While traveling, the airlines have made checking in online before reaching the airport easy. This helps us save time and energy while standing in long queues. Similarly, the Southwest check-in policy allows you to check in for your flight ticket 24 hours before departure. You can begin your check-in process online through the Manage My Booking feature from the official website.
How to web check-in on Southwest Airlines
- You must visit Southwest Airlines’ official website.
- From there, you have to go to the manage my booking option.
- Select the check-in option.
- Please enter the following information for further processing: confirmation number, name, and departure airport name, and then continue.
- However, each of your trips will be displayed on the screen.
- Follow the process by choosing
- Select the flight.
- Select the passengers to check in.
- Now, enter the number of bags and pay the excess baggage fee if required.
- You can also upgrade your seat here before confirming the check-in.
- After that, download or print the e-boarding pass.
Check-in at the Airport Counter
For International Flights
While traveling internationally, you must reach the airport for check-in at least three hours before departure and check-in at least one hour before departure.
For domestic flights
If you are traveling on domestic routes, you should reach the airport for check-in at least two hours before departure and check-in at least 30 minutes before departure.
What is the Check-in Timing on Southwest Airlines
Meanwhile, per the check-in policy on Southwest Airlines, you can process check-in 24 hours before departure through the official website.
- Online Check-In
The online check-in begins 24 hours before your scheduled departure time and closes one hour before the flight.
- Airport Check-In
However, you can check in at the airport at the ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside check-in from three to one hour before your flight.
Boarding Groups While Check-in on Southwest
Boarding Groups
However, you will be assigned to one of three boarding groups (A, B, or C) and a specific position within that group (1-60+).
EarlyBird Check-In
For an additional fee, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In. This service automatically checks you 36 hours before your flight, often resulting in a better boarding position.
Business Select and A-List
For instance, you will be confirmed for a boarding position between A1 and A15 if you have Business Select tickets or A-List status.
Different Class Types on Southwest Airlines for Check-in
Wanna-Get-Away and Wanna-Get-Away Plus Fare
If you have this fare, you must check in while standing in a usual queue, and Southwest Airlines will complete your check-in process when your turn comes.
Anytime Fare
With these fares, you get an opportunity for an early bird check-in at Southwest Airlines. However, you get an express lane option as well.
Business Select Fare
Business Select is an expensive class, but you will get a priority boarding and check-in option on Southwest Airlines.
What is EarlyBird Check-in on Southwest Airlines
Furthermore, Southwest Airlines offers an EarlyBird Check-In, which you can buy when booking the tickets. This service automatically checks you 36 hours before your flight, often resulting in a better boarding position.
What is the Southwest Check-in Baggage Policy
Southwest Airlines allows you to bring baggage, and you must enter the number of bags and weights while checking in, per the policy. Thus, you must get under the standard allowance of Southwest check-in baggage policy.
Checked Bags
Moreover, the first two checked bags per person are free if they do not exceed 50 pounds and 62 inches (L+W+H) each.
Carry-On Bags
Thus, one carry-on bag and one personal item are allowed per person. The carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin, and personal items must fit under the seat before you.
Is There a Fee Applicable to the Check-in Process on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines charges a fee to check in, but you can avoid the queue and get a priority check-in if you buy EarlyBird. The check-in window starts 24 hours before the departure.
- The fee for early check-in ranges between $15 and $99, depending on the route.
- Thus, if you have a round trip, you must buy the EarlyBird for both.
Points to Remember Before Check-in on Southwest
- Southwest begins the boarding 30 minutes before departure, so it is suggested that you complete your check-in.
- You can cancel your flight ticket after the check-in up to 10 minutes before departure.
- Southwest Airlines offers you an app to complete your check-in process.
- The online check-in time starts 24 hours before departure through the official website or app.
- Moreover, you can purchase an early bird check-in option for more benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
However, you can check in as early as 24 hours before departure online or through a mobile app; thus, the airport approves the web check-in.
You can web check-in through the Southwest app by downloading it on mobile. You can do this for international flights on Southwest Airlines from 24 hours to one hour before departure and domestic flights from 24 hours to 30 minutes before departure.
Meanwhile, checking in online on Southwest Airlines is optional; otherwise, you can go directly to the airport and opt for a self-service kiosk, Delta curbside, or at the airport counter.
You can check in online for international flights up to 24 hours to one hour before departure and domestic flights from 24 to 30 minutes before departure.
While traveling on Southwest Airlines, you can bring carry-on baggage, a personal item, and checked baggage under the standard allowance of your ticket. You can also add more baggage by paying a baggage fee while checking in.
When your flight’s boarding starts, you are assigned a specific group to enter the flight. You will get one of three boarding groups (A, B, or C) and a particular position within that group (1-60+).
