Southwest Early Bird Check-In: Requirements & Cost

 Southwest Airlines is a reputable airline known for providing affordable and flexible travel options to its passengers. Airlines are known for their unique open seating policy, and they do not assign seats in advance. Southwest Airlines provides services which is known as Southwest Early Bird Check-in to make the process simple and improve the customer experience. 

 In this guide, we will provide you with proper information about everything passengers need to know about the Southwest Early Bird Check-in, including requirements, cost, benefits, and limitations. 

What is The Southwes Early Bird Check-in?

Southwest Early Bird Check-In is an added cost, optional service that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, allowing you to check in 12 hours before the 24-hour regular check-in. This will improve your opportunity for a better boarding position, giving you more seats to choose from once you enter. 

Since Southwest does not assign seats, your boarding position is the most important factor in your travel experience, especially if the flight is full.

Requirements For Southwest Early Bird Check-in

There are no strict rules and eligibility criteria to purchase the Early Bird Check-in. However, the passengers have to meet some of the basic conditions, such as:

1. Valid Southwest Ticket

You must have a confirmed reservation on a Southwest-operated flight. Early Bird Check-In is only offered on domestic and international routes.

2. Applicable Per Passenger Basis

Each passenger must buy Early Bird Check-In on an individual basis. It is not offered as an automatic feature of all passengers on a reservation.

3. Group Bookings Over 9 is Not Available 

Southwest does not offer Early Bird Check-In for Group Travel bookings of 10 or more passengers.

4. Purchase Timeline

Early Bird Check-In does not allow for purchase after 36 hours before the scheduled departure. Once it has reached that point, Early Bird Check-In is no longer available for that flight segment.

5. Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable

The fee is not refundable and cannot be transferred to another traveler or another flight, even if you choose to cancel or change your trip.

Cost for Southwest Early Bird Check-In in 2025

Pricing for Early Bird Check-In starts at $15 and goes up to $25 per one-way segment, depending on the route, demand, and travel season. The price of Early Bird Check-In is set at the time of purchase.

If your trip involves connecting flights, each segment of the trip will be charged separately. An example would be a roundtrip with a connection each way has four Early Bird Check-Ins.

How Early Bird Check-In Works 

Once you purchase Early Bird Check-In it takes care of your check-in for you, making sure you are assigned a boarding position 12 hours before check-in goes live for the rest of the passengers. Borders can still come from the Southwest app, Southwest website, or through a southwest kiosk. 

 If you have purchased Southwest Early Bird, then your boarding position will be displayed like all other passengers at the 24-hour check-in time. Early Bird Check-In does improve your odds of being assigned to A boarding group, but it is not a 100% guarantee.

Benefits of Early Bird Check-In

1. Better Boarding Position - The primary benefit is improved boarding position. You are more likely to secure preferred seating (i.e., aisle or window seats) and ensure overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage.
2. Ignore the Stress - With Early Bird Check-in, you do not have to worry about checking in at the 24-hour. 
3. Better for Families or Groups - Southwest does not assign seats, Early Bird Check-in assists families and groups board earlier to increase their chances of sitting together.
4. Faster Boarding - Passengers with better boarding positions can select seats closer to the front of the aircraft. This is beneficial if you have a short connection and want to get off the plane quickly!

Points to Consider

No Guaranteed Boarding Group

Although Early Bird Check-In improves your boarding on the plane, there is no guarantee that you will get an "A" boarding group. A boarding group is still based on Business Select status or elite status.

No Seat Assignment

Southwest does not assign seat assignments. You can choose your seat when boarding, and it is based on your boarding position.

Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable

If you decided to change your plans, you could not get a refund for the Early Bird Check-In, nor would you be able to transfer it to other flights or passengers.

Boarding Position May Change

The boarding position of the flight will be assigned according to the time and date of ticket purchased, if more than one passenger purchased Early Bird Check-In on one flight and not when the Early Bird Check-In was performed.

Considerations When Buying Early Bird Check-In?

Early Bird Check-In is not compulsory to purchase for every traveler. The following groups of travelers are better suited for Early Bird Check-In:

 Best for:

• Families traveling together need to sit together
• Solo travelers trying to get a window or aisle seat
• Business travelers with time constraints
• Travelers who forget to check in 24 hours before departure

Adding Early Bird Check-In

You can purchase Early Bird Check-In while booking or after booking:

At Booking

• Go to the Southwest Airlines website.
• Enter the flight and passenger information needed
• Select Early Bird Check-In during the purchasing process.

After Booking

• Go to the Southwest Airlines website and to the "Manage Reservations" section of the website.
• Enter your first and last name and confirmation number.
• Click "Add Early Bird Check-In" and read and follow the instructions given.
• You can only purchase Early Bird Check-In up to 36 hours before the flight time.

Is Early Bird Check-in Worth Purchasing?

The worth of the Early Bird check-in depends on your travel needs. If someone wants convenience and better boarding position then the Early Bird Check-in worth to the need. 

• It is worth it if you want:
• If you want a value seat choice and early boarding 
• If you want to travel with your children or a group 
• You want to avoid the stress of check-in 

How You Can Check Your Boarding Position?

If you are a member of the Early Bird Check-in, then you have to check the boarding position:

1. Visit to Southwest Airlines website or app 24 hours before the departure of your booked flight. 
2. Log in to your booking and enter the confirmation number. 
3. You can see your boarding group and position with Southwest Airlines. 
4. You should save or print your boarding pass. 

Conclusion

Southwest Early Bird Check-in is a convenient add-on for passengers who want to improve the boarding experience at an affordable cost. It does not guarantee the best seat on the plane, but it also gives you a valuable edge when you have busy routes during the peak travel times.

 You can understand the cost, eligibility, and benefits of the Early Bird Check-in with the above-provided guide. You can make an informed decision and tailor your travel experience with Southwest Airlines to meet your comfort and convenience needs.

 Early bird check-in can make the difference in starting your journey, and it is a valuable choice for people who want ease and comfort during flight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Southwest Early Bird Check-In: Requirements & Cost

 1. Can I get a refund on Early Bird Check-In after purchasing it?

No, Early Bird Check-In cannot be refunded. You are unable to cancel or transfer it to another flight.

2. Can I get a good seat with Early Bird Check-In?

It is not guaranteed to get a specific seat, but you will get on the plane earlier, which increases the chance of selecting a seat you want.

3. Can I get Group A with Early Bird Check-In?

You can get a Group A, but that is not guaranteed. Business Select passengers always board before any A-List or Early Bird passengers.

4. Can I purchase an Early Bird Check-In for only one segment of my trip?

Yes, Early Bird Check-In is for sold for individual flight segments, you may purchase for as many segments as you like.