Have you ever felt that little flutter of excitement and perhaps a tiny bit of pre-travel jitters as your flight day approaches? Getting your boarding pass is that crucial next step after booking, and with Southwest Airlines' unique open seating policy, when and how you get it can actually impact your boarding experience! Don't worry, we're here to guide you through every method, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.
How to Get Your Southwest Airlines Boarding Pass: A Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest Airlines offers several convenient ways to obtain your boarding pass, giving you flexibility whether you're a tech-savvy traveler or prefer a traditional paper ticket. The most important thing to remember is that check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This 24-hour mark is your golden window, especially if you're aiming for a better boarding position with Southwest's open seating.
Step 1: Prepare for Check-in – Gather Your Essentials
Before you even think about checking in, make sure you have a few key pieces of information readily available. This will make the process much faster and smoother.
Your Confirmation Number: This is a 6-character alphanumeric code that you received when you booked your flight. It's usually found in your booking confirmation email.
First and Last Name (as on reservation): Ensure these match exactly what's on your booking.
Optional: Rapid Rewards Number: If you're a Rapid Rewards member, having this handy can be beneficial, though your confirmation number is usually sufficient for check-in.
For International Travel: Passport Information: If you're flying internationally, be prepared to enter or verify your passport details.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Check-in Method
Southwest provides a variety of options for checking in and getting your boarding pass. Pick the one that best suits your travel style and circumstances.
Method 1: Online Check-in (Recommended for Best Boarding Position!)
This is the most popular and recommended method for Southwest flights, especially if you want to aim for an earlier boarding group (A, B, or C, followed by a number 1-60).
Sub-heading: Via Southwest.com
Set Your Alarm! As mentioned, check-in opens 24 hours before your flight. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for exactly that time. For example, if your flight departs at 3:00 PM on Friday, check-in opens at 3:00 PM on Thursday.
Navigate to the Check-in Page: Open your web browser and go to the official Southwest Airlines website (
www.southwest.com Click "Check In": On the homepage, you'll see a prominent "Check In" button or link. Click it.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name. Double-check for accuracy.
Retrieve Reservation: Click the "Check In" or "Retrieve Reservation" button.
Confirm and Get Boarding Pass: Follow any on-screen prompts. You might be asked to confirm your flight details. Once confirmed, your boarding pass with your assigned boarding group and number (e.g., A35, B12) will be displayed.
Choose Your Delivery Method: Southwest offers several ways to get your boarding pass after online check-in:
Print it directly: If you have a printer available, you can print your boarding pass right away.
Email to yourself: Have it sent to your email address for easy access on your phone or to print later.
Send to your mobile device via text: Receive a link via SMS that opens your mobile boarding pass.
Add to Apple Wallet/Google Wallet: This is highly convenient for quick access at security and the gate.
Sub-heading: Via the Southwest Airlines Mobile App
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the official Southwest Airlines app from your smartphone's app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iOS).
Log In or Access as Guest: You can log in with your Rapid Rewards account or proceed as a guest.
Tap "Check In": On the app's home screen, you'll find a "Check In" option.
Enter Details: Input your Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name.
Retrieve Reservation: Tap "Retrieve Reservation."
View and Save Boarding Pass: Your mobile boarding pass will appear. You can usually save it directly to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) for quick and easy access without needing an internet connection at the airport. The app also provides real-time flight updates, which is incredibly useful!
Method 2: Airport Self-Service Kiosk
If you prefer a physical boarding pass or need to check bags, airport kiosks are a convenient option.
Locate a Kiosk: Upon arrival at the airport, look for the Southwest Airlines self-service kiosks in the check-in area.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The kiosks are user-friendly. You'll typically start by touching the screen.
Enter Information: You can identify your reservation using your Confirmation Number, Rapid Rewards Number, or by scanning a credit card used for the purchase.
Confirm Details: Verify your flight information.
Print Boarding Pass: Select the option to print your boarding pass. The kiosk will print it out, often along with baggage tags if you're checking luggage.
Optional: Self-Tagging Bags: Many kiosks now allow you to print your own baggage tags, saving you time at the bag drop.
Method 3: Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter
For those who prefer human interaction or have special circumstances (e.g., unaccompanied minors, group reservations, international travel requiring passport verification), the ticket counter is always an option.
