How Does Early Bird Check-in Work on Southwest Airlines?

Everything You Need to Know About Early Bird Check-In on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines uses a distinctive boarding procedure and open seating policy, which for some first-time flyers can be confusing. As opposed to most airlines, which reserve specific seats when you make a booking, Southwest gives you a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within your boarding group (1-60+). Your status in this line determines when you're able to board the flight and, therefore, your seat selection. This is where Southwest EarlyBird Check-in appears as a sought-after add-on for most travellers who want a less stressful beginning to their flight.

Check-in Work on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest EarlyBird Check-in is a paid optional service that will provide you with a major head start in the boarding process. For a cost, Southwest will check you in automatically and determine your boarding number 36 hours prior to the scheduled local departure of your flight. This is a full 12 hours ahead of when general 24-hour check-in will become available for all other passengers.

This is how automatic check-in Southwest with EarlyBird works:

Buy EarlyBird: You can usually buy EarlyBird Check-in when you first book your flight or add to a current reservation up to 36 hours prior to departure, depending on availability. The cost will be based on the route and demand.

Automatic Boarding Position Assignment: After purchasing, you don't have to do anything further. Southwest's system will check you in at the 36-hour point before your flight automatically.

Earlier Boarding Position: Since you're boarding earlier than the general crowd, you typically get a superior boarding position (e.g., lower "A" or "B" number). That means priority boarding Southwest over the people who check in in person at 24 hours.

Boarding Pass Pick-up: Although EarlyBird gets you checked in ahead of time, you will still have to pick up your boarding pass online or via the Southwest app at least 24 hours prior to your flight's departure, or at the gate. Your boarding pass will indicate the assigned boarding group and number to you at the 36-hour mark.

You should be aware that EarlyBird Check-in benefits will not get you an "A" boarding position, but it will definitely improve your chances of having one, or at least a decent "B" position. The sooner you buy EarlyBird compared to other EarlyBird buyers, the better you'll be in that EarlyBird group.

EarlyBird Check-In Benefits

The benefits of buying Southwest EarlyBird Check-in are obvious for most travellers:

Improved Seat Choice: By having a better boarding position, you have more options for available seats on the aircraft. This is particularly useful on Southwest, where they have open seating. You can take an aisle, window, or even an exit row seat (if qualified) without needing to rush to the gate.

Access to Aisle Space: Boarding first also gives you more choice for overhead bin space for your carry-on bag. This can be a major blessing, avoiding having to gate-check your bag or stuff it under the seat in front of you.

Less Stress: For the anxious traveller who worries about boarding or getting a good spot, EarlyBird Check-in is a stress reliever. You don't need to wake up and check in 24 hours in advance, knowing your boarding position is taken care of.

Convenience for Busy Travellers: If your flight's departure time is inconvenient (e.g., early morning), EarlyBird spares you the rush of checking in at an odd time. The Southwest automatic check-in feature takes care of it for you.

Higher Probability of Sitting Together (Groups/Families): Although not always a certainty, if you're flying with family or a group and all of you have EarlyBird Check-in, you stand a much higher probability of sitting together, particularly with the present seating policy at Southwest Airlines. Southwest also provides "Family Boarding" after the A group for families with young children (6 and under), which can be helpful.

Is EarlyBird Check-in Always Worth It?

Whether or not Southwest EarlyBird Check-in is "worth it" is up to your personal travel style and priorities.

Consider it if: You value seat selection, require overhead bin space, are flying with a group and want to be seated together, or just enjoy the stress-free check-in experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Southwest EarlyBird Check-in offers a valuable upgrade to the standard Southwest boarding experience. By providing automatic check-in Southwest and a significantly earlier boarding position, it enhances your chances of securing your preferred seat and overhead bin space, ultimately leading to a more comfortable and relaxed start to your journey.