage Users: If having immediate access to your carry-on and avoiding gate-checking is a priority.
Inability to Check-In at the 24-Hour Mark: If you know you'll be busy, in a meeting, or without internet access when the 24-hour check-in window opens.
Important Considerations
Non-Refundable (Generally): EarlyBird Check-In purchases are typically non-refundable. If you cancel your flight, you'll forfeit the EarlyBird fee. However, if Southwest cancels your flight or significantly changes it (e.g., a delay of three or more hours domestically), you may be eligible for a refund of the EarlyBird purchase.
Does Not Guarantee A1-A15: The first 15 boarding positions (A1-A15) are typically reserved for Business Select passengers. While EarlyBird significantly improves your position, it won't put you in those top spots.
Not Always Necessary: For very uncrowded flights, or if you qualify for Family Boarding (traveling with a child six or younger), EarlyBird might not be as critical.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a good boarding position on Southwest without EarlyBird?
You can get a good boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Be ready right when the clock strikes, as positions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis for standard check-ins.
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is available for my flight?
When booking your flight on Southwest.com or the Southwest app, the option to purchase EarlyBird Check-In will be displayed during the checkout process if it's available. If you've already booked, you can check under "Manage Reservations" for your specific flight.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In after booking my flight?
Go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest app, navigate to "Manage Reservations," enter your confirmation number and last name, and then look for the option to "Add EarlyBird Check-In" for your desired flight segment.
How to transfer EarlyBird Check-In to a new flight if I change my reservation?
If you change your flight more than 25 hours before departure and your confirmation number remains the same, your EarlyBird Check-In will typically transfer to your new flight. If the change is within 24 hours, or the confirmation number changes, it's generally non-refundable and will not transfer.
How to tell what boarding position I got with EarlyBird Check-In?
You will see your assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and number on your boarding pass once you check in (anytime within 24 hours of departure) on Southwest.com, the Southwest app, or at the airport.
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is worth the cost for my specific trip?
Consider the flight length, expected crowd levels (peak travel vs. off-peak), your desire for a specific seat (window/aisle), and whether you need overhead bin space. If these factors are important, it's likely worth the investment.
How to determine if I already have priority boarding through A-List or Business Select?
If you are a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Member, or if you have purchased a Business Select fare, priority boarding is already included, and you do not need to purchase EarlyBird Check-In.
How to board with my family if I purchase EarlyBird Check-In?
If you purchased EarlyBird for your family, each person on the reservation will receive an earlier boarding position. If you are traveling with a child aged six or younger and don't get an "A" boarding pass, you can still utilize Southwest's "Family Boarding" which occurs after the A group and before the B group.
How to get a refund for EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In is generally non-refundable unless Southwest Airlines cancels your flight or significantly changes your flight (e.g., a delay of three or more hours domestically or six or more internationally) and you opt to cancel your reservation as a result.
How to tell the difference between EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding?
EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours prior and assigns you an earlier boarding position. Upgraded Boarding is a separate, often more expensive, purchase at the airport gate (or sometimes via the app within 24 hours), allowing you to buy an A1-A15 boarding position if available, for a single flight segment.
