Ready to embark on your Southwest Airlines adventure? Checking in might seem like a small detail, but with Southwest's unique open seating policy, it's actually crucial for getting a great boarding position and ensuring a smooth journey. Let's dive in and make sure you're set for success!
How Do You Check In on Southwest Airlines? A Comprehensive Guide
Southwest Airlines operates a bit differently from most other carriers. There are no assigned seats; instead, you get a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within that group (1-60+). Your boarding position is largely determined by when you check in. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will likely be, giving you more choice of seats and overhead bin space.
This guide will walk you through all the methods of checking in, from the essential 24-hour online check-in to other options and strategies to get that coveted A group.
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| How Do You Check In On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding the 24-Hour Window (Your Golden Opportunity!)
This is the most important concept for Southwest flyers! Southwest allows all passengers to check in exactly 24 hours before their flight's scheduled departure time. This is your primary chance to secure the best possible boarding position without paying extra.
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Why is this so important? Because boarding positions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each fare class. If you check in right at the 24-hour mark, you'll generally get a much better position than someone who checks in an hour later, or even just a few minutes later.
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Set a reminder! We highly recommend setting an alarm on your phone for precisely 24 hours before your flight. For example, if your flight departs at 3:00 PM on a Tuesday, set your alarm for 3:00 PM on Monday.
Step 2: Your Check-In Methods: Choose Your Weapon!
Southwest offers several convenient ways to check in. Let's break them down:
Sub-heading: Online Check-In (The Most Popular & Recommended)
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
This is by far the most common and effective way to check in for your Southwest flight.
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Access the Southwest Website or App:
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Website: Go to
www.southwest.com -
Mobile App: Download and open the Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android).
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Navigate to "Check In": On the homepage or within the app, look for a prominent "Check In" button or tab. It's usually very easy to find.
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Enter Your Information: You'll need your:
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Confirmation Number: This is a 6-digit alphanumeric code you received when you booked your flight.
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First Name: As it appears on your reservation.
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Last Name: As it appears on your reservation.
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Pro Tip: If you're using the app and are logged into your Rapid Rewards account, your upcoming reservations might automatically populate, making this step even quicker!
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Click "Check In": Once you've entered your details, hit the "Check In" button.
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Receive Your Boarding Pass: Almost instantly, you'll be assigned a boarding group and position (e.g., A35, B22, C10). You'll then have options to:
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Print your boarding pass: If you have access to a printer.
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Download to your mobile device: Add it to your Apple Wallet (iOS) or Google Wallet (Android) for easy access. This is incredibly convenient!
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Receive via text or email: Southwest can send you a digital boarding pass.
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Important Note for International Flights: Even if you check in online for an international flight, you must still present your passport and verify your travel documents with a Southwest agent at the ticket counter or a self-service kiosk at the airport at least 60 minutes prior to departure.
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Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In (The Stress-Free Option, For a Fee)
If you don't want to set an alarm or simply want a better chance at an earlier boarding position, EarlyBird Check-In is for you.
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What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is a paid service that automatically checks you in and reserves your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure – 12 hours before general check-in opens.
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How to Purchase: You can typically add EarlyBird Check-In during your initial booking process or add it later via the "Manage Reservations" section on Southwest.com or the app, up to 36 hours before your flight.
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Cost: The fee for EarlyBird Check-In varies by flight, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight.
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Benefits:
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Automatic check-in: No need to worry about being online at the 24-hour mark.
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Better boarding position: While it doesn't guarantee an A group, it significantly improves your chances compared to checking in at the 24-hour mark, as you're checked in earlier than most others.
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Earlier access to overhead bins: A better boarding position means you'll be among the first to board, allowing you to secure overhead bin space more easily.
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Who benefits most? Travelers with specific seat preferences (window/aisle), those traveling in groups who want to sit together, or anyone who simply wants to minimize pre-flight stress.
Sub-heading: Airport Self-Service Kiosk
If online check-in isn't an option, or you prefer a physical boarding pass, the airport kiosks are a good alternative.
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Locate a Kiosk: Find a Southwest self-service kiosk in the airport terminal.
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Follow On-Screen Prompts: You'll typically need to enter your confirmation number, Rapid Rewards number, or swipe a credit card used for the purchase.
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Print Boarding Pass: The kiosk will issue your boarding pass.
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Bag Tagging: Many kiosks also allow you to print baggage tags, which you then attach to your luggage before dropping them at the bag drop counter.
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Check-in Window: You can typically use kiosks from 30 minutes to 3 hours before your domestic flight's scheduled departure (longer for international, but remember you'll still need to see an agent for passport verification).
