Southwest Making Major Change to Controversial Boarding Process

Travelers who have flown with Southwest Airlines know very well just how unique the company’s boarding process is. Passengers aren’t given an assigned seat ahead of time, but you can participate in early boarding if you pay a fee. 

If you want to get this on your next flight, you’ll have to cough up even more than before. According to Entrepreneur, Southwest has raised its fees for its early boarding perks like EarlyBird Check-in and Upgraded Boarding. While both options give flyers earlier access to the plane and the ability to choose your preferred seat, only Upgraded Boarding guarantees you a spot in the A boarding group. 

Now, EarlyBird Check-In will cost you between $15 and $99 one-way per passenger, while Upgraded Boarding will set you back anywhere from $30 to $149. This is quite a jump from past prices where the maximum one would pay was $25 for EarlyBird Check-In and $80 for Upgraded Boarding. 

“Prices can vary based on flight length and demand. Price points within the new range are subject to change at any time, as they do today,” a spokesperson for Southwest said in a statement to USA Today. “This price range increase is a result of our regular evaluation of pricing for ancillary products based on market trends and customer demand and will generate incremental revenue in support of the company.”

Related: Southwest Airlines Is Debuting New Seats and Cabins in Plane Design Overhaul

There are ways around paying, however. You might be eligible for these perks without purchasing them if you’re a frequent Southwest flyer with elite status, you buy a Business Select ticket, or have some of Southwest’s various credit cards.