United States · WN / SWA
Southwest Airlines Online Check-in Guide
America's largest domestic carrier and original low-cost airline. Online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before departure on southwest.com — timing matters because boarding position is assigned by check-in time.
Opens on southwest.com in a new tab.
Is Southwest Airlines check-in open right now?
Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.
When does Southwest Airlines check-in open and close?
How to check in online with Southwest Airlines
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Have your booking reference and ID ready
You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).
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Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit southwest.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
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Enter passenger details
Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.
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Choose seats and add extras
Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.
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Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The Southwest Airlines app stores it offline once downloaded.
Mobile vs desktop check-in
| Feature | Mobile (app) | Desktop (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding pass in Wallet | Yes (recommended) | Email link only |
| Passport scan | Yes (camera) | Manual entry |
| Push gate updates | Yes | No |
| Print boarding pass | Via email link | Yes |
| Best for | Day-of-travel use | Troubleshooting, family bookings |
Southwest Airlines baggage at a glance
| Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 46×26×22 cm | 18 kg | Yes |
| Carry-on | 61×41×25 cm | 18 kg | Yes |
| Checked | — | 23 kg | Yes |
Common Southwest Airlines check-in problems
Check-in timing determines boarding position
Problem: Southwest doesn't assign seats — passengers board in groups (A, B, C) based on check-in time. Late check-in = back of plane.
Solution: Check in EXACTLY 24 hours before departure (set a calendar reminder). Or pay for EarlyBird Check-In ($15–$25) for automatic 36-hour pre-check-in.
No advance seat selection
Problem: Travelers from non-US airlines often expect to choose seats; Southwest's open seating shocks first-timers.
Solution: Board early (group A) for first pick. Families with children under 6 board between A and B (Family Boarding).
Two free checked bags — keep them
Problem: Southwest is the last major US airline with 2 free checked bags. Passengers leaving Southwest for budget carriers often don't realize the difference.
Solution: Stick with Southwest for trips with bags. The bag fees on Spirit/Frontier/American Basic Economy often exceed the fare difference.
Southwest Airlines check-in FAQ
When does Southwest check-in open?
Exactly 24 hours before scheduled departure. Set a calendar reminder — check-in time determines your boarding position (A, B, or C group).
Why doesn't Southwest assign seats?
Southwest pioneered open seating — passengers board in groups based on check-in order, then pick any open seat. Faster boarding/deplaning, but stresses out non-US passengers expecting assigned seats.
Are 2 checked bags really free?
Yes — Southwest is unique among major US airlines for this. 2 × 23 kg checked bags are included in every fare, even the cheapest 'Wanna Get Away' base fare.
