Wizfair Travels time

Last Updated On, Sep 24, 2026

Southwest Airlines Check-In: How to Check In & Times

Planning to fly with Southwest? Knowing that Southwest Airlines check-in opens 24 hours before your flight’s original scheduled departure time can make the process much easier. You can check in online through Southwest.com or the Southwest app, or at the airport. Domestic check-in closes 30 minutes before departure; international check-in closes 60 minutes before departure, or 75 minutes for flights departing Aruba.

Southwest Airlines Check In: At a Glance

A smooth Southwest flight check-in experience starts with knowing the key timings and available options. Here’s a quick snapshot of the check-in window, deadlines and airport requirements.

Check-in detail	Southwest requirement
Online check-in opens	24 hours before original scheduled departure
Domestic check-in deadline	30 minutes before departure
International check-in deadline	60 minutes before departure
Aruba departure deadline	75 minutes before departure
Online options	Web check-in and app check-in
Airport options	Kiosk, Skycap at select locations, ticket counter
Gate requirement	Be in the gate area at least 10 minutes before departure

These deadlines apply to the original scheduled departure time, so do not rely on a later flight update to extend your check-in window.

How to Check In for a Southwest Flight

The Southwest check-in process is straightforward. Have your confirmation number and passenger name ready before you begin.

Online check-in

To check in online, follow these steps:

Web Check-in

Go to Southwest.com and select Check In.
Enter your confirmation number, first name and last name.
Retrieve your reservation and follow the check-in prompts.
Complete the check-in.
Obtain your digital boarding pass.

Check-in through app

You can also check in through the Southwest mobile app, where you can retrieve your trip and access your digital boarding pass.

At the Airport

If you prefer checking in to your Southwest flight at the airport, you can use any of the following:

A self-service kiosk where available
A Skycap podium at select locations
The Southwest ticket counter

You can also get your boarding pass at the airport if you did not obtain it online.

When Can I Check In for My Southwest Flight?

If you're asking when I can check in for my Southwest flight, online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight’s original scheduled departure time. The key check-in and boarding timelines are:

Online check-in: Opens 24 hours before scheduled departure.
Domestic flights: Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.
International flights: Complete the check-in by 60 minutes before the flight takes off.
Flights departing Aruba: The check-in timeline is 75 minutes before departure.
Gate: Be in the gate area with your boarding pass at least 10 minutes before departure.

Missing the applicable check-in deadline may require rebooking on the next available flight. If you are not in the gate area at least 10 minutes before departure, your reservation may be canceled.

Important: Arrive at the airport early enough to complete check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and any required document verification before the applicable cutoff.

Partner Itineraries

For partner itineraries, check in with the airline operating your first flight. If Southwest operates the first flight, eligible passengers can check in on Southwest.com 24 hours before departure; otherwise, use the partner airline’s website.

What Happens to Your Seat During Check-In?

During Southwest flight check-in, your available seat options depend on your fare, Rapid Rewards status, eligible credit card benefits, and seat availability. The airline now uses assigned seating, with options varying by fare and eligibility.

Your seat options may vary depending on availability and your fare:

Basic fare: An available Standard seat is assigned at check-in.
No seat assigned: If a seat cannot be assigned immediately, it may be assigned at the gate.
Seat changes: Most passengers can change their seat after check-in, subject to availability and fare rules.
Seat upgrades: Eligible passengers may purchase an available Extra Legroom, Preferred or Standard seat after check-in.

Can You Check In for Southwest International Flights Online?

Yes, eligible international passengers can check in online. However, for international travel, knowing how to check in for Southwest flight can help you complete document verification and get your boarding pass without delays. Eligible passengers can check in through Southwest.com or the Southwest app.

Passport verification: If you don’t require a visa, scan your passport or U.S. I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) using your phone at check-in.
Airport verification: You can have your passport verified by a Southwest agent or kiosk at the airport on the day of travel.
Boarding pass: Access your boarding pass after the required passport verification is complete.
Return Flight Boarding Pass: If you use the same passport or Green Card for your return flight, you can access your mobile boarding pass online within 24 hours of departure.
No online check-in: Passengers traveling to or from Aruba, Havana, or Punta Cana must check in at the airport.
Travel documents: Carry your passport and any other required documents for your destination.

Can You Check Bags Online with Southwest?

Yes, after completing online Southwest flight check-in, you can check your bags digitally from 24 hours before departure.

Check Bags Online

Use Southwest.com or the Southwest app.
Pay applicable standard bag fees with credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay.
Online bag check-in is available until 60 minutes before domestic or 90 minutes before international departure.
Bags cannot be checked during booking.

At the Airport

Self-service kiosk: Print your bag tags, where available.
Ticket counter: Drop off tagged bags with a Southwest Agent.
Bag drop: Checked baggage is accepted within 4 hours of scheduled departure.
Domestic flights: Bags must be checked at least 45 minutes before departure; for St. Thomas flights, cutoff time is 90 minutes.
International flights: Bags must be checked at least 60 minutes before departure; AUA flights require 75 minutes.
Late bags: May not arrive on the same flight; Southwest may not cover delivery costs.
Partner airlines: May have different baggage deadlines.
Overweight/oversize fees: Airport payments require a physical credit card; mobile/contactless payments aren't accepted.

Important: Arrive at the airport early enough to complete check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and any required document verification before the applicable cutoff.

Need to Change Your Bags?

Add bags: Go to Manage Reservations → Modify Checked Bags.
Remove bags after paying: Contact Southwest or an airport Customer Service Agent.

Online bag check-in may not be available for partner itineraries, Group reservations, or some Southwest Business reservations.

Southwest Check In Not Working? Try These Fixes

If SW Airlines check in is unavailable, check these points first:

Make sure you are within the 24-hour check-in window.
Recheck your confirmation number and passenger name.
Confirm that your itinerary is eligible for online check-in.
For certain international trips, complete document verification at the airport.
If your first flight is operated by a partner airline, check in with that airline.
If online check-in remains unavailable, use a Southwest kiosk or ticket counter at the airport.

Ready for Your Southwest Flight?

A smooth Southwest Airlines check-in starts with knowing the 24-hour opening window, completing check-in before the applicable cutoff and leaving enough time for bags, security and the gate. If you're still planning your trip, booking through Wizfair Travels can help you compare available options and find opportunities to save money while arranging your Southwest journey.

FAQs

When does Southwest online check-in open?

Southwest online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight's original scheduled departure time. You can check in through Southwest.com or the Southwest app.

How early can I check in for Southwest?

You can check in online 24 hours before your original scheduled departure time.

What is the Southwest check-in deadline?

For domestic flights, the check-in deadline is 30 minutes before scheduled departure. For international flights, it is 60 minutes, or 75 minutes for flights departing Aruba.

Do I have to check in online with Southwest?

No, you can also check in at the airport using a self-service kiosk where available, a Skycap podium at select locations, or the Southwest ticket counter.

Can I check in online for an international Southwest flight?

Yes, eligible international passengers can check in online, although passport or other document verification may be required. Flights to or from Aruba, Havana, and Punta Cana cannot be checked in online.

What happens if I miss Southwest check-in?

If you miss the applicable check-in cutoff, Southwest may require you to be rebooked on the next available flight. Passengers must also have their boarding pass and be in the gate area at least 10 minutes before departure.