How do I get free priority boarding on Southwest?

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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Upgraded Boarding gives Customers the ability to upgrade their boarding position to A1-A15 24 hours before the flight depending on availability. This allows our Customers the opportunity to be among the first to board the aircraft, pick their preferred available seat, and access the overhead bin space.

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To qualify for A-List status, you'll need to fly 25 one-way qualifying flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points per calendar year. To qualify for A-List Preferred status, you'll need to fly 50 Southwest Airlines® one-way qualifying flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points per calendar year.

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Pay for it out of pocket. As we mentioned, the easiest way to get priority boarding with American Airlines is to fly in a premium cabin. First class passengers board in Group 1; business class passengers board in Groups 1 and 2; and premium economy passengers board in Group 4.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Basics Card type: Airline. Annual fee: $149. Sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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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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EarlyBird Check-In® If you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, we'll automatically check you in and reserve your boarding position 36 hours before you flight's departure.

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In order to avoid delaying others when they are boarding, and to limit the chance of others pushing past him or into him whilst he's trying to get into his seat. Why do some people choose their seats when they book a flight, while others don't have to?

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If you have a B group boarding position, the chances are good that you'll still be able to get a window or aisle seat or find 2 seats together if you're traveling with a companion. Hot Tip: If you are in the B group (or even one of the first numbers in the C group), head to the back of the plane.

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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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The change, which went into effect Aug. 15, will take place as the airline works on “product enhancements.” The airline said the overhaul is part of several company initiatives meant to modernize the customer experience and strengthen their customer base.

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The change, which went into effect Aug. 15, will take place as the airline works on “product enhancements.” The airline said the overhaul is part of several company initiatives meant to modernize the customer experience and strengthen their customer base.

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While EarlyBird Check-In doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it improves your seat selection options to help you get your favorite seat. Please remember, EarlyBird Check-In is subject to availability.

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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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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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Watch for sales (They happen frequently) Southwest has an unofficial but predictable fare sale calendar that drops the prices on some routes nearly every Tuesday. While it's not a published policy, these generally run from Tuesday through Thursday and offer one-way prices on select routes as low as $39.

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Unlike some airlines that rarely offer sales on fares, Southwest regularly puts flights on sale. Pretty much every Tuesday, in fact. The sales typically apply to cash bookings as well as redeeming Southwest points.

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Typically Tuesday is the cheapest day when they release whatever sale. By Thursday those sale fares usually increase. I have also found cheap fares on Saturday/Sunday.

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