Guide to Southwest Check-In + Fare Changes: Updated for 2026

There's a lot to love about flying Southwest, even still today. To name a couple, there are the flexible policies, which let you change your flight without fees, and low fares that don't surprise you with hidden taxes.

The airline has developed a cult following, though many are decidedly unhappy about its decision to do away with its long-held "bags fly free" policy and switch to assigned seating. With the latter, boarding has also been shaken up.

Whether you're new to Southwest or a frequent flyer, explore how check-in works now and find out how Southwest's changes to fares and seating could impact your next flight.

How does Southwest's check-in and boarding work now?

Southwest used to be famous for open seating, so your ticket wouldn't tell you where to sit. But as of January 27, 2026, it uses assigned seating like other airlines.

Today, your flight ticket, loyalty status, and upgrades determine which of eight boarding groups you're in. Travelers in earlier boarding groups are seated first.

Southwest fare class changes

If you want to know how Southwest boarding and check-ins work, you have to first know that the airline has revamped its fares. Gone are the days of Wanna Get Away and Anytime.

Your options are now:

• Basic (standard, formerly Wanna Get Away)
• Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus)
• Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime)
• Choice Extra (Business Select)

Regular check-in and boarding

Unless you purchase Priority Boarding, your boarding group depends on your fare class, Rapid Rewards status, and whether you have a Southwest credit card.

Here's the boarding breakdown by fare: For standard fare (Basic tickets), your seat is assigned at check-in, and you'll board last. Choice passengers are in the General boarding group (Groups 6 through 8), Choice Preferred passengers are in the Early General boarding group (Groups 3 through 5), and Choice Extra passengers are in the Early boarding group (Groups 1 and 2).

Beyond this, the following can bump you up in the pecking order:

• If you hold A-List Rapid Rewards status, you'll board no later than Group 5. If you hold A-List Preferred, you'll board in Group 1 or 2.
• If you hold any Southwest credit card, you will default to at least Group 5 for boarding.
• If you purchase an Extra Legroom seat upgrade, you'll board in Groups 1 or 2.
• If you purchase a Priority Boarding upgrade, you'll board before Group 1.

EarlyBird Check-In and Priority Boarding

Southwest no longer offers EarlyBird Check-In. Instead, if you want to be among the first passengers seated now, you can consider purchasing a Priority Boarding upgrade. Prices for this range from $10 to $75 per segment, per person.

Priority Boarding is an optional add-on you can buy between 30 minutes and 24 hours before your scheduled departure, and it guarantees that you'll board before Group 1.

Preboarding

If you're traveling with a child under six, your family can board between the A and B groups. If you have a disability with a specific seating requirement or need help either boarding or stowing an assistive device, you can also board after the A group, with one other adult as an attendant. Note that you'll need to request preboarding from a customer service representative at the ticket counter or gate.

Get premium Southwest check-in and boarding for less

If you want to check in and board early without spending an arm and a leg, consider applying for a travel rewards credit card, especially if you're a frequent flyer. You could rack up points and miles faster with a premium card, and some credit cards even offer credits to help you cover the cost of your Southwest flights and fees. In addition, all Southwest credit cards help you achieve A-list status faster, which entitles you to premium boarding perks.

If you collect enough points, you can even earn the Southwest Companion Pass, which lets you take another traveler with you free of charge (excluding taxes and fees) on every flight.

Here are some of the perks you can get with several of the best travel credit cards:

Now that you're an expert on Southwest's check-in and boarding process, you can choose the option that's right for you. That might mean paying extra for upgraded boarding, or you could take advantage of some of the credit card rewards offered to upgrade your check-in and boarding experience. The more you can reduce the stress of traveling, the more you'll enjoy getting to your destination.

Generous Welcome Bonus

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 20,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual Fee

$99

Rewards Rate

2X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases; 2X points at gas stations and grocery stores on first $5,000 in combined purchases per year; and 1X points on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Solid rewards rate
• Redeem points for flights, gift cards, and more
• 3,000 bonus points after cardmember anniversary
• 25% back on inflight purchases

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• Limited travel benefits compared to premium Southwest cards

Card Details

• Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 20,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
• Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
• Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost.
• Select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Member FDIC