Lois Larson
Southwest Airlines offers a range of options for checking in, including self-service kiosks, ticket counters, mobile check-in, and curbside check-in. Self-service kiosks are available from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time, depending on your departure city and destination. To use a self-service kiosk, you will need to identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code, or entering your frequent flyer number. You can then check in for your flight, print your boarding pass, and check your bags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Check-in time | 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time |
| Check-in options | Mobile device, self-service kiosk, ticket counter |
| Check-in requirements | Photo ID, flight reservation code, flight number, destination, electronic ticket number |
| Baggage check-in | Available at the kiosk |
| Bag fees | Payable at the kiosk |
| Seat selection | Not available at the kiosk |
| Boarding pass | Printed at the kiosk |
| TSA PreCheck | Available at some airports |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Checking in and printing boarding passes
Checking in and printing your boarding pass at the airport for your Southwest Airlines flight is a straightforward process. Firstly, you need to locate the check-in kiosks, which are usually found at the front of the check-in line and look like freestanding computer screens.
To initiate the check-in process, you will need to identify yourself. You can do this by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code, or entering your frequent flyer number. If you have checked in online, you can scan your printed boarding pass, and the kiosk will identify you and begin the luggage check-in process.
You will then be asked about checked baggage. You can input the number of bags you want to check, and the kiosk will prompt you to place your bags on the scale. A customer service representative will then tag your bags and put them on the conveyor belt. You will receive your luggage claim tags, usually in the form of stickers, and you will be informed of your gate, either by the representative or on your boarding pass.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in and go through security. For domestic flights, it is suggested that you arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time, and for international flights, you should allow at least 3 hours.
Mesa Gateway Airport: Airlines and Services Offered
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Identifying yourself
To identify yourself at an airport kiosk, you will need to insert a credit card, scan your passport or ID, type in your flight confirmation code (locator number), or enter your frequent flyer number. If you have checked in online, you can scan your printed boarding pass at the kiosk, which will identify you and start the luggage check-in process.
If you have swiped a credit card to identify yourself, skip the seat upgrade option unless you want to use it, as the airline will have already captured your credit card information. You can change your seat assignment at the kiosk, provided there are open seats on your flight.
If you are flying internationally with Southwest Airlines, you must verify your passport with an agent or kiosk at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. For domestic flights, you should arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
If you are checking in at the airport, you will need your photo ID and your flight reservation code, flight number, destination, or electronic ticket number.
Updating Airport Utility: A Quick Guide to the Process
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Luggage check-in
Checking in luggage at an airport kiosk is a straightforward process. When you arrive at the airport, look for the row of kiosks near the check-in line for your airline. These will look like free-standing computer screens.
If you have checked in online, you can scan your printed boarding pass at the kiosk, which will identify you and begin the luggage check-in process. If you have not checked in online, you will need to identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code (locator number), or entering your frequent flyer number.
Once you have been identified, the kiosk will ask you about checked baggage. You will be able to input the number of bags you want to check. Confirm the number of bags and verify that you will pay the fees for each bag. You can pay these fees at the kiosk using a credit or debit card.
After you have completed the check-in process at the kiosk, you will need to attach the printed luggage tags to your bags. Then, proceed to the counter, where an airline employee will weigh your bags and place them on the conveyor belt.
It is important to note that Southwest Airlines has specific requirements for checked baggage. For example, luggage must not be wrapped in plastic when checking in at certain airports, and there are restrictions on the number, weight, and size of checked bags for certain destinations. It is recommended to review the specific guidelines for your departure airport and destination before checking in your luggage.
Houston Airport: Operational and Ready for Takeoff
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Seat upgrades
Southwest Airlines has an open seating style, with seats prioritised by boarding groups. There are three boarding groups (A, B, or C) with positions from 1-60+. While the boarding process can be confusing, the best way to get a good seat is to secure an A1-15 boarding position.
To do this, you can check in online beginning 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be. If you wait until you get to the airport, you will likely end up with a worse boarding position. However, if you are checking in at the airport, you can use a self-service kiosk to check in and get your boarding pass.
If you want to upgrade your boarding position, you can pay $30-$50 for an A1-15 position. You can do this either at the airport or online. If you are at the airport, you can use a self-service kiosk to do this. However, if Business Select is sold out, you may not be able to purchase an upgraded boarding position.
When checking in at a kiosk, you will first need to identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code, or entering your frequent flyer number. You will then be asked to confirm your flight information. After this, you will be able to review and change your seat assignment. Be careful, as some airlines will try to entice you to pay extra to upgrade your seat. If you have swiped a credit card to identify yourself, make sure to skip the seat upgrade option unless you actually want to upgrade.
Exploring Tropical Cairns: Multiple Airports, One Adventure Hub
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Boarding and security
Checking in at the airport for your Southwest Airlines flight is a straightforward process. You can check in at the self-service kiosks from 30 minutes to 3 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. The kiosks are typically freestanding computer screens. You can identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code, or entering your frequent flyer number. You can also scan your printed boarding pass if you have checked in online.
After you have identified yourself, the kiosk will prompt you to confirm whether you have any checked baggage. You can then proceed to the luggage check-in process. An airline employee will be available to help you attach baggage tags and place your bags on the conveyor belt.
You will then receive your luggage claim tags, and a customer service representative will direct you to your gate. You can also find gate information on your boarding pass.
It is important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to pass through the security checkpoint before it closes. Suggested arrival times for domestic and international flights are 90 minutes, and you must verify your passport with an agent or kiosk at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Security checkpoints are open from 3:30 a.m. to 8:50 p.m. daily, and they will not accommodate delayed departures.
Early Morning Flights: Are Airports Busy at 4 AM?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
To check in at an airport kiosk with Southwest Airlines, you will need to identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code, or entering your frequent flyer number. You can also scan your printed boarding pass if you have checked in online. You will then be asked about checked baggage, and you can use the kiosk to pay any bag fees.
No, Southwest Airlines does not allow seat selection at kiosks or ticket counters. However, purchasing the EarlyBird Check-In option for $15.00 will get you automatically checked in and give you a better opportunity to select your preferred seat.
Southwest Airlines recommends arriving at the airport 180 minutes before the scheduled departure time for both domestic and international flights.
