Southwest Airlines Check In: What You Should Know!

southwest airlines check in

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The check-in procedure of Southwest Airlines aids in deciding when you board and where you will sit. The zones are split up into the A, B, and C categories, which are further split into the 1–39 and 31–60 ranges. You are given the zones based on the type of Southwest tickets you purchase.

What Are the Southwest Airlines Check In Options For Passengers?

The process for Southwest Airlines Check In starts 48 hours before the departure of the flight and last 2 hours before the departure.

Here are the methods flyers can choose from to complete their check in process with Southwest Airlines:

Southwest Online Check In

Southwest has a policy for online check-in as well, so passengers can save time by check in in online and just the receipt at the counter and processing. This enables them to not stand in long lines and wait for hours. The Southwest online check-in is not applicable to flyers using special assistance services like unaccompanied minors, wheelchairs, and any visual or hearing aid assistance. This process is also not available for international flyers. However, there are many benefits flyers can add on while online check-ins, like meals and preferred seats.

We have a few steps flyers need to follow for the online process:

  • Visit the official website of southwest airlines by clicking on the link we have provided
  • Login to the account and navigate to the online check-in southwest airlines flight page
  • Here, passengers need to fill out the information such as PNR number, first and last, and some other details that the airline required for check-in.
  • After filling out all the information, click on the complete check-in.
  • Then complete the seat check-in process as well to complete your check-in fully.
  • The boarding pass will be available to the passengers instantly. They can choose to print it hand to hand-for further use. Flyers need to make sure they have the boarding pass when they arrive at the airport.

Southwest Airline Kiosk Check In

Most passengers are not aware of the kiosk Southwest Airlines Check In process. Thus we have a step-by-step process to help flyers to have an easy check in. Southwest kiosk check-in is available for both domestic and international. Flyers must connect with Southwest Airlines executives for baggage before they go for the kiosk check-in. Flyers will receive a boarding pass that they will require later

Here’s the process for the kiosk check in:

  • The first step will be to find the southwest kiosk machine at the airport. Passengers can also get information from the website about where the kiosk is at the airport
  • Then flyers need to provide a photo ID, their phone number, and the confirmation number.
  • Travelers can choose either the preferable seat at the kiosk. If not, the airline allots the seat itself.
  • Here the process is complete, and flyers will have the boarding pass. Make sure to keep it safe.

Southwest Airline Curbside Check In

This curbside service by Southwest Airlines is not available for everyone. It is only available at selected airports in the United States. This check is exclusively available for only those travelers who have the confirmation and are just carrying one handbag and no other luggage. Even though it is situated in a few airports, it is available 24×7, 365 days.

Here’s a list of airports curbside check-in for southwest airlines flights is available:

  • Denver, CO
  • Chicago, IL
  • Baltimore, PA
  • Dallas, TX
  • San Diego, CA
  • Phoenix, AZ

Mobile Check-in For Southwest Airlines

The Southwest Airlines check-in through mobile will be accessible through the Play Store, enabling travelers for their Southwest check-in to complete the trip as well as select the seat of their choosing on board, view the timetable, and get contact center details. Android smartphone boarding passes would be accessible upon check-in. On codeshare flights, check-in using the Southwest mobile app is not possible.

Airport Check in for Southwest Flights

How do I check in with southwest airlines at the airport? When a traveler arrives at the airport, they check in and hand over their checked luggage. Before they begin the onboarding process, they would receive a Southwest print boarding permit in exchange. Passengers must be at least at the airport two hours prior to the departure time to finish the check-in procedure for Southwest Airlines. You may finish the Southwest Airlines airport check-in by doing the following:

  • Find the Southwest check in desk at the airport
  • Keep your passport, a picture ID from the government, your Reservation number for Southwest Airlines, or a printout of your ticket close to hand.
  • Passengers will be required to produce the mentioned documentation at the Southwest airline check-in counters. They can also give over their checked luggage, which will be weighed before being loaded into the aircraft.
  • Passengers will be given a boarding permit that will allow them to board the aircraft after providing their travel documentation and complying with Southwest’s luggage weight requirements.
  • Passengers should head to the security checkpoint after completing their Southwest Airlines check-in request.
  • A traveler can go to the boarding gate to board the aircraft after going through security screening. The boarding card will list Southwest’s boarding times.

Check-In Time for Southwest Airlines

check in time for spirit airlines
check in time for spirit airlines

For all service classes, Southwest Airlines’ web check-in opens 48 hours before the planned departure and concludes 10 minutes before take-off. The passenger’s registered mail ID would get both the Southwest Airlines boarding pass and the receipt. The six-digit PNR number can be used by travelers using a mobile app or the Southwest Airlines website to reserve their desired seats.

  • As early as 30 minutes before the planned departure time, passengers may start boarding. As stated below, it is advised to arrive at the gate area no later than 30 minutes.
  • The online check-in begins 24 hours before departure. On the other hand, Kiosk or curbside check-in starts 3 hours before departure.
  • In the case of Early Bird check-in, you will automatically check-in 36 hours prior to departure.
  • Passengers must get their Southwest boarding pass and be there at the gate area for Southwest onboard no later than ten minutes before the planned time of the flight’s departure. If not, the airline may cancel the reserved space, and passengers won’t be qualified for compensation for boarding refusal.
  • According to Southwest check-in guidelines, travelers may change or cancel their ticket up to 10 minutes before the aircraft is due to depart. The no-show status will be assigned to passengers who are unable to cancel for the Wanna Get Away ticket flight segment. For the originally ticketed passenger only, the fare value for Business Select and Anytime Fare would be converted into a travel credit.

Southwest Early Bird Check In

Passengers may take advantage of automated Southwest Early Bird Check-In, which gives them better boarding positions and early access to overhead bins, starting at 15 USD per person.

Early-bird services can be booked at a cost ranging from 15 to 25 USD one-way per passenger in accordance with Southwest Airlines Check-In policy.

Through enhanced boarding, Southwest Airlines passengers may choose from available overhead bin space. They can have access to lots of space. You do not need to check in if you choose the EarlyBird option, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before the departure time. Your position is instantly changed to one that allows you to board earlier and reach the overhead bins with your carry-on luggage.

Boarding Order on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines Check in flights concludes 10 minutes before departure time. Airlines will transfer a seat to a passenger if they are not present on board. Once the plane doors are shut, Southwest’s boarding period expires. The list of Southwest boarding groups that passengers should be aware of is provided below.

Boarding groupBoarding Pass
Group A (Military boarding)Military officials
Group BBusiness Select
Group CAnytime fare
Group DWanna get away

Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Airlines Check In

How long before my Southwest flight can I check-in?

Beginning 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight, you can check in online at Southwest.com if your reservation qualifies.

Do I need to print my boarding pass?

Yes, according to Southwest Airlines, you need to print your boarding pass. A boarding pass that is improperly printed may make your ticket unusable at the gate.

Is it better to check-in online or at the airport?

Avoiding the line-ups at the airport is the main advantage of online check-in. You may bypass standing in line to check in and, if your airline permits you, bypass standing in line again to have your luggage checked by going straight to security.

How much are the fees for Southwest Early Bird check-in?

Southwest Airlines offers an early bird check-in facility to its passengers to board the flight and access the overhead space and better seats. Southwest charges $15 to $25 to apply this facility to your ticket.

What are the ways for checking in on Southwest flights?

Passengers can use the following methods to check in on Southwest flights.

  • Web check-in.
  • Kiosk check-in.
  • Curbside check-in.
  • Airport check-in.
  • Mobile check-in.
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