Southwest Airlines has quietly adjusted the cost of its Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In, and in some cases this is now outrageously expensive.
Southwest increases cost of early boarding options
Southwest Airlines is known for its unique boarding process, which is because the airline has an open seating policy. You can’t assign seats on Southwest flights, so rather your boarding priority determines what kind of a seat you’ll likely end up in.
Boarding priority is based on three things:
- The first 15 boarding positions are for those who purchase Business Select fares, which are Southwest’s premium fares; if 15 Business Select fares aren’t sold, the airline sells Upgraded Boarding, which get you that boarding priority
- Southwest then sells EarlyBird Check-In, whereby you’ll automatically be checked in ahead of other passengers, and will get a boarding priority that corresponds to this; there’s no limit to how many of these Southwest will sell
- Lastly, after the above, boarding priority is determined based on when you check-in, so you want to check-in as close to 24 hours in advance as possible
Per Southwest’s page for travel fees, the airline has just changed the cost of its options that can help you snag a favorable boarding option:
- Upgraded Boarding now costs $30-149 per passenger per segment; previously that cost $30-80, so on the high end, that represents a significant increase
- Early Bird Check-In now costs $15-99 per passenger per segment; previously that cost $15-25, so once again, that’s a huge increase on the high end
I should mention that some co-branded Southwest credit cards offer four complimentary Upgraded Boarding purchases per year as a perk. Depending on how you look at it, the value of that has just increased, as each of those boardings could save you a maximum of $149 now, rather than a maximum of $80.
For what it’s worth, Southwest last increased the cost of Upgraded Boarding a year ago, in May 2023, so this represents quite the consistent price hike.
My take on these Southwest fee changes
In general, I think it’s fair that Southwest’s fees for Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In are dynamic, and reflect the demand on a particular flight. After all, there’s a finite number of Upgraded Boarding positions that can be sold, so the airline wants to match supply with demand.
Understandably, some people greatly value early boarding on Southwest, since that can be the difference between snagging an exit row and not. Now, I do have to say, the high end of the new pricing scheme is truly shocking.
$149 is a lot to pay for an Upgraded Boarding position. However, at least you’re guaranteed that you’ll be one of the first 15 passengers to board (well, excluding wheelchair passengers, and excluding those on a “direct” flight who are still onboard).
I think what’s much more shocking is charging up to $99 for EarlyBird Check-In. Paying up to $25 is reasonable, but up to $99 for something that doesn’t even give you a guaranteed position? I mean, keep in mind that in theory, everyone on a flight could buy that, so you could buy this and be among the last to board.
It reminds me of the “Come Fly With Me” scene about “Speedy Boarding.”
I’m not surprised to see Southwest trying to generate more ancillary revenue. The airline isn’t doing as well financially as it used to. There are even rumors that the airline may completely transform its passenger experience, perhaps introducing assigned seating, and even an extra legroom section. In the meantime, it looks like the airline is seeing if there’s any other way to squeeze more money out of passengers.
Bottom line
Southwest Airlines has increased the price range for its options that get you a better boarding position. Upgraded Boarding now costs $15-99, rather than $15-25. The high end of that pricing really is quite shocking, especially for EarlyBird Check-In, since it doesn’t guarantee you anything.
What do you make of Southwest’s new priority boarding options?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.