When flying with Southwest Airlines, understanding when to check in is crucial for a smooth travel experience. Southwest Airlines uses a unique boarding process that doesn't assign specific seats to passengers but instead assigns them a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1-60). To ensure that you get the best possible boarding position, it’s important to check in early. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how early you should check in for your Southwest flight to secure a great spot in line and ensure a stress-free experience at the airport.
Southwest Airlines opens its check-in window 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight. This is the earliest time you can check in, and it is highly recommended that you do so as soon as the check-in period opens. While Southwest doesn’t assign seats, your boarding group and position number are determined by when you check in. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be.
The primary reason you should check in early with Southwest is to secure a good boarding position. Southwest Airlines uses an open seating policy, meaning passengers board the plane in groups based on their boarding position rather than having pre-assigned seats. Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (1-60) are assigned during the check-in process, and the earlier you check in, the better your chances of securing a top boarding group (A).
If you check in later, you may end up in boarding group B or C, which means you’ll be among the last to board and have fewer seat options to choose from. Boarding early can ensure you get a seat near the front of the plane or even a spot with extra legroom if available.
To check in for your Southwest flight, simply visit the Southwest Airlines website or use their mobile app. Here’s how:
Visit the Check-In Section: Go to the Southwest website and click on the Check-In tab, or open the Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone.
Enter Your Information: You will need to provide your confirmation number, first and last name, and date of birth. This will allow Southwest to retrieve your reservation and allow you to complete the check-in process.
Review and Confirm: After you’ve entered the details, confirm your flight information and check in. Once checked in, you will receive a boarding pass with your boarding group and position number.
If you’re looking to guarantee an even better boarding position, consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In. This optional service automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure, giving you a head start over those who check in exactly 24 hours prior. EarlyBird customers are usually placed in boarding group A, allowing them to board the plane first.
EarlyBird Check-In costs a small fee, but it can be especially useful for frequent flyers or those traveling on busy routes who want to avoid the stress of being among the last to board. Additionally, EarlyBird ensures you don’t have to worry about remembering to check in exactly 24 hours before departure.
If you don’t check in early, you could end up in boarding group B or C, which means your options for choosing a seat will be more limited. If you’re flying with someone else, checking in late might also mean you won’t be able to sit together. As a result, it’s always a good idea to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opens to ensure the best boarding experience.
There’s no financial penalty for checking in late, but your boarding group and seat options will be less favorable. Southwest’s boarding system is designed to allow flexibility, but checking in early gives you the best possible chance to get a better seat.
To maximize your chances of securing a great seat, it’s essential to check in for your Southwest flight as soon as the 24-hour check-in window opens. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding group and position number, which can make a big difference when it comes to choosing your seat. For even more peace of mind, consider opting for EarlyBird Check-In, which guarantees an earlier boarding time and makes your journey even smoother. Whether you check in online or via the app, taking advantage of Southwest’s flexible check-in window will ensure a more relaxed and efficient start to your flight.