When can you check in with Southwest?

You can easily check in with Southwest Airlines within 24 hours of the scheduled departure if using the online check-in option. You may also get the boarding pass upon arrival at the airport.

Is it better to check in online or in person?

While both methods can get you the boarding pass, check-in online is still worth it, especially if you want to save time at the airport and secure a better boarding position.

Can you sit anywhere on Southwest?

Yes, you can sit anywhere on Southwest flights. The airline offers a first-come, first-served basis, which means that you are free to select seats as soon as you board the flight.

What’s the fastest way to check in on Southwest Airlines?

The fastest way to check in on Southwest Airlines flights is the EarlyBird option. It checks you in 36 hours before the departure and helps you secure a better boarding position.

Can I pay bag fees with Southwest online check-in?

No. You can pay for bags only at the airport, as Southwest's web check-in doesn’t offer this facility.

Southwest Airlines Check In – Boarding Pass & Early Bird

Checking in for your flight on time is as important as making advanced bookings. Flight check-in confirms your ticket and helps you obtain your boarding pass. Southwest check in opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure and lets the passengers complete the process without stepping out of their comfort zone.

Southwest offers multiple ways to check in for your flight, including online, via the mobile app, at the airport, and at a kiosk. The guide outlines all essential details about the airline’s check-in options, deadlines to get your boarding pass, and steps to complete the process. So, what are you waiting for? Keep scrolling the page and find out the information here.

How to Initiate the Southwest Check in Process?

Read to complete the Southwest Airlines check in process, but have no idea where to get started? Here’s a quick rundown of different methods to get your Southwest boarding pass. Scroll down to have a closer look.

Online Check-in/ Mobile App

Navigate to the Southwest Airlines official website. Alternatively, you can download the Southwest mobile app on your device.
Go to the “Check-in” option on the homepage.
A new window will open on the screen where you can add your Confirmation Number, Name, and Last Name.
Click the “Check-in” option at the bottom.
This opens the airline’s check-in window.
Here, you can select the flight and number of passengers for which you want to complete the Southwest check in.
Click Add Extras to add some extra services to your itinerary.
Once done, click the check-in button to complete the Southwest Airlines check in get your boarding pass easily.

Airport Check-in

Besides Southwest Airlines check-in online, passengers can complete the process and get their boarding pass at the airport.
You can either visit the airline’s check-in counter at the airport or locate the self-service kiosk to get your boarding pass.
If you are checking via a self-service kiosk, simply provide the essential details, like booking number and last name.
Follow the on-screen instructions for Southwest Airlines check in and add your baggage, seat, or other extras.
Pay the extra dollars for other services, get your boarding pass, and rush to the gate area.

Skycap Podium

Southwest Airlines offers Skycap services to passengers, including the flight check in at select airports.
Skycap Podiums mainly work like self-service kiosks and are available at select airports.
Besides the flight check-in, Skycaps also offers other services, like luggage handling, airport navigation, and curbside check-in.

What are Southwest Airlines’ Check-in Deadlines?

Now that you know about the Southwest flight check in, it’s time to outline the deadline to avoid any hassle later on. Check out the deadlines below and get your boarding pass with ease.

Online check-in opens 24 hours before the flight’s departure.
Southwest Airlines may begin the boarding process 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, which means passengers must arrive at the gate area no later than this time.
All passengers must obtain their Southwest boarding pass and visit the gate area at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. If you exceed the time limit, Southwest may cancel your tickets and offer no compensation.

What is Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check in?

Planning to check in a bit early for your flight? Well then, opt for Southwest Airlines Early Bird check in and get your boarding pass easily. This method is mainly introduced for those looking to secure a better boarding position on Southwest flights. Here’s a quick rundown of all details about the EarlyBird check-in, its price, process, and other info. Let’s have a closer look.

About EarlyBird Check-in

EarlyBird check in with Southwest automatically checks you in for the flight 36 hours before the scheduled departure.
The best thing about the EarlyBird check-in is that you don’t have to complete the check-in formalities manually, as it itself completes the process and sends you the boarding pass.
The early check-in for your Southwest flights undoubtedly helps you secure a better boarding position.
By boarding earlier, you can get a chance to pick a better overhead bin space to keep your luggage.
However, be mindful that EarlyBird check-in won’t guarantee the A1 to A15 boarding position.

How to purchase a Southwest EarlyBird check in?

Wondering how to purchase the Southwest Airlines EarlyBird flight check in? Well, the process is simple. You can easily purchase the check-in during the checkout process on the official website.

The availability of this option starts from $15 per person each way, and you will need the airline’s confirmation number to purchase it. However, be mindful that EarlyBird check-in is subject to availability, and its price can change at any time without prior notice.

How to Complete the Check-in Process For Partner Itineraries?

Are you traveling on partner itineraries and wondering how to complete the flight check-in process? Passengers must check in for both airlines’ flights via the carrier operating the flight on the day of travel. Scroll down to find out the details below.

If you are departing on a Southwest Airlines and are eligible for check in online for your flight, then simply go to the official website or download the mobile app to get your boarding pass.
However, if you are departing on a partner airline, you will need to check in via the partner airline’s official website.

Summing Up

That’s all about the Southwest check in process. We hope our guide has helped you understand the airline’s check-in policies, deadlines, and the process. All passengers traveling with Southwest Airlines must complete the check-in process in time and get their boarding pass as early as possible to get a better boarding position. If you want to enjoy the highest boarding position (A1 and A15 are still not guaranteed), then you can easily opt for the Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-in at extra charges and check yourself in 36 hours before the scheduled departure. So, why wait? Follow the instructions mentioned above and complete the process in time. For more details, get in touch with our experts at Flyviatrip and get all the answers to your questions.

How to check in for your Southwest Flights?