Southwest Airlines operates as a low-cost carrier model in the United States. It is headquartered in Love Field, Dallas, and has flights scheduled to at least 121 destinations in the United States and ten other countries. On its official website, Southwest Airlines provides different services and amenities when booking a flight ticket. It provides ease of facility of early bird check-in and upgrade boarding to make your flight journey more convenient. EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding offer you an excellent choice of seats and earlier access to overhead bins when boarding your flight. The main difference is that EarlyBird check-in does not guarantee a spot in the boarding group, while upgraded boarding does not allow one to do so. Further, if you wish to know more about it, gather substantial details to relish your flight journey perfectly. 

What Is the Difference Between Early Bird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding in Southwest?

Southwest Airlines offers various services prepared to enhance the travel experience, and two popular options that often come up are Early Bird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding. Both are significant ways to secure better seats and a more suitable boarding process, but they operate differently. But if you don't have ample information about these two services and how they compare to help you decide which might be best for you, collect some specific information from the experts. 

• Early Bird Check-In:

Early Bird Check-In is a paid service offered by Southwest Airlines, and passengers can purchase it when traveling on Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus. It allows you to check in automatically 36 hours before your scheduled departure. Normally, Southwest Airlines operates on an open seating policy, with no assigned seats. Passengers board the plane according to their check-in process, which can lead to a rush for the best available seats, especially on crowded flights. Early Bird Check-in generally eliminates this worry by securing a better boarding position for you and elevating your flight journey to your desired destination effeciently.

• Upgraded Boarding:

Upgraded Boarding is a distinct paid service from Early Bird Check-In, prepared for many passengers who want to board earlier than their assigned group. Unlike Early Bird, which automatically secures a boarding position based on check-in time, Upgraded Boarding allows you to move into one of the premium boarding groups (A1–A15, or the very front of the plane). It aks you to pay the one-time fee for each segment of your flight and is typically offered for purchase at the gate after check-in, though availability can vary based on your flight and airport.

Understand the Key Difference Between Early Bird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding in Southwest:

When completing your booking with Southwest Airines, if you want to secure a better seat and are willing to enhance your boarding experience, you can select either early bird check-in or upgrade your boarding before your flight departure. While both services are excellent for improving your boarding, if you learn the key difference, you will avoid unnecessary confusion, as explained below.

•  Timing and purpose of early bird check-in:

Early Bird Check-In generally secures your check-in position automatically within 36 hours before your flight departure, while Upgraded Boarding is purchased on the day of travel at the gate and offers a chance to upgrade your boarding group quickly, which is subject to availability. 

• Cost and Availability:

You may select the best Early Bird Check-In, which typically remains more affordable, costing around $15 to $25 per flight segment. Upgraded boarding costs can be a bit higher, and you must pay around $30 to $50. However, upgrade boarding availability is limited, as it’s only offered at the gate.

• Priority Boarding:

When you choose the Early Bird, you will be assigned a better position in the boarding order, usually within the A group. However, it is essential to follow the standard boarding process. Upgraded Boarding allows you to jump into the front of the A group A1–A15, which means you can board as early as possible.

Advantages of Upgrade boarding:

The main advantage of Upgraded Boarding is the ability to secure a better boarding position at the last minute, right before your flight departs. This can be useful for boarding earlier, only after you have checked in. You will also have secure seats at the front of the plane, where there may be more overhead bin space, which can be crucial for carrying luggage.

Advantages of Early bird check-in:

With early bird check-in, you don’t have to worry about checking in precisely 24 hours before your flight or stressing over whether you will get a good boarding position. It takes care of the check-in process for you and gets the boarding position assigned to you automatically.