Is it better to check-in early for Southwest?

Is it better to check-in early for Southwest? As an EarlyBird Check-In Customer, you'll have the benefit of an earlier boarding position, a better opportunity to select your preferred available seat, and earlier access to overhead bin storage for your carryon luggage.

Is Group B on Southwest good?

B boarding group: This is the next best boarding group to be in if you want the chance to select a seat you can live with. However, being near the beginning of the B group is a lot better than the end.

Can I get my boarding pass on my phone?

A mobile boarding pass is an electronic document on a personal mobile device that allows you to go through security and board your flight. It's generated and provided using our mobile channels on iOS, Android, and our mobile website.

Is Southwest boarding order random?

Southwest follows an open seating style, meaning there are no assigned seats. You'll be assigned a boarding group (either A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check-in, which determines your boarding order. Once on board, you choose your seat. If you're last to board, you likely won't get to sit with your family.

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 strict is Southwest with carry on?

Your carryon can be no bigger than 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H). If it's bigger than those dimensions, it will need to be checked. Where can I store my carryon? You must store your carryon in the overhead bin.

Which airline has the best boarding?

Southwest Airlines has the most efficient, fastest boarding process in the business. The airline has an open seating policy, which allows them to board passengers faster. Southwest may begin boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time, and asks that passengers be in the boarding area no later than this.

How much faster is Southwest boarding?

Southwest Airline's boarding method – no assigned seats, no assigned order – proved to be the fastest, at 14.07 minutes, which was a whopping 47 percent faster than back-to-front.

Can boarding pass be shown on phone?

Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed. To board your flight, scan your mobile boarding pass by holding one of the devices listed above with your pass facing the scanner.

Why do you have to be at the airport 3 hours early?

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before departure for international flights. It's common for international flights to start boarding earlier than domestic flights (the aircraft are often larger and have higher passenger capacities), which accounts for the earlier recommendation.

What is the downside to early check-in?

If you check in first, there's a higher chance of getting squished into the middle seat or being near the bathrooms (ahh, the smells, the sounds, the foot traffic).

Who gets early boarding on Southwest?

A-List and A-List Preferred members receive priority boarding for everyone booked on the same reservation as boarding positions get assigned to elite Rapid Rewards members 36 hours before departure — so you don't have to purchase EarlyBird Check-In separately.

Can you save seats on Southwest?

Re: Saving Seats Unfortunately, there's no policy to enforce. Officially, Southwest has no policy for or against seat saving, and in practice actively allows it. Reps will even suggest that passengers save seats for later boarding companions.

Can I go straight to security if I checked in online Southwest?

Boarding positions will be reserved for Customers with EarlyBird Check-In. That said, in order to pass through the security checkpoint, you will need to retrieve your boarding pass online or at the airport at your convenience as early as 24 hours prior to scheduled departure.

Why is Southwest so much better than other Airlines?

Southwest Airlines is more flexible than most other large airlines. Southwest is the only large U.S. airline that is also a low-cost carrier. Southwest Airlines' strategy emphasizes recruiting and retaining motivated employees. Southwest continues to improve its business model and practices.

Does early check-in give better seats?

If you're able to choose your seat for free at check-in, the earlier, the better is usually the advice, especially if you want to be seated together with your family. Similarly, for first- and business-class passengers, all of the seats are great, so why wait?

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 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.