Is Early Bird Check-in Refundable?

To get a good boarding position and have a wonderful experience many travelers go for Early bird check-in. but what if you change your plan due to any reason and wondering that is Early bird check is refundable? Don’t worry this blog will help you understand the early bird refund policies of the major airlines. So, read the full information given below to know more.

What is an Early bird check-in?

Well, it is a service provided by some airlines, but Southwest is known for this service and it automatically checks passengers in before the 24-hour check-in period people often go for it because of a better boarding position and more seating options.

But remember the service is chargeable and the cost ranges from 15$ to $99 per person for one way and on a round trip, you need to purchase it for each leg.

How Does Early check-in work?

The boarding procedure of Southwest is different from other airlines. After buying your flight, you will be given a group X, Y, or Z instead of a specific seat. And your position in line will be decided by the number you are given inside the boarding group. This means that X1 will board first, then X2, and so on.

The earlier you check-in, the better your boarding spot will be even if don't pay for early check-in. For this reason, a lot of people check in as early as possible. Many passengers want to be in groups X or Y to get better seat options, have room for their bags, and stay near their friends and family. And if you don't use Early bird check-in, you might end up in the middle seat away from your family or friends.

How to use Southwest's complimentary Early Bird Check-In?

Here are some ways to board early, and you do not have to pay for early bird check-in for it.

Buy anytime fare

Anytime fares are more flexible when it comes to refunds which include full refunds of up to 10 minutes before takeoff and you also earn high rapid rewards say 10 points per spend on flight, first lane access, and same-day changes.

You will be automatically checked in to your flight 36 hours before the scheduled departure time if you book your ticket more than 36 hours in advance. Compared with standard check-in, which takes place 24 hours before departure, this check-in time is 12 hours earlier.

Purchase Business-class Ticket

Though we know that business class is quite expensive but comes with a lot of benefits like priority boarding and lane access, a full refund up to 10 min before the flight takes off, complimentary drinks and you earn 12 points per $ spent on the flight.

Buy Upgraded Boarding

You can buy better boarding if you want a position even higher than what EarlyBird would offer and you don't want to pay more for a Business Select ticket. It costs between $30 and $149 per client to purchase a seat in the X1-X15 boarding group. You can buy it online or offline.

When You Should go for Earlybird check-in?

• If you want to increase your chances of onboard storage in general and have a large or bulky carry-on.
• You won't be able to check in for your trip at the 24-hour mark if you struggle with the thought of traveling in a long flight in a middle seat.
• No one likes to be separated from their family especially if you are traveling with your elderly parents. According to Southwest's family boarding policy two adults traveling with a kid aged six or under automatically board after the X group and before the Y.

Is there a refund for early bird check-in?

In Southwest Airlines early bird check-in is non-refundable, but yes if the airline cancels the flight or makes changes in its schedule, you might get a refund or credit and remember that the fee tied to a specific booking can’t be transferred to any other passenger or flight.

Conclusion

The worth of this service totally depends on what you value the most-money or comfort. There are many benefits to having your carry-on above you and sitting next to a fellow traveler in your preferred seat. However, you should be able to secure a seat together or avoid a middle seat if you can check in by the 24-hour mark. Also, when you get to your location, you'll have extra money to spend.