It's almost travel time, and you're wondering how to get your hands on that crucial Southwest Airlines boarding pass. Don't fret! Southwest makes the process incredibly straightforward, offering multiple convenient ways to get you from check-in to your gate with ease. Let's walk through it step-by-step, ensuring you're fully prepared for your flight.
The Essential First Step: Understanding Online Check-in
Before we dive into downloading, it's vital to understand Southwest's online check-in policy. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest has an open seating policy. Your boarding position (e.g., A1, B30, C15) is assigned during check-in, on a first-come, first-served basis. This means the earlier you check in, the better your boarding position is likely to be, giving you more choices for your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
Online check-in opens exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. Set a reminder! This is your prime window to secure a good spot.
A Comprehensive Guide: Downloading Your Southwest Boarding Pass
There are several ways to obtain your Southwest boarding pass. We'll cover the most common and convenient methods.
Step 1: Get Ready to Check In!
Are you excited for your trip? The first step to getting your boarding pass is to be prepared. Gather the following crucial information:
Your Southwest Airlines Confirmation Number: This is a 6-character alphanumeric code provided when you booked your flight. It's usually found in your booking confirmation email.
Your First Name: As it appears on your reservation.
Your Last Name: As it appears on your reservation.
Pro Tip: If you have multiple people on your reservation, you only need the details of one passenger to retrieve the entire itinerary.
Method 1: Downloading Your Boarding Pass via the Southwest Airlines Website (Recommended for Printing at Home)
This is often the most popular method if you prefer a physical copy or are checking in from a computer.
Step 2: Navigate to the Southwest Airlines Website
Open your preferred web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc.) and go to the official Southwest Airlines website:
Step 3: Locate the Check-in Section
On the Southwest homepage, you'll typically see a prominent "Check In" or "Check In / Manage My Trips" option. It's usually near the top of the page. Click on this link.
Step 4: Enter Your Reservation Details
You'll be prompted to enter your:
Confirmation Number
First Name
Last Name
Ensure all details are entered accurately as they appear on your reservation. Double-check for any typos!
Step 5: Process Your Check-in
Once you've entered your details, click the "Check In" or "Retrieve Reservation" button. The system will then process your check-in.
Review Your Flight Details: You'll see an overview of your flight(s), including departure time, destination, and your assigned boarding group and position.
Confirm Information: Some steps might require you to confirm traveler information or acknowledge certain travel advisories. Follow the on-screen prompts.
Step 6: Download or Print Your Boarding Pass
After successful check-in, you will be presented with options for your boarding pass:
Print Boarding Pass: This is what you're looking for if you want a physical copy. Click the "Print Boarding Pass" button. This will usually open a new window or tab with a printable version of your boarding pass. You can then use your printer to print it out.
Send Boarding Pass (Email/Text): You'll often have the option to send the boarding pass to your email address or as a text message to your mobile phone. This is useful if you want a digital backup or plan to use your phone for boarding later.
Save as PDF: Many browsers allow you to "Print to PDF" instead of sending to a physical printer. This saves an electronic copy of your boarding pass to your computer, which you can then print later or transfer to another device.
Make sure your printer is connected and has enough ink/toner if you're choosing to print!
Method 2: Using the Southwest Airlines Mobile App (For a Digital Boarding Pass)
The Southwest mobile app is incredibly convenient for managing your entire trip, including your boarding pass. This is ideal for those who prefer a paperless travel experience.
Step 2: Download and Open the Southwest Mobile App
If you haven't already, download the official Southwest Airlines app from your device's app store:
Apple App Store (for iPhones/iPads)
Google Play Store (for Android devices)
Once downloaded, open the app.
Step 3: Access Your Trip
Log In (Optional but Recommended): If you have a Rapid Rewards account, log in. This will automatically populate your upcoming trips.
Without Logging In: If you don't want to log in, look for a "Check In" or "Manage Trips" option directly on the app's home screen. You'll then enter your Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name, just like on the website.
Step 4: Initiate Check-in
Select your upcoming flight. When the 24-hour check-in window opens, a "Check In" button will become available for your flight. Tap this button.
Step 5: View and Save Your Mobile Boarding Pass
After successful check-in:
The app will display your boarding pass with your boarding group and position.
You'll typically see options to "View Boarding Pass" or "Add to Apple Wallet" (for iOS) / "Add to Google Pay" (for Android). We highly recommend saving it to your mobile wallet for quick and easy access, even offline.
You can also often find the boarding pass under a "My Trips" or "Boarding Pass" section within the app.
Important: Ensure your phone is sufficiently charged! A dead battery means no boarding pass.
