

However, here are a few variables to keep in mind that could affect boarding positions or seat selection: The quicker you check in, the higher your chances of getting an earlier boarding position. Standard check-in starts 24 hours before flight departure. Your position shows up on your boarding pass. You typically receive a boarding assignment, including a group and boarding number, when you complete Southwest check-in for your flight. Each group, starting with A, assembles in a specified boarding area according to numerical order. Gate agents announce when it’s time to board and who will board next. So A1 would board before A30, B1 before B30, and C1 before C30.

And within each group, the lower numbers board first. The general rule is that the A boarding position group boards first, then B, then C.

Southwest has three boarding groups (A, B, and C) and numbers (1 to 60) within each group. Where the complication occurs is knowing who gets to board first. This can be slightly different and confusing if you’ve never flown Southwest before, but the process isn’t complicated once you get the hang of it. All Southwest flights work according to an open seating plan, which means you get to choose between any open seat once you get onto the plane. With Southwest, there are no seat assignments. The Southwest check-in and boarding process is different. Even if you’re in a later zone, you typically still have an assigned seat. It’s common to be separated into different zones or groups and each group is allowed to board once they’re called. The boarding process varies by airline, but many airlines share similarities with how they get passengers onto planes. If it’s as simple as avoiding Southwest’s competitive standard check-in process, EarlyBird Check-In has its benefits. In many situations, EarlyBird Check-In could definitely be worth it if you want to help ensure your group sits together, or that you get preferred seating. You should also have EarlyBird Check-In transferred to a changed flight if the new flight departs more than 25 hours from the time of the change. If Southwest cancels your flight, it will typically refund the cost. If you change your flight and the new flight departs in less than 25 hours, you’ll lose EarlyBird Check-In and it won’t be refunded. This means if you choose to cancel your flight, don’t expect to be refunded the EarlyBird Check-In cost. Keep in mind that EarlyBird Check-In is nonrefundable in certain circumstances. Paying $15 for some peace of mind doesn’t sound too bad, but what if the price jumps to $25 and you want it for your entire group for a round-trip flight? A relatively small fee may become $200 for a group of four. The cost itself could also be off-putting. They already know they’ll be boarding earlier than some of the other passengers, so there’s likely not a huge reason to get EarlyBird Check-In. Passengers who already have access to some sort of priority boarding, including family boarding, might not find EarlyBird Check-In to be worth the additional $15 to $25 expense. In general, it depends on your travel preferences and whether you think this optional cost is worth paying. Southwest EarlyBird Check-In could be worth it in certain situations, but it might not always make sense. Is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In worth it?
#SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CHECK IN 4 HOURS BEFORE HOW TO#
How to buy Southwest EarlyBird Check-In.Is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In worth it?.If your reservation does not qualify for Online Checkin, you may still be able to print a Security Document.Īdditional information regarding Online Checkin southwest. Customers under 18 years of age are not required to show government-issued photo ID. To proceed through Security Checkpoint, you will need a government-issued photo ID and either a Boarding Pass or Security Document. O Customers traveling on a Senior fare must be age verified before using online checkin.

O Have purchased an Adult fare type (Customers holding reservations for group, infant, youth, or military fares, and those requiring an additional seat must proceed to the airport for checkin) O Be checking in for flights that have not already departed O Check in beginning 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure To use Online Checkin and print your Boarding Pass, you must: The new process is thought to be more customer-friendly. Southwest Airlines is allowing customers to check in and print boarding passes 24 hours before flight time instead of its previous practice of midnight before the departure. This is new to me.hopefully it hasn't been posted before:
