So, you've booked your Southwest Airlines flight, and the excitement of your trip is building! But now comes the practical part: how do you actually get your boarding pass? Don't worry, it's a straightforward process, and with Southwest's unique open seating policy, getting your boarding pass efficiently can even impact your boarding experience. Let's dive in!
Understanding Southwest's Boarding Process
Before we jump into the "how," it's helpful to understand a little about Southwest's boarding philosophy. Unlike many airlines that assign specific seats, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served open seating system. This means your boarding pass will not have a seat number on it. Instead, it will display a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1-60).
Group A boards first, followed by Group B, and then Group C.
Within each group, positions are called in numerical order (e.g., A1, A2... A60).
The earlier your boarding position, the better your chances of selecting your preferred seat and accessing overhead bin space. This is why knowing how to get your boarding pass at the right time is key!
The Comprehensive Guide to Getting Your Southwest Airlines Boarding Pass
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of all the ways you can secure your boarding pass for your Southwest flight:
Step 1: Mark Your Calendar: The 24-Hour Window is Your Best Friend!
This is perhaps the single most important piece of advice for flying Southwest.
When to Act: Southwest Airlines opens online check-in exactly 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. If you want the best possible boarding position (especially if you haven't purchased EarlyBird Check-In or have A-List status), you need to be ready to check in as soon as this window opens.
Why it Matters: Your boarding position is primarily determined by when you check in. The earlier you check in after the 24-hour mark, the better your chances of securing an A or early B boarding position. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar!
Step 2: Choose Your Check-In Method
Southwest offers several convenient ways to check in and retrieve your boarding pass. Pick the one that best suits your travel style!
Sub-heading: Option A: Online Check-In (Recommended for Most)
This is the fastest and most common way to get your boarding pass.
Access the Platform:
Website: Go to
Southwest.comon your computer or mobile browser.Mobile App: Download the official Southwest Airlines® mobile app (available for iOS and Android). The app is highly recommended for its ease of use and additional features.
Navigate to Check-In:
On the website, look for a prominent "Check In" button or link.
In the app, you'll usually see a "Check In" option right on the home screen or within your "My Trips" section.
Enter Your Details:
You'll need your confirmation number (a 6-digit alphanumeric code you received when you booked your flight) and the first and last name of a Passenger on the itinerary.
Pro Tip: If you're a Rapid Rewards member and linked your number to the reservation, you might also be able to check in using your Rapid Rewards number and last name.
Confirm Your Flight:
Once you enter your details, your flight information will appear. Verify that it's the correct flight.
Complete Check-In:
Follow the prompts to complete the check-in process. You may be asked to confirm your contact information or acknowledge certain travel advisories.
Retrieve Your Boarding Pass:
After successful check-in, you'll be presented with your boarding pass.
Mobile Boarding Pass:
Save to Wallet: For iPhones, you can typically add it directly to Apple Wallet. For Android phones, you can add it to Google Pay. This is incredibly convenient for quick access at security and boarding.
Screenshot: As a backup, you can always take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass.
Email/Text: Southwest also gives you the option to have your boarding pass emailed to you or sent via text message.
Print from Home: If you're on a computer, you'll usually have the option to print your boarding pass directly. Note: While still possible, some users report this option can be less prominent than the mobile pass. If you prefer a paper copy and have difficulty, consider the airport kiosk option.
Sub-heading: Option B: Airport Self-Service Kiosk
If you prefer a physical boarding pass or need to check bags, airport kiosks are a great choice.
Locate a Kiosk: Upon arrival at the airport, look for Southwest Airlines self-service kiosks in the check-in area.
Initiate Check-In: Touch the screen to begin. You'll typically be prompted to enter your confirmation number, scan a credit card used for booking, or scan your passport (for international flights).
Verify Information: Confirm your flight details.
Print Boarding Pass: The kiosk will print your physical boarding pass. If you have checked bags, you can also print bag tags here.
Sub-heading: Option C: Ticket Counter or Curbside Check-In
For those who prefer human assistance, or if you have specific travel needs (e.g., unaccompanied minor, traveling with a pet, international travel with passport verification), the ticket counter is your go-to. Curbside check-in is also available at select locations for domestic flights.
Head to the Counter/Curbside: Look for the Southwest Airlines ticket counter inside the terminal or the curbside check-in area outside (if available at your departure airport).
Provide Identification: Present your government-issued photo ID (and passport for international travel) and your confirmation number.
Receive Boarding Pass: A Customer Service Agent will assist you with checking in, verifying any necessary documents, and issuing your printed boarding pass.
