Ready to unlock a smoother, more convenient travel experience? The Southwest Airlines app is your ultimate travel companion, putting everything you need right in the palm of your hand. From booking flights to checking in and even enjoying in-flight entertainment, this app streamlines your journey with Southwest. Let's dive in and get you set up!
Your Essential Guide: How to Get the Southwest Airlines App
Getting the Southwest Airlines app is a straightforward process, whether you're an Android enthusiast or an iPhone loyalist. Follow these detailed steps to download, install, and start using the app.
Step 1: Identify Your Device's Operating System
Before we begin, the very first thing you need to do is know your device. Are you rocking an iPhone with iOS, or is your trusty smartphone powered by Android? This crucial distinction determines which app store you'll be visiting.
For iPhone users: You'll be heading to the Apple App Store.
For Android users: Your destination is the Google Play Store.
Got it? Great! Let's move on.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Device's App Store
Now that you know your operating system, it's time to find the app store on your device.
Sub-heading: For iPhone Users (Apple App Store)
Locate the App Store Icon: Look for the light blue icon with a white 'A' made of three overlapping lines. It's usually found on your home screen or within a folder.
Tap to Open: Simply tap on the icon to launch the Apple App Store.
Sub-heading: For Android Users (Google Play Store)
Locate the Google Play Store Icon: Search for the colorful triangle icon. It's often on your home screen, in your app drawer, or in a "Google" folder.
Tap to Open: Give the icon a tap to open the Google Play Store.
Step 3: Search for the Southwest Airlines App
With the app store open, you're ready to find the Southwest Airlines app.
Sub-heading: Using the Search Bar
Find the Search Bar/Icon: Both app stores have a search function.
On iPhone, look for "Search" at the bottom right of the screen.
On Android, you'll usually see a search bar at the top of the screen.
Type in "Southwest Airlines": Carefully type "Southwest Airlines" into the search bar. Accuracy matters here! Even a small typo can lead you to the wrong results.
Initiate Search: Tap the search button (often a magnifying glass icon or "Search" on the keyboard).
Step 4: Select and Download the Official App
You'll see a list of results after your search. It's important to select the official Southwest Airlines app to ensure you're getting the legitimate and secure version.
Identify the Official App: Look for the app titled "Southwest Airlines: Travel App" (or something very similar) with the distinctive Southwest Airlines logo.
Always check the developer name! It should clearly state "Southwest Airlines Co." or "Southwest Airlines" to confirm it's authentic.
Tap "Get" or "Install":
On iPhone, you'll see a "Get" button. You might be prompted to use Face ID, Touch ID, or enter your Apple ID password to confirm the download.
On Android, you'll see an "Install" button. Tap it to begin the download.
Wait for Download and Installation: The app will now download and install on your device. The time this takes will depend on your internet speed and your device's performance. You'll see a progress indicator.
Step 5: Open the App and Get Started!
Once the installation is complete, the app icon will appear on your home screen or in your app drawer.
Tap the Southwest Airlines App Icon: Find the newly installed app icon and tap it to open the application.
Allow Permissions (if prompted): The app might ask for certain permissions, such as access to your location for flight tracking or notifications for flight updates. Review these carefully and grant permissions you're comfortable with to ensure full functionality.
Log In or Create an Account:
If you already have a Southwest Rapid Rewards® account, log in using your credentials. This will link your existing bookings and points to the app.
If you're new to Southwest, you can create a new account directly within the app or choose to browse as a guest. Creating an account allows you to manage your Rapid Rewards points, save travel preferences, and make booking even faster.
Congratulations! You've successfully installed the Southwest Airlines app.
You're now ready to explore its features, such as:
Super-Fast Shopping & Booking: Book flights, hotels, cars, and even vacation packages with just a few taps. You can even save credit cards for quicker transactions.
My Trips Tab: Easily access all your essential trip details, including gate information, boarding position, and flight status.
Mobile Boarding Passes: Get your boarding pass on the go, 24 hours in advance, and even save it to Apple Wallet or Google Pay for seamless airport navigation.
In-flight Entertainment: Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal to enjoy free live TV, movies, and music on Wi-Fi enabled aircraft.
Live Chat Support: Get quick assistance from Customer Representatives through the in-app chat feature.
Travel Funds Management: Easily apply unused flight credits, Southwest LUV Vouchers, and gift cards when booking or changing flights.
Rapid Rewards® Integration: Earn and redeem points directly within the app.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about the Southwest Airlines app, with quick answers to help you troubleshoot and maximize its potential.
How to: Check in for a flight using the Southwest app?
You can check in for your flight via the Southwest app starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Simply open the app, tap "Check In," enter your confirmation number and last name, and follow the prompts to retrieve your boarding pass.
How to: Get a mobile boarding pass on the Southwest app?
After checking in on the app, you'll see a "Boarding Pass" button. Tap it to view your mobile boarding pass. You can then save it to your Apple Wallet (iOS) or Google Pay (Android) for easy access.
How to: Access in-flight entertainment through the Southwest app?
On Wi-Fi enabled aircraft, open the Southwest app and navigate to the "Inflight Entertainment" section. This will take you to the Inflight Entertainment Portal where you can enjoy free movies, live TV, and music.
How to: Change or cancel a flight using the Southwest app?
Go to the "My Trips" section in the app, select the flight you wish to change or cancel, and look for options like "Change Flight" or "Cancel Flight." Follow the on-screen instructions, keeping in mind any applicable fare rules or fees.
How to: Find my gate information on the Southwest app?
Your gate information, along with your boarding position and flight status, is prominently displayed in the "My Trips" tab within the app once you have checked in or your flight details are updated.
How to: Book a hotel or car rental using the Southwest app?
The Southwest app allows you to book flights, hotels, cars, cruises, and vacation packages. From the main screen, look for options like "Hotels" or "Cars" and proceed with your search and booking.
How to: Add my Rapid Rewards® number to a booking on the Southwest app?
If you forgot to add your Rapid Rewards number during booking, you can usually add it after booking your flight through the app in the "My Account" or "Manage Reservations" section to ensure you earn points.
How to: Troubleshoot if the Southwest app is not working?
First, ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try force-closing and reopening the app. If that doesn't work, clear the app's cache (Android) or reinstall the app. As a last resort, you can try booking or managing your trip via the Southwest website.
How to: Use travel funds or gift cards in the Southwest app?
When booking or changing a flight, during the payment step, you'll find options to apply "Travel Funds," "Southwest LUV Vouchers," or "Gift Cards." Your available unused credits are often listed under "My Account" in the "Travel Funds" section.
How to: Update the Southwest Airlines app?
Your device's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) will notify you of available updates. You can also manually check for updates by visiting the app's page in your respective app store and looking for an "Update" button. Keeping the app updated ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes.
