Do Southwest card holders get priority boarding?

In addition to earning points, members can also enjoy perks such as priority boarding a few times each year, travel credits and, depending on the card, progress toward elite status. Plus, access to Southwest's valuable Companion Pass, which will be discussed below.



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If you're new to flying Southwest, you may not be familiar with its boarding procedures and no assigned seats. But Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Cardholders get up to four upgraded boardings per year for free.

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Although Southwest priority boarding isn't based on the cabin class you fly, you can get the perk by:
  1. Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding.
  2. Carrying a credit card that offers priority boarding benefits.
  3. Purchasing a higher fare ticket.
  4. Being an elite member.


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You and all Passengers included on your reservation will receive priority boarding, which means Southwest will automatically reserve a boarding position 36 hours prior to the flight.

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The program includes perks like no blackout dates, no baggage fees or other hidden charges, along with the potential to earn the Southwest Companion Pass®, allows you to choose one family member or friend to fly with you every time you purchase or redeem points for a flight.

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All passengers flying in a premium cabin get priority boarding. But the group you'll be assigned to depends on which class of service you're flying. Passengers in the front cabin board with Group 1.

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Getting the top levels of priority boarding is reserved for the most frequent flyers, active military members and higher fare class. You can also board early by being an AAdvantage card member. However, if you prefer other airlines, look for other travel cards that offer priority boarding and compare your options.

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In theory, if you identify as someone who needs additional time or assistance to get into your seat, the airline should not have any say on whether or not your claim is valid. You can request preboarding at the gate. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

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If you need your carry-on bag during a long layover or prefer not to wait at a late-night baggage claim after a long day of flying, then purchasing a priority boarding upgrade may be well worth it. In essence, purchasing priority boarding is staking claim to readily accessible overhead bin space.

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Go to the gate where your flight will be departing. You can only use your upgraded boardings at the gate, you cannot book them in advance. Ask the gate agent if any upgraded positions are available. If so, you will need to pay for it with your Southwest Priority or Business Performance Credit card.

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Customers with eligible reservations may check in online at www.southwest.com or using the Southwest® app available here. Once you have checked in for your flight, you can print your boarding pass online, download via the Southwest app, or choose to receive a text.

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Who should do it? A ticket upgrade may make sense if any of the following are true: You like the idea of boarding the plane quickly so you can choose your preferred seat and are guaranteed an A1 through A15 boarding position. You want to maximize the Rapid Rewards points that you earn.

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What are the Rapid Rewards Rules and Regulations? Rapid Rewards is a rewards program offered by Southwest Airlines® Co. for Southwest Airlines Customers.

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To keep flights orderly and boarding smooth, airlines calculate that it makes sense for small children to board early with a parent and get settled before the anxious masses wanting an on-time or early departure.

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Once selected and as available, Upgraded Boarding can be added to one or more flight segments in the itinerary. On Southwest.com, navigate to the “Check-In” window and enter the confirmation number. The Upgraded Boarding option is displayed below the flight's itinerary.

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Priority Boarding Fees “Airlines even offer priority boarding for a fee, so those who want early access to the overhead bins can pay for it. The price for priority boarding starts at around $10 and maxes out at around $30.

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Don't hesitate to ask for accommodations.
Early boarding helps him stay calm, he explains, because standing in line in the jet bridge is intensely stressful for him. It's a simple request: He just asks for priority boarding at check-in, and “80 percent of the time,” he says, the airline is happy to grant his request.

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