Planning to fly Southwest and want to make sure you snag a great boarding position? You're in the right place! Southwest Airlines is famous for its open seating policy, which means getting a good boarding position is key to choosing your preferred seat and having easy access to overhead bin space. Let's dive into how you can check in early and set yourself up for a smooth travel experience.
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Boarding Philosophy - Your First Mission!
Alright, before we even think about checking in, let's make sure you grasp how Southwest works. Unlike most airlines, Southwest doesn't assign specific seats. Instead, they use a unique boarding process with three groups: A, B, and C, each with positions 1-60+. Your boarding position is determined by when you check in. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be.
So, tell me, are you ready to embrace the art of the early check-in and potentially grab that coveted window or aisle seat? If yes, let's move on!
Step 2: The Gold Standard: EarlyBird Check-In
The most reliable way to check in early and secure a good boarding position is through Southwest's EarlyBird Check-In®. This optional service allows Southwest to automatically check you in and assign your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled local departure time. This is a full 12 hours before the general 24-hour check-in window opens for everyone else.
Sub-heading: What is EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In is a paid add-on that essentially puts you ahead of the curve. It's designed for travelers who want peace of mind and a better chance at their preferred seat without having to set an alarm for the exact 24-hour mark. While it doesn't guarantee an "A" boarding position, it significantly increases your chances of getting one, or at least a very good "B" position.
Sub-heading: Benefits of EarlyBird Check-In
Automatic Check-in: You don't have to lift a finger at the 24-hour mark. Southwest does it for you.
Earlier Boarding Position: This is the big one! It gets you a head start on the general public, leading to a better spot in line.
Better Seat Selection: With an earlier boarding position, you'll have more choices when it comes to picking your desired window, aisle, or even a row to yourself (if available).
Earlier Access to Overhead Bins: No more battling for space! You'll be among the first to board, ensuring ample room for your carry-on.
Reduced Stress: Knowing your boarding pass is secured beforehand can greatly reduce travel day anxiety.
Sub-heading: How to Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In in a few ways:
During Initial Booking: The easiest way is to add it while you are purchasing your flight on Southwest.com or through the Southwest app. You'll usually see it as an optional add-on during the checkout process.
After Booking (Up to 36 Hours Prior): If you've already booked your flight, you can still add EarlyBird Check-In later. Go to "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com or in the app, enter your confirmation number, and look for the option to add EarlyBird Check-In. Be aware that it's subject to availability, and it becomes unavailable 36 hours before your flight's departure.
Through a Southwest Credit Card: Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins as a perk. Check your card's benefits to see if you qualify!
Pro-Tip: EarlyBird pricing can vary based on the popularity and length of your flight, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight. If you have connecting flights, you'll need to purchase it for each leg.
Step 3: The Manual Method: The 24-Hour Dash
If EarlyBird Check-In isn't for you, or if it's no longer available, your next best bet is to be ready right when the 24-hour check-in window opens. This is the traditional check-in method for all Southwest passengers.
Sub-heading: Why the 24-Hour Mark is Crucial
Southwest assigns boarding positions based on when you check in within each fare class (Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, Wanna Get Away, Basic). So, for those without EarlyBird, the moment that 24-hour window opens is when the race begins! The faster you check in, the better your boarding position (e.g., you're more likely to get a B group position rather than a C).
Sub-heading: How to Execute the 24-Hour Dash
Set an Alarm (or multiple!): This is non-negotiable. Find your flight's scheduled departure time and set an alarm for exactly 24 hours prior to that time. Consider setting a reminder a few minutes before as well, just in case.
Have Your Information Ready: Before your alarm goes off, have your Southwest confirmation number (six-character code) and your first and last name readily available.
Choose Your Platform:
Southwest Airlines App: This is often the quickest and most convenient option. Download the app (if you haven't already), log in, and navigate to your trip. When the 24-hour mark hits, refresh the page and hit the check-in button immediately. The app also allows you to easily save your mobile boarding pass to your phone's wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay).
Southwest.com Website: If you prefer a desktop, go to Southwest.com, click on "Check In" in the navigation bar, and enter your details. Be poised to click "Check In" right on time.
