Southwest Earlybird questions

We are going to FL on Southwest, and purchased the early bird check-in. I think I misunderstood and thought that we could manually check in as early as 36 hours before boarding, but upon looking into it yesterday, it appears they automatically check you in...

Is this the case?

If so, do you really get priority seating? Other than the Business Class and high priority customers, what makes your seat selection better than others who also paid?

Any other info, advice or help would be great :) TIA!

Re: Southwest Earlybird questions

I believe your check in time is the same as everyone else (24 hours ahead of time) BUT, you have access to the first 20/30 numbers. If I don't purchase Early Bird and check in at the same time, the lowest number I can get is 31, where Early Birds are competing with each other for the lower numbers...

At the airport, you board the same way, but obviously have a lower number