Approach the Counter: Head to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport.
Provide Details: Present your Confirmation Number and a valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license, passport).
Agent Assistance: A Southwest agent will assist you with the check-in process, print your boarding pass, and help with any baggage needs.
Important Note for International Travel: For most international flights on Southwest (excluding Havana, Aruba, and Punta Cana), your passport or U.S. Permanent Resident Card must be verified by a Customer Service Agent or kiosk at the ticket counter on the day of travel before your boarding pass (physical or digital) is issued.
Step 3: Understand Your Southwest Boarding Position
Southwest Airlines famously operates with an open seating policy, meaning there are no pre-assigned seats. Your boarding pass will display a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1-60).
Group A (1-60): These are the first to board, generally consisting of Business Select passengers, A-List/A-List Preferred members, and those who checked in very promptly at the 24-hour mark or purchased EarlyBird Check-In well in advance.
Group B (1-60): The next group to board. Many passengers who check in on time will fall into this group.
Group C (1-60): The last group to board. This is often where you'll end up if you check in closer to departure or arrive late to the 24-hour window.
The earlier your group and number, the better your chances of securing your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
Pro Tip: If you want to increase your chances of an earlier boarding position without the 24-hour check-in race, consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight (or add it later if available). This automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure, giving you a significant head start. Business Select fares also guarantee an A1-A15 boarding position.
Step 4: Proceed to Security and Boarding
Once you have your boarding pass (mobile or printed) and your identification, you're ready to head to the security checkpoint.
TSA Security: Present your boarding pass and valid ID to the TSA agent. Follow all security procedures.
Proceed to Gate: Once through security, find your designated gate. The gate number is usually on your boarding pass and displayed on airport monitors.
Boarding Call: Listen for announcements from the gate agent. They will call for pre-boarding (for those needing assistance), followed by Group A (usually in segments, e.g., A1-30, then A31-60), then Family Boarding (for those with children 6 or younger), and finally Groups B and C.
Board the Aircraft: When your group is called, line up according to your position number in the designated boarding lanes. Present your boarding pass to the gate agent, and you're good to go!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check in for Southwest Airlines flight online?
You can check in online by visiting southwest.com or using the Southwest mobile app starting exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name to retrieve your reservation and get your boarding pass.
How to get a mobile boarding pass for Southwest Airlines?
After checking in online via southwest.com or the Southwest app, you can choose to have your boarding pass sent to your mobile device via text message or email, or save it directly to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) from the app.
How to print a Southwest Airlines boarding pass at home?
After completing online check-in on southwest.com, you will be given the option to print your boarding pass directly from your computer if you have a printer connected.
How to get an EarlyBird Check-In boarding pass for Southwest Airlines?
If you purchased EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest will automatically check you in and assign your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's departure. You will still need to retrieve your boarding pass online or via the app within 24 hours of departure.
How to find my Southwest Airlines confirmation number?
Your confirmation number is a 6-character alphanumeric code typically found in your booking confirmation email from Southwest Airlines. If you have a Rapid Rewards account and were logged in when booking, it might also be in your "My Trips" section on the Southwest website or app.
How to upgrade your boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can potentially upgrade your boarding position to A1-15 after checking in online (within 24 hours of departure) through the Southwest app or website, or by inquiring at the gate on the day of travel, subject to availability and for an additional fee.
How to check in for an international Southwest Airlines flight?
You can initiate online check-in for international flights 24 hours prior to departure via the website or app. However, for most international destinations, you must verify your passport or U.S. Permanent Resident Card with a Southwest agent or at a self-service kiosk at the airport before your final boarding pass is issued.
How to use a self-service kiosk to get a Southwest boarding pass?
At the airport, locate a Southwest self-service kiosk. You can use your confirmation number, Rapid Rewards number, or a credit card used for the purchase to pull up your reservation and print your boarding pass.
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
The best ways to get a better boarding position are to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight departs, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or have A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to get a boarding pass if my Southwest flight has a connection?
With Southwest, you only need to check in once for your entire itinerary, even if you have connecting flights. Your boarding pass will be valid for all segments of your journey.
