Southwest Airlines has hiked its early boarding fees.
The ‘early bird check-in’ option was quietly raised last month to $15, up from $12.50.
Customers who book the option are automatically assigned boarding positions 36 hours before departure, offering earlier access to the best seats and overhead bin space.
The early bird fee gives travelers priority ahead of main boarding but behind Business Select ticket holders and qualifying Rapid Rewards frequent flyer members.
Southwest introduced the early bird option in 2009 which was originally priced at $10 one way.
Last year the fee generated about $280 million.
Despite the increase Southwest is still regarded as one of the most customer friendly when it comes to airline fees.
It is the last major carrier to still offer two free checked bags.
