How to Seamlessly Add Your Flight to the Southwest Airlines App: Your Ultimate Guide
Hey there, frequent flyer! Or maybe you're just getting ready for your first adventure with Southwest. Either way, managing your travel details can feel like a maze sometimes, right? But what if I told you there's a super easy way to keep all your Southwest flight information right in your pocket? That's right, it's all about mastering the Southwest Airlines app!
Let's dive in and make your travel experience stress-free and convenient. Ready to get started?
Step 1: Downloading and Setting Up the App (If You Haven't Already!)
First things first, you need the Southwest Airlines app on your mobile device. If you're already a seasoned user, feel free to skip ahead!
Sub-heading: Getting the App on Your Device
For iPhone Users (iOS):
Open the App Store on your iPhone.
Tap the "Search" icon (magnifying glass) at the bottom right.
Type "Southwest Airlines" in the search bar.
Look for the official Southwest Airlines app and tap "Get" or the cloud icon with a downward arrow to download it. You might need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
For Android Users:
Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Tap the "Search" bar at the top of the screen.
Type "Southwest Airlines" and hit search.
Find the official Southwest Airlines app and tap "Install".
Sub-heading: Initial Login or Account Creation
Once the app is downloaded, open it up!
Existing Rapid Rewards Members: If you have a Rapid Rewards account, this is your golden ticket. Log in using your Rapid Rewards number or username and password. This will link all your past and future bookings associated with that account.
New to Southwest or No Rapid Rewards? No problem! You can still use the app. You'll likely be prompted to create a Rapid Rewards account or proceed as a guest. While creating an account is highly recommended for easier trip management and earning points, you can still add a flight without one.
Step 2: Navigating to "My Trips"
With the app open and logged in (or ready to go as a guest), it's time to find where your travel adventures live.
On the home screen of the Southwest app, you'll typically see a prominent section or tab labeled "My Trips" or "Upcoming Trips." This is your central hub for all your flight details.
Tap on this section to proceed.
Step 3: Adding Your Flight – The Key Methods
Now for the main event! There are a couple of ways to add your flight, depending on how you booked it.
Sub-heading: Method A: Automatically Populated Flights (For Logged-In Users)
If you are logged into your Rapid Rewards account and booked your flight while logged in (or had your Rapid Rewards number associated with the booking), your flight should ideally appear here automatically!
Simply open the "My Trips" section.
Scroll through your upcoming trips. Your flight should be listed with its confirmation number, dates, and destinations.
If it's there, you're all set! Tap on the flight to view details, check in, and get your mobile boarding pass when the time comes.
Sub-heading: Method B: Manually Adding a Flight (Using Your Confirmation Number)
What if your flight isn't showing up automatically, or you booked as a guest? No worries! This is where your confirmation number becomes your best friend.
Locate Your Confirmation Number: This is a 6-character alphanumeric code (e.g., ABC123, 7XYZ9Q). You'll find it in:
The confirmation email you received from Southwest Airlines after booking. Check your spam folder if you can't find it!
If you booked through a travel agent or a third-party website, they should have provided you with a Southwest confirmation number.
Back in the "My Trips" section of the app: Look for an option like "Add a Trip," "Find Reservation," or a similar button. It's usually quite visible.
Enter Your Details:
The app will prompt you to enter your Confirmation Number. Type it in carefully.
You'll also need to enter the First Name and Last Name of one of the passengers on the reservation (as it appears on the booking).
Tap "Find My Trip" or "Retrieve Reservation": The app will now search for your flight.
Voila! Once found, your flight details will be displayed. You'll likely have the option to "Add to My Trips" or "Save Trip." Tap this to securely store it within your app.
Step 4: Exploring Your Flight Details and Managing Your Trip
Once your flight is successfully added, you've unlocked a world of convenience! Tap on your flight within "My Trips" to see its comprehensive details.
Sub-heading: What You Can Do from Here
View Itinerary: See your departure and arrival times, airports, and flight numbers.
Check-In: 24 hours before your flight, you can check in directly from the app and get your boarding position. This is crucial for Southwest's open seating!
Mobile Boarding Pass: After checking in, your mobile boarding pass will be available. You can usually save this to your Apple Wallet (iOS) or Google Pay (Android) for quick access at security and the gate.
Flight Status: Get real-time updates on your flight's status, including any delays, gate changes, or cancellations.
Change/Cancel Flight: For most fares (excluding Basic fares for changes), you can modify or cancel your flight directly in the app. Be aware of any fare differences or policies.
Add Extras: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®, Upgraded Boarding, or add a Companion if you have the Companion Pass.
Bags: Track your checked bags (on select flights) and view baggage policy.
Inflight Entertainment: Access Southwest's inflight entertainment portal (on Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft).
Pro Tips for a Smooth Experience:
Always double-check your confirmation number. A single typo can prevent the app from finding your flight.
If you have a Rapid Rewards account, always try to book your flights while logged in to ensure they automatically appear in your app.
Turn on push notifications for the Southwest app. This ensures you get critical updates like gate changes or boarding time alerts directly to your phone.
Screenshot your mobile boarding pass as a backup, especially if you're worried about flaky airport Wi-Fi.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
Here are some quick answers to common questions about using the Southwest Airlines app for your flights:
How to retrieve my confirmation number if I lost it?
Check your email inbox (and spam/junk folders) for emails from southwestairlines@ifly.southwest.com. The confirmation number is typically in the subject line or highlighted in green within the email. If you have a Rapid Rewards account, it should also be visible under "My Trips" when you log in.
How to check in for my flight using the app?
You can check in starting 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Open the app, go to "My Trips," select your flight, and tap the "Check In" button.
How to get my boarding pass on the Southwest app?
After successfully checking in, a "Boarding Pass" button will appear on your flight details screen. Tap it to view your mobile boarding pass. You'll usually have the option to add it to Apple Wallet or Google Pay.
How to add a flight booked through a third party to the Southwest app?
You can usually add it manually using the "Add a Trip" or "Find Reservation" option in "My Trips." You'll need the Southwest Airlines confirmation number provided by the third-party booking site. Note that some modifications might still need to go through the original booking agency.
How to change or cancel my flight using the app?
Go to "My Trips," select the flight you wish to change or cancel, and look for "Change Flight" or "Cancel Flight" options. Be aware that fare rules and any fare differences apply. Basic fares cannot be changed, and must be upgraded first.
How to track my baggage on the Southwest app?
Southwest offers digital bag tracking for many flights. Once your flight is added to the app, look for a "Bags" or "Track My Bags" option within your flight details.
How to add a Companion Pass reservation in the app?
First, book your own flight. Then, go to "My Trips" for that flight, and you should see an option to "Add Companion" or "Add Companion Pass." Ensure your Companion is already designated in your Rapid Rewards account.
How to check flight status for a friend or family member on the app?
Even if it's not your flight, you can check its status. On the app's home screen or within "My Trips," look for a "Flight Status" search option. You can usually search by flight number, origin/destination, and date.
How to enable push notifications for flight updates?
Go into your phone's general "Settings," find "Apps" (Android) or "Southwest" (iOS), and then navigate to "Notifications." Ensure notifications are enabled for the Southwest app. Within the Southwest app itself, you might find a "Preferences" or "Settings" section where you can customize notification types.
How to troubleshoot if my flight isn't appearing in the app?
First, ensure you're logged into the correct Rapid Rewards account if you have one. Second, try manually adding the flight using your confirmation number, first name, and last name. If it still doesn't appear, ensure your app is updated to the latest version. If all else fails, contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service.