Confirm and Get Your Boarding Pass: Once you successfully check in, you'll be assigned your boarding group and position (e.g., A35, B21, C05). You can then choose to get a mobile boarding pass, print it at home, or print it at the airport kiosk or ticket counter.
Important Note: If you're traveling with others on the same reservation, checking in all passengers at the same time is crucial to ensure they get consecutive (or close to consecutive) boarding positions. This is especially important for families who want to sit together.
Step 4: Alternative Ways to Improve Your Boarding Position
While EarlyBird and the 24-hour dash are the primary methods, there are a few other ways to potentially get an earlier boarding position:
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares
If you purchase a Business Select fare, priority boarding is included. These fares are generally the most expensive but come with premium benefits, including an A1-A15 boarding position, a complimentary alcoholic beverage on most flights, and fully refundable tickets.
Sub-heading: A-List or A-List Preferred Status
Southwest's Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred elite status members automatically receive priority boarding. Their boarding positions are reserved 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In. If you're a frequent flyer, aiming for A-List status can be a game-changer.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding
If you didn't purchase EarlyBird Check-In or didn't get the desired boarding position during the 24-hour check-in, you might have an opportunity to purchase Upgraded Boarding. This allows you to upgrade your boarding position to A1-A15.
Availability: This option is generally available within 24 hours of your flight, either through the Southwest app, at the ticket counter, or at the gate. It's subject to availability and there are typically only a limited number (around 15) of these upgrades per flight.
Cost: The cost for Upgraded Boarding varies but is typically between $30-$50 per segment.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding (for those with young children)
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, Southwest offers "Family Boarding." This allows up to two adults traveling with the child to board after the A group has boarded and before the B group begins boarding, regardless of their assigned boarding position. This is a fantastic option for families to ensure they can find seats together.
Step 5: Day of Travel - Boarding Time!
Once you have your boarding pass with your group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60), it's time for the actual boarding process.
Arrive at the Gate Early: Give yourself ample time to get to your gate. Keep an eye on the gate announcements and monitors.
Line Up: Southwest gates have numbered poles or markers indicating where you should line up within your boarding group (e.g., A1-30, A31-60). When your group is called, find your spot in line.
Board the Aircraft: Once onboard, remember it's open seating! Find any available seat that suits you. People often gravitate towards the front, so if you're looking for more options, sometimes heading towards the back of the plane can yield better results.
Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the Southwest check-in and boarding process to get an earlier position. Enjoy your flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In after booking my flight?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In after booking by going to "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com or in the Southwest app, entering your confirmation number and last name, and then selecting the EarlyBird Check-In option if available for your flight.
How to check in for my Southwest flight precisely 24 hours before departure?
Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Open the Southwest app or website, have your confirmation number ready, and refresh the page to hit the "Check In" button the moment the window opens.
How to get a mobile boarding pass on the Southwest app?
After checking in via the Southwest app, you'll be given the option to view and save your mobile boarding pass directly to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet for iOS, Google Pay for Android).
How to know my boarding group and position on Southwest?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) will be clearly displayed on your boarding pass immediately after you check in.
How to qualify for Southwest Family Boarding?
Family boarding is available for up to two adults traveling with a child aged six or younger. These individuals can board after the A group and before the B group, regardless of their assigned boarding position.
How to upgrade my boarding position on the day of travel with Southwest?
You may be able to purchase "Upgraded Boarding" to an A1-A15 position at the airport ticket counter, at the gate, or through the Southwest app within 24 hours of your flight, subject to availability and for an additional fee.
How to find my Southwest confirmation number for check-in?
Your confirmation number is a six-character code typically found in your booking confirmation email from Southwest Airlines.
How to check in if I am an A-List or A-List Preferred member?
If you are an A-List or A-List Preferred member, Southwest automatically checks you in and assigns you a priority boarding position 36 hours before your flight, so no action is required on your part to get an early position.
How to ensure my travel companions get good boarding positions on Southwest?
If you're all on the same reservation, check in everyone simultaneously when the 24-hour window opens (or purchase EarlyBird Check-In for everyone) to increase the likelihood of consecutive or close boarding positions.
How to check in for an international Southwest flight?
The online and mobile check-in process for international flights is similar to domestic flights. However, for international travel, you will still need to verify your passport with a Southwest agent at the ticket counter at least 60 minutes prior to departure to receive your physical boarding pass.
