Southwest Airlines Check-in Policy

You can check in to your Southwest Airlines flight using multiple options - you can use the mobile app, visit the official website, or check-in at the airport. Make sure you have your booking confirmation number handy when checking in.

With Southwest Airline online check in, you can check in 24 hours before your scheduled departure time and up to 60 minutes before your domestic or international flight.

Southwest Airlines Check-in - Check-in Through Southwest

Southwest Airlines Website

You can check in up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and save time and long queues at the airport.

1. Visit www.southwest.com and navigate to the "Check In" button at the top
2. Enter your first and last name, confirmation number, Rapid Rewards account number, or credit card information to locate your reservation
3. Select the passenger(s) you wish to check in and confirm any personal information
4. Choose your preferred method of receiving your boarding pass via email or mobile device
5. Verify your flight information and confirm your check-in
6. Print your boarding pass or save it on your mobile device

You can make necessary changes to your flight booking before completing the check-in process. To check the regulations, read the Southwest Airlines Flight Change policy.

Southwest Airlines App

1. Download and open the Southwest Airlines app on your mobile device
2. Tap on the "Check In" button on the app's home screen
3. Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name when prompted
4. Review your flight information and confirm your check-in details
5. Once you complete the check-in process, your mobile boarding pass will be available to use for the flight

Airport Kiosk

You can use the airport self-service kiosk for Southwest Airlines web checkin or check in purposes within 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time, depending on the specific departure city and destination. The kiosk allows you to check in for your flight, print your boarding pass, add a rapid rewards number to a reservation, change your flight, upgrade to a business select fare, add your name to the standby list, self-tag, and check luggage, and pay excess baggage fees

Airport Curbside

Southwest Airlines offers convenient curbside check-in desks for passengers who want to check in when they arrive at the airport.

• The desks are located at passenger drop-off points in most U.S. airports
• You can use the curbside option for check-in if you're traveling on a domestic flight
• You can check in from curbside within the timeframe of 60 minutes to 3 hours before your scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination)
• You will be required to present your photo ID, flight reservation code, or e-ticket number during Southwest Airlines check-in

Check baggage allowances against your booking on the Southwest Baggage policy.

Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-in

Southwest Airlines provides a Southwest Early Check-in facility, called 'Southwest EarlyBird Check-in,' that automatically checks you in 36 hours before the scheduled departure and assigns your boarding position for an additional fee of $15.00 per segment.

• This Southwest Early check-in service allows you to board earlier than other passengers and gives you a better chance to select your preferred seat, and provides earlier access to the overhead bin for your carry-on luggage
• You do not need to check in or web checkin on the day of your flight as it gets checked in automatically with EarlyBird Check-In
• Customers who have purchased Business Select fare tickets do not need to select this option because priority boarding privileges are already included for them
• Unaccompanied minors should also not purchase this option because they pre-board the flight ahead of passengers in general boarding. Read the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy.

Southwest Airlines Check-in - Required Documents

1. A valid Passport for international flights
2. A valid photo ID (Any Government-issued ID, Driver’s license)

If you’re traveling with a pet, check the list of required documents in the Southwest Airlines Pet Travel policy.

Southwest Airlines Check-In Time - Rules & Requirements

Domestic check-in cutoff times

• For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport around 2 hours before the scheduled departure time
• If you're traveling with a checked bag, it is recommended to check in at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time
• If you're traveling without a checked bag and need a boarding pass, it is recommended to arrive at the kiosks at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time
• You are required to be at the boarding gate 30 minutes before the departure

International check-in cutoff times

• For international flights, you're required to arrive at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure time at the airport
• If you're traveling with a checked bag, it is recommended to get your bag checked at the kiosks/bag drop at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time
• If you're traveling without a checked bag and need a boarding pass, it is recommended to arrive at the kiosks at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time
• You are required to be at the boarding gate 30 minutes before the departure