Getting a mobile boarding pass for your Southwest Airlines flight is a breeze, and it's definitely the most convenient way to travel these days! No more scrambling for printouts or worrying about losing your physical ticket. Let's dive into exactly how you can get set up for a smooth, digital journey.
How to Get a Mobile Boarding Pass for Southwest Airlines: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Are you ready to embrace the future of travel and ditch those paper boarding passes? Excellent choice! Southwest Airlines makes it incredibly simple to get your boarding pass right on your phone, making your airport experience smoother and less stressful. Follow these steps, and you'll be on your way in no time.
Step 1: Download the Southwest Airlines Mobile App (If You Haven't Already!)
This is where your journey to a seamless mobile boarding pass begins!
For Apple Users (iPhone, iPad): Head over to the App Store on your device. In the search bar, type "Southwest Airlines" and hit search. Look for the official Southwest Airlines: Travel App and tap "Get" or the cloud icon to download it.
For Android Users: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device. Search for "Southwest Airlines." Find the official "Southwest Airlines: Travel App" and tap "Install."
Pro Tip: Make sure you have a stable internet connection for the download. This app is your command center for your Southwest trip!
Step 2: Create or Log In to Your Southwest Account
Once the app is downloaded and installed, open it up.
New to Southwest? If you don't have a Southwest account (Rapid Rewards), you can usually create one directly within the app or choose to check in as a guest with your confirmation number. While creating an account isn't strictly necessary for a mobile boarding pass, it offers many benefits, like easier trip management and earning Rapid Rewards points.
Existing Rapid Rewards Member? Tap on "Log In" and enter your Rapid Rewards number or username and password. This will link your booked trips to your account, making them easily accessible.
Step 3: Check-In for Your Flight - The 24-Hour Window is Key!
This is the most crucial step for securing your boarding pass and your boarding position.
The Golden Window: Southwest Airlines opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your scheduled flight departure. Set an alarm if you want to get the best possible boarding position (especially important for Southwest's open seating policy!). The earlier you check in, the earlier your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be.
Initiating Check-In within the App:
Once you're logged in, or if you're checking in as a guest, navigate to the "Check In" section. This is usually a prominent button on the main screen or in a navigation menu.
You'll be prompted to enter your Confirmation Number (a 6-character code from your booking) and the first and last name of a passenger on the itinerary.
Tap "Retrieve Reservation" or "Check In."
Confirming Your Details: The app will display your flight details. Double-check everything – flight number, departure time, destination, and passenger names.
Completing Check-In: Follow any remaining prompts to confirm your check-in. This might include acknowledging TSA security requirements or confirming baggage information.
Step 4: Access Your Mobile Boarding Pass
Congratulations! You've successfully checked in. Now, to get that digital pass:
Automatic Display: In many cases, right after you complete the check-in process, your mobile boarding pass will automatically appear on your screen.
Finding It Later: If you navigate away or close the app, don't worry! You can always find your boarding pass under the "My Trips" or "Boarding Pass" section of the Southwest app. Tap on your active flight, and you should see the option to view your boarding pass.
Multiple Passengers: If you're traveling with others on the same reservation, the app will generate individual mobile boarding passes for each passenger. You can typically swipe between them or select them from a list.
Step 5: Saving Your Mobile Boarding Pass for Easy Access
This step isn't strictly necessary, as your pass will always be in the app, but it's highly recommended for ultimate convenience.
Apple Wallet (iOS): If you have an iPhone, you'll see an option to "Add to Apple Wallet." Tap this, and your boarding pass will be saved directly into your Apple Wallet app. This means you can access it even without an internet connection and it often appears on your lock screen when you're near the airport.
Google Pay (Android): Similarly, Android users will have an option to "Save to Google Pay" (or Google Wallet, depending on your device's version). This offers the same benefits as Apple Wallet.
