What is the difference between upgraded boarding and early bird check in on Southwest?

Customers can add EarlyBird Check-In to their reservation up to 36 hours prior to a flight's scheduled departure, when it is available. 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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Customers who purchase an Anytime fare will automatically be checked in to their flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure—that's 12 hours before our traditional 24-hour check-in. You will receive an earlier boarding position, improved seat selection, and earlier access to overhead bins.

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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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A-List and A-List Preferred members receive priority boarding for everyone booked on the same reservation as boarding positions get assigned to elite Rapid Rewards members 36 hours before departure — so you don't have to purchase EarlyBird Check-In separately.

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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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With the EarlyBird option, Southwest reserves a boarding spot for passengers for a fee up to 36 hours before their departure time, but they would still need to check in to get their boarding pass.

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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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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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It's recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. Though, some airports may recommend more than two hours before. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time, so you can get through TSA with time to spare.

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If you received your physical boarding pass at a kiosk or check-in desk, you will not be able to use a screenshot of the paper pass to get through TSA or the gate. You can always get another pass printed if you lost the original. How common is it to miss a flight even after getting the boarding pass?

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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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Southwest Airlines has long argued that its unassigned seating policy is popular with passengers and facilitates speedier boarding. That means planes spend less time at the gate and more time in the air generating Southwest money. Over the years, the airline has tinkered with the no-system boarding system.

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If someone on your reservation has A-List status, Southwest will automatically reserve boarding positions for the entire group 36 hours before departure. Likewise, you can purchase Business Select fares to guarantee A1-A15 boarding positions -- but these fares are often rather pricey.

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There are two elite status levels: A-List and A-List Preferred. A-List is earned by taking 25 one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier-qualifying points. A-List Preferred is earned by flying 50 one-way flights or earning 70,000 tier-qualifying points. How do you become an A-lister on Southwest?

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How to board a plane: steps and tips for success
  1. Step 1: Reconfirm your flight 24 hours in advance online. ...
  2. Step 2: Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. ...
  3. Step 3: Drop your bags off or wait in line if you need extra help. ...
  4. Step 4: Keep your I.D. ...
  5. Step 5: Go through TSA screening procedures.


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