Flying with Southwest Airlines is known for its convenience, and a huge part of that seamless experience comes from their mobile app! Whether you're booking a flight, checking in, getting your boarding pass, or even enjoying inflight entertainment, the Southwest Airlines app is your go-to travel companion. Let's get you set up!
Ready to make your travel even smoother? Let's dive into how you can easily download the Southwest Airlines app, no matter what kind of device you have.
Step 1: Identify Your Device and Its Operating System
Before we begin the download process, it's crucial to know what type of smartphone or tablet you're using. The steps vary slightly depending on whether you have an Apple (iOS) device (like an iPhone or iPad) or an Android device (like a Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.).
1.1 For Apple (iOS) Devices:
Check your iOS version: The Southwest Airlines app typically requires iOS 16.0 or later. To check your device's iOS version, go to Settings > General > About > iOS Version. If your device is older and can't update to iOS 16.0 or later, you might not be able to install the latest version of the app.
1.2 For Android Devices:
Check your Android version: The Southwest Airlines app generally requires Android 8.0 or higher. To find your Android version, go to Settings > About phone (or About tablet) > Android version. Similar to iOS, if your device is running an older version, you might encounter compatibility issues.
Step 2: Access the Correct App Store
Once you know your device type, you'll navigate to its respective app store. This is where you'll find and download the Southwest Airlines app.
2.1 For Apple (iOS) Devices:
Locate the App Store Icon: On your iPhone or iPad, look for the blue icon with a white 'A' in a circle. This is the Apple App Store. Tap on it to open.
2.2 For Android Devices:
Locate the Google Play Store Icon: On your Android device, search for the colorful triangle icon that represents the Google Play Store. Tap on it to open.
Step 3: Search for the Southwest Airlines App
Now that you're in the right app store, it's time to find the app itself!
3.1 Using the Search Bar:
Tap on the "Search" tab/icon: In both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, there will be a search bar or a search icon (often a magnifying glass). Tap on it.
Type "Southwest Airlines": Carefully type "Southwest Airlines" into the search bar. Double-check your spelling to ensure you get accurate results.
Initiate the search: Press the search button on your keyboard or the magnifying glass icon to begin the search.
3.2 Identifying the Official App:
Look for the official logo: The official Southwest Airlines app will have their characteristic red, blue, and yellow heart logo.
Verify the developer: Ensure the app is published by "Southwest Airlines Co." or "Southwest Airlines" to avoid unofficial or scam apps.
Check ratings and reviews: A highly rated app with many positive reviews is usually a good indicator of the genuine and functional application.
Step 4: Download and Install the App
You've found the app! Now for the actual download and installation.
4.1 For Apple (iOS) Devices:
Tap "Get" or the Cloud Icon: Once you've located the official Southwest Airlines app, you'll see a button that says "Get" (if you haven't downloaded it before) or a cloud icon with a down arrow (if you've previously downloaded it). Tap this button.
Authenticate Your Download: Your device may ask you to confirm the download using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the authentication.
Wait for Installation: The app will begin to download and install automatically. You'll see a progress circle on the app icon on your home screen.
4.2 For Android Devices:
Tap "Install": On the app's page in the Google Play Store, you'll see a prominent "Install" button. Tap this button.
Accept Permissions (if prompted): Some apps may ask for certain permissions before installation. Review them and tap "Accept" if you are comfortable.
Wait for Installation: The app will download and install. You'll see a progress bar, and once complete, the button will change to "Open."
Step 5: Open and Explore the App
Congratulations! The Southwest Airlines app is now on your device.
5.1 Launching the App:
Tap the App Icon: After installation, you can tap the Southwest Airlines app icon directly from your home screen or app drawer to open it.
Initial Setup: The first time you open the app, you might be prompted to allow notifications, access your location, or agree to terms and conditions. It's recommended to allow notifications for important flight updates.
