Southwest Airlines has been popularly known as a low-budget airline for a long time due to a number of reasons. Often you will find the fares of Southwest more pocket-friendly than other major airlines. As the only remaining airline in the US that doesn’t charge extra for your luggage, with no change or cancellation fees, when it comes to seat assignments and Southwest Airlines check-in procedure, Southwest Airlines is known to do things differently.
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or an amateur, understanding the numerous check-in options available is key. Right from the convenience of online check-in to mobile check-in, Southwest is known to offer flexible choices to suit the travelers preferences. For better insights read the detailed information mentioned below.
What is Southwest’s Check-In Policy?
Southwest has a very simple check-in policy. You can check in online, by phone, or at the airport. These policies are designed to make the process as easy and quick as possible for passengers.
- If you check in less than 30 minutes prior to your flight, your baggage is tagged as ‘Late Check-In.’
- As per the policy, a passenger will receive a boarding pass after the check-in.
- You can opt for early bird check-in as per Southwest airlines check-in procedure to improve your boarding procedure.
- A passenger has the liberty to check in via a number of options, such as online check-in, kiosk, or counter check-in.
How To Check-In Southwest Airlines?
Checking in Southwest Airlines is not so difficult as it might seem. Though there are a number of options for the passengers to choose from, it is not as confusing as it might seem. To know the exact methods do check the process mentioned below.
Southwest Airlines Web Check-In
Passengers boarding their Southwest flight can opt for a web check-in procedure starting from 24 hours before the scheduled departure. During this process passengers have the luxury to choose their desired seat along with baggage allowance.
- Visit the official website of Southwest Airlines on your preferred browser.
- Navigate towards Manage Booking.
- Choose the flight and the passenger for which you want to check-in.
- Click on flight details and proceed towards baggage.
- Select your baggage information and proceed further.
- Now, move towards seat selection.
- Choose your preferred seat.
- Confirm passenger details and pay.
- Finally, wait for the confirmation via mail.
Southwest Airlines Mobile Check-In
Passengers can alternatively choose for mobile check-in if they are not comfortable with the web check-in process.
- Login to your Southwest account by [southwest.com] official website.
- Choose the flight you want to check-in with.
- Navigate through the options and complete the procedures.
- Download the boarding pass to show during the Southwest Airlines check-in procedure.
Southwest Airlines Kiosk Check-In
A lot of passengers love checking in by themselves through the self-service kiosk. It usually takes a few minutes and is quite convenient to use.
- Once you reach the airport, look for the Kiosk.
- Simply enter your PNR number, last name, and flight number to find your reservation.
- Select baggage requirements and proceed toward seat selection.
- Follow the prompt on the screen.
- Lastly, proceed further to print your boarding pass to complete the Southwest check-in.
Southwest Airlines Airport Check-In
If you are not comfortable with any of the processes mentioned above then do go for airport check-in. Just follow the steps mentioned below to ensure a smooth journey ahead.
- Navigate towards the counter once you reach the airport.
- Let the representative know you want to check in for your flight.
- Share your travel details, such as flight number, reservation number, and last name, to complete your Southwest Airlines check-in.
- In the end, the staff will check you in and hand over your baggage.
How Does Southwest Airlines Early Bird Check-In Work?
When it comes to finding a good seat while flying, early check-in plays a crucial role. If you prefer to fly comfortably instead of falling in the middle seat by the bathroom, then it’s best to select the early bird check-in. Southwest’s early bird check-in allows the passengers to complete their check-in and select their preferred seat in advance.
This particular facility of Southwest Airlines check-in enables the passengers to complete their check-in at least 36 hours before the actual check-in begins. Note that there are certain charges applicable to this service, ranging from 15 USD to 25 USD. If you are using the early bird facility, then you will be boarding group A, allowing you to board a flight right after business class.
How To Board A Southwest Airline Flight?
Southwest Airlines has a unique boarding process as compared to other airlines. The airline’s boarding procedure depends on the check-in timing of the passenger. The boarding generally begins 45 minutes before departure with A1- A15 which includes business class passengers.
The boarding starts from the Business Select passengers, who, by default, have priority boarding access. Southwest has a boarding order that depends on First Come, First Serve Southwest Airlines check-in.
- Upgraded Boarding Passenger
- Rapid Rewards A-list preferred members
- Rapid Reward A-list members
- Early Bird Check-in customers (A group)
- Passenger with disabilities
- Family Boarding
- Group B, Group C
How Early Should I Arrive At The Airport To Board A Southwest Flight?
If you have scored a good seat for your journey with Southwest Airlines, then ensure you reach the airport on time so that you don’t miss your flight. Passengers are requested to arrive 2 hours before the scheduled departure of a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. To travel comfortably in your preferred seat with Southwest Airlines, keep in mind the boarding requirements in order to avoid any unnecessary hassle during the process.
Best Tips To Consider For Southwest Check-In
Before you begin your journey with Southwest Airlines have a thorough understanding of the airline’s check-in procedure. To make the process even more simple, ensure to follow the best tips mentioned below.
- Early Check-In: Southwest Airlines check-in procedure allows you to check in 24 hours before your flight. With early check-in in, you will have the leverage to board the plane earlier and have a wider selection of seats.
- Choose Early Bird Check-in: Passengers can choose early bird check-in, which guarantees a boarding position between A1 and A15. These options are considered to be quite good as they offer quality seats.
- Arrive Early At The Airport: Ensure to arrive early at the airport so that you can enjoy hassle-free southwest check-in for your designated flight.
- Know The Boarding Process: It is very important for the passengers to know their designated boarding group to ensure easy boarding for the flight.
Conclusion
Ready for your next trip with Southwest Airlines? If yes, then be aware of the Southwest Airlines check-in process. Mastering the check-in process is quite essential for seamless travel. With the convenience of online and mobile check-in options, a passenger can save time and minimize stress at the airport.
To secure a perfect boarding position, one can also explore the early bird check-in option. Southwest’s numerous check-in methods and their associated benefits ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for the passenger. To know more about the process do contact the customer service at 1-800-435-9792.
FAQs:
How early do I need to check in for a Southwest flight?
Passengers boarding a flight with Southwest Airlines should check in 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight.
What is the Southwest boarding policy?
If you are new to Southwest Airlines, here’s how the boarding process works: passengers are assigned one of three boarding groups and positions — 1 through 60 —when they check-in. Once their boarding group is called at the gate, they line up by number and board the plane. They are free to choose any seat available.
What do I need to check in at the Southwest airport?
You will need your photo ID and also your flight reservation code, flight number destination, or electronic ticket number to check-in.
How Can I Check In with Southwest Airlines?
There are multiple ways for a passenger to check in with Southwest Airlines, such as mobile, kiosk, airport, and app.
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