Traveling with Southwest Airlines is known for its unique "open seating" policy, which means there are no assigned seats. This makes checking in a crucial step for securing a good boarding position and, consequently, your preferred seat. But how exactly do you navigate this process? Let's dive in!
Your Ultimate Guide to Checking In with Southwest Airlines
So, you've booked your flight with Southwest, and the travel bug is starting to bite! The excitement is building, but you might be wondering, "How do I make sure I get a good seat on my flight?" Well, it all comes down to checking in. Don't worry, it's a straightforward process, and with this guide, you'll be a Southwest check-in pro in no time!
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| How Do You Check In With Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Know Your Check-In Window – The 24-Hour Rule!
Alright, let's kick things off with the most important detail: when can you check in?
Southwest Airlines opens its general online check-in exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. This is a critical window, as your boarding position (A, B, or C, followed by a number 1-60+) is assigned based on when you check in. The earlier you check in within this 24-hour window, the better your boarding position will likely be.
Imagine this: You're eyeing that coveted window seat towards the front of the plane, or maybe you want to ensure your family can sit together. Checking in promptly at the 24-hour mark significantly increases your chances of getting your desired spot.
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Pro Tip: Set a reminder on your phone for 24 hours before your flight! This small action can make a big difference in your boarding experience.
Step 2: Gather Your Essentials: What You'll Need
Before you begin the check-in process, make sure you have the following information handy:
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Your Confirmation Number: This is a 6-character alphanumeric code that you received when you booked your flight. It's usually found on your booking confirmation email.
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First and Last Name: As it appears on your reservation.
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Optional: Your Rapid Rewards® number, if you're a member. This can sometimes make the process even quicker.
Step 3: Choose Your Check-In Method: Online is King!
Southwest offers several ways to check in, but for convenience and the best shot at an early boarding position, online check-in is highly recommended.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
Sub-heading: Online Check-In via the Southwest Website
This is the most common and often the easiest method.
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Navigate to the Southwest Website: Open your web browser and go to
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Find the "Check In" Tab: Look for the "Check In" tab prominently displayed at the top or center of the homepage. Click on it.
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Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your:
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Confirmation Number
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First Name
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Last Name
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Click "Check In" or "Retrieve Reservation": After entering your details, click the appropriate button.
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Review Your Flight Details: The system will pull up your reservation. Verify that all the flight details are correct.
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Confirm Your Check-In: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the check-in. This might involve acknowledging certain flight details or confirming traveler information.
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Receive Your Boarding Pass: Once successfully checked in, you'll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1-60+). You'll then have options to:
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Print your boarding pass at home.
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Have a mobile boarding pass sent to your email or text message.
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Save your mobile boarding pass to your Apple Wallet (for iOS users) or Google Pay (for Android users). This is a super convenient option for quick access at the airport!
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Sub-heading: Mobile Check-In via the Southwest App
The Southwest Airlines mobile app is an excellent tool for managing your travel, including check-in.
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Download the Southwest App: If you haven't already, download the official Southwest Airlines app from your device's app store (iOS App Store or Google Play Store).
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Log In (Optional) or Access "Check In": You can log in with your Rapid Rewards account for easier access to your trips, or simply tap on the "Check In" option from the main menu.
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Enter Your Details: Similar to the website, you'll enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
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Follow the Prompts: The app will guide you through the check-in process.
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Get Your Mobile Boarding Pass: Your mobile boarding pass will be accessible directly within the app, and you can usually add it to your digital wallet for seamless use at security and boarding.
Sub-heading: Airport Check-In (Less Recommended for Boarding Position)
While convenient for some, checking in at the airport generally results in later boarding positions as most people will have checked in online within the 24-hour window. However, it's a perfectly valid option if you prefer.
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Self-Service Kiosk: Many airports have Southwest self-service kiosks. You can scan your ID or enter your confirmation number to check in and print your boarding pass.
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Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter: You can always go to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter and a Customer Service Agent will assist you with check-in and provide your boarding pass. This is often necessary for international flights where passport verification is required, or if you have specific travel needs.
Step 4: Understanding Your Boarding Position (A, B, C)
Once you've checked in, you'll receive a boarding pass with a specific Boarding Group (A, B, or C) and a Position Number (1-60+).
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Group A: These are typically the first passengers to board. They get the widest selection of seats.
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Group B: Boards after Group A. Still a good chance to find a decent seat.
