If EarlyBird Check-In® is available, we'll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight's departure - that's 12 hours before general boarding positions become available.
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Flight Check-In OnlineBeginning 24 hours prior to departure, from Southwest.com® or the Southwest® app, select “Check in.” Enter the confirmation number and first and last name of a Passenger on the itinerary, and click “Check in” (for desktop) or “Retrieve reservation” (for the Southwest app or mobile website).
The e-ticket receipt often looks similar to an old-style paper ticket but doesn't need to be presented at the check-in counter on the day of your flight (although we suggest you have it with you, just in case as it serves as proof that your ticket was issued).
For a short-haul flight where you are only taking hand luggage, checking in online saves a lot of time and is therefore much better than checking in at the airport. If, on the other hand, you have to check in bulky luggage, it is better to use the classic check-in at the airport for security reasons.
New for 2022, EarlyBird Check-In is included with the purchase of an Anytime fare. Customers who purchase an Anytime fare will automatically be checked in to their flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure—that's 12 hours before our traditional 24-hour check-in.
It's recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. Though, some airports may recommend more than two hours before. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time, so you can get through TSA with time to spare.
Customers can add EarlyBird Check-In to their reservation up to 36 hours prior to a flight's scheduled departure, when it is available. Upgraded Boarding guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position and, when available, can be added to a reservation up to 30 minutes before a flight's scheduled departure.
B boarding group: This is the next best boarding group to be in if you want the chance to select a seat you can live with. However, being near the beginning of the B group is a lot better than the end.
A-List and A-List Preferred members receive priority boarding for everyone booked on the same reservation as boarding positions get assigned to elite Rapid Rewards members 36 hours before departure — so you don't have to purchase EarlyBird Check-In separately.
Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.
Customers who purchase an Anytime fare will automatically be checked in to their flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure—that's 12 hours before our traditional 24-hour check-in. You will receive an earlier boarding position, improved seat selection, and earlier access to overhead bins.
Online check-in lets you check in from your home or office and print your own boarding pass. You can also choose to have a link to your boarding pass emailed to your mobile device.
After completing online check-in, passengers can either print their boarding pass at home or download it to their mobile device. This allows them to skip the check-in desk at the airport and head straight to security, saving time and reducing stress.
If you already have your boarding pass, you may go directly to the boarding gate.If not, you'll have to request it at the check-in counter. If you're travelling with checked luggage, you also must first leave it at the drop-off counter.
Can I use my mobile boarding pass to go through the security checkpoint and board my flight? Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed.
The difference between an electronic ticket and a boarding pass. Simply put, the difference between an electronic ticket and a boarding pass is that the electronic ticket is a confirmation that you have completed your purchase, and boarding pass is a document that allows you to board on the plane.