Lois Larson
Southwest Airlines offers a variety of check-in options for passengers, including online, mobile, kiosk, and counter check-ins. The earliest check-in time varies depending on the method and the type of flight, i.e., domestic or international. For international flights, passengers must verify their passports at least 60 minutes before departure. Domestic flights have a suggested arrival time of 2 hours, while international flights have a suggested arrival time of 3 hours. Passengers can check-in online or via mobile up to 24 hours in advance and until 60 minutes before departure. Curbside check-in is available from 60 minutes to 3 hours before departure, and ticket counter check-in is available from 30 minutes to 3 hours before departure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Check-in window opens | 24 hours before the flight |
| Check-in time at the airport | 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time |
| Check-in time at the kiosk | 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time |
| Check-in time on the mobile app | 24 hours to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time |
| Check-in time for international flights | 120 minutes to 180 minutes before the first departure |
| Check-in time for domestic flights | 120 minutes to 180 minutes before the first departure |
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What You'll Learn
Check-in times for international flights
Southwest Airlines recommends that passengers travelling on international flights arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time. This allows sufficient time for checking in, verifying passports, checking luggage, and receiving boarding passes. The airline advises that passengers with international nonstop flights use Door #6 on the upper level (departures) to enter the terminal and proceed to the International Ticket Counter for check-in and baggage drop-off.
For passengers with layovers on international flights, Doors #3 and #4 on the upper level (departures) should be used to enter the terminal, and they should then head to the Main Ticket Counter for check-in and baggage drop-off. It is important to note that all bags must be checked at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
The check-in process for Southwest Airlines international flights can be done at the airport ticket counter or through mobile/online check-in options. At the airport, passengers can check in at the ticket counter from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure, depending on the departure city and destination. Passengers can also utilise the airline's self-service kiosks to check in during this time frame and obtain a printed boarding pass.
Additionally, Southwest Airlines offers mobile check-in options. Passengers can use their mobile devices to check in starting 24 hours before departure up to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This option is available if passengers have electronic tickets and their first flight is with Southwest Airlines. Passengers can access their reservations using confirmation codes, e-ticket numbers, or frequent flyer accounts.
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Domestic check-in procedures
Southwest Airlines recommends that passengers on domestic flights arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time. The ticket counter opens 90 minutes before the first departing flight. Passengers can check-in at the airport ticket counter from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time, depending on the departure city and destination. Passengers can also check-in using their mobile devices starting 24 hours before and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Passengers will need an electronic ticket, confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account to check in using their mobile devices. Passengers can also check-in at airport self-service kiosks from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time and receive a printed boarding pass.
Passengers who do not have a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID may experience delays, additional screening, and may not be allowed through the security checkpoint. All bags must be checked 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. Southwest Airlines does not assign seats, so boarding the aircraft earlier means passengers have more seats to choose from. The check-in window opens 24 hours before the flight, and passengers' check-in times determine their boarding position. Passengers can purchase EarlyBird Check-In to automatically check in and secure an earlier boarding position, along with earlier access to overhead bin storage for carry-on luggage.
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Online check-in
Southwest Airlines offers online check-in for its flights. Passengers can check in online using their mobile devices starting 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and up to 60 minutes before departure. This option is available if you have an electronic ticket, and the first flight is with Southwest Airlines. You can access your reservation using your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account. However, online check-in does not allow you to check bags or pay bag fees. For this, you will need to use the airport Express Bag Drop kiosks, the ticket counter, or curbside check-in options.
It is recommended that passengers with domestic flights arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes before departure, while international flights suggest an arrival time of 180 minutes before departure. These suggested arrival times can vary depending on weather conditions, holidays, and busy travel periods.
For international travel, passengers must verify their passports with an agent or kiosk at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter at least 60 minutes before their scheduled departure time. Additionally, some countries, like Aruba and Jamaica, require online immigration or pre-departure forms to be filled out before arriving at the airport.
To ensure a smooth check-in process, it is recommended to set an alarm and check in as close to the 24-hour mark as possible. This is because more people are checking in at the 36-hour mark, and competition for preferred boarding positions and seats is high.
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EarlyBird Check-In
Southwest Airlines offers an EarlyBird Check-In option for passengers who want to secure a better boarding position and have the opportunity to select their preferred seat. This service is particularly useful for those who want early access to overhead bin storage for their carry-on luggage.
It is important to note that EarlyBird Check-In does not include seat assignments. Southwest Airlines does not offer assigned seats, but the EarlyBird Check-In option allows customers to choose their preferred seat before those who have not purchased this service. This can be especially advantageous for passengers who want to secure extra overhead bin space for their carry-on luggage.
In addition to the benefits mentioned, the EarlyBird Check-In service also provides peace of mind for travellers who want the convenience of being automatically checked in and not having to worry about checking in exactly 24 hours before departure. This automated check-in feature ensures that customers don't miss their check-in window and provides a more seamless travel experience.
Overall, the EarlyBird Check-In option offered by Southwest Airlines is ideal for passengers who value a better boarding position, earlier access to overhead bin storage, and the convenience of automatic check-in. While it comes at an additional cost, it can enhance the travel experience by providing added flexibility and peace of mind.
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Checked baggage
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to check in at the airport ticket counter from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. This time frame also applies to checking in at the self-service kiosks. Passengers can also check in for their Southwest Airlines flight with their mobile device starting 24 hours before and ending 60 minutes before departure.
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to check their bags at the airport ticket counter, the Express Bag Drop kiosks, or curbside. All bags must be checked 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. There is a limit of 20 pieces of checked baggage per flight for each customer.
Weight and size limits apply to checked baggage. Bags weighing 50+ pounds are subject to overweight fees. Bags exceeding 62 linear inches are considered oversized and will not be allowed from November 15 to January 15. During this period, customers are only allowed two checked bags.
For interisland Hawaii travel, overweight items from 51-70 pounds cost $35, while items from 71-100 pounds cost $70. Oversized items exceeding 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $35 per item, in addition to the standard baggage fee. A maximum charge of $100 applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight, as long as it does not weigh more than 100 pounds.
Sporting equipment, such as surfboards, kiteboards, and bicycles, is treated as a standard bag. If a customer qualifies for any checked baggage allowances, these items will be accepted. Oversized fees may be waived for certain equipment. For example, Hawaii residents can bring two bags for free when travelling between the islands, including surfboards.
Active-duty military customers can receive an exemption from checked baggage fees by presenting their valid military ID.
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Frequently asked questions
You can check in at the airport ticket counter from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time, depending on your departure city and destination.
Yes, you can check in with your mobile device starting 24 hours before and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Checking in online with Southwest Airlines allows you to receive a mobile boarding pass on your device.
For domestic flights, it is suggested that you arrive 120 minutes before departure. For international flights, you should arrive 180 minutes before departure.
EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in and assigns your boarding position, allowing you to board earlier. This service costs $15 per segment.
