Southwest has upped the price for EarlyBird check-in on some
routes.
The carrier had been selling its EarlyBird offering for $15
per one-way flight across its network. But effective Wednesday, the carrier has
implemented variable pricing of $15, $20 and $25.
With an EarlyBird purchase, Southwest flyers can check in 36
hours before a flight rather than 24 hours before their scheduled departure.
Getting a jump on check-in guarantees flyers at least a relatively early
boarding position. And since Southwest has no assigned seating, an early
boarding position is key to getting a good seat.
In a blog entry on its website, Southwest explained that
EarlyBird pricing will vary depending upon flight length and demand on the
route.
"The price will be the same each way on any given route
and will not change by day of week or time of day," the carrier said. "Therefore,
the price of the EarlyBird product on a particular route will be set at one of
the three price points. Southwest may update pricing in the future based on
route popularity and as the product continues to evolve."
In implementing variable EarlyBird pricing, Southwest has
made the product's sales model more like the model it employs for Upgraded
Boarding, which guarantees passengers one of the first 15 boarding positions on
their flight.
Southwest sells Upgraded Boarding only at airports for $30,
$40 or $50.