So, your Southwest adventure is just around the corner, and you're wondering how to get that all-important boarding pass in your hand? You've come to the right place! Getting your Southwest boarding pass is a crucial step to a smooth travel day, especially with their open seating policy. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position, and thus, the better your seat selection options! Let's dive into all the ways you can secure that boarding pass and start your trip right.
Your Ultimate Guide: Printing Your Southwest Airlines Boarding Pass
Step 1: Are You Ready to Check In? (The Golden 24-Hour Window)
First things first, when can you actually get your boarding pass? Southwest Airlines opens online check-in precisely 24 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. This is a critical window, especially for Southwest's unassigned seating. The sooner you check in within this 24-hour period, the earlier your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be, giving you more choices for your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
What you'll need: Your confirmation number (a 6-character alphanumeric code) and the first and last name of one passenger on the reservation. Keep these handy!
Step 2: Choosing Your Path to a Boarding Pass
Southwest offers several convenient ways to get your boarding pass. Pick the one that suits your travel style best!
Sub-heading: Online Check-In (The Most Popular Choice!)
This is by far the most common and recommended method for most travelers. It's quick, easy, and can be done from the comfort of your home or office.
Navigate to the Southwest Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Southwest Airlines website:
www.southwest.com Locate the "Check In" Section: On the homepage, usually in the top navigation bar or prominently displayed, you'll find a "Check In" option. Click on it.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your:
Confirmation #: This is your six-digit alphanumeric code you received when booking.
First Name: The first name of a passenger on the reservation.
Last Name: The last name of a passenger on the reservation.
Click "Check In" or "Retrieve Reservation."
Confirm Your Flight Details: The system will display your flight information. Double-check that all details are correct.
Retrieve Your Boarding Pass: Once confirmed, you'll see an option to "Print Boarding Pass." Click this button.
Print Your Pass: Your boarding pass will typically open in a new window as a PDF. Make sure your printer is connected and has enough paper and ink. Click the print icon.
Pro Tip: If you don't have a printer immediately available, you can often choose to email the boarding pass to yourself or save it as a PDF for later printing. This is a great backup!
Sub-heading: Mobile Check-In via the Southwest App
For the tech-savvy traveler, the Southwest mobile app is incredibly convenient.
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the official "Southwest Airlines" app from your smartphone's app store (Google Play for Android or Apple App Store for iOS).
Log In or Check In as Guest: You can log in to your Rapid Rewards account if you have one, or choose to "Check In" as a guest using your confirmation number and name.
Access "My Trips": Once you've entered your flight details or logged in, navigate to the "My Trips" section. Your upcoming flight should be displayed.
Initiate Check-In: Tap on your flight. You'll see an option to "Check In." Follow the prompts.
Generate Mobile Boarding Pass: After successfully checking in, the app will generate a mobile boarding pass. This is a scannable electronic document that you can use on your phone.
Save to Wallet (Optional but Recommended): For easy access, you can usually save your mobile boarding pass to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet for iOS, Google Pay for Android). This means you don't even need to open the Southwest app at the airport!
Sub-heading: Airport Self-Service Kiosks
If you prefer to handle things at the airport or forgot to print at home, the self-service kiosks are your friend.
Locate a Kiosk: Upon arrival at the airport, look for the Southwest Airlines check-in counters. Nearby, you'll find self-service kiosks (they look like standing computer screens).
Identify Yourself: The kiosk will prompt you to identify your reservation. You can usually do this by:
Entering your confirmation number.
Swiping a major credit card with your name on it (the one used for booking can be helpful, but any major credit card will usually work for identification).
Entering your Rapid Rewards number.
Scanning your passport (for international flights).
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The kiosk will guide you through confirming your flight details and any additional options (like adding a Rapid Rewards number, upgrading your fare, or checking bags).
Print Boarding Pass: An option to print your boarding pass will appear. The kiosk will then automatically print your physical boarding pass.
