You've just booked a flight with Southwest Airlines – exciting! But now you're wondering, "How do I check my flight reservation on Southwest Airlines?" Don't worry, it's a common question, and Southwest makes it incredibly easy to keep tabs on your travel plans. Whether you're a meticulous planner or prefer to glance at your details on the go, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're always in the know.
Let's dive in and make sure you're all set for your next adventure with Southwest!
Step 1: Gather Your Essential Information
Before you begin, you'll need a couple of key pieces of information. Think of them as your golden tickets to accessing your reservation. Without them, it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack!
What You'll Need:
Confirmation Number: This is a six-character alphanumeric code that Southwest provides when you book your flight. It's usually found in your booking confirmation email.
First Name: The first name of the passenger as it appears on the reservation.
Last Name: The last name of the passenger as it appears on the reservation.
Pro Tip: If you're a Rapid Rewards member and logged in when you booked, your reservation might automatically appear under your account! This is often the easiest way to access your details.
Step 2: Accessing Your Reservation Through Southwest.com (The Most Common Method)
The official Southwest Airlines website is your primary hub for managing all things related to your flight. It's user-friendly and provides a wealth of information at your fingertips.
Sub-heading 2.1: Navigating to "Manage Reservations"
Open your web browser: Go to the official Southwest Airlines website:
www.southwest.com Locate "Manage Reservations": On the homepage, typically in the top navigation bar or a prominent section, you'll find a link or tab labeled "Manage Reservations" or "Manage Trip." Click on it.
Sub-heading 2.2: Entering Your Details
Input Your Confirmation Number: In the designated field, carefully type in your six-character confirmation number. Double-check for any typos!
Enter Your First Name: Type in the passenger's first name exactly as it appears on the reservation.
Enter Your Last Name: Type in the passenger's last name exactly as it appears on the reservation.
Click "Search" or "Retrieve Reservation": Once all the information is entered, click the button to retrieve your reservation.
What you'll see: If the details are correct, you'll be taken to your reservation summary page. Here, you can view your flight times, departure and arrival airports, confirmation number, passenger names, and other important details.
Step 3: Checking Your Reservation Using the Southwest Airlines Mobile App (On-the-Go Convenience)
For travelers who prefer managing their trips from their smartphone, the Southwest Airlines mobile app is an invaluable tool. It offers much of the same functionality as the website, but optimized for mobile use.
Sub-heading 3.1: Downloading and Opening the App
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the official Southwest Airlines app from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS).
Open the App: Once installed, open the app on your smartphone or tablet.
Sub-heading 3.2: Logging In or Looking Up a Reservation
Log In (Recommended): If you have a Rapid Rewards account, log in using your credentials. Any upcoming reservations linked to your account should automatically display on the home screen or under a "My Trips" section. This is by far the easiest method for Rapid Rewards members.
Look Up a Reservation (If Not Logged In or No Account): If you're not logged in or don't have a Rapid Rewards account, look for an option like "Look Up Trip" or "Manage Flight" on the app's main screen. You'll then be prompted to enter your confirmation number and last name, similar to the website process.
App Benefits: The app often provides real-time updates, mobile boarding passes, and options for checking in directly from your phone. You can also get push notifications for flight status changes, which is incredibly helpful.
Step 4: Retrieving Your Reservation Without a Confirmation Number (When You're in a Pinch)
It happens to the best of us – you can't find your confirmation number. Don't panic! While having it is ideal, there are still ways to access your reservation.
Sub-heading 4.1: Via Your Rapid Rewards Account
Log In: If you're a Rapid Rewards member and the flight was booked under your account, simply log in to your account on the Southwest website or app. Your upcoming trips should be visible under the "Trips" or "My Account" section. Your confirmation number will be displayed there as well.
Sub-heading 4.2: Contacting Southwest Customer Service
Call Them: If you're unable to locate your confirmation number and don't have a Rapid Rewards account, the next best step is to call Southwest Airlines Customer Service. Their general number is usually 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Be prepared to provide the agent with other identifying information such as your full name, origin and destination cities, and travel dates. They can then look up your reservation and provide you with the confirmation number.
