Hello there, fellow traveler! Are you ready to make your Southwest Airlines check-in a breeze? You've come to the right place. While online check-in is super convenient, sometimes you find yourself at the airport and need to use a kiosk. Don't worry, it's incredibly simple, and I'm here to walk you through every single step. Let's get you checked in and ready for your flight!
The Power of the Kiosk: Why Use It?
Southwest Airlines kiosks are designed to make your airport experience smoother and faster. They allow you to:
Print your boarding pass: No need to wait in line at the counter.
Self-tag and check luggage: A huge time-saver if your airport offers this.
Pay applicable baggage fees: Handle payments right there.
Add a Rapid Rewards® number to a reservation: Ensure you get those points!
Upgrade to a Business Select® fare: If you're looking for those premium perks.
Change your flight: Note: This is for certain types of tickets only, typically not for flights booked with points, Companion Pass travel, or group reservations.
Add a lap child to a domestic reservation: Handy for families.
Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Locating and Approaching the Kiosk
Finding the Kiosk: As you enter the Southwest Airlines check-in area at the airport, look for a row of self-service kiosks. They usually resemble freestanding computer screens. They'll be clearly marked with the Southwest logo.
Assistance Available: While you'll be doing most of the work yourself, don't hesitate to look for a Southwest Airlines employee nearby. They are there to assist with any questions or issues, especially with baggage tagging.
An Open Kiosk: Walk up to an available kiosk. The screen will typically display a welcoming message, inviting you to begin the check-in process.
Step 2: Identifying Yourself to the Kiosk
This is the crucial first interaction. The kiosk needs to know who you are to pull up your reservation. You'll typically have a few options:
Sub-heading: Option A: Using Your Confirmation Number
Locate Your Confirmation Number: This is a six-character alphanumeric code that Southwest provides when you book your flight. It's usually found in your confirmation email.
Enter the Code: On the kiosk touchscreen, you'll see a prompt to enter your confirmation number. Carefully type in the code using the on-screen keyboard.
Confirm: Once entered, hit the "Enter" or "OK" button to proceed.
Sub-heading: Option B: Swiping a Major Credit Card
For Identification Only: Southwest kiosks allow you to swipe a major credit card (with your name on it) to identify yourself. Rest assured, this does NOT charge your card unless you explicitly authorize a purchase later on. It's simply a quick way for the system to find your reservation linked to your name.
Swipe and Follow Prompts: Insert or swipe your credit card as instructed by the screen. The kiosk will then search for your reservation.
Sub-heading: Option C: Entering Your Rapid Rewards Number
Frequent Flyers Rejoice! If you're a Rapid Rewards member, you can enter your loyalty program number. This is a convenient option if you have it memorized or readily available.
Input and Proceed: Type in your Rapid Rewards number and hit "Enter" or "OK."
Step 3: Confirming Your Flight Information
Once you've identified yourself, the kiosk will display your flight itinerary.
Review Details: Carefully review your name, flight number, destination, and departure time. It's always a good idea to double-check everything at this stage.
Confirm Accuracy: If all the information is correct, select "Confirm" or "Yes" on the screen. If something looks incorrect, you might have options to go back or call for assistance.
Step 4: Seat Selection and Upgrades (Optional)
Southwest is famous for its open seating policy, but the kiosk still offers some options:
Reviewing Your Boarding Position: Southwest assigns a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1-60) when you check-in. The kiosk will display this. Checking in early online (24 hours before your flight) generally gives you a better boarding position.
Changing Your Seat (If Applicable): While Southwest doesn't have assigned seats in the traditional sense, the kiosk might allow you to view a seat map or make certain adjustments, especially if you're looking to upgrade to a Business Select fare for a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position. Be mindful of any upgrade prompts that might require additional payment. If you're not looking to upgrade, simply proceed.
Step 5: Handling Your Baggage
This is where the kiosks really shine for efficiency, especially if your airport offers self-tagging.
Sub-heading: Declaring Checked Bags
"Do You Have Bags to Check?" The kiosk will ask if you have any bags to check.
Indicate Quantity: Use the on-screen "plus" or "minus" buttons, or a numerical keypad, to indicate the exact number of bags you intend to check.
Confirm and Acknowledge Fees: The screen will likely inform you of any applicable baggage fees. Southwest is known for its generous two free checked bags policy (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches in size), but always double-check current policies, especially for oversized or overweight bags. Confirm that you understand and accept the fees.