Sub-heading: Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter
For those who prefer a human touch, or if you have special circumstances (e.g., unaccompanied minor, traveling with a pet, complex itinerary), the full-service ticket counter is available.
Head to the Ticket Counter: Go directly to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport.
Present ID and Confirmation: Have your government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) and your confirmation number ready.
Agent Assistance: A Southwest agent will assist you with checking in and print your boarding pass for you.
Step 3: Understanding Your Boarding Pass & Boarding Process
Once you have your boarding pass, take a moment to understand what's on it:
Boarding Group (A, B, or C): This determines your general boarding order.
Boarding Position (1-60): This number, combined with your group, dictates your specific place in line. For example, A15 will board before A16.
Flight Number, Gate, and Departure Time: Essential information for finding your way to the correct gate and knowing when to be there.
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry (if applicable): If you're enrolled, this will be indicated on your boarding pass, allowing you to use expedited security lines.
Southwest uses an open seating policy. This means there are no pre-assigned seats. Once your boarding group and position are called, you'll board the aircraft and choose any available seat.
Step 4: Arriving at the Airport and Security
With your boarding pass in hand (physical or mobile), you're ready for the airport.
Check Baggage (If Applicable): If you have checked luggage, proceed to the baggage drop-off area. Even if you printed your boarding pass online, you'll still need to visit the counter or a self-tagging kiosk (where available) to tag and drop off your bags.
Proceed to Security: Follow the signs to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoint. Have your boarding pass and valid government-issued photo ID ready to present to the TSA agent. Remove any electronics, liquids, and potentially your shoes and jacket as directed.
Find Your Gate: Once through security, locate your gate number on your boarding pass or on the airport's display screens.
Be at the Gate on Time: Southwest typically begins boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Be in the gate area no later than 10 minutes prior to departure, or your reserved space may be canceled.
Key Considerations for a Smoother Process:
EarlyBird Check-In®: For an additional fee, Southwest's EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in and assigns your boarding position 36 hours before your flight, 12 hours before general check-in opens. This is a great option if you prioritize getting an earlier boarding position and better seat selection without having to set an alarm for the 24-hour mark. You still need to retrieve your boarding pass within the 24-hour window.
Business Select® Fares: These fares automatically include a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, allowing you to board first.
A-List and A-List Preferred Members: These Rapid Rewards elite status tiers also offer priority boarding.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check in online for Southwest Airlines?
To check in online, go to southwest.com or use the Southwest app, select "Check In," and enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
How to get a mobile boarding pass for Southwest?
Check in using the Southwest mobile app. After checking in, the app will generate a mobile boarding pass that you can save to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay).
How to find my Southwest Airlines confirmation number?
Your confirmation number is typically a 6-character alphanumeric code found in your booking confirmation email from Southwest Airlines.
How to print my Southwest boarding pass if I don't have a printer at home?
You can print your boarding pass at an airport self-service kiosk or at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Alternatively, use a mobile boarding pass on your smartphone.
How to check in for a connecting Southwest flight?
When you check in online or via the app, you will typically check in for all segments of your connecting itinerary at once, and you'll receive separate boarding passes for each leg of the journey.
How to change my seat on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy, meaning there are no assigned seats. Your boarding position determines when you board, and you choose any available seat once on the plane.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest?
If you purchased EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure. You still need to retrieve your boarding pass (online, app, or airport) within 24 hours of your flight.
How to get a physical boarding pass at the airport for Southwest?
You can get a physical boarding pass by using a self-service kiosk at the airport or by speaking to an agent at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
How to check in if I am traveling with a lap child on Southwest?
For lap children or unaccompanied minors, it is often recommended or required to check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter for agent assistance, as mobile and kiosk check-in may not be available for these scenarios.
How to ensure a good boarding position on Southwest?
To get a better boarding position, check in as close as possible to the 24-hour mark before your flight's departure, or purchase EarlyBird Check-In or a Business Select fare.
