Oh, the anticipation of a trip! You've got your bags packed, your itinerary planned, and now all you need is that crucial piece of paper (or digital equivalent!) to get you on your way: your Southwest Airlines boarding pass. Don't worry, getting your boarding pass printed is a breeze if you know the steps. Let's get you ready for your flight!
The Essential Guide to Printing Your Southwest Airlines Boarding Pass
Southwest Airlines offers a fantastic "Bags Fly Free" policy and their unique open seating, which means when you check in and get your boarding pass can significantly impact your boarding position. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will likely be, giving you more choices for your preferred seat. So, let's dive in!
Step 1: When Can You Check In? (And Why It Matters!)
First things first, when can you actually get your boarding pass? Southwest Airlines opens its online check-in window exactly 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is a critical window, especially with Southwest's open seating policy.
Why 24 hours is key: Unlike airlines with assigned seating, Southwest's boarding process is based on your check-in time. The earlier you check in within that 24-hour window, the better your assigned boarding position (e.g., A1-A60, B1-B60, C1-C60). A lower number means you board earlier, giving you more options for window, aisle, or even an exit row seat.
What about EarlyBird Check-In? If you purchased EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight. This gives you a significant advantage for a better boarding position before the general 24-hour check-in opens. Even with EarlyBird, you still need to retrieve your boarding pass within the 24-hour window before departure. Your confirmed boarding position will be waiting for you.
Step 2: Choosing Your Printing Method
Southwest Airlines offers several convenient ways to get your boarding pass. Pick the one that suits your needs best!
Method 1: Online Check-in and Home Printing (Recommended for Convenience)
This is often the quickest and most efficient way to get your boarding pass, allowing you to bypass potential lines at the airport.
Step 2a: Access the Southwest Website or App
Open your web browser and navigate to
www.southwest.com Alternatively, download and open the official Southwest Airlines mobile app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android). The app is incredibly useful for managing your entire trip!
Step 2b: Locate the Check-in Section
On the website, look for a prominent "Check In" button or link. It's usually found on the main navigation bar or homepage.
In the app, you'll typically find a "Check In" option right on the main screen or within your "My Trips" section.
Step 2c: Enter Your Reservation Details
You will need your six-character confirmation number (also known as your PNR). This is provided to you when you book your flight.
You'll also need the first name and last name of a passenger on the reservation.
Click "Check In" or "Retrieve Reservation."
Step 2d: Confirm Your Flight and Passengers
Review the flight details to ensure you're checking in for the correct flight.
If there are multiple passengers on your reservation, confirm all passengers you wish to check in.
Step 2e: Print Your Boarding Pass
Once checked in, you'll be presented with options for your boarding pass. Look for a button or link that says "Print Boarding Pass."
Clicking this will usually open a new window or tab with your boarding pass in a printable format.
Make sure your printer is connected and has ink! Click the print icon within your browser or the PDF viewer.
Pro Tip for A-Listers and Business Select: If you have A-List status or purchased Business Select, your boarding position will be automatically assigned 36 hours prior, but you still need to go through this check-in process to retrieve your actual boarding pass.
Step 2f: Alternative Digital Options (Great for Mobile Users!)
Instead of printing, you can choose to have your boarding pass sent to your email or as a text message.
Even better, if you're using the Southwest app, you can often save your mobile boarding pass directly to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet for iOS, Google Pay for Android). This is incredibly convenient and often preferred by many travelers. You simply present your phone at security and at the gate.
Important Note for International Travel: For some international flights, or if you are an Unaccompanied Minor, an infant traveling as a lap child, or on certain military/government fares, mobile boarding passes may not be available. In these cases, you will need to obtain a printed boarding pass at the airport.
Method 2: Airport Self-Service Kiosk
If you can't print at home or prefer to wait until you're at the airport, self-service kiosks are a quick and easy option.
Step 2a: Locate a Southwest Kiosk
Upon arrival at the airport, look for Southwest Airlines self-service kiosks. They are typically located near the check-in counters in the airport lobby.
Step 2b: Retrieve Your Reservation
The kiosk touch screen will prompt you for information. You can usually retrieve your reservation by:
Entering your confirmation number.
