Does early bird check in get you a better seat on Southwest?


Does early bird check in get you a better seat on Southwest? While EarlyBird Check-In doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it improves your seat selection options to help you get your favorite seat. Please remember, EarlyBird Check-In is subject to availability.


Is a list better than early bird?

A-list will ALWAYS yield a better boarding position than Early Bird - unless the ticket happens to be booked less than 24 hours in advance, SW assigns boarding positions in the following order: A List preferred, followed by A-List, followed by Early Bird.


What does early bird mean on Southwest?

EarlyBird Check-In is included with the purchase of an Anytime fare. Customers who purchase an Anytime fare will automatically be checked in to their flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure—that's 12 hours before our traditional 24-hour check-in.


Is Southwest boarding faster?

Yes, Southwest Airlines proves to be more efficient when it comes to boarding an airplane. The airline has implemented an innovative system that allows passengers to board in three different groups. This has enabled them to fill up planes faster and also allow passengers to find their seats more quickly.


How early should I arrive for a Southwest flight?

It's recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. Though, some airports may recommend more than two hours before. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time, so you can get through TSA with time to spare.


How do I get my boarding pass with Southwest Early Bird check in?

Customers with eligible reservations may check in online at www.southwest.com or using the Southwest® app available here. Once you have checked in for your flight, you can print your boarding pass online, download via the Southwest app, or choose to receive a text.


How to get free upgrade on Southwest?

There are two Southwest credit cards that give Upgraded Boarding — a personal and business version. Both provide 4 Southwest upgraded boardings per cardmember year. This means that if you open a card in October 2022, you will get 4 upgraded boarding credits to use over the next 12 months.


How do I get free priority boarding on Southwest?

Although Southwest priority boarding isn't based on the cabin class you fly, you can get the perk by:
  1. Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding.
  2. Carrying a credit card that offers priority boarding benefits.
  3. Purchasing a higher fare ticket.
  4. Being an elite member.


Is Southwest upgraded boarding the same as early bird check in?

Customers can add EarlyBird Check-In to their reservation up to 36 hours prior to a flight's scheduled departure, when it is available. Upgraded Boarding guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position and, when available, can be added to a reservation up to 30 minutes before a flight's scheduled departure.


Do I need to print my boarding pass?

Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.


Is Group B good on Southwest?

If you have a B group boarding position, the chances are good that you'll still be able to get a window or aisle seat or find 2 seats together if you're traveling with a companion. Hot Tip: If you are in the B group (or even one of the first numbers in the C group), head to the back of the plane.


Is it worth upgrading Southwest boarding?

Who should do it? A ticket upgrade may make sense if any of the following are true: You like the idea of boarding the plane quickly so you can choose your preferred seat and are guaranteed an A1 through A15 boarding position. You want to maximize the Rapid Rewards points that you earn.