Sub-heading: Ticket Counter Check-In
For those who need assistance or have special circumstances, the traditional ticket counter is always an option.
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Approach the Counter: Go to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport.
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Provide ID and Reservation: Present your government-issued photo ID and your confirmation number to the agent.
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Receive Assistance: The agent will check you in, issue your boarding pass, and assist with any checked baggage or special requests.
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Check-in Window: Similar to kiosks, typically 30 minutes to 3 hours before domestic departure. For international flights, it's generally required to check in at the counter at least 60 minutes prior to departure.
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Step 3: Understanding Your Boarding Position
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
Once you've checked in, you'll receive a boarding pass with a Group (A, B, or C) and a Position (1-60+).
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Group A: Generally the first to board, offering the best selection of seats and overhead bin space. You'll typically get an "A" position if you:
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Purchase a Business Select fare.
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Are an A-List or A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards member (elite status).
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Purchase EarlyBird Check-In (especially if purchased early for the flight).
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Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight with precise timing.
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Purchase an Upgraded Boarding position at the gate (if available).
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Group B: The middle group. You'll still likely find a window or aisle seat, though perhaps not your absolute top choice. Often received if you:
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Purchase EarlyBird Check-In and others purchased before you.
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Check in promptly at the 24-hour mark but perhaps not with laser precision.
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Group C: The last group to board. Seat selection will be more limited, and overhead bin space might be tight. You'll typically get a "C" position if you:
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Check in significantly after the 24-hour mark.
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Forget to check in until you arrive at the airport shortly before your flight.
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Step 4: At the Gate: The Boarding Process
Southwest's unique boarding process is often called "organized chaos" but is actually quite efficient once you understand it.
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Monitor the Screens: Look for the boarding screens at your gate. They will display which group and numbers are currently lining up.
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Find Your Line: Southwest has numbered posts at the gate (e.g., A1-30, A31-60, B1-30, etc.). When your group is called, find your place in line according to your boarding position.
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Pre-Boarding and Family Boarding:
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Pre-Boarding: Passengers needing special assistance (e.g., those using wheelchairs, with service animals, or who need extra time to board) will board first.
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Family Boarding: After the A group (and Business Select/A-List, etc.), but before the B group, Southwest offers "Family Boarding." This allows families traveling with a child aged six or younger to board together. This is a huge perk for families and can often negate the need for EarlyBird Check-In if you're traveling with young kids.
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Board the Aircraft: Once your group is called, proceed down the jet bridge and find any open seat you like! Stow your carry-on luggage in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about checking in on Southwest Airlines:
How to check in for an international Southwest flight?
You can check in online 24 hours before departure for international flights, but you must present your passport and verify your travel documents with a Southwest agent at the airport ticket counter or a self-service kiosk at least 60 minutes prior to departure.
How to get an A group boarding position on Southwest?
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
To increase your chances of an A group position, purchase a Business Select fare, be a Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred member, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, or check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. You can also purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate if available.
How to add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing Southwest reservation?
Go to "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com or in the app, enter your confirmation details, and look for the option to add EarlyBird Check-In. This is available up to 36 hours before your flight.
How to find my Southwest Airlines confirmation number?
Your confirmation number is a 6-digit alphanumeric code typically found in your booking confirmation email from Southwest Airlines.
How to check in multiple people on one Southwest reservation?
When you check in online or via the app, if all passengers are on the same confirmation number, you can usually check them all in at once. Their boarding positions will be assigned consecutively.
How to get a mobile boarding pass for Southwest?
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
After checking in online via the Southwest app or website, you'll be given the option to download your boarding pass to your mobile device's wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) or have it sent via text/email.
How to know when exactly 24 hours before my flight is?
Use a time zone converter if needed, and set an alarm for precisely 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time in its origin city.
How to check a bag after checking in online with Southwest?
After checking in online, you can proceed to the baggage drop-off counter at the airport. You may be able to print bag tags at a self-service kiosk or get them from an agent. Ensure you adhere to baggage check-in deadlines.
How to check in early for a Southwest flight without EarlyBird?
The only way to check in early without EarlyBird is to be a Business Select fare holder or an A-List/A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards member, as these statuses offer priority boarding. Otherwise, the 24-hour mark is your earliest opportunity.
How to change my seat after checking in on Southwest?
Since Southwest has open seating, you don't "change" your seat. Your boarding position determines when you board, and you pick any available seat on the plane. If you have a later boarding position and want a better seat, consider purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate if available.
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