Southwest to increase early boarding fee on some flights

Southwest plans to increase its early boarding fee on some flights. EarlyBird Check-In, which gives travellers a better boarding position in Southwest’s unique open seating system, will go from a flat $15 per person each way to $15, $20 or $25 depending on the length of the flight and the popularity of EarlyBird Check-In on the route. The switch to variable pricing, unveiled to employees Friday and due to be formally announced Monday, begins Aug. 29. Southwest, which famously doesn't assign seats, introduced Early-Bird Check-In in 2009, charging $10 each way. It went up to $12.50 and then to $15 in 2016. "We’re making this change so we can continue offering a product our customers love," Southwest said. "Of course, an increase in the price of a product is rarely welcome news, but as EarlyBird increases in popularity, we want to protect the value it offers our customers." This will be the second fee increase for Southwest this year. Earlier this year, the airline raised its “upgraded boarding" fee. That is a last-minute option, available at the airport, to jump to the front of the boarding line. <br/>