Earlybird36onlineboardingpass

I know this is a lot of information - but it's always better to be too informed, rather than uninformed.  

An important item is that you are allowed to purchase the Early Bird Check-In up to 36 hrs before your flight which I highlighted:

How can a Customer purchase EarlyBird Check-In?

EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased on southwest.com, over the phone with one of our Reservation Agents, our mobile site, and apps, up to 36 hours prior to their flight's scheduled local departure time. EarlyBird Check-In cannot be purchased at airport ticket counters.   Purchase Early Bird Check-In here.

 

EarlyBird Check-In View All | Close All What is EarlyBird Check-In?

EarlyBird Check-InSM is a low-cost option giving you the convenience of automatic check-in before our traditional 24-hour check-in.   You’ll have the benefit of an early assigned boarding position, allowing you to board earlier. As an EarlyBird Check-In Customer, you will have a better opportunity to select your preferred seat and have earlier access to overhead bin storage for your carryon luggage.  This affordable option automatically reserves for you the next best boarding position then available.

Is EarlyBird Check-In refundable?

All EarlyBird Check-In purchases are nonrefundable. Customers who cancel their flight will forfeit the previously purchased EarlyBird Check-In option for that particular flight.

Will EarlyBird Check-In Customers get an "A" Boarding Pass and be among the first to board?

More than likely you will receive an "A" Boarding Pass, but not always.

Who can purchase EarlyBird Check-In?

Customers who have purchased electronic tickets at the Wanna Get Away Fare, Anytime Fare, Senior Fare, or DING! Fare can benefit from purchasing EarlyBird Check-In. Priority boarding privileges are already included with the purchase of Business Select fares and are a benefit of being on the Rapid Rewards A-List. EarlyBird Check-In Customers will receive boarding positions after Business Select and A-List Customers. NOTE: EarlyBird Check-In should not be purchased for Unaccompanied Minors since they will preboard the flight ahead of Passengers in general boarding. Please review our Unaccompanied Minor Policies for more details.

How much does EarlyBird Check-In cost?

EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased for $10 one-way (origin to destination). A credit card must be used for the purchase of EarlyBird Check-In.

When are EarlyBird Check-In Customers' boarding pass positions reserved?

EarlyBird Check-In Customers will have their boarding passes reserved beginning 36 hours prior to their flight's scheduled departure time.   Boarding Passes can be printed beginning 24 hours prior to the flight's scheduled local departure time.

Is there an order in which EarlyBird Check-In Boarding Passes are reserved?

Yes. Customers who have purchased Anytime Fares will receive priority over other fare types that are assigned their position based on the time stamp of the EarlyBird Check-In purchase.

How can a Customer purchase EarlyBird Check-In?

EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased on southwest.com, over the phone with one of our Reservation Agents, our mobile site, and apps, up to 36 hours prior to their flight's scheduled local departure time. EarlyBird Check-In cannot be purchased at airport ticket counters.   Purchase Early Bird Check-In here.

Will the number of EarlyBird Check-In Passengers be limited on each flight?

No. All eligible Customers can purchase EarlyBird Check-In.

If a Customer is booked in the same reservation with other Passengers, can he/she purchase EarlyBird Check-In even if the others do not choose to do so?

Yes, if EarlyBird Check-In is purchased and added to an existing itinerary.   If EarlyBird Check-In is purchased within the same transaction as the air purchase, then all eligible Customers must purchase EarlyBird Check-In as well.

If Southwest Airlines cancels my flight, will I get a refund for my EarlyBird Check-In purchase?

Yes. In the rare event that we must cancel a flight, we recognize that the decision was not within the Customer's control and will process a refund of the EarlyBird Check-In purchase for that particular flight in the Customer's itinerary. The refund will appear on the Purchaser's credit card statement within one to two billing cycles. If an e-mail address was listed in the reservation, the Customer will receive an e-mail to advise that a refund is being processed.

Upon purchase of EarlyBird Check-In, will a Customer receive a copy of his or her receipt via e-mail?

Yes, an EarlyBird Check-In confirmation email will be sent to the e-mail address listed in the itinerary.

If a Customer adds EarlyBird Check-In to an existing itinerary, will any other components of the reservation change?

No. After adding EarlyBird Check-In, your existing confirmation number and travel details remain the same.

If an EarlyBird Check-In Customer chooses to change a flight, will the EarlyBird Check-In options transfer to the new flight?

It depends. EarlyBird Check-In is tied to the Customer’s reservation for which the EarlyBird Check-In purchase was made and will be transferred to the Customer’s new flight if he/she changes the flight at least 25 hours prior to the original flight’s scheduled departure time and so long as the change is to a flight that will depart in more than 25 hours. Since EarlyBird Check-In is associated with a reservation, any changes must be made within the same reservation record (same confirmation number) in which the Customer purchased EarlyBird Check-In.