Ah, the age-old question for every Southwest traveler! How early can you check in to Southwest Airlines? It's not just a matter of convenience; it's the key to unlocking a better boarding position, a prime seat, and that coveted overhead bin space. So, let's dive deep into the world of Southwest check-in, from the standard options to the coveted EarlyBird.
The Southwest Check-In Philosophy: Why Timing Matters
Unlike many other airlines that assign seats, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served open seating policy. This means your boarding position (A, B, or C, followed by a number 1-60+) directly impacts when you get on the plane and, consequently, your choice of seat. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding group and number will generally be. That's why understanding the check-in window is so crucial!
Let's break down all your options for checking in with Southwest.
Step 1: Understanding the Standard Check-In Window – The 24-Hour Mark
Alright, let's get right to it. Did you know that the most common way to check in for your Southwest flight is exactly 24 hours before your scheduled departure? This is the general check-in window that opens up for everyone.
Sub-heading: Why "Exactly 24 Hours" is Your Mantra
For the best possible boarding position without paying extra, you need to be poised and ready to hit that "Check In" button the moment the 24-hour mark arrives. Set an alarm, seriously! If your flight departs at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday, you'll want to check in at 2:00 PM on Monday. The difference of even a minute or two can mean moving from a high-A boarding pass to a mid-B, especially on popular routes.
How to Check In Online at the 24-Hour Mark:
Via Southwest.com:
Go to the Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com).
Click on the "Check In" tab at the top of the page.
Enter your confirmation number, your first name, and your last name.
Click "Check In" or "Retrieve Reservation."
Follow the prompts to complete the check-in process. Your boarding pass, with your assigned group and number (e.g., A35), will be generated. You can then print it, have it emailed, or send it to your mobile device.
Via the Southwest Mobile App:
Open the Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone.
Tap the "Check In" button.
Enter your confirmation details.
Your boarding pass will be available directly in the app and can often be saved to your digital wallet (like Apple Wallet or Google Pay). This is incredibly convenient for travelers on the go!
What You Get:
Checking in at the 24-hour mark typically lands you in the B group or, if you're very quick on the draw, a later A group position (A30-A60 range). This is usually good enough to secure an aisle or window seat, though getting multiple seats together for a group might be more challenging on fuller flights.
Step 2: The Early Bird Gets the Worm – EarlyBird Check-In
For those who prioritize an earlier boarding position and want to avoid the 24-hour scramble, Southwest offers a paid option called EarlyBird Check-In®.
Sub-heading: What is EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In is an add-on service that automatically checks you in and reserves your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is a full 12 hours before the general 24-hour check-in opens. It's Southwest's way of giving you a leg up in the boarding process.
Benefits of EarlyBird Check-In:
Automatic Check-in: No need to set alarms or remember to check in. Southwest does it for you.
Better Boarding Position: While it doesn't guarantee an A1-15 spot (those are typically reserved for Business Select fares and A-List members), it significantly improves your chances of getting an earlier A or a very good B boarding position. This means better seat selection options.
Earlier Access to Overhead Bins: Boarding earlier means more available space for your carry-on luggage, reducing the stress of potentially having to gate-check your bag.
How to Purchase EarlyBird Check-In:
During Booking: The easiest way to get EarlyBird Check-In is to add it to your reservation during the initial booking process on Southwest.com or through the app.
After Booking: If you've already booked your flight, you can usually add EarlyBird Check-In later through your reservation details on Southwest.com or the app. However, it's subject to availability, and it's recommended to purchase it as early as possible, up to 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled local departure time. The earlier you buy it, the better your EarlyBird assigned position within the EarlyBird group.
Cost of EarlyBird Check-In:
The cost of EarlyBird Check-In varies and is priced per person, per one-way flight. It typically ranges from $15 to $99 per segment, depending on the popularity of the route and demand. So, for a round-trip, you'd pay for each leg of your journey.
Important Note for EarlyBird:
Even with EarlyBird Check-In, you will still need to retrieve your boarding pass within 24 hours of scheduled departure. This can be done online, via the app, or at the airport. Your boarding position is secured at the 36-hour mark, but the actual boarding pass becomes available at the standard 24-hour window.
Step 3: Elite Status and Premium Fares – The Ultimate Early Access
For the truly dedicated Southwest flyers or those needing guaranteed early boarding, there are even earlier check-in options.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares
When you purchase a Business Select fare, you are automatically assigned one of the first 15 boarding positions (A1-A15). This is the absolute earliest you can board, giving you virtually your pick of any seat on the plane and immediate access to overhead bins. Business Select fares come with other perks like Fly By priority lane access and a complimentary premium drink.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred Members
Southwest's frequent flyer elite tiers offer fantastic benefits for early boarding:
A-List Members: Automatically receive a priority boarding position 36 hours before departure, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, but it's included with their status.
