{"id":146184,"date":"2025-03-17T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=146184"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:11:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:11:14","slug":"early-bird-check-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/early-bird-check-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Southwest EarlyBird Check-In: What It Is, How Much It Costs, and Who Should Get It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em><strong>This promotion has ended; please review <a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/loyalty-program-promotions\/\">current\/active promotions<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Flying Southwest Airlines has always been a unique experience thanks to its open seating policy and unconventional boarding process. If you don\u2019t want to stress about checking in exactly 24 hours before departure, EarlyBird Check-In can give you a better boarding position.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s everything you need to know, including how it works, and when it makes sense to pay for it. We'll also go over how Southwest's upcoming operational changes could impact the future of EarlyBird Check-In.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#What_Is_Southwest_EarlyBird_Check-In\">What Is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_Much_Does_Southwest_EarlyBird_Check-In_Cost\">How Much Does Southwest EarlyBird Check-In Cost?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_To_Purchase_EarlyBird_Check-In\">How To Purchase EarlyBird Check-In<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Purchasing_EarlyBird_Check-In_on_group_itineraries\">Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In on group itineraries<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_To_Get_Southwest_EarlyBird_Check-In_Without_Buying_It\">How To Get Southwest EarlyBird Check-In Without Buying It<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Southwest_credit_cards_with_EarlyBird_Check-In_benefits\">Southwest credit cards with EarlyBird Check-In benefits<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Who_shouldn8217t_purchase_EarlyBird_Check-In\">Who shouldn't purchase EarlyBird Check-In?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_Is_EarlyBird_Check-In_Assigned\">How Is EarlyBird Check-In Assigned?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Whats_the_Difference_Between_Upgraded_Boarding_and_EarlyBird_Check-In\">What\u2019s the Difference Between Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Changes_Coming_to_Southwest_Seating_and_Boarding\">Changes Coming to Southwest Seating and Boarding<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"What_Is_Southwest_EarlyBird_Check-In\">What Is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Southwest EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in before the standard 24-hour check-in window &#8212; guaranteeing you a better boarding position. This means a better shot at the seat you want and early access to overhead bin space.<\/p>\n<p>For Wanna Get Away (<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-adds-basic-fares-bag-fees\/\" rel=\"noopener\">soon to be &#8220;Basic&#8221; fares<\/a>) and Wanna Get Away Plus fares, EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased up to 36 hours before departure, assuming it\u2019s available. Even though Southwest will check you in ahead of time, you won\u2019t be able to get your boarding pass until the standard 24-hour mark \u2014 just like everyone else.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_136348\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-136348 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Southwest-plane-at-gate-with-pilots-waving-featured-300x240.png\" alt=\"Southwest plane at gate with pilots waving from windows\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Southwest-plane-at-gate-with-pilots-waving-featured-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Southwest-plane-at-gate-with-pilots-waving-featured-325x260.png 325w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Southwest-plane-at-gate-with-pilots-waving-featured.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Southwest Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">A Complete Guide to Southwest Rapid Rewards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_Much_Does_Southwest_EarlyBird_Check-In_Cost\">How Much Does Southwest EarlyBird Check-In Cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>EarlyBird Check-In starts at $15 per segment, but the price you'll pay depends on demand and route length. In some cases, it can now price <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.southwest.com\/html\/customer-service\/travel-fees.html?clk=HC_Prepare_1266_OptionalTravelCharges\" rel=\"noopener\">as high as $99<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you cancel your flight, you won\u2019t get a refund for EarlyBird Check-In. But if Southwest cancels your flight, you can request a refund, though it might take up to seven business days to process.<\/p>\n<p>And now that Southwest has started implementing its <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/airlines\/southwest-icelandair-partnership\/\" rel=\"noopener\">interline agreement with Icelandair<\/a>, it\u2019s also worth noting that EarlyBird Check-In is unavailable on partner airline itineraries.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_To_Purchase_EarlyBird_Check-In\">How To Purchase EarlyBird Check-In<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased when booking your flight on Southwest.com, through the Southwest mobile app, or by calling Southwest at <strong>800-435-9792<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you decide to add EarlyBird Check-In later, you can do so as long as there\u2019s availability. When purchased at the time of booking, it will be listed in your confirmation email; if added later, you\u2019ll get a separate email with a receipt.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_145498\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/355\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-145498 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Southwest-Airlines-EarlyBird-Check-In-Form-300x142.png\" alt=\"Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-In form\" width=\"750\" height=\"355\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Southwest-Airlines-EarlyBird-Check-In-Form-300x142.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Southwest-Airlines-EarlyBird-Check-In-Form-768x362.