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Three Ways to Upgrade Your Boarding Position on Southwest

jclarkson
Employee
Employee

As travelers continue returning to the sky, we know that flexibility and ease have become even more important to their travel journey. We announced our commitment in May to enhance our entire Customer Experience, from shopping and booking flights, to check-in, traveling onboard, and to the arrival at the destination. As part of this transformation, we are excited to announce that Customers will now be able to skip the line and go online to secure an Upgraded Boarding position!

 

What’s Changing?

On Aug. 22, we launched Upgraded Boarding Self-Service. Customers now have the option to secure Upgraded Boarding through the Southwest Mobile App, and Southwest.com for all Customers traveling on our Anytime, Wanna Get Away®, or Wanna Get Away Plus™ fares. Moreover, Customers still have the option to purchase Upgraded Boarding from a Customer Service Agent at the gate prior to their flight departure, pending availability.

 

Upgraded Boarding Self-Service.jpg

 

Top Three Ways to Get a Better Boarding Position

Have you ever had that moment where you forget to check in and end up with a “C” boarding position? Well, fret no more, as we have a few secrets to share that will allow you to be one of the first to secure your desired seat!

  1. Upgraded Boarding: Upgraded Boarding gives Customers the ability to upgrade their boarding position (now online and at the gate) to A1-A15 up to 24 hours before the flight depending on availability. This allows Customers the opportunity to be among the first to board the aircraft, pick their preferred available seat, and access the overhead bin space.

 

When available, Upgraded Boarding can easily be added to a reservation when checking in for a flight via the Southwest® app or Southwest.com.

 

Open the Southwest app and select the “Check-In” icon at the bottom of the screen. Enter the confirmation number and verify the flight information displayed is correct. When available, the Upgraded Boarding position option is located below “View Boarding Pass.” Once selected and as available, Upgraded Boarding can be added to one or more flight segments in the itinerary.

 

On Southwest.com, navigate to the “Check-In” window and enter the confirmation number. The Upgraded Boarding option is displayed below the flight’s itinerary.

 

Customers can also purchase Upgraded Boarding from a Customer Service Agent at the departure gate or ticket counter prior to their flight.

 

NOTE: Upgraded Boarding can only be purchased within 24 hours of the flight’s departure time, depending on availability. Upgraded Boarding sales will end 30 minutes before departure.

 

  1. EarlyBird® Check-In: EarlyBird Check-In offers automatic check-in before our traditional 24-hour check-in. Customers can add EarlyBird Check-In to their reservation up to 36 hours prior to a flight’s scheduled departure.

 

Got bags? We've got room. By boarding earlier, you'll get your pick of available overhead bin space.

 

NOTE: EarlyBird Check-In pricing starts at $15. Pricing may vary based on the popularity and length of each (one-way) flight.

 

  1. Business Select®: Business Select fares include automatic check-in and priority boarding (A1-A15), as well as many more benefits. Visit Southwest.com to purchase Business Select.  

 

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