The Southwest Airlines check in process is quick and easy. You can choose to check-in online, using the airline’s website or mobile app 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time. This allows you to skip the lines at the airport and head straight to the gate after dropping off your checked bags. If you prefer to check in at the airport, Southwest offers curbside check-in, self-service kiosks, and ticket counters.
Southwest Flight Check in Methods
How to check in for a Southwest flight?
Passengers can check in for a Southwest Airlines flight:
- Online (web check-in)
- With Southwest Airlines mobile app
(Android or iOS) - At an airport kiosk
- Through EarlyBird check-in
(automatic, 36-hours-in-advance check-in for a fee) - At the airport curbside
- At the airport counter
Southwest Check in—Online (Web Check in)
How does Southwest’s online check in work?
To check in online from Southwest Airlines website (web check in):
- Go to Southwest.com
- Select the Check in tab
- Enter your confirmation number and name (first and last)
- Click on the Check in button
- Complete your check in
Southwest Airlines Mobile App Check-in
You can use Southwest Airlines mobile app to:
- Make reservations, check-in, cancel or change domestic and international flights
- Check your flight status, gate information, and boarding position
- Download your mobile boarding pass
(iPhone and iPad users: save to Apple Wallet; Android users can save to Google Pay) - Share your flight status with others
- Make or cancel your car reservation
- Access your Rapid Rewards account
- View weather and travel alerts
- Access useful airport information
- Use express checkout
Southwest Airlines Airport (Self-Service) Kiosk Check-in
You can check in physically at the airport’s kiosk. This facility is available at all non-U.S. airports except Nassau. You can use any one of these methods to check in:
- Enter your confirmation number
- Enter your Rapid Rewards number
- Swipe any major credit card bearing your name
- Swipe your Rapid Rewards Membership Card
When checking in at the airport’s self-service kiosk, you can also:
- Check luggage
- Only the kiosks located at the ticket counter can be used to check luggage
- Kiosks located in the lobby area cannot be used to issue bag tags
- Print your flight’s boarding pass
- Add a Rapid Rewards number to your reservation
- Upgrade to a Business Select Fare
- Change your flight
- Enter your name into the standby list
- Print your itinerary receipt
Note
Passengers with the following types of reservations are not eligible for self-service check-in—and will need to check in at the airport ticket counter:
- Passengers traveling with paper tickets
- Unaccompanied minors
- Passengers traveling with pets
- Passengers traveling on age-qualifying fares
- Passengers requiring special assistance
Southwest EarlyBird Check-in
How does Southwest early check in work?
Southwest’s early check in option, known as EarlyBird check in (USD 15–25 one-way per passenger) checks you in automatically before the traditional 24-hour period—from 36 hours before departure.
An EarlyBird check-in doesn’t require a check in because you’ll be automatically checked in and assigned a position for boarding earlier—plus you’ll get earlier access to the overhead bin for your carry-on bags.
How to Purchase the EarlyBird Check-in?
You can purchase the EarlyBird check-in option up to 36 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time in any of the following ways.
- Online from Southwest.com
- Over the phone
- From Southwest Airlines mobile site
- From the official Android or iOS app
You can buy it as part of your original flight purchase, or add it later—at least 36 hours before your flight’s departure.
Does Southwest EarlyBird automatically check you in?
If you’ve purchased an EarlyBird check-in, you’ll be automatically checked in for your flight. You will receive a reserved boarding position 36 hours before your flight’s departure time. Plus, you’ll be able to print the boarding pass starting 24 hours before departure, after which you can obtain the boarding pass from the Ticket Counter, Skycap Podium (if available), or online.
Is the Southwest EarlyBird check-in worth it?
Checking in 24 hours before your flight’s departure may not get you a good boarding position (and seat), because the best spots (A1–15) either go to Business Select passengers or those who pay to upgrade to a better boarding group.
Southwest Airlines EarlyBird check-in, which starts 36 hours before departure, may be worth it if:
- You’re taking a long flight and seat selection is important.
- You want to sit with your family or group and you don’t qualify for family boarding.
- You’re busy and may forget to check in on time.
How can I get a free EarlyBird check-in?
You can get a free EarlyBird check-in if you have one of these credit cards:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
Both of these credit cards entitle you to four A 1–15 slots every year.
Southwest Curbside Check-in
You can check in for domestic flights from the airport’s curbside at most U.S. airports (but not for international flights). To check in from the curbside, you will need:
- Your photo ID
- Your flight reservation code
- Your flight number or electronic ticket number
For the exact check-in and cut-off times, visit the Airport Information page.
Southwest Airlines Airport Check-in
You can also check in physically at Southwest Airlines airport counter. After you’ve shown your valid travel documents at the airport counter:
- You can check your bags
- You can choose your seat
- You’ll receive your boarding pass
For more information on Southwest Airlines check-in times and counters, visit the Airport Information page.
Southwest Check in Time
When can I check in for my Southwest flight?