Sub-heading: Self-Tagging Your Baggage (If Available)
Print Baggage Tags: If your airport has self-tagging kiosks, the machine will now print your baggage tags. These are adhesive strips with barcodes that will go on your bags. Wait for all tags to print before tearing them off the roll.
Attach Tags Correctly: The kiosk will provide on-screen instructions (and often printed instructions on the tag itself) on how to attach them. Typically, you peel back the adhesive and loop the tag through the handle of your bag, sealing it securely. Ensure the barcode is visible and flat.
Baggage Drop: Once your bags are tagged, the kiosk will direct you to a designated baggage drop-off area. This is usually a counter or conveyor belt where a Southwest employee will quickly scan your tags, verify your ID, and send your bags on their way. This saves you from waiting in the full check-in line.
Sub-heading: Paying Baggage Fees
Credit/Debit Card Only: If you have any fees for additional, overweight, or oversized bags, the kiosk will prompt you for payment. You will need a credit or debit card. Kiosks typically do not accept cash.
Complete Transaction: Follow the prompts to enter your card details and complete the payment.
Step 6: Printing Your Boarding Pass
Almost done!
Boarding Pass Generation: After all the previous steps are completed, the kiosk will print your boarding pass (or passes, if you have connecting flights).
Collect Your Pass: Make sure to collect all printed documents from the machine. This will include your boarding pass and any baggage claim stickers.
Review Your Boarding Pass: Your boarding pass will clearly state your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (1-60), along with your flight details and gate information.
Step 7: Proceeding to Security
Congratulations! You've successfully used the Southwest Airlines kiosk.
Head to Security: With your boarding pass and checked bags (if any) dropped off, you can now proceed to the airport security checkpoint. Have your ID and boarding pass ready.
Enjoy Your Flight: You're all set for your Southwest adventure!
Important Considerations:
Arrive Early: Always arrive at the airport with ample time, especially during peak travel seasons. Even with kiosks, you'll need time for security and getting to your gate.
Unaccompanied Minors and Group Travel: If you are an Unaccompanied Minor or traveling on a Group reservation, you must check in at the airport ticket counter, not the kiosk.
Technical Issues: If you encounter any technical issues with the kiosk, immediately seek assistance from a Southwest Airlines staff member. They are there to help troubleshoot and ensure a smooth process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about using Southwest Airlines kiosks:
How to use a Southwest Airlines kiosk for international flights?
Yes, Southwest kiosks are designed to cater to both domestic and international flights for check-in purposes. The process is largely the same as for domestic flights.
How to retrieve a reservation at a Southwest kiosk?
You can retrieve your reservation by entering your confirmation number, your Rapid Rewards number, or by swiping a major credit card with your name on it.
How to pay for checked bags at a Southwest kiosk?
Baggage fees can be paid directly at the kiosk using a credit or debit card. Kiosks do not accept cash payments.
How to change my seat assignment at a Southwest kiosk?
While Southwest has open seating, you can often use the kiosk to confirm or change your boarding position, and in some cases, upgrade to a fare like Business Select for a better boarding spot.
How to print my boarding pass at a Southwest kiosk?
After identifying yourself and confirming your flight details, the kiosk will automatically print your boarding pass (and baggage tags, if applicable) for you to collect.
How to get baggage tags from a Southwest kiosk?
If your airport supports self-tagging, after declaring your checked bags, the kiosk will print adhesive baggage tags for you to attach to your luggage before dropping them off at the designated counter.
How to add a Rapid Rewards number to my reservation at a Southwest kiosk?
During the check-in process, the kiosk will often provide an option to add or verify your Rapid Rewards number to ensure you earn points for your flight.
How to check in an unaccompanied minor at a Southwest kiosk?
Unaccompanied minors cannot check in at a self-service kiosk. They must check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter with a Southwest agent.
How to find out if my airport has Southwest self-tagging kiosks?
You can typically find this information on the Southwest Airlines website under the "Airport Information" section for your specific departure airport, or by asking a Southwest representative at the airport.
How to get help if the Southwest kiosk isn't working?
If you encounter any technical issues or need assistance, immediately look for a uniformed Southwest Airlines employee. They are trained to assist with kiosk problems and can provide alternative check-in methods.