5.2 Key Features to Explore:
Book, Check In, Change, or Cancel Flights: Seamlessly manage your entire trip.
Check Flight Status: Get real-time updates on departures, arrivals, and gate information.
Mobile Boarding Pass: Save your boarding pass to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay for quick access.
Rapid Rewards® Account Management: Sign up, check your point balance, and track your tier status.
Inflight Entertainment: Access free movies, live TV, and music on Wi-Fi-enabled flights.
Digital Bag Tracking: A new feature that allows you to track your checked bags.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. Here are some solutions for common download problems.
6.1 "App Not Compatible with Your Device" Error:
Update your operating system: Ensure your iOS or Android version meets the minimum requirements (iOS 16.0+ or Android 8.0+). If your device is too old to update, you may need to use the Southwest Airlines website or a newer device.
Check for specific device restrictions: Very occasionally, an app might not be compatible with certain niche device models (e.g., some Chromebooks, as noted in search results). In such cases, the web version is your best alternative.
6.2 App Not Showing on Home Screen (iOS):
Check App Library: On iPhones, new apps sometimes go directly to the App Library instead of the home screen. Swipe left until you reach the App Library, then search for Southwest. You can then drag the icon to your home screen.
Restart your device: A simple restart can often resolve minor display glitches.
6.3 Download Stuck or App Crashing:
Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.
Free up storage space: If your device is low on storage, it might prevent new apps from downloading. Delete unnecessary files or apps.
Clear App Store/Play Store cache (Android): Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data. Restart your device and try again.
Reinstall the app: If an installed app is crashing or not working correctly (e.g., boarding pass not displaying), uninstalling and reinstalling it often resolves the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to the Southwest Airlines app, with quick answers:
How to check my flight status on the Southwest app?
Simply open the app and navigate to the "My Trips" tab or look for a "Flight Status" option on the main screen. Enter your flight number or origin/destination to get real-time updates.
How to get my mobile boarding pass using the Southwest app?
After checking in for your flight (which can be done 24 hours prior to departure), your mobile boarding pass will be available in the "My Trips" section of the app. You can then add it to your Apple Wallet (iOS) or Google Pay (Android).
How to use Rapid Rewards points to book a flight on the app?
When searching for flights, there's typically an option to "Show fares in points" or similar. Select this to view and book flights using your accumulated Rapid Rewards points.
How to change or cancel a flight in the Southwest app?
Go to the "My Trips" section, select your upcoming trip, and you should find options to "Change Flight" or "Cancel Flight." Follow the prompts, noting any fare differences or flight credit policies.
How to access inflight entertainment through the Southwest app?
Once on a Wi-Fi-enabled Southwest flight, connect to the "Southwest WiFi" network. Then, open the Southwest app, and it will guide you to the Inflight Entertainment Portal where you can watch movies, live TV, and listen to music for free.
How to enable push notifications for the Southwest app?
Upon initial launch, the app usually asks for permission to send notifications. If you declined, you can enable them later in your device's settings: for iOS, go to Settings > Notifications > Southwest; for Android, go to Settings > Apps > Southwest > Notifications.
How to check my boarding position with the app?
Once you've checked in for your flight (available 24 hours before departure), your boarding group (A, B, or C) and boarding position will be displayed on your mobile boarding pass within the app.
How to add EarlyBird Check-In® or Upgraded Boarding via the app?
When managing your trip in the app, or during the check-in process, you'll often find options to purchase EarlyBird Check-In® or Upgraded Boarding, if available for your flight.
How to contact Southwest Customer Service through the app?
The Southwest app offers a "Help Center" or "Contact Us" section, which may include options for Live Chat (available during specific hours) or phone numbers to reach customer representatives.
How to resolve "app not working" issues on the Southwest app?
First, ensure you have the latest version of the app. If issues persist, try restarting your phone. If that doesn't work, uninstalling and reinstalling the app is often the most effective solution. Check your device's internet connection and available storage space as well.