It is very confusing to check in online with Southwest Airlines. The unique boarding process of Southwest makes it more difficult. As Southwest doesn’t assign seats the Southwest check-in process helps in determining when you board and where you sit. Thus, for first-time travelers, it is a little bit unclear and stressful. The situation becomes tougher when traveling with kids. There will be no guarantee that you will find a good seat or not. So, here we are with all the information and guidance you will need to know about the Southwest Online Check-in process.
As you know Southwest doesn’t assign seats to the passengers. They board the passenger’s board by “zone” and let them choose their seats. The boarding zones are A, B, and C with each divided into two groups: 1 to 30 and 31 to 60.
Southwest assigns these zones to the passengers on different factors:
Passengers are allowed to check in up to 24 hours ahead of the departure time. Then you will be given your seat to check-in. Sometimes passengers can even wait until the last minute to check in. Once you find out the time check-in opens you need to try to check in at exactly 24 hours.
Instead, passengers are assigned a boarding group and position to check-in. You have to enter with your boarding group and then you can choose any open seats you want to sit with.
Passengers with a Business Select ticket are placed in A 1 to 15 boarding zone. It means they can board first after the pre-boarding group and have more options to choose their seat.
This is a great facility offered by Southwest. Under this program, passengers can automatically check in 36 hours before departure. Generally, the charges for EarlyBird range from $15-$25 per one-way. However, it can change as per the route you are flying.
Passengers can easily check in online on the Southwest website or on the Southwest app. All you have to do is enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Certainly! Here’s the information presented in a table format:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply for online check-in and complete the necessary information. |
| 2 | Wait until a minute or so before the check-in opens. |
| 3 | If using the Southwest app, locate the check-in button at the bottom of the main app page. |
| 4 | Click the check-in button and enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name. |
| 5 | Receive a boarding pass via email or text after completing the check-in process. |
The check-in process is a little bit different for Southwest Group Travel. Also, it depends on your flight i.e. domestic flight or international flight.
For a domestic flight, you can check in the group or specific passengers. On the other hand, for international flights, you will be required to check in each passenger one at a time.
Ways to get the best possible boarding zone:
There are many ways to get your boarding pass.
ALSO, CHECK – SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CARRY-ON BAGGAGE POLICY
Those passengers who have not purchased EarlyBird or Business Select and don’t have kids ages six or younger should check in as close to 24 hours ahead of their flight. Check-in on Southwest for both the outgoing flight and the return flight as early as possible.
You can purchase the EarlyBird Check-in while booking your ticket to check in early with priority. It is known that EarlyBird boarding positions are assigned as per the order of tickets purchased. It means that passengers booking their tickets at the last minute can get their Early Bird toward the back of A group. It also depends on how many other passengers have purchased EarlyBird and how many Business Select fares there are.
Passengers traveling together possibly choose the middle seat and toward the back unless they are in the A boarding zone. Passengers are not allowed to save their seats except if they are traveling with kids. Most passengers won’t choose a middle seat at the back if seats are remaining in the forward.
Even the passengers of Business Select do not get the front row every time. It is your luck if you get the seat of your choice but does not guarantee it.
Using Southwest credit cards you can upgrade your entire Southwest experience. These cards provide many offers and deals to travelers and they can even achieve the Southwest Companion Pass.
If you get familiar with the basic details of the Southwest check-in and boarding process you can easily make it relaxed. Follow these guidelines to make your next flight smooth with Southwest. Always try to check in as close to 24 hours prior to departure as possible otherwise you will end up with bad seats.
Southwest EarlyBird is a special perk under which passengers can automatically check in 36 hours prior to departure.
Mobile boarding passes aren’t available for everyone; those who can’t get them are:
You can check in 24 hours before departure time. It can be done from the website i.e. Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app.
Only if you have purchased an EarlyBird Check-In option.
Passengers can check their luggage 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time of the flight.
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