Southwest Airlines Early Bird Check-In: Priority Boarding

What Is The Early Bird Check-In For Southwest Airlines?

To ensure an earlier boarding position, Southwest airlines offers one of the premium services, which is called an ‘EarlyBird Check-In’. In this, you can automatically check yourself in for your trip 36 hours before departure. Although it does not guarantee an "A" boarding slot, it also enables you to board earlier, possibly improving your choice of seats and overhead bin space. Read this blog thoroughly to learn about the early check-in options to save your time.

Understand Southwest Check-In Policy

Here is a breakdown for you to understand the check-in options:-

Automatic Check-in

Rather than waiting for the regular 24-hour check-in window, the Southwest Airlines early bird check in options help to automatically check you in for 36 hours before your flight.

Improved Boarding Position

When traveling with someone old in your family or friends, the early check-in option ensures boarding comfort and preferred seats.

Not Guaranteed A Position

Please have no confusion with EarlyBird Check-in, that do not guarantee an A boarding position because it is influenced by fare type and other factors.

How To Check In On Southwest Airlines?

Following the Southwest Airlines check-in Policy, it's easy to get through the check in for a Southwest Airlines flight. There are many ways, such as a website, a mobile app, via a kiosk, a ticket counter, or at the desired airport. There is an online check-in option for 24 hours before your scheduled flight’s time. Just enter your PNR number or flight number and the first and last name of the passenger on the reservation to check in accordingly.

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

Southwest Airlines provides a secure and sound early bird check-in, where one can also choose a better boarding position and seat selection as well. In this, you check in 36 hours automatically before your departure, rather than the usual 24 hours. Please note that during or after the Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares are booked, it can be purchased.

Southwest Airlines Check‑In & Boarding Pass Guide

Southwest Airlines check in boarding pass is all about the right time. The online and mobile check‑in window opens 24 hours before departure, closing roughly 60 minutes before takeoff. To snag a good boarding position, be ready at the exact 24‑hour mark—either through the app or website.

What to do:

  • Use your confirmation number (or Rapid Rewards) plus last name to log in.
  • Check‑in, then download or email yourself a mobile boarding pass, or print it at home or at airport kiosks.
  • Infants (lap children) and unaccompanied minors cannot access mobile passes—they’ll need printed versions.

Need a better seat?

Southwest uses open seating, so boarding order matters: you’re assigned a group (A, B, C) and position (1–60+) upon check‑in. Earlier check‑in = better seat choice. Want to skip the scramble? Buy Southwest Airlines early bird check-in for automatic check‑in at 36 hours, giving you faster boarding priority.

At the airport

  • Bring your boarding pass (mobile, wallet, or printed) and ID to security.
  • If you prefer paper, kiosks, and ticket counters, print boarding passes anytime after check‑in.
  • To check bags, drop them at least 45 minutes before departure—otherwise, your bag may not make the flight.

What You All Should Know About the Southwest Airlines Check-In and Boarding Pass?

The check-in process is smooth with Southwest Airlines; however, its timing is a critical factor. Passengers may check in over the various provided mediums, anytime from 24 hours before the scheduled departure, with the online or app method being among them. This becomes particularly important because Southwest operates an open seating policy, meaning there are no assigned seats, and passengers select their seats during boarding.

During check-in, the passenger receives a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1–60). Keep note that the earlier you check in, the better your boarding position along with it the chances of getting good seats are feasible. For those who want to avoid the 24-hour rush, Southwest offers a Southwest Airlines check-in Policy for a fee, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight.

Once checked in, several options are available for passengers to retrieve their Southwest Airlines check-in boarding pass​ : print-at-home, print at airport kiosks, or print at ticket counters. Mobile boarding passes are convenient and accepted at the majority of airports, but travelers with infants or unaccompanied minors or those requiring special assistance may need to use a traditional boarding pass.

At the airport, it is necessary to go through security and plane boarding by using a boarding pass and a valid ID. In case you are checking luggage, it is advised to arrive and check in bags at least 45 minutes to departure time.

5 Tips For Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-In

Southwest Airlines check-in Policy offers an EarlyBird Check-In service that gives passengers a head start by automatically checking them in 36 hours before departure, rather than the standard 24 hours. This feature is especially helpful because Southwest uses an open seating system—no assigned seats, so the earlier you check in, the better your boarding position. Here are some tips to get the most from EarlyBird Check-In:

  1. Buy Early: It is an easy option to get through the check-in process without waiting in the long queue. The EarlyBird priority is assigned based on the time of purchase, so booking early increases your chances of getting into boarding group A or early B.
  2. Understand the Limitations: While EarlyBird improves your boarding spot, it does not guarantee an A-group position. It simply checks you in ahead of general passengers who check in manually at 24 hours.
  3. Weigh the Cost: EarlyBird is non-refundable and costs $15–$25 one-way per passenger, depending on route and availability. For shorter flights or if you're flying solo, it may not be necessary unless you really want a window or aisle seat.
  4. Traveling in Groups: If you're flying with family or friends and all want to sit together, make sure everyone in the group purchases EarlyBird at the same time to increase the chance of boarding close together.

Conclusion

Hoping that this blog piece enables you to use the Early Bird Check-in option for easy and smooth travel. If you have any confusion, then connect with Southwest Airlines Customer Service 1 (800) 435-9792.

Know More:

Frequently Asked Questions

How does early bird check-in work for Southwest Airlines?

Southwest's EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in and assigns a boarding pass within 36 hours of your flight's departure, before the standard 24-hour check-in opens.

Is it worth paying for an early bird check-in on Southwest?

Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-in can be a worthwhile purchase for some travelers, as it automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, potentially securing a better boarding position and allowing you to select your preferred seat and overhead bin space

What is the fastest way to check-in on Southwest?

Southwest EarlyBird Check-In® is the fastest way to check in on Southwest.