{"id":146129,"date":"2026-07-13T22:10:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T22:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=146129"},"modified":"2026-07-13T22:10:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T22:10:02","slug":"southwest-upgraded-boarding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-upgraded-boarding\/","title":{"rendered":"Southwest Priority Boarding: How To Board Early Under the New Assigned-Seating System"},"content":{"rendered":"

Southwest Airlines used to be much more unique. Previously, the airline used an open seating policy and a boarding process that required strategic navigation. Now, Southwest has fallen in line with all other airlines' seating policies and moved to assigned seats<\/a> and standard boarding groups.<\/p>\n

If you want to be one of the first on board, Southwest Priority Boarding has officially replaced Upgraded Boarding. Essentially, you'll still board early and have first crack at overhead bin space, but you'll head straight to your assigned seat. Here's how to board Southwest flights early \u2014 including how to do it for free.<\/p>\n

How Southwest Priority Boarding Works<\/span><\/h2>\n

Southwest moved to assigned seats and implemented new boarding procedures<\/a> for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Now, passengers board in Groups 1 through 8 based on the fare class purchased. If you book a Choice Extra fare, you're guaranteed to board in Group 1. However, if you want to board before Group 1, you can purchase Priority Boarding.<\/p>\n

Priority Boarding can be purchased starting 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and up to 30 minutes before departure, subject to availability. It's purchased on a per-person, per-segment basis. So, if your itinerary includes a connection, you'll need to purchase it separately for each flight where you want to board early. Payment must be made with a credit card.<\/p>\n

\"Interior
Credit: Southwest<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

How much is Southwest Priority Boarding, and how do you purchase it?<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to the fee chart<\/a>, Priority Boarding costs between $10 and $75 per person per segment. Purchases are nonrefundable if you cancel your flight. The good news is that Southwest will refund your Priority Boarding purchase if the airline cancels your flight or if your flight is significantly delayed or significantly changed.<\/p>\n

To purchase Priority Boarding, you can go to the dedicated Priority Boarding page<\/a> and enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name. If Priority Boarding is available, you can complete your purchase with a credit card, and your boarding pass should automatically update to reflect your purchase. You'll then be able to board immediately after preboarding and before Group 1.<\/p>\n

\"Southwest
Credit: Southwest<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Southwest credit card boarding benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n

Southwest also overhauled its Rapid Rewards credit card benefits<\/a>. Select cardholders previously enjoyed Upgraded Boarding credits as built-in benefits. Now, all five Southwest credit cards<\/a> offer Group 5 boarding, which is right in the middle of the boarding process \u2014 behind Priority Boarding but before most of the general boarding.<\/p>\n

Some Southwest credit cards also include complimentary Standard, Preferred, or Extra Legroom seat selection. Since you'll already have an assigned seat, these benefits can make paying extra for Priority Boarding less worthwhile in most cases.<\/p>\n

If these benefits intrigue you, here are your Southwest card options:<\/p>\n