Step 3: Understanding Special Circumstances
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In®
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is an optional add-on that automatically checks you in and reserves your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's departure, before general check-in opens. This significantly increases your chances of getting an A or early B boarding position.
How it works: If you purchased EarlyBird Check-In, you don't need to do anything at the 24-hour mark. Southwest will automatically assign your boarding position. You still need to retrieve your boarding pass within 24 hours of departure via online check-in (website or app) or at the airport. You'll be able to see your assigned boarding group and position.
Cost: The price varies by flight, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight.
Sub-heading: Business Select® & A-List/A-List Preferred Members
If you've purchased a Business Select fare or hold Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status, you are automatically checked in and assigned a premium boarding position (typically A1-A15 for Business Select, and an early boarding position for A-List/A-List Preferred members) 36 hours before departure.
Similar to EarlyBird, you'll still need to retrieve your boarding pass within the 24-hour window using any of the methods described above.
Sub-heading: International Flights
For international travel on Southwest, while you can check in online 24 hours prior to get your boarding position, you will not receive an actual digital boarding pass until your passport is verified at the airport.
You must present your passport at a self-service kiosk or the ticket counter on the day of travel to receive your boarding pass.
Exceptions: Customers traveling to Aruba, Havana, and Punta Cana must receive a boarding pass at the airport. For other international destinations, you might be able to scan your passport using the mobile app's camera feature during check-in for verification, but a physical check at the airport is often still required for the final boarding pass issuance.
Sub-heading: Connecting Flights
When you check in for your first flight (either online or at the airport), you will automatically be checked in for any connecting flights on the same itinerary.
You will receive separate boarding passes for each segment of your journey, each with its own boarding group and position.
Important: While your initial check-in covers all segments, if you have specific needs like pre-boarding, you may need to re-request it with the gate agent for your connecting flight.
Step 4: Double-Check and Be Prepared
Review Your Boarding Pass: Regardless of how you obtain it, always double-check your boarding pass to ensure the flight number, date, and your name are correct.
ID Ready: Have your valid government-issued photo ID (and passport for international flights) ready to present at the security checkpoint and again at the gate.
Screen Brightness: If using a mobile boarding pass, make sure your phone screen brightness is turned up when scanning at security and the gate.
Battery Life: Keep your phone charged if you're relying on a mobile boarding pass! A dead phone means no boarding pass.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to get your Southwest Airlines boarding pass smoothly and efficiently, ready for your journey!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about getting your Southwest Airlines boarding pass, with quick answers:
How to get an "A" boarding pass on Southwest?
The best way to get an "A" boarding pass is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure online or via the Southwest app. Alternatively, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, a Business Select fare, or have A-List/A-List Preferred status, which automatically checks you in earlier.
How to print my Southwest boarding pass at home?
You can print your Southwest boarding pass from home by checking in on Southwest.com using a computer browser within 24 hours of your flight. After completing check-in, an option to print your boarding pass should be available.
How to get a mobile boarding pass for Southwest Airlines?
Download the official Southwest Airlines mobile app, check in through the app, and then you'll have the option to save your boarding pass to your Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Pay (Android), or simply view it within the app.
How to check in for a Southwest international flight and get my boarding pass?
For international flights, you can check in online 24 hours prior to get your boarding position, but you must verify your passport at an airport kiosk or ticket counter to receive your actual boarding pass (digital or physical).
How to check in for Southwest flights with connecting legs?
When you check in for your first flight segment (within 24 hours of its departure), you will automatically be checked in for all subsequent connecting flights on the same itinerary, and you'll receive separate boarding passes for each.
How to reprint a lost Southwest boarding pass?
If you lose a physical boarding pass, you can reprint it at an airport self-service kiosk or the ticket counter. If you had a mobile boarding pass, you can simply access it again through the Southwest app, Apple Wallet/Google Pay, or re-email it to yourself.
How to get a boarding pass if I purchased EarlyBird Check-In?
While EarlyBird Check-In automatically assigns your boarding position 36 hours before departure, you still need to retrieve your boarding pass within the standard 24-hour check-in window via the website, mobile app, or at the airport.
How to know my boarding group and position for Southwest?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (1-60) will be displayed on your boarding pass once you have successfully checked in for your flight.
How to check in for Southwest without an internet connection?
If you don't have internet access, you can always check in and receive your boarding pass at the airport using a self-service kiosk or by speaking to a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter.
How to board with a child on Southwest if we have different boarding groups?
Southwest offers "Family Boarding" after the A group has boarded but before the B group. If you are traveling with a child aged 6 or younger, you and one other adult can board during this time, regardless of your assigned boarding positions.