Is Southwest getting rid of early bird check-in?

Southwest Airlines will limit its popular EarlyBird Check-In feature as part of its effort to overhaul its flying experience. Going forward, the airline is limiting the number of EarlyBird Check-In spots available to purchase on certain flights, routes, or days, Southwest confirmed to Travel + Leisure.



As of early 2026, Southwest is significantly changing its boarding model, effectively phasing out the traditional Early Bird Check-In as part of its transition to assigned seating. For decades, Early Bird was the primary way to secure a better boarding position in an open-seating environment. However, following the airline's historic shift away from open seating (which officially ended in January 2026), the need for "automatic check-in" for a better spot has been replaced by the ability to purchase specific seats during booking. While the name "Early Bird" may still exist in some marketing for those who want the system to automatically assign them a seat upon check-in if they didn't pay for one at booking, the "boarding group" hierarchy is now based more on fare class and elite status. This overhaul marks the end of the "A-List or bust" era, moving Southwest toward a boarding process that mirrors the industry standard used by Delta or United.

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SCOOP: Southwest Airlines Will No Longer Sell 'Early Bird' Check-In For All Trips. Southwest doesn't offer advance seat assignments, and that works well for them. Passengers line up in order to get their preferred seat before the best seats are gone, and this helps get everyone on quickly.

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Customers can add EarlyBird Check-In to their reservation up to 36 hours prior to a flight's scheduled departure. Upgraded Boarding guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position and, when available, can be added to a reservation up to 30 minutes before a flight's scheduled departure.

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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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B boarding group: This is the next best boarding group to be in if you want the chance to select a seat you can live with. However, being near the beginning of the B group is a lot better than the end.

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Re: Saving Seats Unfortunately, there's no policy to enforce. Officially, Southwest has no policy for or against seat saving, and in practice actively allows it. Reps will even suggest that passengers save seats for later boarding companions.

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The open-seating policy has been a Southwest hallmark since its first flight, and the benefits were immediately clear. Numerous studies showed that open seating enabled Southwest to get Customers on planes more quickly and efficiently than its competitors.

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How do you avoid a seat selection fee? If you're traveling with a group, the best way to avoid a seat selection fee is to book your seats at the same time. If the airline is assigning seats for you, it typically seats people under the same record locator number together.

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Those assigned Zone A (listed on your boarding pass) are the first group of passengers to board the plane, but EarlyBird DOES NOT guarantee you Zone A boarding.

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Early Bird Check-in: Available for free to Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier and Business Premier credit card holders only. With either card, you will get 2 Early Bird Check Ins per year.

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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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Purchase a Business Select fare or upgrade to Business Select: Customers who purchase a Business Select fare will get guaranteed A1-A15 boarding.

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Seniors do not get priority boarding on Southwest. There is priority boarding for customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability or who need assistance in boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device. In that case, you'll board before Family Boarding, between the A and B groups.

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It mostly comes down to supply and demand. Demand is contributing to higher prices as travel continues to surge post-pandemic, Berg said. Sustained strong demand in 2023 continues to put additional pressure on prices, especially to and within regions where travel has only recently reopened like parts of Asia.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

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