Screenshot Option: As a backup, you can also simply take a screenshot of your boarding pass. While not as interactive as the digital wallet versions, it serves as a visual backup in your phone's photo gallery.
Step 6: At the Airport: Navigating with Your Mobile Boarding Pass
You're ready for departure!
Security Checkpoint: When you reach the TSA security checkpoint, open your mobile boarding pass on your phone (either from the Southwest app or your digital wallet). The TSA agent will scan the barcode on your screen. Ensure your screen brightness is turned up so the scanner can easily read it.
Boarding Gate: At the boarding gate, when your group is called, have your mobile boarding pass ready. The gate agent will scan your pass again before you board the aircraft.
Important Considerations and Exceptions:
International Flights: For some international itineraries, especially those requiring passport verification, you might need to present your physical passport at the ticket counter or a kiosk before your mobile boarding pass is fully activated or issued. Southwest's app will typically guide you through this if it applies to your flight.
Unaccompanied Minors & Lap Children: Mobile boarding passes are generally not available for Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) or infants traveling as lap children. In these cases, you'll need to obtain a printed boarding pass at the airport.
EarlyBird Check-In®: If you purchased EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest will automatically check you in and assign your boarding position 36 hours before departure. However, you'll still need to access your mobile boarding pass through the app or website within the standard 24-hour check-in window to view it.
Issues? Don't Panic! If you encounter any problems, such as your mobile boarding pass not loading or a technical glitch, Southwest Airlines staff at the check-in counter or gate can always assist you with printing a physical boarding pass.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can get a better boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure using the Southwest app or website. Alternatively, consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In (which automatically checks you in 36 hours prior) or upgrading to Business Select for an A1-A15 boarding pass.
How to add my Southwest mobile boarding pass to Apple Wallet?
After checking in via the Southwest app, look for the "Add to Apple Wallet" button on your mobile boarding pass screen. Tap it, and then tap "Add" in the top right corner of the next screen to save it to your Apple Wallet.
How to add my Southwest mobile boarding pass to Google Pay?
Once you've checked in through the Southwest app, locate your mobile boarding pass and look for the "Save to Google Pay" or "Add to Google Wallet" option. Tap it, and follow the prompts to add the pass to your Google Pay/Wallet app.
How to check in for a Southwest flight if I don't have the app?
You can check in for your Southwest flight directly on the Southwest Airlines mobile website (Southwest.com) using your smartphone's browser. The process is very similar to using the app.
How to get a printed boarding pass if my phone dies at the airport?
If your phone dies, you can easily get a printed boarding pass at a Southwest self-service kiosk or at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport. You'll just need your confirmation number and a valid ID.
How to check in for multiple passengers on one Southwest reservation?
When you check in for a reservation with multiple passengers, the Southwest app or website will typically allow you to check in all passengers at once. Once checked in, individual mobile boarding passes will be generated for each person, which you can usually swipe through or select from a list.
How to find my Southwest Airlines confirmation number?
Your Southwest Airlines confirmation number is a 6-character alphanumeric code. It can be found in your booking confirmation email, on your e-ticket itinerary, or by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest website or app under "My Trips."
How to re-send my mobile boarding pass to my email?
While the primary method is through the app, some airlines offer an option to email your boarding pass after online check-in. If available, this option would typically be found on the confirmation page after checking in or within the "My Trips" section of the Southwest website. However, saving it to your digital wallet is often more convenient.
How to use a mobile boarding pass at TSA security?
At the TSA security checkpoint, simply open your mobile boarding pass on your phone, ensuring the barcode is clearly visible. Turn up your screen brightness. Present your phone to the TSA agent for scanning, along with your valid photo ID.
How to handle issues with my Southwest mobile boarding pass?
If you encounter any issues, such as the pass not loading, a scanner not reading it, or other technical glitches, don't hesitate to speak with a Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter, baggage drop, or gate. They can troubleshoot the problem or print a physical boarding pass for you.
