Southwest’s EarlyBird Check-In: What it is and how to use it
Quick insights
- EarlyBird Check-In® allows Southwest passengers to secure a premium boarding position giving them an earlier opportunity to select a seat and to access overhead bin space.
- As of November 2024, the EarlyBird Check-In upgrade costs $15 - $99 per person, per one-way flight.
- As of November 2024, cardmembers with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier and Plus cards get two complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins per year.
The early bird gets the worm, so they say. If you're flying Southwest, the early bird gets earlier boarding and that can be translated into better seating since you are able to be among the first to choose. In this article, we’ll explain Southwest’s EarlyBird Check-In—what it is, why you may want it and how to get it.
Southwest’s EarlyBird Check-In explained
EarlyBird Check-In is a benefit offered by Southwest Airlines that allows passengers to secure a better boarding position, increasing their chances of getting their preferred seat and overhead bin space. Because Southwest flights do not have assigned seating as of November 2024, getting priority boarding is one of the few ways to secure the seat you want on your flight.
How EarlyBird Check-In works
EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks passengers in within 36 hours before their flight. As this happens before general Check-In is open to everyone (traditional check-in is 24 hours before the flight), it gives those with EarlyBird a chance to board in an earlier group.
EarlyBird price varies from $15 to $99 per flight, depending on the route. Per flight means a one way trip—not per roundtrip flight. If you want EarlyBird for your roundtrip flight, you’ll pay a minimum of $30 per person.
Securing and using EarlyBird Check-In
EarlyBird Check-In is available for purchase at the time of booking or can be added later (up to 26 hours prior to a flight’s scheduled local departure time). It’s important to note that EarlyBird is subject to availability. It may not be an option if you book a last-minute flight. Booking a flight in advance can help you purchase EarlyBird Check-In.
Your boarding group is determined by when you purchase EarlyBird. Those who choose this add-on before you may get an earlier boarding position, so it’s best to snag it early.
Reasons to pay for EarlyBird Check-In
EarlyBird Check-In might be a fee you choose to pay. Here are a few things you may want to consider before doing so:
- Boarding position: If you highly value getting to choose where you sit, you may find this a valuable advantage.
- Group travel: You will likely have a better chance of sitting together if those traveling in your group all have EarlyBird Check-In.
- Children: If you and your children have EarlyBird Check-In, you will increase your odds of sitting together.
- Flight duration: Sitting in a less-than-ideal seat during a 4-hour flight is different than a 1-hour trip. You may want to factor in the duration of your flight and your comfort level when deciding on this purchase.
Getting early boarding of Business Select seats
There are a few ways to secure a premium boarding position without having to pay for EarlyBird Check-In:
- A-List status: Those passengers with Southwest’s A-List or A-List Preferred status get preferred boarding with every flight.
- Business select: Southwest does not have a first or business class cabin. However, the first 15 rows on every Southwest flight are reserved for passengers who purchase Business Select seats.
- Rapid Rewards credit card: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and Plus credit cards offer two complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins every calendar year as a perk of being a cardmember.
If you’re a frequent flyer on Southwest, you may find value in exploring Southwest’s Rapid Rewards credit cards and what they offer.
Comparing Southwest Rapid Rewards cards
The Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards are Chase co-branded cards that offer travel benefits with Southwest and the opportunity to earn rewards. There are three cards for consumers:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
All three have an annual fee and offer travel perks and rewards through Southwest’s Rapid Rewards system. You can earn points on everyday purchases which can be redeemed for travel on Southwest, experiences, exclusive events, hotels, car rental, gift cards or anything offered through Southwest’s More Rewards shopping portal. Figure out which Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card may be right for you.
In summary
EarlyBird Check-In is a benefit offered through Southwest Airlines that provides earlier check-in and consequently a better boarding position, allowing passengers to potentially choose from a wider selection of available seats and overhead storage. EarlyBird Check-In is subject to availability and typically costs between $15 and $99 per person per one-way flight. If you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier or Plus credit card, you will get two complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins per year.
