Southwest Airlines Boarding Process: A Comprehensive Guide

Southwest Airlines offers various boarding options to cater to the needs of different passengers. Upon checking in, passengers are assigned a boarding position within one of three groups (A, B, or C), with each group having 60 positions. Preboarding and family/military/extra boarding groups are also available. To improve boarding position, passengers can purchase Upgraded Boarding, which guarantees an A1 to A15 position. EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks in passengers before the 24-hour mark, can also enhance boarding position. Southwest Rapid Rewards elite members and co-branded credit cardholders may also receive preferential boarding. For those looking to secure their seat preference without additional cost, setting an alarm for exactly 24 hours and 1 minute before the flight and promptly checking in can often result in a Group B boarding position.

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