What is Southwest Early Bird Check In and Is It Worth It?

Southwest Airlines operates differently. These changes may be most noticeable in seat assignments and boarding. I know how to obtain the greatest seat.

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Southwest offers optional Early Bird Check In. Southwest checks you in and gives your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight departure time

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Southwest Early Bird Check In will usually place you in the “A” or early “B” boarding group.

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Southwest Early Bird Check In costs $15–25 one-way per person. Route length determines price. Pricing also depends on Early Bird Check In demand

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Southwest Early Bird Check In can be purchased at the time of flight reservation or up to 36 hours before departure.

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Southwest Early Bird Check In must be purchased by all passengers on a reservation. You can buy Early Bird Check In later and add it to an itinerary

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Family Boarding allows adults with children under six to board. Family Boarding on Southwest follows the “A” group but precedes the “B” group.

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Business Select prices get boarding priority over Early Bird Check In. Southwest Business Select fares are the only way to secure group A, boarding positions A1-A15.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List members get priority boarding. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members get priority boarding.

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Southwest allows free flight cancellations. If you might cancel your flight, don't buy Early Bird Check In when you book.

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