Is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In Worth It?

Southwest Airlines is in the process of adding premium seats to some of its planes and selling assigned seats — but for now, most of its fleet has only economy-style seats and an open seating policy. If you want to get on the plane early enough to grab a good spot, you can pay extra for early boarding. Prices for EarlyBird Check-In start at $15 per person one-way and increase based on a variety of factors.

As the airline rolls out several big changes, the future of this early boarding option is unclear. Southwest announced it would ditch its choose-your-own-seating process in 2026 in favor of assigned seating. But so far, no changes to EarlyBird Check-In have been shared. Under the current rules, you're assigned a boarding position rather than a seat. Folks with an A on their boarding pass board before those with a C. There are many ways to improve your chances of getting an A next to your name. Among them is something called EarlyBird Check-In.

Is Southwest’s EarlyBird Check-In worth it? Here’s what you need to know to decide.

EarlyBird Check-In guarantees that you will be one of the first passengers to board the plane — for a fee. The cost starts at $15 per person one-way. For round-trip tickets, you’ll need to purchase EarlyBird for each leg separately.

However, even if you pay for EarlyBird Check-In, you still might not be the first to board the plane. Southwest guarantees the first 15 boarding spots to those who purchase Business Select tickets. Your place in line with EarlyBird Check-In depends on how many Business Select tickets were purchased on your flight.

» Learn more: Southwest Rapid Rewards: The complete guide

Southwest is currently operating with a boarding procedure that differs from that of almost every other major airline. Rather than reserving a specific seat when booking a flight, you are placed into one of three boarding groups: A, B or C.

Then, you’re assigned a number within the boarding group that determines your place in line. This means that A1 will be the first to board, followed by A2, and so on.

Without paying for early check-in, it’s usually the case that the earlier you check in for a Southwest flight, the better your boarding spot will be. That’s why many passengers check in at the earliest possible moment: precisely 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure.

Most passengers try to get in group A or B so they can get better seats, have enough overhead bin space and avoid being separated from their travel companions. Without EarlyBird Check-In, you could be stuck with a middle seat, away from family or friends or without space for your carry-on.

Purchase a Business Select ticket

Those flying on Business Select fares are the highest on the priority boarding list and get to board in the A1-A15 group.

Southwest offers four types of fares: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus and Wanna Get Away. (Note, the Wanna Get Away fare will be replaced with the Basic fare class starting May 28, 2025.)

Although Business Select tickets are the most expensive, they include several perks in addition to priority boarding, including a full refund up to 10 minutes before departure, a complimentary drink on most flights, a high earn rate on points (14 Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent), priority lane access, same-day changes and standby.

Purchase an Anytime fare

As long as the ticket is purchased more than 24 hours ahead of departure, free EarlyBird Check-In is included with Anytime fares. Anytime fares offer more flexibility when it comes to refunds (full refund up to 10 minutes before takeoff), a high Rapid Rewards earn rate (10 points per $1 spent), priority lane access, same-day changes and standby.

If you purchase your flight more than 36 hours before departure, you will be automatically checked in to your flight 36 hours before the flight is scheduled to depart. This automatic check-in occurs 12 hours before the standard 24-hour check-in window.

Those who purchase their Anytime tickets within 24 hours of departure will not get EarlyBird Check-In. At this point, the boarding position assignment process will already be underway, so you may not get the boarding position you want.

Purchase upgraded boarding

If you want an even higher position than what you'd get with EarlyBird and you don't want to pay more for a Business Select ticket, you can purchase upgraded boarding. Starting at $30 each way per customer, you can buy a spot in the A1-A15 boarding group.

You can purchase it at the gate or at the ticket counter the day of departure (assuming it's available), or you can buy it online from Southwest's website within 24 hours of departure.

» Learn more: What to know to upgrade a Southwest flight

Apply for a Southwest credit card

In case none of the methods that offer early boarding apply to you, purchase EarlyBird Check-In if you are worried about:

• Sufficient overhead bin space. If you’ve got a large or bulky carry-on and in general want to improve your chances of onboard storage.

• Sitting in a less-than-ideal seat. If you can’t stomach the idea of flying from Los Angeles to New York in a middle seat and you won't be available to check in to your flight at the 24-hour mark.

• Being separated from your party. Traveling with elderly parents or others whom you’re concerned about can already be stressful and being separated might bring on even more stress. Note that Southwest’s family boarding allows two adults traveling with children age six or younger to automatically board after the A group and before the B group.

If any of these three reasons resonate with you, strongly consider paying for EarlyBird Check-In.

EarlyBird Check-In isn’t for everyone. We recommend the following travelers opt out of it:

• Families with small children. If you’re traveling with small children, EarlyBird Check-In may not be necessary because of Southwest’s family boarding policy. Parents traveling with children six years old or younger are allowed on the plane between A group and B group boarding. In most cases, this should let you get at least two seats together.

• No-frills travelers. Many people fly Southwest because they want to save money with low fares and don’t mind the trade-offs that come with them. If you’d rather have money in your pocket than landing the seat of your choice, it’s probably worth it to skip EarlyBird Check-In.

• Budget-minded group travelers. While $15 to $30 may not seem like much to pay for early boarding, it can quickly add up if you’re traveling with a group. A family of four paying for this perk on a round-trip flight could easily spend up to $200.

If you’re booking a new flight

EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased during checkout on Southwest.com. After selecting your flight, seeing the cost summary and potentially adding a rental car to the booking, you will be directed to input passenger information. Before adding your contact information, you’re given the option to add EarlyBird Check-In.

To add it to a flight you’ve already booked

Log in to your Southwest account and navigate to your Trips. Find the flight that you’d like to add the service to, and click Details. From there, select the Add EarlyBird Check-In button and purchase.

» Learn more: How to redeem Rapid Rewards points wisely

The best way to know whether Southwest EarlyBird Check-In is worth it is to determine what you value more — money or convenience?

There’s a lot to be said for sitting next to a travel companion in your favorite seat, with your carry-on positioned above you. However, if you can check in at the 24-hour mark, you'll usually be just fine getting seats together or avoiding a middle seat. Plus, you'll have more money to spend when you arrive at your destination.