I'm flying with Southwest Airlines next week. I'll be curious to see how many take them up on the offer. I probably will. Those exit row seats are precious!

Southwest Air to charge $10 to board early

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The early bird gets the overhead baggage space -- at least on Southwest Airlines Co.

Dallas-based Southwest said on Wednesday it started charging passengers $10 each way to board flights before general check-in starts, but after premium passengers, including those flying Business Select.

The service, known as EarlyBird Check-in, is available for purchase starting on Wednesday for flights beginning on Thursday, September 3. The offering allows passengers to select seats and secure overhead bin space, said Southwest, which does not typically assign seats.