A-List Preferred Members: Also receive priority boarding 36 hours before departure, often resulting in even better positions than standard A-List members. They also earn more Rapid Rewards points.
If you're an A-List or A-List Preferred member, you are automatically checked in and assigned a boarding position 36 hours prior to departure. You still need to retrieve your boarding pass within 24 hours of the flight.
Sub-heading: Anytime Fares
Purchasing an Anytime fare also includes EarlyBird Check-In automatically if the ticket is purchased more than 24 hours before departure. These fares offer more flexibility, including full refunds and higher Rapid Rewards earning rates.
Step 4: Airport Check-In Options – For Last-Minute or Special Needs
While online check-in is highly recommended for securing a better boarding position, Southwest also offers traditional airport check-in methods.
Sub-heading: Curbside Check-In
Availability: At most U.S. airport locations.
Timeframe: Generally 60 minutes to 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Requirements: Photo ID and flight reservation code.
Benefit: Convenient for dropping off checked bags without going inside the terminal.
Drawback: Your boarding position will likely be in the later B or C groups, as others will have checked in online much earlier.
Sub-heading: Self-Service Kiosk Check-In
Availability: At applicable airport locations.
Timeframe: From 30 minutes to 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Benefit: Quick and easy way to print your boarding pass and bag tags.
Drawback: Similar to curbside, your boarding position will reflect the time you check in at the airport, usually resulting in a later group.
Sub-heading: Ticket Counter Check-In
Availability: At all airport locations.
Timeframe: From 30 minutes to 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Benefit: Assistance from a Southwest agent, useful for special circumstances or if you have issues with online check-in.
Drawback: Again, you'll be checking in later than most, leading to a later boarding position.
Sub-heading: Minimum Check-In Times:
Domestic Flights: You must check in at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.
International Flights: You must check in at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure.
If you have checked baggage, it's recommended to check in and drop off your bags at least 60 minutes before departure for both domestic and international flights.
Step 5: Special Boarding Circumstances
Southwest also has specific boarding procedures for certain passengers.
Sub-heading: Preboarding
Who Qualifies: Customers who need assistance boarding or extra time, or those with specific seating needs due to a disability.
How to Request: Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate.
Boarding Order: Preboards are the first to board the aircraft. They may bring one companion with them.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
Who Qualifies: Adults traveling with a child age six years old or younger.
Boarding Order: Occurs after the A group has boarded but before the B group begins.
Benefit: Allows families to find seats together, even if their assigned boarding positions are later. Up to two adults per child can board during Family Boarding.
Sub-heading: Customers Needing Extra Time
If you don't qualify for preboarding but need a little extra time to board, you can speak to a Customer Service Agent. They may issue you a special boarding pass (marked XT) allowing you to board between the A and B groups, before Family Boarding.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get the best boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
The absolute best way to get a top boarding position (A1-A15) is to purchase a Business Select fare. Otherwise, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In will significantly improve your chances, or if you don't want to pay extra, be ready to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight departs. A-List and A-List Preferred members also receive priority boarding.
How to check in for Southwest Airlines online?
You can check in online at Southwest.com or through the Southwest mobile app starting 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. You'll need your confirmation number and first and last name.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest?
EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased during the initial booking process on Southwest.com or the app, or added to an existing reservation up to 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled local departure time, subject to availability.
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is worth it?
EarlyBird Check-In is worth it if you highly value getting an aisle or window seat, need overhead bin space, are traveling with a group and want to sit together, or simply want to avoid the stress of checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark.
How to check in multiple people on a single Southwest reservation?
When you check in online or via the app for a reservation with multiple passengers, all eligible passengers on that confirmation number will typically be checked in simultaneously and assigned sequential boarding positions within the same group.
How to get your boarding pass after checking in with Southwest?
After checking in online, you can print your boarding pass, have it emailed to you, or access it directly through the Southwest mobile app. You can also print it at a self-service kiosk or ticket counter at the airport.
How to check bags with Southwest Airlines after online check-in?
You can check your bags at the airport at the curbside check-in, self-service kiosks (to print bag tags), or the ticket counter. You do not need to indicate how many bags you are checking in advance.
How to check in for an international Southwest flight?
For international flights, you can check in online 24 hours prior to departure via the website or app. However, you will need to have your passport verified by a Customer Service Agent or kiosk at the ticket counter on the day of travel before a physical or digital boarding pass is issued (with some exceptions for certain destinations where you can scan your passport via the app).
How to change your seat on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines does not have assigned seats. Your "seat" is chosen when you board the aircraft based on your boarding group and number. The earlier you board, the more seat choices you'll have.
How to upgrade your boarding position on Southwest at the airport?
If available, you may be able to purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate or ticket counter within 24 hours of departure. This allows you to secure a spot in the A1-A15 boarding group, but it's subject to availability and can be more expensive than EarlyBird Check-In.
