Is Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In Better on Southwest?
- Thread starter adrain
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Wondering whether you should spend money on Southwest’s Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In? Since Southwest doesn’t assign seats, your boarding position determines everything—from whether you snag an aisle seat up front to whether there’s space left in the overhead bins.
Both upgrade options can reduce stress, but they’re very different in cost and guarantees. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and which option is better for your trip.
Southwest uses an open seating system. Instead of assigning seats, passengers board in groups:
The earlier your position, the better your shot at your preferred seat and overhead bin space. That’s where EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding come in.
EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure (instead of the usual 24 hours).
Benefits:
Cost: $15–$25 each way, per passenger.
Limitations:
Traveler story: A family of four used EarlyBird and avoided being split up on a sold-out flight to Orlando.
Upgraded Boarding lets you purchase a spot in the A1–A15 boarding positions—the very first to board after Business Select.
Benefits:
Cost: $30–$80 per flight segment (price varies based on demand and route length).
Limitations:
Traveler anecdote: A business traveler paid $40 at the gate and grabbed row 2 aisle—perfect for a quick exit to catch a meeting downtown.
Let’s put them head-to-head:
Visual idea: Side-by-side comparison table with cost, guarantee, and best use cases.
Insider tip: Some frequent flyers do both—buy EarlyBird as backup, then purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate if necessary.
Both upgrades improve your Southwest experience, but they serve different needs:
The right choice comes down to your travel style: Do you value peace of mind at a lower price, or do you want the assurance of being first on the plane?
Call (831-298-4213) today to book your Southwest flight and secure the right upgrade for your journey.
Both upgrade options can reduce stress, but they’re very different in cost and guarantees. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and which option is better for your trip.
Quick Refresher — How Boarding Works on Southwest
Southwest uses an open seating system. Instead of assigning seats, passengers board in groups:
- Group A (A1–A60)
- Group B (B1–B60)
- Group C (C1–C60)
The earlier your position, the better your shot at your preferred seat and overhead bin space. That’s where EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding come in.
What Is EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure (instead of the usual 24 hours).
Benefits:
- Better boarding position than passengers who check in manually.
- Saves you from setting an alarm for the exact 24-hour check-in mark.
Cost: $15–$25 each way, per passenger.
Limitations:
- Doesn’t guarantee an A group position.
- Boarding order still depends on how many others bought EarlyBird.
Traveler story: A family of four used EarlyBird and avoided being split up on a sold-out flight to Orlando.What Is Upgraded Boarding?
Upgraded Boarding lets you purchase a spot in the A1–A15 boarding positions—the very first to board after Business Select.
Benefits:
- Guaranteed front-of-plane access.
- Almost certain overhead bin space.
- Faster exit when you land.
Cost: $30–$80 per flight segment (price varies based on demand and route length).
Limitations:
- Only available if A1–A15 slots remain.
- More expensive than EarlyBird.
Traveler anecdote: A business traveler paid $40 at the gate and grabbed row 2 aisle—perfect for a quick exit to catch a meeting downtown.Upgraded Boarding vs. EarlyBird Check-In
Let’s put them head-to-head:
Cost Comparison
- EarlyBird: $15–$25 (budget-friendly).
- Upgraded Boarding: $30–$80 (premium).
Boarding Position Guarantee
- EarlyBird: Improves position but no A group guarantee.
- Upgraded Boarding: Guaranteed A1–A15.
Best For
- EarlyBird: Families, casual travelers, budget-conscious flyers.
- Upgraded Boarding: Business travelers, long-haul flights, or anyone who must have first pick of seats.
Visual idea: Side-by-side comparison table with cost, guarantee, and best use cases.Which Is Better for You?
- Choose EarlyBird Check-In if:
- You’re traveling off-peak.
- Price matters more than priority.
- You don’t mind sitting mid-plane.
- Choose Upgraded Boarding if:
- You want guaranteed early boarding.
- You’re on a busy or long-haul route.
- Overhead bin space is critical for your carry-on.
Insider tip: Some frequent flyers do both—buy EarlyBird as backup, then purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate if necessary.Final Thoughts — Is Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In Better on Southwest?
Both upgrades improve your Southwest experience, but they serve different needs:
- EarlyBird Check-In is the affordable safety net.
- Upgraded Boarding is the premium guarantee.
The right choice comes down to your travel style: Do you value peace of mind at a lower price, or do you want the assurance of being first on the plane?
Call (831-298-4213) today to book your Southwest flight and secure the right upgrade for your journey.