Swiping a major credit card that has your name on it (this acts as identification, not for payment).
Entering your Rapid Rewards number.
Step 2c: Follow On-Screen Prompts
Once your reservation is found, the kiosk will guide you through the check-in process.
Confirm your flight and passengers.
Select the option to "Print Boarding Pass."
The kiosk will print your physical boarding pass.
Method 3: Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter
For those who prefer a human touch, or if you have specific circumstances (like an international flight requiring passport verification, an Unaccompanied Minor, or needing to check oversized baggage), the full-service ticket counter is always an option.
Step 2a: Head to the Ticket Counter
Proceed to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter in the airport lobby.
Step 2b: Provide Your Information
Present your government-issued photo ID (like your passport for international travel or driver's license for domestic).
Provide your confirmation number.
A Southwest representative will assist you with checking in and will print your boarding pass for you.
Step 3: What to Do After Getting Your Boarding Pass
Review Your Boarding Pass: Double-check your flight number, gate, and boarding group/position (e.g., A35).
Keep it Handy: Whether it's a physical printout or on your phone, have your boarding pass readily accessible for TSA security checkpoints and at the boarding gate.
Bags to Check? If you have checked luggage, you'll need to drop it off at the bag drop area after you've obtained your boarding pass (or during the ticket counter check-in process).
Important Considerations:
International Flights: For international travel, you must verify your passport with an agent or kiosk at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter at least 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Mobile boarding passes may not be available for certain international itineraries.
Unaccompanied Minors: Unaccompanied Minors must check in at the airport ticket counter.
Lost Boarding Pass: If you lose your printed boarding pass, you can easily reprint it using any of the methods above (online, kiosk, or ticket counter) as long as you're within the check-in window.
By following these steps, you'll have your Southwest Airlines boarding pass in hand and be ready to enjoy your flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
The best way to get a better boarding position is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure online or via the mobile app. For an even greater advantage, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours prior to departure, typically resulting in an earlier boarding group.
How to check in for a Southwest flight if I don't have internet access?
You can check in at the airport using a self-service kiosk or by visiting the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Ensure you arrive with ample time before your flight.
How to add my Rapid Rewards number to my reservation after booking?
You can add your Rapid Rewards number when you check in online or at an airport kiosk. You can also manage your reservation on the Southwest website or app under "My Trips" or by calling customer service.
How to use a mobile boarding pass for Southwest Airlines?
After checking in via the Southwest app or mobile website, tap on the "boarding pass" button. You can then view it directly or save it to your Apple Wallet (iOS) or Google Pay (Android). Present your phone with the scannable barcode at security and the boarding gate.
How to reprint a lost Southwest Airlines boarding pass?
If you've lost your printed boarding pass, you can easily reprint it by going back to the Southwest website or app and accessing your reservation (if within the 24-hour check-in window), or by using an airport self-service kiosk or visiting the ticket counter.
How to check in for a Southwest flight if I purchased EarlyBird Check-In?
Even with EarlyBird Check-In, you still need to access your boarding pass within 24 hours of departure. Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours prior, securing your position. You just need to retrieve (print or save digitally) your boarding pass via the website, app, kiosk, or ticket counter.
How to check bags after printing my Southwest boarding pass?
After obtaining your boarding pass, head to the baggage drop-off area or the full-service ticket counter at the airport. Present your boarding pass and ID, and they will tag your bags for your flight.
How to get a boarding pass for an Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest Airlines?
Unaccompanied Minors cannot use online or mobile check-in. They must check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport, where an agent will assist them and provide their boarding pass.
How to get a boarding pass for an international Southwest flight?
For international flights, it is highly recommended to check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport. You must verify your passport with an agent or kiosk at least 60 minutes prior to departure. Mobile boarding passes may not be available for all international itineraries.
How to find my Southwest Airlines confirmation number?
Your six-character confirmation number is typically found in your flight confirmation email from Southwest Airlines. If you have a Rapid Rewards account, you can also find it under your "My Trips" section after logging in on the website or app.
