How to Use Southwest Early Check In
Check in for your Southwest Airlines flight exactly 24 hours before departure to get a better boarding position.
Steps
- 1
Find your confirmation number
in the email you got when you booked your Southwest flight.
- 2
Set a timer
for exactly 24 hours before your flight departure time. Southwest opens check in at that moment.
- 3
Go to southwest.com
on your phone or computer and click "Check In" at the top of the page.
- 4
Enter your confirmation number
and your full name. Click "Continue" when you are ready.
- 5
Complete check in
as fast as you can. Your boarding position number appears on the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good boarding position on Southwest?Show
Positions A1 through A30 are the best. You get first choice of seats and overhead bin space.
How much does EarlyBird Check In cost?Show
EarlyBird costs 15 to 25 dollars per person per flight. You can add it when you book or later in My Account.
Can I check in for my whole group at once?Show
Yes. Enter all passenger names during check in. They all get boarding positions based on the time you check in.
What if I miss the 24 hour check in window?Show
You can still check in after the window opens. Your boarding position will be later, so you may not sit with your group.
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Written by the HowToDoStuff.online editorial team. Last updated .