Southwest Check-in

How can I check in for my Southwest Airlines (WN) flight?

You may check-in for your Southwest Airlines (WN) flight with the following options:

  • Online check-in (Web check-in)
  • EarlyBird check-in
  • Mobile check-in
  • Curbside check-in at the airport
  • Self-service kiosk check-in at the airport
  • Ticket counter check-in at the airport

Does Southwest Airlines (WN) have online web check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Southwest Airlines (WN) flight online starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device or a printable boarding pass. You may use this option if:

  • you have an electronic ticket and the first flight is on Southwest Airlines (WN)
  • you may access your reservation with your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account
  • you are not a special needs passenger (for example an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet)

Can I check bags with the Southwest Airlines (WN) online web check-in?: No, however, you may check bags at the airport Express Bag Drop kiosks, at the airport ticket counter, or curbside.

Can I pay bag fees with the Southwest Airlines (WN) online web check-in?: No

Can I select or change my seat with the Southwest Airlines (WN) online web check-in?: No, Southwest does not assign seats.

Does Southwest Airlines (WN) offer mobile check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Southwest Airlines (WN) flight with your mobile device starting 24 hours and end-ing 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device. You may use this option if:

  • you have an electronic ticket and the first flight is on Southwest Airlines (WN)
  • you may access your reservation with your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account
  • you are not a special needs passenger (for example, an unaccompanied minor)
  • you are departing from an airport which accepts mobile boarding passes (if not, then you may check-in and print a boarding pass at the self-service kiosk or ticket counter)
  • you are not traveling to/from the U S on an international flight.

Does Southwest Airlines (WN) offer curbside check-in? (US Carriers only)

Yes, you may check-in for your U S domestic Southwest Airlines (WN) flight curbside at most U S airport locations from 60 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination). You will need your photo ID and also your flight reservation code, flight number destination, or electronic ticket number to check-in. Please check Southwest Airlines (WN) website for an exact list of participating airports.

Does Southwest Airlines (WN) offer self-service kiosk check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Southwest Airlines (WN) flight at applicable airport self-service kiosks from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags with the Southwest Airlines (WN) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees with the Southwest Airlines (WN) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat with the Southwest Airlines (WN) self-service kiosk check-in?: No, Southwest does not assign seats.

Does Southwest Airlines (WN) offer ticket counter check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Southwest Airlines (WN) flight at the airport ticket counter from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags at the Southwest Airlines (WN) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees at the Southwest Airlines (WN) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat at the Southwest Airlines (WN) ticket counter check-in?: No, Southwest does not assign seats

What is EarlyBird check-in on Southwest airlines (WN)

EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in and assigns your position for boarding allowing you to board earlier. There is a $15.00 per segment fee associated with this option. However, as an EarlyBird Check-In customer, you will have a better opportunity to select your preferred seat and have earlier access to overhead bin storage for your carryon luggage. You do not have to take any action to check-in on the day of your flight because it is automatic.

NOTE: Customers who have purchased Business Select fare tickets do not need to select this option because priority boarding privileges are already included. Also, if you purchase an Unaccompanied Minor fare then you should not purchase this option because unaccompanied minors pre-board the flight ahead of passengers in general boarding.

Does Southwest Airlines (WN) charge a fee for a seat assignment?

Southwest Airlines (WN) does not charge a fee for selecting a seat assignment. Southwest does not assign seats.

When do I need to check-in for my Southwest Airlines (WN) flight?

The minimum time to check-in for a Southwest Airlines (WN) flight is:

  • 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

When do I need to arrive at the airport for my Southwest Airlines (WN) flight?

Suggested arrival time:

  • 2 hours before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 3 hours before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

Minimum required check-in time with carry-on baggage baggage:

  • 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

Minimum required check-in time with checked baggage:

  • 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

When do I need to be at the boarding gate?

Boarding closes at the following times for Southwest Airlines (WN) flights:

  • 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US