Travel tips for your next Southwest flight
How to board the plane earlier on open seating flights departing on or before January 26, 2026:
Southwest seats are first come, first served based on check-in order. But there are ways to board the plane earlier!
- Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®1 for automatic check-in and a better boarding position.
- Purchase Upgraded Boarding2 to get an A1-A15 boarding position (depending on availability).
- Purchase a Business Select® fare or upgrade to Business Select to get a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position.
Enjoy movies, sips, and snacks during your flight.
Take advantage of inflight entertainment with free movies4, free live TV5, free texting6, and $8 inflight Internet7.
We also offer free sodas, coffee, and snacks8—learn more about the inflight food and beverage experience.
Make the most of our Rapid Rewards® Program.
Rapid Rewards Members can redeem their points for flights, hotel stays, rental cars, gift cards, and more. And your points never expire!