Southwest Adds Five Minutes to Boarding Time for Most Domestic Flights

Southwest Airlines has implemented another change in its operations, this time affecting boarding times for most of its Boeing 737 flights. According to Paddle Your Own Kanoo, the airline is now asking flight attendants on domestic flights operated by Boeing 737-800 NG and 737 MAX-8 series aircraft to report for boarding 35 minutes before departure, up from the previous 30 minutes.

This change affects around 500 Boeing 737-800 NG and 737 MAX-8 aircraft, which account for roughly 65% of Southwest's fleet. The airline has been making several changes in recent months, including ending its 'Bags Fly Free' policy on May 28, 2025, and getting rid of its open seating policy in late January 2026.

The new boarding time is intended to alleviate delays caused by passengers bringing more luggage on the plane for free and now having assigned seating. Flight attendants will have an extra five minutes to prepare before the boarding process begins.