This article outlines the cost to upgrade boarding on Southwest, including EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding options. It explains typical price ranges, what drives the cost, and how to estimate your total budget for a single trip. Prices vary by flight, fare type, and availability, so understanding the factors helps shoppers compare alternatives.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EarlyBird Check-In | $15 | $20 | $25 | One-time per trip; secures earlier seat selection |
| Upgraded Boarding | $30 | $40 | $50 | Move to A1-A15; varies by route |
| Premium Fare (Business Select) | $0 | $0 | $0 | Includes preferred boarding; higher fare class |
| Total Typical Upgrade Cost | $15 | $40 | $50 | Assumes a single upgrade option per trip |
Overview Of Costs
The cost to upgrade boarding on Southwest depends on the option chosen and the flight’s demand. For most travelers, the primary choices are EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding, with Premium fares offering the broadest seat benefits. EarlyBird is a fixed add-on that improves the chance of earlier seat selection, while Upgraded Boarding directly changes your boarding position. The price ranges below assume a single flight and standard domestic routes.
Assumptions: region, route type, seat inventory, and fare class impact price.
Cost Breakdown
The following table separates potential costs for boarding upgrades. It shows how much you might pay for each option, plus a note on what is included with the upgrade.
| Component | Materials/Service | Labor | Permits/Fees | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty/Guarantee | Taxes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EarlyBird Check-In | $15-$25 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Tax varies by fare | One-time per trip; secures earlier boarding position |
| Upgraded Boarding | $30-$50 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Tax included in price | Moves to A1-A15 on most routes |
| Premium Fare (Business Select) | $0 (included with fare) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Tax included | Includes priority seating and extras |
| Total Potential | $15-$50 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Varies by itinerary | Multiple options may be added on a single trip |
What Drives Price
Vehicle availability and flight popularity are the primary price drivers for Southwest boarding upgrades. On high-demand routes, Upgraded Boarding can cost toward the higher end of the range, while EarlyBird remains a stable add-on. Route length, time of day, and the number of seats remaining in premium blocks also influence the price. Additionally, purchasing upgrades earlier in the booking window often yields lower costs due to inventory changes.
Assumptions: price reflects standard domestic round-trips; international trips may differ.
Ways To Save
To minimize boarding upgrade costs, consider pairing an Upgrade with a lower base fare or using EarlyBird when your schedule is flexible. Some travelers find value in combining a lower fare with EarlyBird to secure earlier seating without stepping up to a higher fare class. It’s also worth checking whether a premium fare provides overall value when seat selection and onboard benefits are weighed against upgrade costs.
Regional Pricing Variations
Boarding upgrade prices show modest regional differences due to market competition and cost of service. In the Northeast, prices may trend slightly higher; in the Midwest they tend to be mid-range; in the Southwest and West, pricing aligns with peak travel patterns. Expect a variation of about ±10% between these markets for the same upgrade option.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic scenario: A short domestic hop with a basic fare and EarlyBird Check-In selected. EarlyBird costs around $15-$20; no further upgrades. Total upgrade impact: roughly $15-$20. Assumptions: non-peak flight, standard economy seat.
Mid-Range scenario: Moderate-length flight with a standard fare and Upgraded Boarding. Upgraded Boarding typically costs $40 on this route. Total upgrade impact: about $40. Assumptions: mid-demand flight, A1-A15 target.
Premium scenario: Higher fare class (Business Select) with priority boarding included. Extra value is the overall fare premium rather than a per-upgrade charge. Total upgrade impact: varies widely by itinerary; upgrade itself may not apply if premium fare is chosen. Assumptions: international or long domestic leg; benefits priced into fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EarlyBird Check-In worth it? For travelers who want predictable seat selection without changing fare class, EarlyBird is a reasonable option if the preferred seats are available at the price.
Can I combine Upgraded Boarding with a Premium Fare? Upgraded Boarding is typically a standalone option; Premium fares include other benefits and priority seating, which may reduce the incremental value of Upgraded Boarding.
Do prices vary by season? Yes, pricing can drift with travel seasonality and flight demand. Off-peak periods may see lower upgrade costs.
Assumptions: region, route, and inventory affect pricing; all prices in USD are illustrative ranges.