Southwest Airlines operates differently. These changes may be most noticeable in seat assignments and boarding. I know how to obtain the greatest seat.
Southwest offers optional Early Bird Check In. Southwest checks you in and gives your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight departure time
Southwest Early Bird Check In will usually place you in the “A” or early “B” boarding group.
Southwest Early Bird Check In costs $15–25 one-way per person. Route length determines price. Pricing also depends on Early Bird Check In demand on each route.
Southwest Early Bird Check In can be purchased at the time of flight reservation or up to 36 hours before departure.
Southwest Early Bird Check In must be purchased by all passengers on a reservation. You can buy Early Bird Check In later and add it to an itinerary
Family Boarding allows adults with children under six to board. Family Boarding on Southwest follows the “A” group but precedes the “B”
Business Select prices get boarding priority over Early Bird Check In. Southwest Business Select fares are the only way to secure group A, boarding positions A1-A15.
Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List members get priority boarding. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members get priority boarding.
Southwest allows free flight cancellations. If you might cancel your flight, don't buy Early Bird Check In when you book.