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Group C: Boards last. Seat selection might be more limited, but you'll still find a seat!
Remember: Southwest does not have assigned seats. Your boarding position simply indicates when you get to choose your seat.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
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Step 5: Baggage Check-In (If Applicable)
If you have checked bags, the check-in process for them is separate from obtaining your boarding pass.
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Online/App: During your online check-in, you may be prompted to indicate if you have checked bags. You can sometimes pre-pay for overweight or oversized bags, which can save time at the airport.
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At the Airport:
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Curbside Check-In: If available at your airport, this is a quick way to drop off your checked bags.
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Self-Tagging Kiosks: Some airports offer kiosks where you can print your baggage tags before heading to the bag drop.
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Ticket Counter: Drop off your bags with a Southwest Customer Service Agent.
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Important Note for International Flights: If any part of your itinerary involves an international flight, you will always need to check in at the airport ticket counter to verify your passport or other required travel documents. You cannot complete the full check-in and obtain your boarding pass for international segments solely online. Baggage check-in for international flights typically requires you to be at the ticket counter at least 60 minutes prior to departure (75 minutes for Aruba).
Step 6: EarlyBird Check-In®: Is It Worth It?
Southwest offers an optional add-on called EarlyBird Check-In®. If you purchase this, Southwest will automatically check you in and assign your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, which is 12 hours before general online check-in opens.
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Benefits: This gives you a significantly earlier boarding position, increasing your chances of getting a desired seat and overhead bin space.
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Cost: The fee for EarlyBird Check-In varies based on the popularity and length of the flight (typically $15-$99 per person, per one-way flight).
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Consider it if:
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You must have a specific seat (e.g., window, aisle, or want to sit with your travel companions).
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You're traveling during peak times or on a very full flight.
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You want to avoid the rush of checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark.
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EarlyBird Check-In does not guarantee an 'A' boarding position, but it greatly improves your chances.
Step 7: A-List and Business Select® Perks
If you're a frequent Southwest flyer with Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status, or you've purchased a Business Select® fare, you automatically get priority boarding benefits, often securing an A1-A15 boarding position. For A-List members, your boarding position is automatically reserved 36 hours before departure, similar to EarlyBird Check-In. You still need to retrieve your boarding pass within 24 hours of departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines check-in:
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
How to Check In Early for a Southwest Flight?
You can check in early by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In® (which automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure) or by being a Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred member or purchasing a Business Select® fare (which also grant early boarding priority). Otherwise, be ready to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure online or via the app.
How to Get a Mobile Boarding Pass for Southwest?
After checking in online (website or app), you'll have the option to have your mobile boarding pass sent to your email or via text message. You can also save it directly to your Apple Wallet (iOS) or Google Pay (Android) for quick access.
How to Print My Southwest Boarding Pass at Home?
During the online check-in process on Southwest.com, you will be given the option to print your boarding pass directly from your computer to your printer.
How to Check Baggage with Southwest Airlines?
You can indicate you have checked bags during the online check-in process, though payment (if applicable) and drop-off occur at the airport. At the airport, you can check bags at the curbside, a self-service kiosk, or the Southwest ticket counter.
How to Change My Seat After Checking In with Southwest?
Since Southwest has open seating, you don't "change" your seat after checking in in the traditional sense. Your boarding position determines when you board and then you choose any available seat. If you've already boarded, you can ask a flight attendant if there are any other available seats.
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
How to Find My Southwest Confirmation Number?
Your confirmation number is a 6-character alphanumeric code typically found on your flight confirmation email that Southwest sent you after booking. You can also retrieve it through the "Manage Reservations" section on Southwest.com if you have a Rapid Rewards account.
How to Check In for an International Southwest Flight?
For international flights, while you can often start the check-in process online within 24 hours, you must visit the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport to have your passport and other travel documents verified by an agent before your boarding pass can be fully issued.
How to Know My Boarding Group and Position for Southwest?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (1-60+) will be clearly displayed on your boarding pass once you have completed the check-in process.
How to Use the Southwest App for Check-In?
Download the Southwest Airlines app, open it, and tap on the "Check In" option. Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name, then follow the prompts to complete the check-in and access your mobile boarding pass.
How to Avoid Being in the C Group on Southwest?
To increase your chances of getting an A or B boarding group, check in as close to 24 hours before your flight's departure as possible. Alternatively, consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In® or booking a Business Select® fare, or achieving Rapid Rewards A-List status.
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