Important Note: While less common, if you booked through a third-party travel agent or website (like Expedia or Kayak), you might need to first check your reservation through their platform or contact them for assistance. However, it's always recommended to confirm directly with Southwest once you have your Southwest confirmation number.
Step 5: Understanding Your Reservation Details and Options
Once you've successfully pulled up your reservation, you'll see a wealth of information and several options for managing your trip.
Sub-heading 5.1: Key Information Displayed
Flight Number(s): The specific number(s) assigned to your flight(s).
Departure and Arrival Times: The scheduled times for your flight's takeoff and landing.
Origin and Destination Airports: The cities and airport codes you're flying from and to.
Confirmation Number: Your unique booking identifier.
Passenger Names: All travelers included in your reservation.
Fare Type: The type of fare you purchased (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select). This impacts change/cancellation policies.
Sub-heading 5.2: Available Options to Manage Your Flight
Change Flight: Southwest is known for its flexible change policy. You can often change your flight to a different date, time, or even destination without a change fee (though a fare difference may apply).
Cancel Flight: If your plans change, you can cancel your flight. Depending on your fare type, you might receive a refund to your original form of payment or a flight credit for future use.
Check In: Typically available 24 hours before your flight, this allows you to get your boarding pass and sometimes your boarding position (if you didn't purchase EarlyBird Check-In).
Add Extras: You might have options to add EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding, or other services.
View/Print Itinerary: A detailed breakdown of your travel plans.
Resend Itinerary: Have your confirmation email sent to you again.
Remember: Always make any changes or cancellations at least 10 minutes before your original scheduled departure time to avoid Southwest's no-show policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about checking your Southwest Airlines flight reservation, with quick and helpful answers:
How to check my Southwest flight reservation without a confirmation number?
If you're a Rapid Rewards member, log in to your account on Southwest.com or the mobile app; your upcoming trips will be listed. Otherwise, call Southwest Customer Service (1-800-I-FLY-SWA) and provide your name, travel dates, and origin/destination cities.
How to check my Southwest flight status for delays or cancellations?
You can check the real-time flight status on Southwest.com under the "Flight Status" tab, by using the Southwest mobile app, or by calling customer service. You can also sign up for flight notifications.
How to find my Southwest Airlines confirmation number if I lost my email?
If you're a Rapid Rewards member, it will be in your "My Trips" section when you log in. If not, contact Southwest Customer Service with your name and flight details.
How to change my Southwest flight reservation after checking it?
After retrieving your reservation online or in the app, look for the "Change Flight" option. Follow the prompts to select a new flight. A fare difference may apply, but Southwest does not charge change fees.
How to print my Southwest boarding pass after checking my reservation?
Once you've checked in online or via the app (available 24 hours before departure), you'll have options to print your boarding pass, download it to your mobile device (e.g., Apple Wallet, Google Pay), or have it emailed/texted to you.
How to add my Rapid Rewards number to an existing Southwest reservation?
After checking your reservation online or in the app, look for an option to "Add Rapid Rewards Number" or "Edit Passenger Information." You can usually add it there to earn points for your flight.
How to check if my Southwest flight has EarlyBird Check-In purchased?
When you view your reservation details on Southwest.com or in the app, your purchased extras, including EarlyBird Check-In, will be displayed.
How to view my Southwest flight itinerary in detail?
After retrieving your reservation, there will typically be a link or button to "View Itinerary" or "Print Itinerary" which provides a comprehensive breakdown of your flight details.
How to get updates on my Southwest flight reservation?
You can opt-in for email or text notifications directly from Southwest Airlines when you book, or manage your notification preferences within your Rapid Rewards account or the mobile app.
How to check a Southwest flight reservation booked through a third-party site?
While you can often find your Southwest confirmation number on the third-party booking confirmation, it's best to use that Southwest confirmation number directly on Southwest.com or the Southwest app to manage and view your reservation. If you encounter issues, contact the third-party booking site first.