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to check in for their flights starting 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time. This can be done in several ways, as indicated above. Checking in early can help ensure you get your preferred seat and avoid any potential delays or issues at the airport. Additionally, Southwest Airlines offers EarlyBird Check-In for an additional fee, which checks you in automatically 36 hours prior to your flight’s departure time, giving you even more options and flexibility when traveling.
The check-in times and cut-off deadlines are indicated below.
- Online Check-in Time
You can check in online for your Southwest Airlines flight from 24 hours to 60, 90, 120, or 180 minutes before your flight’s departure time, depending on your departure and destination city.
- Mobile App Check–in Time
Southwest Airlines app check in time is the same as its online check in time (above).
- Airport Self-Service Kiosk Check-in Time
You can use one of Southwest’s airport kiosks to self-check in for your flight from 3 hours to 30, 60, or 90 minutes before your flight’s departure time, depending on the departure and destination airports.
- EarlyBird Check-in Time
The EarlyBird option checks you in automatically 36 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight. This means you don’t need to check in for your flight. You’ll be automatically assigned a position for boarding earlier, so you’ll get earlier overhead bin access for your carry-on bags.
- Airport Curbside Check-in Time
You can check in for domestic flights from the airport’s curbside at most U.S. airports—from 3 hours to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure and destination city).
- Airport Check-in Time
You can check in physically at the airport and collect your boarding pass from 3 hours to 30, 60, or 90 minutes before your flight’s departure time—depending on your departure and destination city.
Southwest Boarding Pass
The Southwest boarding pass is a crucial document that allows you to board your flight and secure your seat. The boarding pass includes important information such as your name, flight number, departure time, and gate number. It also contains a unique barcode that is scanned by airport personnel to confirm your flight information and seat assignment.
You can obtain your boarding pass in several ways: through online check-in, mobile app check-in, at the airport kiosk, or airport counter. Passengers are encouraged to check in as early as possible, i.e., 24 hours before the scheduled departure time to increase their chances of securing a preferred seat.
Boarding Pass Check-in Tips
- Be sure to collect your boarding pass and reach the gate area at least 10 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure time. If you’re late, your reservation may be canceled, and you may be denied compensation.
- Download, print, or email your boarding pass.
- If you couldn’t bring your boarding pass, you can obtain a printout at a check-in kiosk.
- For the precise check-in time.
- Keep enough time for security checks, checking in baggage, etc.
Southwest Airlines Boarding Process
How does Southwest’s boarding work?
There are no assigned seats on Southwest as it provides open seating to all passengers. The airline offers 3 boarding groups (A, B, or C) and a 1-60+ position within the boarding group assigned at check in which will determine your boarding order.
When you check in, you’ll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+). Your boarding pass will display a combination of your group and position (say A2). This represents a reserved spot in the boarding group at the gate. The numbered posts at each gate area indicate where you must line up. When your boarding group is called, you will have to find your designated spot in line and board the aircraft in numerical order with your group.
For example, if you’re assigned A35, it means you’ll be the 35th person to board within Group A. Depending on the airport, you’ll be shown monitors or signs (such as A1-30 or A31-60) indicating where to stand for your group. Once you’re inside the aircraft, you can choose any seat you like as there are no seat assignments on Southwest.
However, if your family is traveling with a child aged 6 years or less, up to 2 adults can board during Southwest’s family boarding period (between A and B). However, if your family has Group A boarding passes, you can board earlier.
Southwest Airlines boarding process/order is as follows:
- Preboarding includes the following passengers, regardless of their boarding group or number:
- Passengers with specific seating needs—such as those who have a disability or need assistance in getting to their seats or stowing assistive devices, passengers traveling with service animals, and unaccompanied minors.
Note. You must arrange a preboarding designation before boarding. - Group A (1 – 15), typically reserved for Business Select passengers. If all such seats are not sold, passengers can upgrade to this position (for the flight only) for USD 30-50 by speaking with a gate attendant before boarding starts.
- Pre-Boarding passengers can board with a travel companion for assistance, but they are not allowed to sit in an exit row.
- Passengers with specific seating needs—such as those who have a disability or need assistance in getting to their seats or stowing assistive devices, passengers traveling with service animals, and unaccompanied minors.
- Group A16–30, generally assigned (but not guaranteed) to A-List Preferred or members and passengers who have purchased EarlyBird check-in.
- Family Boarding, Active Military, and A-List/Passengers requiring extra time. This group includes families with an under-6-year-old child, regardless of the assigned boarding position.
Note. You don’t need to arrange ahead of time if you’re in this group—all you need to do is line up along the side and board the aircraft when they call for your group. - Group B1–60, where you will typically land up if you check in exactly 24 hours ahead of departure.
- Group C1–60, which you will most likely get if you don’t check in early.
Southwest Family Boarding
Traveling with children who are 6 years or younger makes it easier for passengers, as you get to board after Group A regardless of the boarding position on your boarding pass. This means you don’t need to check in 24 hours in advance. Boarding just after Group A also ensures you’ll find seats together, which is necessary when traveling with children.
