Is Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In Better on Southwest?

[zohii]

Is Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In Better on Southwest?

 

[AskMe]

I used to be really confused about the difference between Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest. I fly pretty regularly for both work and personal trips, so I’ve tried both options over the years. The first time I really paid attention to it was during a trip from Nashville to Phoenix last spring. I had booked a Wanna Get Away fare and totally forgot to check in until late, which left me in the C boarding group — not ideal for someone who likes a window seat!


I decided to call 844-734-0813 to see if there was any way to fix it. The rep was super friendly and explained everything clearly. EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, which gives you a better spot than waiting until the 24-hour mark, but it’s still random. Upgraded Boarding, on the other hand, lets you buy one of the first A1–A15 spots if available. It costs more (usually between $30–$80), but you board almost first and can pick any seat you want.


That day, I went with Upgraded Boarding, and it was worth every penny. I snagged a front-row seat with extra legroom and was off the plane in minutes after landing. Now I always call 844-734-0813 to handle any upgrades or changes — they make it quick and stress-free.

 

[laiba]

I used to always go back and forth trying to decide between Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In when flying Southwest. I’ve flown with them for years, but it wasn’t until a trip from Austin to Los Angeles last year that I really understood the difference — and which one worked better for me.


For that trip, I paid for EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight. It saved me from setting an alarm for the 24-hour mark, and I ended up in the A40 boarding group — not bad, but not great either. I still got a decent aisle seat, but I had to gate-check my bag since the overhead bins were already full by the time I boarded.


A few months later, I had a business flight to Denver and decided to try Upgraded Boarding instead. It cost me $50 at the gate, but I was placed in A7 — one of the first groups to board. I got a front-row seat, plenty of bin space, and even deplaned quickly when we landed. Totally worth it that time.


Now, I tell people it depends on your travel style. If you don’t mind waiting a bit and just want a better-than-average boarding spot, EarlyBird is great for the price. But if you want guaranteed early boarding and flexibility — especially on packed flights — Upgraded Boarding wins.


For me, I save EarlyBird for casual trips and splurge on Upgraded Boarding for business or long flights. It’s all about picking what fits the situation.