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. If EarlyBird Check-In is available, Customers who purchase EarlyBird Check-In with Choice receive priority over Customers who purchase EarlyBird Check-In with Basic fares. Boarding positions are assigned based on the time stamp of the EarlyBird Check-In purchase relative to Passengers within the same fare product.Early bird assigns boarding early but after business select and status members, but is for entire one way itinerary. Upgraded boarding is an extra cost A1-15 assignment if they are available 24 hours prior to flight, but only for individual segments.Southwest passengers hoping to board earlier and snag a better seat can add EarlyBird Check-In to their booking. EarlyBird Check-In is included in both the Business Select and Anytime fares.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 do I need to check-in for a Southwest flight?
The minimum time to check-in for a Southwest Airlines (WN) flight is: 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights. 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.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.Check-in Times at International Airports When you’re traveling outside of the United States, we suggest arriving at least 3 hours prior to your departure. You must be checked in at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure.
What is the 45 minute rule?
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. You have to check in early enough to meet the bag drop cutoff, which is usually 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and longer for international. But that’s just the baseline. Checking in early gives you time to get through bag drop, security, and unexpected delays without the stress,” he explains.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 need to have your boarding pass before check-in closes or we will be unable to accept you for your flight.Even if you selected your seat when you purchased your flight and you’re not checking a bag, it’s wise to check in as early as possible. For starters, this ensures that as soon as you get to the airport, you can just make your way to security. It may also increase your chances of getting upgraded.
Does checking in early on Southwest get you a better seat?
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. If EarlyBird Check-In® is available, we’ll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight’s departure – that’s 12 hours before general boarding positions become available.Early bird assigns boarding early but after business select and status members, but is for entire one way itinerary. Upgraded boarding is an extra cost A1-15 assignment if they are available 24 hours prior to flight, but only for individual segments.
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.