Southwest Early Bird check-in | How does it work and benefits?

What is early bird check-in for Southwest Airlines?

Completing the check-in process on time with Southwest Airlines is always a beneficial option to make the trip hassle-free. Different check-in options are available on Southwest Airlines, and early bird check-in is one of them. Using this method, you can check in earlier than other passengers, get better boarding positions, have earlier access to overhead bins, etc. However, travelers need to remember that Southwest early bird check-in is non-refundable. 

How does Southwest Air Early Bird check-in work?

If you purchase the early-bird check-in option, Southwest Airlines will automatically check you in 36 hours before the departure time and allot you a boarding position. You must go directly to the security checkin the departure date and board your flight. If you want to apply for Southwest Early Bird check-in, you need to go through the points below. 

  • Search for the official website of Southwest Airlines 
  • Following that, you will need to open the section early-bird check-in option
  • Further, you must select the purchase option and then fill out the confirmation number with your first name and last name
  • Next, you need to submit the details and pay the charges 
  • Doing that early-bird check-in will add to your bookings. 

Is it worth adding an early bird check-in Southwest?

Yes, the southwest early bird check is worth it, as you will receive several benefits and facilities after adding this option to your bookings. This option will help most group travelers, and not only does this option help in early check-in, but it also gives you the option of preferred seat selection. 

How much does an early bird check-in cost on Southwest?

To add the early bird check-in to your Southwest Bookings, you must pay certain charges, which will vary depending on the number of travelers and destination. Still, you must pay the Southwest Airlines early bird check-in cost, which is between 15 USD and 25 USD per passenger. 

How do I get my boarding pass with Southwest Early Bird check-in?

When you purchase the early-bird check-in option, the airline will automatically check you in before 36 hours of departure. After that, when the time left in the departure is 24 hours, you will need to visit the check-in section to check your position, and from there, you can print your boarding pass. You will also receive the boarding pass in your email after check-in so that you can print it from there. 

Does Southwest limit the number of early bird check-ins?

Yes, there are some flights on which the airlines limit the early bird check-in, which will vary depending on the route, destination, time of departure, etc. On most flights, the airlines also limit some spots; the traveler who applies first will get that accordingly. 

How do I use my 2 free early bird check-ins at Southwest?

When you apply for the Southwest Rapid Reward business card, you will earn 2 free early-bird check-ins, which you can use when making the bookings or if you forget to use them at the time of bookings, then you will not need to worry as you can apply for that even after the bookings. 

Do you get refunded for early bird check-in Southwest?

Generally, the airlines will not refund you for the early-bird amount if you cancel the flight. Still, in case the airlines cancel or delay the flight due to their issues like less staff, technical issues, etc, then in such a situation, you will get a refund for early-bird check-in. The refund will be provided by the airlines using the same form that you used when making the bookings. 

How do you get free early bird check-in Southwest?

Many options are available, and you can get a free early-bird check-in. If you do not have information about those mediums, you must go through the below points. 

  • Southwest Airlines offers different booking classes, but you will get free early bird check-in when you purchase the Southwest Business Select. 
  • A credit card has various benefits, so when you apply for that card, you will get the option of early bird check-in.
  • Every anniversary of Southwest Airlines, they release 2 early bird check-in cards, and you will earn these cards while participating in the airline's flyer program. 

Is Southwest upgraded boarding the same as early bird check-in?

Yes, in Southwest Airlines, the upgraded boarding and early bird check-in are the same; the customer who applies for any of these things will get the option to check in with the other customers. The check-in positions from A01 to A15 are reserved for early birds, so if the customer applies for upgraded boarding, they can check in before 36 hours. 

What is the benefit of an early bird check-in with Southwest?

Southwest Airlines' early bird check-in option provides different benefits to its customers, which will help them make their trips more comfortable and hassle-free. If any customers want to know about the Southwest early bird check-in benefits, they will need to go through the information below.

Early to board: After purchasing the early bird check-in option, the airlines will automatically check in on every other passenger. You will not need to make the check-in online or not need to visit the counter of the airlines for check-in. 

Prior seat selection: The airline will process your check-in 36 hours before your departure time, and until that time, most of the seats are vacant so that you can select your preferred seat in that initial phase.

Avoid the counter queue: Most customers prefer the counter check-in option, but they have to stand in the queue for that; while using the early bird check-in option, you will not need to reach the airport counter or the airline's website. 

The above information will help you learn about Southwest's early bird check-in boarding pass. However, if you are still looking for more details, visit Southwest Airlines' official website, as the airline regularly posts updates there, or approach their customer service team.