Southwest Airlines changes boarding time to reduce delays

In the United States, Southwest Airlines has implemented a new boarding procedure effective August 1, 2026, requiring passengers to arrive at their departure gate 5 minutes earlier than the previous protocol. This change is part of the airline's efforts to combat unnecessary delays, particularly as more passengers are bringing carry-on luggage due to the airline's policy change regarding checked bags. The new requirement mandates that flight attendants report to their assigned gates at least 35 minutes before departure for most domestic flights, which is an increase from the previous 30 minutes. This adjustment affects the Boeing 737-800 NG and 737 MAX-8 series aircraft, which constitute about 65% of Southwest's fleet. Smaller Boeing 737-700 aircraft will continue to board at the previous 30-minute mark, while international flights and those to Hawaii will begin boarding 45 minutes prior to departure. The airline's decision comes in the wake of a significant policy change in May 2025, when it ended its 'Two Bags Fly Free' policy, leading to an increase in carry-on luggage as passengers attempt to maximize the use of their one free piece of luggage. The introduction of assigned seating in January 2026 further complicated the boarding process, as passengers took longer to find overhead bin space near their assigned seats. Compared to other major U.S. carriers, Southwest's boarding times remain relatively short, with American Airlines boarding at 40 minutes before departure and Delta and United Airlines starting about 40 minutes ahead of flight time. Historically, Southwest was known for its rapid turnaround times, but the recent changes have prompted the airline to adapt its boarding procedures to maintain efficiency.