Southwest Airlines is one of the famous airlines in the U.S., which has been operating low-cost flights on various domestic and international routes. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the airline is known for developing and enhancing its offerings in order to meet the changing needs of customers. Interestingly, the EarlyBird Check-In option is one of such features which brings ease to travelers.
Read further in detail.
What is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In Facility? Benefits Explained
Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-In facility is a unique service that allows you to check in automatically before the usual 24-hour check-in starts. It also lets you enjoy an earlier boarding position and a great chance to select your preferred seat (as per availability). You can also get earlier access to overhead bin storage to place your hand luggage.
If you get priority boarding, it means you need to go through less congestion at the gate, and there is also a reduced risk of lost luggage or carry-on bags. Thus, it helps reduce stress for you. Besides, with check-in and seat selection happening much earlier, you can definitely focus on other aspects of your trip.
This is indeed an innovative facility introduced by the airline to provide you with a more efficient and personalized experience. Although you can avail it anytime, this is especially useful in case of peak travel periods.
Who Can Purchase EarlyBird Check-In?
If you wish to avail this facility, you must be traveling on Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus® fare. The EarlyBird Check-in can be purchased up to 36 hours prior to the scheduled local departure time of your flight. But you need to check whether this facility is available at that time or not.
Please note that this facility comes included if you purchase an Anytime fare. Besides, if you have purchased Business Select® fare or you are a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred or A-List Member or maybe you are a passenger on a booking that includes an A-List Preferred or A-List Member then priority boarding privileges will be already included for you.
It may also be highlighted that the EarlyBird Check-In must not be purchased for passengers on the same booking as an A-List or an A-List Preferred Member, as they will get priority boarding, and for unaccompanied minors, as they will need to pre board the flight.
What is the cost of EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In pricing starts at US$15. However, it also depends on the popularity and length of each (one-way) flight. You must use a credit card to purchase EarlyBird Check-In.
How to Purchase EarlyBird Check-in?
If you need to purchase EarlyBird Check-In, you have three options. It can be purchased through the website of Southwest Airlines, on the app but up to 36 hours prior to the scheduled local departure time of your flight, or over the phone.
Please note that the availability of this option will depend in case you choose the second option. Apart from this, you can purchase it as part of your original flight purchase. Else, you can get it added to your flight after purchasing it, but only if the option is available.
Is EarlyBird Check-in Refundable?
As per the Southwest policy, the EarlyBird Check-In purchases are not refundable. If you cancel your flight, it means your previously purchased EarlyBird Check-In option for that specific flight will get forfeited.
However, if the airline cancels a flight, you will be provided with a refund. The airline processes refunds for the EarlyBird check-in facility purchased on Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares for that specific flight. Generally, your credit card is refunded within seven business days. But you can contact the team of Southwest if you do not get the same within the mentioned time duration.
Is EarlyBird Check-in Transferable If You Change Your Flight?
If you have EarlyBird Check-In and you wish to change your flight then the purchased facility can be transferred only if the new flight departs more than 25 hours from the time of the change. If the new flight departs in less than 25 hours, then you will lose your non-refundable EarlyBird Check-In purchase.
Apart from this, if the change to your reservation has a new city pair(s), you must contact the team of Southwest Airlines for the purpose of getting it transferred.
Tips to Make the Most of EarlyBird Check-In Facility
You can follow these tips to maximize the use of this special facility.
Advance Planning
You can book your flight advance to increase your chances of securing your preferred seat selection.
Be Flexible
You need to be open to changing your seat selection if your preferred option is no longer available.
Monitor Your Boarding Group
It is beneficial to keep an eye on your boarding group number and position number so that you can plan your arrival at the gate accordingly.
Arrive Early
It is advised to arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your flight in order to enjoy a smooth check-in process.
Concluding Words
The EarlyBird Check-In facility offered by Southwest Airlines is certainly useful for passengers who are always in search of a more customized and hassle-free journey. You can expedite your travel experience, as early check-in, priority boarding, early seat selection etc., helps reduce your stress. Seeking benefit of EarlyBird Check-In is an efficient approach to improve your travel experience with Southwest Airlines, no wonder how often you fly.
Related FAQ’s!
Some of the major queries related to Southwest EarlyBird Check-in feature are addressed below for your consideration.
If you have purchased Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fares, you can go for EarlyBird Check-In. However, you need to check if it is available on the website of Southwest Airlines at that time.
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In for $15-$25 one-way, depending on the flight’s popularity and length. It’s available for purchase up to 36 hours before your flight’s departure. It offers you various benefits including automatic check-in, better boarding position, and earlier access to overhead bins.
The online check-in feature gets available to passengers 24 hours prior to the departure of their flight. If you have purchased EarlyBird Check-In then the boarding position will be booked for you.
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In if you wish to automatically check in for a Southwest Airlines flight. The boarding position will be reserved for you 36 hours before the departure of your flight. This happens before the general 24-hour check-in process of the airline starts.
If you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, you can enjoy the benefit of an earlier boarding position, which means you can definitely select your preferred seat, as per availability. You can also enjoy earlier access to overhead bin storage to place your hand luggage.
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