It's the moment of truth! Your Southwest Airlines flight is approaching, and you're wondering, how do I check in for my Southwest Airlines flight to get that coveted "A" boarding position? Well, you've come to the right place! Southwest's unique open seating policy means that getting an earlier boarding position is key to snagging your preferred seat and overhead bin space. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Understanding Southwest's Check-in Philosophy
Unlike many airlines with assigned seating, Southwest operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis for boarding positions. This means the earlier you check in, the better your boarding group and position will generally be (e.g., A1-A60, then B, then C). This is crucial for getting your desired window or aisle seat, or ensuring you can sit with your travel companions.
Step 1: Prepare for Takeoff – Gather Your Information!
Before you even think about hitting that "check-in" button, let's make sure you have everything you need. This is where most people make their first mistake – don't be one of them!
What You'll Need:
Confirmation Number: This is a six-character alphanumeric code that you received when you booked your flight. It's your golden ticket to accessing your reservation.
First and Last Name: As it appears on your reservation.
Internet Access: For online or mobile check-in.
A Valid Photo ID: (e.g., driver's license, passport) for airport check-in and security.
Optional: Your Rapid Rewards number, if you want to ensure it's linked to your reservation.
Step 2: Choose Your Check-in Method – The Power of Choice!
Southwest offers several convenient ways to check in, each with its own advantages. Let's explore them.
Sub-heading: Online Check-in (Recommended for Best Boarding Position)
This is hands down the most popular and recommended method for checking in with Southwest, primarily because it allows you to secure your boarding position as early as possible.
When can you do it? Online check-in opens exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. Set an alarm! Seriously, if you want a good boarding position, be ready at the 24-hour mark.
How to Check In Online:
Navigate to the Southwest Website: Open your web browser and go to
www.southwest.com.Find the Check-in Section: On the homepage, look for a prominent "Check In" button or link. It's usually in the main navigation or a quick-access bar.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your:
Confirmation Number
First Name
Last Name
Confirm Your Flight Details: Once you enter your information, your flight details will appear. Double-check that it's the correct flight and passengers.
Review and Confirm: You may be asked to review baggage policies or other important information. Click through the prompts.
Receive Your Boarding Pass: Once confirmed, you'll be able to:
Print your boarding pass directly from your computer.
Send your boarding pass to your email for printing later.
Download a mobile boarding pass to your smartphone (highly recommended for convenience).
Receive a text message with a link to your mobile boarding pass.
Sub-heading: Mobile App Check-in (On-the-Go Convenience)
The Southwest Airlines mobile app is an excellent tool for managing your travel, including checking in. It offers a seamless experience, especially if you prefer a digital boarding pass.
When can you do it? Just like online check-in, the mobile app allows you to check in 24 hours prior to departure.
How to Check In Using the Mobile App:
Download the Southwest App: If you haven't already, download the "Southwest Airlines" app from your smartphone's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
Open the App and Log In (Optional): You can log into your Rapid Rewards account for easier access to your trips, or simply proceed as a guest.
Access Your Trip:
If logged in, your upcoming trips should be visible under the "My Trips" tab. Select the relevant flight.
If checking in as a guest, look for a "Check In" option and enter your Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name.
Follow the Prompts: The app will guide you through the check-in process, similar to the website.
Get Your Mobile Boarding Pass: Once checked in, your mobile boarding pass will be accessible directly within the app. You can often save it to your phone's wallet (e.g., Apple Wallet, Google Pay) for quick access, even offline.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In® (Pay for Peace of Mind)
If the idea of scrambling at the 24-hour mark stresses you out, or if you absolutely need a better boarding position (e.g., traveling with small children, want a specific seat), consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In.
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in and reserves your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure – 12 hours before general check-in opens.
Benefits:
Automatic check-in: No need to set alarms.
Earlier boarding position: Generally results in a better boarding group (though not a guaranteed A1-A15).
Better seat selection options and earlier access to overhead bins.
How to Purchase:
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during your initial flight booking on
southwest.com.If you've already booked, you can add it to your reservation up to 36 hours prior to your flight's departure (subject to availability). Look for the option under "My Trips" or "Manage Reservation" on the Southwest website or app.
Note: EarlyBird Check-In is a per-person, per-one-way flight fee and is non-refundable if you cancel your flight (unless Southwest cancels it).
Sub-heading: Airport Check-in (For Last-Minute or Special Circumstances)
While online and mobile check-in are convenient, airport options are available if you prefer or if you have specific needs.
1. Self-Service Kiosks:
Location: Found in the airport lobby, usually near the Southwest ticket counters.
When to Use: You can check in at kiosks generally from 3 hours to 30 minutes before domestic flights and 3 hours to 60 minutes before international flights.
How to Use:
Touch the screen to begin.
Retrieve your reservation by entering your confirmation number, Rapid Rewards number, or by swiping a major credit card used for the purchase.
Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your details, declare bags, and print your boarding pass.
Print bag tags if you are checking luggage.
Advantages: Quick if you're already at the airport, allows you to print boarding passes and bag tags.
2. Ticket Counter:
Location: The traditional check-in desks in the airport lobby.
When to Use: Similar to kiosks, typically 3 hours to 30 minutes before domestic flights and 3 hours to 60 minutes before international flights. Arrive earlier if you have checked bags, especially for international travel.