Method 3: Retrieving Your Boarding Pass at the Airport (For Last-Minute Needs or Specific Cases)
While online check-in is highly recommended, sometimes you might need to get your boarding pass at the airport. This is necessary for certain situations, such as international flights where passport verification is required, or if you're an unaccompanied minor, or if you simply prefer printing at the airport.
Step 2: Locate a Southwest Airlines Kiosk or Ticket Counter
Upon arrival at the airport, look for:
Self-Service Kiosks: These are touch-screen machines usually located in the check-in area. They are often marked with the Southwest Airlines logo.
Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter: Head to the main Southwest check-in counter where airline agents are available.
Step 3: Follow the Prompts on the Kiosk or Speak to an Agent
At a Kiosk:
Select "Check In" or "Print Boarding Pass."
You'll likely be asked to enter your Confirmation Number, swipe a credit card used for booking, or scan your passport (for international travel).
Follow the on-screen instructions to retrieve and print your boarding pass.
At the Ticket Counter:
Present your Confirmation Number and a valid photo ID (like your driver's license or passport) to the Southwest agent.
The agent will check you in and print your boarding pass for you. This is also where you'll check any baggage.
Crucial Tips for a Smooth Boarding Pass Experience
Check-in Early: Seriously, set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure. This is the best way to get a good boarding position (A group is ideal for seat choice).
Save to Mobile Wallet: For digital boarding passes, adding it to Apple Wallet or Google Pay ensures it's easily accessible even without an internet connection and bypasses the need to open the app every time.
Screenshot Your Boarding Pass: As a backup, take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass. This can be a lifesaver if the app glitches or you have connectivity issues.
Consider EarlyBird Check-In (Paid Option): If you want to guarantee a better boarding position without the hassle of checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In. Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before departure, reserving an earlier boarding position for you.
International Travel: For most international flights, even if you check in online, you may still need to visit a Southwest agent at the ticket counter to verify your passport before a physical or digital boarding pass is fully issued. Always check Southwest's specific requirements for your international destination.
Infants, Unaccompanied Minors, and Specific Fares: Mobile boarding passes may not be available for certain passengers (e.g., lap infants, unaccompanied minors, or some senior fares requiring age verification). In these cases, you will likely need to check in and obtain your boarding pass at the airport counter.
Print a Backup: Even if you plan to use a mobile boarding pass, having a printed copy tucked away in your bag can provide peace of mind in case of phone issues.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a seamless boarding experience with Southwest Airlines!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
The best way is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight as positions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, purchase EarlyBird Check-In for automatic check-in 36 hours prior, or consider a Business Select fare which includes A1-A15 boarding.
How to add my Southwest boarding pass to Apple Wallet?
After checking in on the Southwest mobile app, tap on the "View Boarding Pass" button. You should see an option to "Add to Apple Wallet." Tap this, and then "Add" in the top right corner to save it.
How to add my Southwest boarding pass to Google Pay?
Once you've checked in via the Southwest mobile app, look for the "Save to Google Pay" button on your boarding pass screen. Tap this, and follow the prompts to add it to your Google Pay wallet.
How to retrieve a lost Southwest boarding pass?
If you lose a physical boarding pass, you can easily retrieve it by checking in again online (if within the 24-hour window), through the Southwest mobile app, or by visiting a self-service kiosk or ticket counter at the airport.
How to check in for a Southwest flight without a confirmation number?
While the confirmation number is the primary way, if you are a Rapid Rewards member and logged into your account on the website or app, your upcoming trips should be listed, allowing you to check in without manually entering the confirmation number. Otherwise, you'll need to contact Southwest customer service to retrieve your confirmation number.
How to get a boarding pass for an international Southwest flight?
You can usually check in online within 24 hours of departure. However, for most international flights, you will still need to visit a Southwest ticket counter at the airport to verify your passport before your physical or digital boarding pass is fully issued and activated for airport security.
How to get a boarding pass if I purchased EarlyBird Check-In?
Even with EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically reserves your boarding position 36 hours prior, you still need to officially check in within the 24-hour window to retrieve your actual boarding pass. You can do this via the website, mobile app, or at the airport.
How to get a boarding pass if I'm traveling with an infant or as an unaccompanied minor?
For infants traveling as lap children or unaccompanied minors, mobile boarding passes may not be available. You will likely need to proceed to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport to complete check-in and receive a physical boarding pass.
How to print a Southwest boarding pass at the airport?
At the airport, locate a Southwest self-service kiosk. Follow the on-screen prompts, entering your confirmation number and last name. The kiosk will then print your boarding pass. Alternatively, visit the Southwest ticket counter, and an agent will assist you.
How to get a boarding pass if my phone battery dies?
This is why backups are crucial! If your phone dies, you can still get a boarding pass by visiting a self-service kiosk or the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport to print a physical copy.
