Traveling with Southwest Airlines is known for its unique "Bags Fly Free" policy and open seating, which makes the check-in process a bit different from other airlines. To ensure a smooth journey, knowing how and when to check in is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're prepared and confident for your next Southwest flight.
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Check-In Philosophy – It's All About Timing!
Alright, let's kick things off! Before we dive into the "how-to," let's talk about why checking in at a specific time is so important with Southwest. Unlike many airlines that assign seats in advance, Southwest operates on an open seating policy. This means your boarding position largely determines when you get to pick your seat. And what determines your boarding position? The time you check in!
The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position (A, B, or C, followed by a number 1-60) will be, giving you more options for your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
When to Check In:
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General Check-in: Online and mobile check-in for Southwest Airlines opens exactly 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. Mark your calendar, set an alarm, do whatever it takes! This is your prime window to secure a good boarding position.
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EarlyBird Check-In®: If you want to take the stress out of the 24-hour dash, Southwest offers EarlyBird Check-In. When you purchase this (for a fee, subject to availability), Southwest automatically checks you in and reserves your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This gives you a significant advantage over general check-in.
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Business Select®, Anytime Fares, and A-List/A-List Preferred Members: If you've purchased a Business Select fare, an Anytime fare, or are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or A-List member, you are automatically checked in 36 hours prior to departure, just like EarlyBird Check-In.
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| How Do You Check In At Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Gathering Your Essentials
Before you begin the check-in process, make sure you have the following information readily available:
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Your Confirmation Number: This is a 6-digit alphanumeric code that you received when you booked your flight. It's often found in your booking confirmation email.
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First Name of a Passenger: As it appears on the reservation.
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Last Name of a Passenger: As it appears on the reservation.
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Valid Photo ID: (For airport check-in and security) This could be your driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID.
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Passport and Visa (for international flights): Ensure these are valid and readily accessible.
Step 3: Choosing Your Check-In Method
Southwest offers several convenient ways to check in. Let's explore each in detail:
Sub-heading: Option A: Online Check-In (Recommended for Best Boarding Position)
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
This is the most popular and often the most strategic method to check in for Southwest flights, especially if you haven't purchased EarlyBird Check-In.
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Access the Southwest Website or App:
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Via Website: Open your web browser and go to
www.southwest.com -
Via Mobile App: Download the free Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android). Open the app and tap on the "Check In" icon at the bottom of the screen.
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Enter Your Details:
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On the check-in page, you'll be prompted to enter your Confirmation Number and the First Name and Last Name of one passenger on the itinerary.
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Pro Tip: If you're using the mobile app and have allowed notifications, the app might even remind you when it's 24 hours before your flight, making it easier to be prompt.
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Click "Check In" or "Retrieve Reservation":
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On the website, click the "Check In" button.
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On the app, tap "Retrieve Reservation."
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Review Your Flight Details:
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The system will display your flight information. Double-check that all the details are correct. If you have multiple flights on your itinerary, it will show all segments. You only need to check in once for your entire one-way journey, even with connecting flights.
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Confirm and Get Your Boarding Pass:
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Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your check-in.
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You'll then be presented with your boarding pass. You have several options for how to receive it:
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Print at Home: You can print your boarding pass directly from your computer.
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Mobile Boarding Pass: This is highly recommended for convenience. You can save it directly to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet for iOS, Google Pay for Android) or view it within the Southwest app.
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Email or Text: Have your boarding pass sent to your email address or as a text message.
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Important Note for International Flights: If you're traveling internationally, even with a mobile boarding pass, you might still need to visit the Southwest ticket counter at the airport to have your passport and visa verified by an agent before you can fully access your boarding pass or proceed through security.
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Sub-heading: Option B: Airport Check-In
While online/mobile check-in is generally preferred for boarding position, airport check-in is a reliable option, especially if you have checked baggage.
Sub-heading: At a Self-Service Kiosk
Many airports have self-service kiosks where you can quickly check in.
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Locate a Southwest Kiosk: These are typically found in the airline's check-in area at the airport.
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Touch Screen and Enter Information: Follow the on-screen instructions. You'll usually need to enter your Confirmation Number or swipe a credit card associated with the reservation.
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Confirm and Print: Review your flight details, confirm your check-in, and the kiosk will print your boarding pass and any baggage tags if you're checking bags.
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Bag Drop: If you're checking bags, attach the printed tags to your luggage and proceed to the designated bag drop counter.
Sub-heading: At the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter
For personalized assistance or if you have special circumstances (e.g., unaccompanied minor, traveling with a pet, complex international travel documents), the ticket counter is your best bet.
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Proceed to the Southwest Counter: Look for the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport.
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Present Your ID and Confirmation: A customer service agent will ask for your valid photo ID and your confirmation number.
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Receive Your Boarding Pass: The agent will process your check-in, issue your boarding pass, and assist with any checked baggage.
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Timelines: Be aware of the minimum check-in times. For domestic flights, you typically need to check in and have bags dropped at least 30 minutes before departure. For international flights, this is usually 60 minutes. However, it's always recommended to arrive much earlier – at least 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international flights – to allow for security screening and unexpected delays.
