Southwest Airlines is a well-recognized name in the airline industry. It offers excellent services to its passengers with the aim of providing them with an unforgettable and hassle-free travel experience. To ensure a smooth check-in process, Southwest offers various options such as online and mobile app check-in, allowing passengers to avoid standing in lines. Simply complete the web check-in and start your boarding process. In addition to these options, passengers can also check in at the airport using self-service kiosks or the curbside check-in option. Let's explore these methods and how to use them.
Types of Check-In On Southwest Airlines
1) Online Check-In
Unlike Kiosk Check-In, the online check-in process is far easier and smoother. It doesn't require any type of physical involvement, it can easily be done while sitting at home through your mobile or laptop. All you need is to follow the online-check process step by step. Let's go through them in detail.
Go to the Southwest Airlines website.
Navigate to the "Check-In" section.
Provide your booking confirmation number and your full name.
Hit the "Check-In" button.
Follow the prompts to finish the check-in.
2) Airport Check-In
If you have one of the following reservations, you won’t be able to use self-service check-in and will need to visit the airport ticket counter:
Traveling with a pet
Flying on a military fare
Accompanying an unaccompanied minor
Bringing an infant
Holding paper tickets
3) Kiosk Check-In
Kiosk Check-In services are available at most airports. So, if you're not a fan of using web check-in services, the kiosk is probably the best option for you. No matter your destination, you can easily access it. As for the Kiosk Check-In process, all you need is your flight confirmation number or Rapid Rewards number. However, please note that military personnel and passengers traveling with pets cannot use the kiosk check-in option.
4) Southwest Early Bird Check-In
Southwest offers a handy feature called EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in ahead of the standard 24-hour window—starting 36 hours before your flight. This service, available for a fee ranging from $15 to $25 one-way per passenger, saves you the hassle of manual check-in. You’ll be checked in automatically and given a boarding position early on, which also means you’ll have first dibs on overhead bin space for your carry-on.
How to Get EarlyBird Check-In?
You can snag EarlyBird Check-In up to 36 hours before your flight in several convenient ways:
Directly on Southwest.com
Over the phone with Southwest
Through Southwest’s mobile site
Via the official Southwest Airlines app for Android or iOS
You can add this service when you first book your flight or any time after—just make sure to do it at least 36 hours before your flight takes off.
5) Southwest Curbside Check-In
Apart from kiosk or online check-in options, there is another remarkable option that passengers can go with. It is curbside check-in services. Under this, you can check-in one to 3 hours before the set departure time. Make sure you have your ID proof and the reservation number.
6) Automatic Check-In
Southwest Airlines provides an automatic check-in service that begins 36 hours before your flight's departure. To take advantage of this, you'll need to secure an early boarding position, which is available 12 hours before general boarding starts. If you prefer a printed boarding pass, you can easily obtain one at a self-service kiosk at the airport starting 24 hours before your flight.
7) Other Check-In Options
Besides above mentioned check-in options, the passengers can check-in at the airport counter or by using their mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions On Southwest Airlines Check-In
How Can I Check In Online with Southwest Airlines if I Don't Have a Printer?
If you don’t have access to a printer when checking in online with Southwest Airlines, don’t worry—you have a few options. You can simply download your boarding pass to your mobile device, or choose to have it emailed to you so you can print it later.
How Do I Check the Status of My Southwest Airlines Flight?
There are multiple ways to do that. You can do that via online, mobile app, phone and by visiting the airport.
How do I check into my southwest flight?
There are numerous ways to check-in on your flight. One of the easiest options is doing online check-in. Other ways are airport check-in, kiosk, curbside and early bird check-in.
Do You Need to Check In Twice for Connecting Flights on Southwest?
If all your flights are booked under a single reservation, you'll get boarding passes for both your departure flight and any connecting flights when you check in. However, if your flights are booked separately, you'll need to check in individually for each flight using its specific reservation number.
Is it possible to check-in early for a Southwest Airlines flight?
According to Southwest Airlines check-in policy, passengers can check in starting 24 hours before their flight's departure. However, if you've chosen the EarlyBird Check-In service, you'll be automatically checked in 36 hours before your flight.