Southwest is a major air transport provider covering destinations in different parts of the world. One of the major pre-departure procedures is the Southwest check in process. This carrier offers different types of check-ins to enable easy access to passengers. To be able to complete this process quickly, you ought to have complete knowledge of the airline’s policies and guidelines. The airline has a separate policy for check-in that indicates the minimum time, stages of check-in, and other details like how to go about this process. These details can help make it simple for you to check in.
What are the Guidelines for Southwest Check in?
For the Southwest Airlines check in process, the following guidelines are given for domestic and international passengers:
- It is mandatory to complete the check-in procedure 1 hour before departure.
- Boarding passes will only be given if all the check-in details are accurate.
- The check-in procedure usually begins 24 hours before a flight’s departure.
- An early-bird check-in option is provided for a certain fee.
- The airline retains the right to revoke reservations for late check-in.
What Southwest Airlines Check in Documents are Required?
As Southwest is a good airline to fly internationally and domestically, it requires valid documents for check-in. The following are generally required for identification purposes:
- Booking confirmation number
- Accurate first and last names as per the passport
For offline check-ins, you may have to show you:
- Flight ticket
- Valid passport
- Heath Certificate when required
- Valid Identity Proof
What is the Southwest Check In Time?
To be issued the boarding pass, you will have to follow the Southwest check-in time. Also, the process should be completed within the time window to avoid missing flights on Southwest.
- Check-in opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight.
- In the case of early birds, passengers can check in 36 hours before the flight.
- Boarding starts 30 minutes before the flight’s take-off.
- Passengers are marked no-show when not present at the boarding gate 10 minutes before the departure.
- The minimum time for check-in for international and domestic flights is the same.
How to check in for southwest Flight?
To go about the Southwest Airlines check-in process, you can either use online options like the official site or the mobile app. Or, use offline methods like self-service kiosks or prefer checking in directly at the airport.
Method 1: Online Southwest Check-In
To access the check in Southwest option online, go to the main website of the airline and retrieve your booking. Follow the steps given below to check in online:
- On the main page of Southwest’s site, find the “Check In” section.
- Now, enter your “Confirmation Number”, “First Name”, and “Last Name”.
- Tap on the “Check In” button highlighted on the right.
Note: The confirmation number can be found either under the “My Trips” or on your booking confirmation mail.
Once the booking is retrieved, the ticket will be checked in. The boarding pass will be then made available for download. Once the procedure is complete, you will receive a confirmation mail to your official email address.
Method 2: Southwest Check-in via Mobile
You can use the Southwest mobile app to check into your flights. You will have to download the app either on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Once you download the application:
- Log into your application using your official flight details and personal information.
- Make a new account if you do not already have one.
- Find the “Check-In” section on the app using the in-app instructions.
- Give all the necessary details as required.
- Follow the on-screen guidelines to complete the check-in process.
- Obtain your digital boarding pass and check the confirmation email.
Method 3: Southwest Check-In at the Airport
Fliers can directly check in at the airport. Here, the agents will be available throughout the process. Make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before the departure to complete the Southwest Airline check in process.
- Go to your departure terminal and find the nearest check-in counter.
- Connect with the agents and submit your flight details.
- You may also be asked to show your identification proof.
- The agents will now go over your details.
- If everything is in place, they will check you in.
- You will then be given your offline boarding pass to move to the boarding gate.
Method 4: Southwest Self-Service Kiosk
To check in Southwest flight on your own at the airport, you can use the self-service kiosk. These kiosks may not be available at all airports, hence, you are recommended to check for their availability in advance.
- At the airport, find a kiosk closest to your boarding gate.
- Select the check-in option on the device.
- Enter your flight details and retrieve your booking.
- Follow the digital instructions given on the device to continue the process.
- Once the check-in is completed, print out your boarding pass.
Note: Use self-service kiosks to check-in for unaccompanied minors and when traveling with pets.
How to Get Southwest Check in Boarding Pass?
A boarding pass is the most important requirement that can be obtained only after checking in. Without a valid boarding pass, you will not be allowed to fly and hence your reservation will be canceled. To get this pass and prevent Southwest Airlines cancellations, you will have to:
- First, complete the check-in process online or offline.
- Then, retrieve your booking using the confirmation number.
- Now, select the “boarding pass” option.
- The website will show your digital pass.
- Download and print it out to submit at the airport.
What is the Southwest Airlines Flight Check In Policy for International Flights?
A few of the Southwest check in flight rules might differ for international flights. The rules can also vary from one country to the other.
- Mobile boarding passes might not be accessed in case of international flights.
- It is mandatory to check in at the counter when flying internationally.
- Southwest unaccompanied minors are not permitted on international flights, hence check-in will not be available.
- Be present at the airport 3 hours before your international flight.
Is there Southwest Curbside Check in?
Few airports that undertake Southwest flights provide a curbside check-in option. To know the exact Southwest Airlines curbside check-in locations, visit the official site of the carrier. Also, the availability of the curbside option differs based on the time of travel. Hence, check for this option at the time of reservation.
What is Southwest Early Bird Check in?
The Early Bird check in Southwest option is provided for those fliers who wish to complete the process in advance. This will be made available 36 hours before the departure of the flight. A fee between USD 15 and 25 applies to access this feature.
Some of the benefits available under the Southwest early bird check in option include:
- You will get early access to boarding.
- The option for preferred seat selection will be made available.
- There will be no hindrance in selecting the required overhead space.
The Southwest Check in procedure is made simple and manageable. If you are present at the airport within the time frame, you will have no problem completing this process. The airline is quite accommodating and hence offers a variety of check-in modes. Thus, passengers from all over are ensured convenience.
