The Trick For Getting Priority Boarding On Southwest Flights Couldn't Be Easier (For Now)

If you've ever flown on Southwest Airlines or walked past one of its airport gates where people were boarding, you know about the carrier's unique policy. When you check in, up to 24 hours before a flight, you get a boarding pass position with a letter from A to C and a number that goes along with it. The earlier you check in, the better position you get. You have to keep your finger over the check-in button on your phone or computer, of course, because it really matters how quickly you do it. With some exceptions for early boarding, the A group boards first, followed by B, and then C in numerical order. Once inside the plane, you can look for any open seat. If you're unlucky enough to end up with a higher number in the C section, you may end up in the dreaded middle seat. However, there is a trick that is really easy that will allow you to get priority boarding ... for now.

If you purchased a Choice Extra ticket, or you're a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Member, you get priority boarding anyway, so you don't have to worry about this. The same goes for any unaccompanied minor ticket. However, if you don't have those qualifications, EarlyBird Check-In is your go-to move. For a fee, you can purchase this upgrade and stop worrying about ending that phone call with your mom so you can check in the second the clock hits 24 hours before departure. You can purchase it at the time you book your ticket, or add it up to 36 hours before departure time. Unfortunately, you won't be able to do this for long, as Southwest has made some big changes.

Southwest Airlines has made waves by shifting some of its iconic policies. In 2025, it did away with its "bags fly free" policy, and now you have to pay for checked baggage. In addition, starting on January 27, 2026, Southwest is getting rid of open seating. That means that EarlyBird Check-In will go the way of the dodo, as you'll be boarded in the same way most airlines board. Still, while it lasts, EarlyBird Check-In is a great option, and with the holidays coming up, you're still likely to want to use it.

This feature is perfect for those who are purchasing a Basic Fare or Choice Fare from the website. However, there are a few rules. If you're booking a group trip, everyone on the reservation has to have it purchased for them as well. If you get it later, you can add it for some of the passengers if not everyone wants it. There are only so many slots available, so if they're full, you won't be able to use the perk. Therefore, it's worth adding the feature early if you can. If, however, the person buying the tickets has Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or is an A-List Member, you get it anyway. If you choose to switch up your flight, though, remember that EarlyBird Check-In is non-refundable. It can only be transferred if the new flight takes place more than 25 hours from the time of the change.

EarlyBird Check-In was (and still is, for a bit longer) a great option for families that wanted to sit together, as you're more likely to be able to find a free row when you board early. It's also fantastic for securing some room in the overhead bins (especially now that Southwest charges for checked baggage). However, with any ticket you book for January 27, 2026, and beyond, there will be assigned seating. There are three tiers of seats going forward. If you purchase a Standard Seat, you'll be sitting in the back half of the plane. That's not bad if you'd like to be near the restroom, or you just prefer it there. However, if you'd like to get off the plane earlier, you can get Preferred Seats that are in the front half and are exactly the same size. Finally, you can get Extra Legroom Seats in the three middle rows around the exits and in the front of the plane. These will have up to 5 additional inches on a 737-700 aircraft, though dimensions can change with different models. In addition, you'll get better snacks and complimentary premium beverages. 

As of the time of this writing, there are still no cancellation fees, and you still get free in-flight entertainment with any level of Southwest ticket. According to the Southwest website, there will be more information about boarding as the date gets closer. Alas, there will be no more standing under a sign, looking for your boarding position. Finally, Southwest has one more change: If you're using a powered wheelchair or scooter, the airline is making passengers remove lithium batteries before the flight.