Do families board first on Southwest? Southwest Airlines allows families with children aged six years and under to board after the A group has finished boarding. This allows families to find seats together and get settled before the rest of the passengers board.
Frequently Asked Questions on Southwest Airlines Check in Policy
Southwest Airlines check-in policy is easy to follow. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the policy.
Southwest has 3 boarding groups (A, B, or C) with a 1-60+ position within each boarding group. Your boarding group is usually assigned at check and will determine your boarding order (but not the seating order because Southwest has an open seating policy).
You can check in for a Southwest Airlines flight online via Southwest.com, with Southwest’s mobile app, via EarlyBird check-in, or at the airport (curbside, self-service kiosk, or counter).
Southwest Airlines check in starts 24 hours before departure. However, if you’ve purchased an EarlyBird check-in, you’ll be automatically checked in for your flight 36 hours before departure.
Southwest Airlines check-in can be performed online, with the airline’s mobile app, via (automatic) EarlyBird check-in, or at the airport (curbside, self-service kiosk, or airport counter).
You can upgrade your boarding position to A1-A15 up to 24 hours before your flight, subject to availability. However, you cannot upgrade your boarding position after checking in for your flight, because your boarding position is set and cannot be changed.
One of the easiest ways to get preboarding on Southwest is to purchase EarlyBird check-in when you book your flight. This will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight and give you an earlier boarding position. Another option is to sign up for Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program, which allows you to earn points for flights and other purchases. As you accumulate points, you can use them to purchase priority boarding passes or even qualify for A-List status, which gives you automatic priority boarding on all your flights. Finally, if you have a disability or need special assistance, you can request pre-boarding as part of Southwest’s accommodation services.
Southwest’s 24-hour check-in allows you to check in for your flight online or through the Southwest mobile app starting 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time. This means that you can skip the lines at the airport and have more time to relax before your flight. Simply log in to your Southwest account, select your upcoming flight, and follow the prompts to complete the check-in process. Once you’ve checked in, you’ll receive your boarding pass, which you can either print out or save digitally on your phone. Checking in early does not guarantee a specific seat assignment, but it does increase your chances of getting a better spot in line when boarding begins.
If eligible, you’ll find the TSA PRE notification indicator on your boarding pass throughout the itinerary, whether or not the pre-screening lanes are available at the departure airport.
The Southwest Airlines check in procedure/process involves the following steps:
1. Check in for your flight in any of these ways:
• Online via Southwest.com
(starting 24 hours before departure)
• With Southwest’s mobile app
(starting 24 hours before departure)
• Via EaryBird check-in
(starting 36 hours before departure)
• At the airport (curbside, kiosk, counter)
(starting 3 hours before departure)
2. Reach the airport ticket counter at least:
• 2 hours before departure for domestic flights
• 3 hours before departure for international flights
3. After reaching the airport:
• Get your passport/travel documents verified
• Check in your luggage at least 60 minutes before departure
• Receive your boarding pass
• Reach the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure
Southwest Airlines automatic check-in is available to Business Select passengers and passengers holding a Rapid Reward A-List Preferred status and A-List members. It starts 36 hours before departure and checks you in and assigns an early boarding position a full 12 hours before general boarding positions open up to other passengers, thus offering you priority boarding privileges.
If you’ve been automatically checked in, you can print your boarding pass starting 24 hours before departure.
No, you cannot, but you can check your bags at an airport curbside, Bag Drop kiosk, or airport ticket counter.
You can use the Southwest Airlines app to check in with your mobile device from 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure, depending on where you’re departing from and where you’re headed. After you check in, your mobile boarding pass will be sent to your mobile device.
You can check in with Southwest’s mobile app if you have an e-ticket, you have your confirmation code/e-ticket number/frequent flyer number to access your flight booking, you’re not a special needs passenger, your airport accepts mobile boarding passes, or you’re not traveling to or from the United States on an international flight.
No, Southwest Airlines does not assign seats at check-in or later because it follows an open-seating plan.
Yes, you can check in your bags at Southwest Airlines self-service check-in kiosk.
Yes, you can pay your bag fee at Southwest Airlines self-service check-in kiosk.
No, Southwest Airlines does not charge any fee for seat assignments—because it does not assign seats.
Southwest Airlines recommends that you reach the airport at least:
• 2 hours before departure to catch a domestic flight within the U.S.
• 3 hours before departure to catch an international flight from or to the U.S.
The recommended check-in time if you’re traveling with carry-on baggage is at least:
• 30 minutes before departure to catch a domestic flight within the U.S.
• 60 minutes before departure to catch an international flight from or to the U.S.
The recommended check-in time if you’re traveling with checked baggage is at least:
• 60 minutes before departure to catch a domestic flight within the U.S.
• 60 minutes before departure to catch an international flight from or to the U.S.