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Southwest-Airlines-EarlyBird-Check-In-Form.png 820w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Southwest<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>In the event you change your flight, EarlyBird Check-In will transfer to the new flight if it departs more than 25 hours later. Or, if your new flight is within that 25-hour window, you\u2019ll lose EarlyBird Check-In and won\u2019t get a refund. But if you change your route, you may need to contact Southwest to transfer it manually.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Purchasing_EarlyBird_Check-In_on_group_itineraries\">Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In on group itineraries<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re booking a group and want to add EarlyBird Check-In later, you can choose which passengers get it. But if you add it at the time of booking, everyone on the reservation must get it.<\/p>\n<p>For <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-companion-pass\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Companion Pass<\/a> holders, if the primary traveler purchases EarlyBird Check-In, the companion will automatically get the next available boarding position.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_To_Get_Southwest_EarlyBird_Check-In_Without_Buying_It\">How To Get Southwest EarlyBird Check-In Without Buying It<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you want EarlyBird Check-In without paying for it outright, you\u2019ll need to book the right fare. Anytime fares include EarlyBird Check-In automatically, so Southwest will check you in 36 hours before departure.<\/p>\n<p>That said, if you book an Anytime fare between 24 and 36 hours before your flight, your boarding position might not be as good, since assignments will have already started.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_121132\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-121132 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lukas-Souza-Southwest-Airlines-cabin-featured.png\" alt=\"a Southwest heart-shaped logo inside the plane\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lukas-Souza-Southwest-Airlines-cabin-featured.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lukas-Souza-Southwest-Airlines-cabin-featured-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lukas-Souza-Southwest-Airlines-cabin-featured-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lukas-Souza-Southwest-Airlines-cabin-featured-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Lukas Souza\/Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Southwest_credit_cards_with_EarlyBird_Check-In_benefits\">Southwest credit cards with EarlyBird Check-In benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<div>\n<div class=\"RES9jf xWMiCc pb3iw BJ0kwe\"><span data-dobid=\"hdw\">Throughout <\/span>2025, if you have one of these Southwest credit cards, you can get EarlyBird Check-In for free just by charging the cost to your card:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"520080\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-plus\/\">Southwest Rapid Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card<\/a>:<\/strong> Two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"2000147\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-premier\/\" =_blank>Southwest Rapid Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Premier Credit Card<\/a>:<\/strong> Two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4048107\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/premier-business\/\">Southwest<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Rapid Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Premier Business Credit Card<\/a>:<\/strong> Two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-chase\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/93\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/CardArt-SouthwestRapidRewardsPlusCreditCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae Plus Credit Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Southwest Rapid Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"qs-learn-more\" data-ccid=\"520080\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-plus\/\">Learn More<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$99<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"520080\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005150&type=3&u1=0f73e38a3533c4d4123e015954f23c9d&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>2X points per $1 spent on Southwest<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year<\/li>\r\n<li>1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/93\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/CardArt-SouthwestRapidRewardsPremierCreditCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae Premier Credit Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Southwest Rapid Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Premier Credit Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 55,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"qs-learn-more\" data-ccid=\"2000147\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-premier\/\">Learn More<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$149<\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>3X points per $1 spent on all Southwest<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>2X points per $1 spent at grocery stores and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year<\/li>\r\n<li>1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/93\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/CardArt-SouthwestRapidRewardsPremierBusinessCreditCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Southwest\u00ae Rapid Rewards\u00ae Premier Business Credit Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Southwest<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Rapid Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Premier Business Credit Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"qs-learn-more\" data-ccid=\"4048107\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/premier-business\/\">Learn More<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$149<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048107\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005152&type=3&u1=d1b6b11ee4026e46864898f295fadc95&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>3X points per $1 spent on Southwest<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>2X points per $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year<\/li>\r\n<li>1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>If you have the <a data-ccid=\"4048122\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-priority\/\">Southwest Rapid Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Priority Credit Card<\/a>, you can use its $75 annual travel credit to cover EarlyBird Check-In.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Choose the Right Southwest Airlines Credit Card<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Who_shouldn8217t_purchase_EarlyBird_Check-In\">Who shouldn't purchase EarlyBird Check-In?