Sub-heading: At the Skycap Podium (Curbside Check-in)
In select locations, Southwest offers curbside check-in with a Skycap. This is a convenient option if you're arriving at the airport by car and only have checked bags.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
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Look for Skycap Service: As you pull up to the departures curb, look for uniformed Skycaps near the Southwest drop-off area.
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Present Your Info: Provide your ID and confirmation number.
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Baggage Handled: The Skycap will weigh and tag your bags and provide you with your boarding pass. A small gratuity is customary for this service.
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Availability: Curbside check-in availability varies by airport and is generally for domestic flights only.
Step 4: What Happens After Check-In?
Once you've successfully checked in, you'll have your boarding pass, which contains vital information:
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Boarding Group (A, B, or C): This indicates your general boarding order.
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Boarding Position (1-60): This number tells you exactly where you stand within your boarding group. For example, if you are A35, you'll line up after A34 and before A36.
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Gate Information: Your boarding pass will often display your gate number. However, always double-check airport monitors for any last-minute gate changes.
Next Steps:
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Baggage Drop: If you checked in online or via the app and have bags, proceed to the bag drop counter.
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Security Checkpoint: Head to the TSA security checkpoint. Have your valid photo ID and boarding pass ready.
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Proceed to Your Gate: Once through security, follow the signs to your assigned gate.
Step 5: Understanding Southwest's Boarding Process
Southwest's boarding process is unique due to its open seating.
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Listen for Boarding Announcements: Approximately 30 minutes before departure, Southwest will begin the boarding process by calling boarding groups.
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Line Up by Group and Position: Find the designated boarding lanes at your gate. These are typically marked with numbers 1-60. Line up according to your boarding group (A, B, or C) and your specific position number.
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Board the Aircraft: When your group and position are called, proceed onto the aircraft and choose any available seat.
Important Considerations & Pro Tips:
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Set Reminders: Seriously, set an alarm for 24 hours before your flight to maximize your chances of an "A" boarding pass.
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The Southwest App is Your Friend: It's incredibly convenient for managing your flights, checking in, and accessing your mobile boarding pass. You can even track your bags within the app.
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Real ID: Starting May 7, 2025, all passengers 18 years and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. Ensure your ID is compliant.
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Minimum Check-in Times: Remember, check-in and bag drop must be completed at least 30 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights. Missing these deadlines can result in forfeiture of your flight.
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Cancel If Not Traveling: If you don't plan to travel, cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes prior to departure to avoid being considered a "no-show" and forfeiting any remaining funds (especially for Wanna Get Away fares).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Check In Early with Southwest Airlines?
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
You can check in early with Southwest by either purchasing EarlyBird Check-In during your booking or later if available, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure. Alternatively, if you have a Business Select fare, an Anytime fare, or are a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member, you will also be automatically checked in 36 hours prior.
How to Get a Good Boarding Position on Southwest?
To get the best boarding position (A group, lower number), check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Setting an alarm is highly recommended! Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or a Business Select fare also guarantees an earlier boarding position.
How to Find My Southwest Airlines Confirmation Number?
Your Southwest Airlines confirmation number is a 6-digit alphanumeric code that is typically sent to you in your booking confirmation email. You can also usually find it by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest website or app if you booked while logged in.
How to Check in Bags with Southwest After Online Check-in?
After checking in online, simply proceed to the Southwest Airlines bag drop counter at the airport. You'll present your ID and boarding pass, and they will print and attach the bag tags for your checked luggage. You can also use self-service kiosks at the airport to print bag tags.
How to Use the Southwest Mobile App for Check-in?
Download the Southwest Airlines app, open it, and tap the "Check In" icon. Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name, then tap "Retrieve Reservation" and follow the prompts to get your mobile boarding pass.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
How to Print My Southwest Boarding Pass at the Airport?
You can print your Southwest boarding pass at the airport by using a self-service kiosk or by visiting the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. You'll need your confirmation number and valid ID.
How to Check In for an International Southwest Flight?
The check-in process for international Southwest flights is similar to domestic flights (online/mobile 24 hours prior, EarlyBird at 36 hours). However, for international travel, you will likely need to present your physical passport at the airport ticket counter for verification before your boarding pass is fully issued or activated.
How to Change My Seat After Checking In on Southwest?
Since Southwest has an open seating policy, you don't select a seat during check-in. Your boarding position (A, B, or C with a number) determines when you board, and then you can choose any available seat once on the aircraft. You cannot "change" a seat you haven't been assigned.
How to Deal with Delays in Checking In for Southwest?
If you miss the 24-hour mark for online check-in, don't panic. You can still check in at the airport via a kiosk or ticket counter. However, your boarding position will likely be later (e.g., B or C group), meaning fewer seat choices. Always aim to check in as early as possible.
How to Avoid Check-in Fees with Southwest?
Southwest Airlines does not charge a fee for standard check-in (online, mobile, or at the airport). The only additional fee you might encounter related to check-in is if you choose to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for an earlier boarding position.
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