How Much Does Priority Boarding Cost on Southwest Airlines?

How much is it to board first on Southwest Airlines? Before picking up your luggage to travel, to avoid regrets and running late, ensure to review the current updates of the flights you are about to take. Let’s discuss the pricing and benefits of early boarding with Southwest.

Southwest Airlines provides its clients with a legit boarding process that differentiates them from others.

Instead of assigned seats, passengers are assigned a boarding group and a position within that group.

You will learn more about the pricing, benefits, and important aspects of boarding with this airline.

How Much Is it to Board First on Southwest Airlines?

It is pertinent to note that the cost of boarding first totally depends on Southwest’s upgrading service.

If you want to board first on Southwest Airlines, you can purchase Southwest Upgraded Boarding. It will guarantee you a boarding position in the A1 through A15 group.

The upgrade boarding ranges from  $30 per person. However, it can go as high as $80 per segment, depending on the specific flight you booked.

Just know that this service is available for purchase starting 24 hours before departure.

So, if you’re looking for that early boarding position, consider the cost and availability when booking your Southwest flight.

EarlyBird Check-In

Another proven way to get a boarding position when flying Southwest Airlines is by paying for EarlyBird Check-In. This option works well with early morning flights.

Note that EarlyBird Check-In does not fully guarantee that you will be in the Group A boarding position. Thus, It will only increase your chance of sitting first and being in a higher group.

The cost of EarlyBird Check-In depends on your flight and it starts at $15 and above. 

What are the Benefits of Boarding First on Southwest?

Let’s see why you might consider boarding first on Southwest:

1. Seat Selection

With Early boarding, the passenger can secure the first available seats. It could be the window, middle, aisle, or even the desired exit row seats.

2. Overhead Bin Space

Passengers who board early, have the luxury of overhead bin space for their carry-on bags, reducing the risk of having to check it at the gate.

3. Quick Deboarding

For passengers who are in a hurry or simply want to exit the plane immediately after they arrive at their destination, getting early boarding is the best odd.

4. Peace of Mind

Having a good seat and space for your luggage can make your travel experience better and reduce stress.

What is a Good Boarding Position for Southwest?

There is an open seating system at Southwest. For one to get to select their seats first and to have a good boarding experience, follow these steps:

At Southwest, passengers typically fall into one of three categories (plus a few sort of in-between groups, like family boarding). 

You are assigned to a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position (1–60) during check-in. Additionally, your boarding group is printed on your boarding card.

Group A boards before any other group. Followed by Group B and Group C. Check-in officially opens the day before departure.

If you obtain an A1, you should consider yourself lucky since you will most likely be the first person on board. 

Ensure you pay attention as Group A, 1-30, and other boarding groups will be called by the gate agent as they get the plane ready for boarding.

Now you will move to any one of the numbered posts at the gate area (numbered 1 through 5) divided into smaller blocks. Stand in between the matching poles depending on your boarding position.

Once onboard, pick any open seat, stow your stuff in the overhead bin or under the seat and get ready for takeoff.

We hope you have made up your mind after knowing what it will cost you to board first on Southwest.

Knowing your expenses before travelling is just one step of thousands of luxury experiences you will have with Southwest Airlines.