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Business Select fares don\u2019t include EarlyBird Check-In because they already come with A1\u2013A15 Priority Boarding, so there\u2019s no reason to pay for it &#8212; if Southwest will even let you.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/a-list-elite-status\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Southwest A-List elite<\/a> members &#8212; and their companions on the same reservation &#8212; automatically get an early boarding positiontoo. So if you have status, you don\u2019t need to bother purchasing EarlyBird Check-In.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, if you qualify for preboarding due to a disability, you won\u2019t need EarlyBird Check-In. The same goes for unaccompanied minors, who have their own boarding process.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_Is_EarlyBird_Check-In_Assigned\">How Is EarlyBird Check-In Assigned?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Southwest assigns EarlyBird Check-In in a specific order. First, Anytime fare passengers (who get it for free) are checked in. Then, Wanna Get Away Plus fares that purchased EarlyBird Check-In are assigned positions, followed by Wanna Get Away fares that also purchased it.<\/p>\n<p>Within the same fare class, boarding positions are assigned based on when you bought EarlyBird Check-In. So, the earlier you buy it, the better your position will likely be.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Whats_the_Difference_Between_Upgraded_Boarding_and_EarlyBird_Check-In\">What\u2019s the Difference Between Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While EarlyBird Check-In gives you a better boarding position than most, it doesn\u2019t get you an A1\u2013A15 spot. That\u2019s where <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-upgraded-boarding\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Upgraded Boarding<\/a> comes in. Upgraded Boarding starts at $30 per segment and lets you jump the line and secure a spot in the A1\u2013A15 range \u2014 provided there\u2019s availability.<\/p>\n<p>The key difference is that Upgraded Boarding guarantees an A1\u2013A15 boarding position, while EarlyBird Check-In generally gets you somewhere between A16-45 &#8212; depending on how many other passengers purchase it.<\/p>\n<p>Another difference: Upgraded Boarding must be purchased per segment, while EarlyBird Check-In applies to all segments on the same reservation.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re flying with a Companion Pass, EarlyBird Check-In will automatically place your companion in the next available boarding position, while Upgraded Boarding requires your companion to purchase their own.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_192632\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-192632 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Southwest-Airport-Featured-David-Syphers-Unsplash.png\" alt=\"Overhead view of the Southwest planes.\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Southwest-Airport-Featured-David-Syphers-Unsplash.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Southwest-Airport-Featured-David-Syphers-Unsplash-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Southwest-Airport-Featured-David-Syphers-Unsplash-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Southwest-Airport-Featured-David-Syphers-Unsplash-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: David Syphers\/Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Changes_Coming_to_Southwest_Seating_and_Boarding\">Changes Coming to Southwest Seating and Boarding<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Southwest announced some big changes in late 2024 with one of the most notable being that <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-assigned-seats\/\" rel=\"noopener\">assigned seating is coming in 2026<\/a>. While the airline will keep its familiar boarding process, who boards first will likely change.<\/p>\n<p>Southwest is also introducing premium seats with extra legroom at the front of the plane. EarlyBird Check-In will likely be impacted because of this operational change, too, but we don\u2019t yet know how. There\u2019s speculation that Southwest credit card holders may get free seat assignments ahead of check-in, which would naturally reduce the value (and future) of EarlyBird Check-In.<\/p>\n<p>But for now, nothing has changed. However, if you\u2019re booking flights for 2026 and beyond, it's worth keeping an eye on Southwest to see when and how it starts implementing its planned operational changes.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>EarlyBird Check-In has long been a simple way to get a better boarding position on Southwest flights, but with assigned seating on the horizon, its value could very well change.<\/p>\n<p>For flights in 2025, EarlyBird Check-In still makes sense if you want a better boarding position but don\u2019t have elite status or a premium fare (Anytime or Business Select).<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re flying in 2026 or later, it\u2019s worth paying attention to how Southwest adapts its operational model. For now, it\u2019s business as usual, but just know that major changes are on the way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flying Southwest Airlines has always been a unique experience thanks to its open seating policy and unconventional boarding process. If you don\u2019t want to stress about checking in exactly 24 hours before departure, EarlyBird Check-In can give you a better boarding position. Here\u2019s everything you need to know, including how it works, when it makes sense to pay for it \u2014 and how upcoming operational changes could impact its future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":85,"featured_media":136364,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12054],"tags":[12757],"coauthors":[36458,36490],"class_list":["post-146184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips","tag-southwest-rapid-rewards"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146184","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/85"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=146184"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146184\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":252156,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146184\/revisions\/252156"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/136364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=146184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=146184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=146184"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=146184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}