Does Southwest have an app to check-in?
Do it all from the convenience of an app: Book, check in, change, or cancel flights. Check flight status, boarding position, gate information, and travel alerts. Get a mobile boarding pass you can save to Apple Wallet or Google Pay for quick access. Online check-in Once you get to the airport, if you have baggage you can take it to the bag drop, or if you only have hand baggage you can proceed directly to security control.Several of our airlines offer you the option to use their self-service check-in terminals at the airport. You can use these kiosks to choose your seat and print your boarding card. Airline crew will be on hand if you need help. Once you’ve checked in, head to bag drop with your checked-in luggage.The advantages of online check-in One of the biggest benefits is saving time. Instead of having to wait in long queues at the airport, you can check in from the comfort of your own home and print out your boarding pass or save it on your smartphone. This not only saves time, but can also avoid stress and hassle.
Can you automatically check-in to a Southwest flight?
EarlyBird Check-In® is an option giving you the convenience of automatic check-in before our traditional 24-hour check-in, depending on availability. EarlyBird Check-In® is an option giving you the convenience of automatic check-in before our traditional 24-hour check-in, depending on availability.You may receive notifications for check in, when your flight is boarding, and confirmation on your boarding position if you are A-list or A-list Preferred, as well as if you have EarlyBird Check-In®.While EarlyBird Check-In doesn’t guarantee an A boarding position, you’ll have the benefit of an earlier boarding position, a better opportunity to select your preferred available seat, and earlier access to overhead bin storage for your carryon luggage.With EarlyBird Check-In, you’ll have the benefit of an earlier boarding position, a better opportunity to select your preferred available seat, and earlier access to overhead bin storage for your carryon luggage.For flights departing on or before January 26, 2026, if you purchased EarlyBird Check-In®, Choice Extra (formerly Business Select®), Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime), or are a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred or A-List Member or on a reservation with an A-List Preferred or A-List Member, we’ll automatically reserve .
How early should I arrive for Southwest check-in?
While recommendations vary, arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones is a safe bet. But remember, factors like traffic, security lines, and check-in times can influence this. To check bags or check in at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure: Within the U. S. To or from destinations outside the U. S.Within the U. S. This accounts for everything from check-in and baggage drop to security lines and boarding cutoff times.Check-In Times at U. S. Airports For most airports, when traveling domestically, baggage must be checked in at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time for check-in or baggage acceptance are listed below, Go to footer note).You can request your mobile boarding pass at online check-in up to 24 hours in advance, so it will streamline your airport experience. You avoid lines at desks or digital kiosks. You can go straight to security if you are traveling carry-on, and checking baggage is faster.It is highly recommended that you check-in online up to 24 hours before departure. If you are checking bags, it is recommended that you arrive at your airline ticket counter no less than 90 minutes prior to departure. If you have boarding pass and are not checking bags, you do not need to go to the ticket counter.
What is the fastest way to check-in for Southwest?
EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased for Customers traveling on Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away®) and Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus®) fares on Southwest. Southwest app up to 36 hours prior to a flight’s scheduled local departure time, depending on availability. Basically the idea is if you check-in early to a flight you will be put in the very back of the plane since the airline wants to save all the good seats for people willing to pay. So if you check-in just a few hours before your flight you are more likely to get a better seat.Without paying for early check-in, it’s usually the case that the earlier you check in for a Southwest flight, the better your boarding spot will be.Key Points. Checking in early can secure a better seat, help avoid being bumped, and give first dibs on last-minute upgrade deals. Delaying check-in risks losing your seat on full flights and reduces your chances of sitting with travel companions.You need to have your boarding pass before check-in closes or we will be unable to accept you for your flight.Without paying for early check-in, it’s usually the case that the earlier you check in for a Southwest flight, the better your boarding spot will be. That’s why many passengers check in at the earliest possible moment: precisely 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure.
What is the 10 minute rule for Southwest?
If you do not change or cancel your booking at least ten (10) minutes prior to the first flight’s original scheduled departure time, your booking will be canceled as a no-show and all of the unused funds will be forfeited. We allow you to cancel your unchanged reservation(s) without penalty within 24 hours of the initial booking for a full refund if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight’s departure. The refund will then be processed to the form of payment of the ticket purchase.
How do I get my Southwest boarding pass on my iPhone?
How to view: After checking in on the mobile app or mobile website, tap on the boarding pass button. You should see a boarding pass that you can use during travel. If you’re changing planes, you’ll receive a boarding pass for each leg of the journey. In most cases, the earlier you check in, the greater your chances of scoring a window or aisle seat. Some airlines, especially if you’re flying on an international itinerary with different airlines, don’t allow you to choose a seat—even if you’re willing to pay for it—until check in.Yes, most airlines allow you to re-print your boarding passes. We’d suggest double checking directly with the airline you’re due to fly with.If you don’t check in, you won’t receive a boarding pass that allows you to board the plane, and your seat might be given up to a standby passenger. The check-in process also confirms your traveler details like your passport information and frequent flyer number.With Auto Check-in, you will be assigned a system-generated seat on board your flight. If you still wish to select your preferred seat, please continue to Web Check-in.
Can I check-in with Southwest without the app?
You may also check in and/or get a boarding pass upon arrival at the airport at a self-service kiosk (where available), the Skycap podium (in select locations), the Southwest Airlines® Ticket Counter, or at your departure gate. Boarding positions will be automatically reserved for you and the Passengers on your reservation 36 hours prior to the flight for flights on or before January 26, 2026. For flights departing on or after January 27, 2026, boarding group will be no later than group 5.Southwest®-operated flights departing on or before January 26, 2026 have open seating. Review the boarding process for flights with assigned seats (with departures beginning January 27, 2026). You will be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check in.Southwest has three boarding groups, A, B, and C, and each group has 60′ positions. Upon checking in, you’ll be assigned one of these 180 positions, determining when you can board and choose your seat. In addition to these three, the carrier also offers preboarding and family/military/extra boarding groups.What’s changed about the Southwest® boarding process? We’re transitioning from open to assigned seating, starting with flights on or after January 27, 2026. With most fares, Customers will be able to choose their seat at booking.