How to Use:
Join the line for Southwest Airlines.
Present your valid photo ID and confirmation number to the agent.
The agent will verify your details, check your bags (if any), and provide you with a printed boarding pass.
Advantages: Best for passengers with special needs (e.g., unaccompanied minors, those traveling with pets), or if you encounter issues with self-service options.
3. Curbside Check-in (Available at select U.S. Airports):
Location: Designated curbside areas outside the terminal.
When to Use: Typically 3 hours to 60 minutes before domestic flights.
How to Use: Hand your bags to a Southwest agent at the curbside, who can also print your boarding pass. You'll need your photo ID and confirmation number.
Advantages: Extremely convenient if you're checking bags and don't want to drag them through the terminal.
Step 3: What to Do After Checking In – The Home Stretch!
You've successfully checked in! Now, let's talk about what happens next.
Sub-heading: Obtaining Your Boarding Pass
No matter how you check in, you need a physical or digital boarding pass to proceed.
Printed Boarding Pass: If you printed it at home or a kiosk, keep it safe.
Mobile Boarding Pass: Ensure it's saved to your phone's wallet for easy access. Have your phone charged!
Pro-Tip: Take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass as a backup in case of connectivity issues or app glitches.
Sub-heading: Bag Drop (If Applicable)
If you're checking luggage, here's the process:
Online/Mobile Check-in with Checked Bags: Head to the bag drop area or a self-tagging kiosk at the airport.
At a self-tagging kiosk, you can print your bag tags after checking in online/mobile. Attach them securely to your bags.
Proceed to the designated bag drop counter. An agent will verify your ID and accept your bags.
Airport Check-in with Checked Bags: If you checked in at a kiosk or ticket counter, your bags will be handled there.
Important: Be aware of baggage weight and size restrictions to avoid extra fees. Weigh your bags at home if possible!
Sub-heading: Proceeding to Security
With your boarding pass and checked bags handled (if any), it's time for airport security.
Have your photo ID and boarding pass ready.
Follow TSA guidelines for liquids, electronics, and other items.
REAL ID Reminder: Starting May 7, 2025, all passengers 18 and older will need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card (or other acceptable forms of ID like a passport) to fly domestically.
Sub-heading: Heading to Your Gate
Once through security, check the airport monitors or your boarding pass for your gate number. Plan to arrive at your gate no later than 30 minutes prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. Boarding typically begins around this time. Southwest closes boarding 10 minutes prior to departure. Don't be late!
Step 4: The Southwest Boarding Process – A, B, C!
Southwest's unique boarding process is known as "A, B, C."
Boarding Groups: Your boarding pass will have a group (A, B, or C) and a number (e.g., A1, B35).
Waiting Area: Passengers line up in designated areas at the gate according to their group and number.
Boarding: When your group is called, you'll proceed down the jet bridge. Once on board, you can pick any available seat. This is where that early check-in truly pays off!
Related FAQ Questions
How to get the best boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
The best way to get a good boarding position is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time via the Southwest website or mobile app. Alternatively, purchase EarlyBird Check-In for automatic check-in 36 hours before departure.
How to check in for a Southwest Airlines flight with a pet?
If you are traveling with a pet, you generally cannot check in online or via the mobile app. You will need to check in at the airport ticket counter to ensure proper documentation and pet carrier requirements are met.
How to check in for an international Southwest Airlines flight?
For international flights, you can generally check in online or via the mobile app 24 hours prior to departure. However, be prepared to present your passport and any required visas at the airport check-in counter for verification before proceeding to security. For checked bags on international flights, you must check them at the ticket counter.
How to get a mobile boarding pass for Southwest Airlines?
After checking in online or through the Southwest mobile app, you will be given the option to download your mobile boarding pass directly to your phone (e.g., to Apple Wallet or Google Pay) or access it within the Southwest app itself.
How to print a Southwest Airlines boarding pass at the airport?
You can print your Southwest Airlines boarding pass at the airport using the self-service kiosks located in the lobby, or by visiting the Southwest Airlines ticket counter and asking an agent.
How to add checked bags after checking in online for Southwest?
If you've checked in online and now need to add checked bags, simply proceed to a Southwest Airlines self-tagging kiosk or the bag drop counter at the airport. You can print bag tags at the kiosk and then drop your bags with an agent. Any applicable fees will be collected at this point.
How to change my seat after checking in for a Southwest flight?
Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy, meaning there are no assigned seats. Your "boarding position" determines when you board, not where you sit. Once you board the plane, you can choose any available seat. Therefore, there's no "changing your seat" after check-in in the traditional sense. Your goal is simply to get the best possible boarding position.
How to check in for multiple passengers on one Southwest reservation?
When you check in online or via the mobile app using the confirmation number for your reservation, all passengers on that same reservation will typically be checked in simultaneously. Their boarding positions will be assigned consecutively.
How to know my Southwest Airlines boarding group and position?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (e.g., A1-A60) will be clearly displayed on your boarding pass once you have completed the check-in process.
How to check in for a Southwest flight if I purchased EarlyBird Check-In?
If you purchased EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest will automatically check you in starting 36 hours before your flight. You do not need to take any action to check in yourself. You can retrieve your boarding pass (online, mobile, or at the airport) starting 24 hours before your flight.
