How do I check in for Southwest Airlines?

You can check in starting 24 hours before original scheduled departure at southwest.com, the Southwest app, or airport kiosks. Enter your confirmation number and name to view your assigned seat and download your boarding pass.

Can I change my seat after check-in?

Yes, you can view or change your assigned seat starting 24 hours before departure during the check-in process.

Can I check in online for international flights?

Yes, but you must enter your passport information, and you may still need to verify documents at the airport counter before proceeding to security.

What are the separate check-in, bag and gate times for Southwest Airlines?

Online check-in opens 24 hours before original scheduled departure. Complete domestic passenger check-in 30 minutes before original scheduled departure, with or without bags; check domestic bags 45 minutes before it. International passenger and bag deadlines are 60 minutes, subject to airport exceptions. Southwest encourages reaching the gate 30 minutes before scheduled departure, when boarding may begin. Separately, have your boarding pass and be available in the gate area 10 minutes before original scheduled departure; Southwest may cancel your space otherwise. Online guidance includes the passenger deadlines, not a separate online-system cutoff. Partner flights follow the first operating airline's check-in methods.

Which airport, route or method exceptions apply to Southwest Airlines?

For domestic flights departing St. Thomas, check bags 90 minutes before original scheduled departure. For flights departing Aruba, complete international passenger check-in and check bags at the ticket counter 75 minutes before original scheduled departure. Domestic bags use the ticket counter or curbside where available; international bags use the airport ticket counter. International passengers cannot voluntarily separate from luggage. Missing the international passenger deadline means you cannot check in or board. The Help Center uses original scheduled departure for passenger, bag and gate-availability deadlines; the contract says scheduled departure. Partner itineraries use the first operating airline's check-in method; airport opening or method availability may differ.

Southwest Airlines Online Check-In (2026)

Southwest check-in opens 24 hours before your flight's original scheduled departure. For domestic flights, complete passenger check-in 30 minutes before original scheduled departure and check bags 45 minutes before it. The international passenger and bag baseline is 60 minutes. Certain airports require earlier times. Online guidance includes these passenger deadlines, not a separate online-system cutoff. See detailed timings for airport, gate and operating-airline rules. You can view or change your assigned seat at check-in.

Page updated: August 2026

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Check-In Timing

Airline	Southwest Airlines (WN)
Online check-in opens (For eligible Southwest trips)	24 hours before original scheduled departure First operating airline determines check-in method on partner itineraries; this is not a seat or boarding-priority rule. For online or app check-in. Online Check-In \| Southwest Airlines · Verified 2026-10-10
Online check-in availability (Check your airport and itinerary)	The guidance used for this page does not specify one universal online cutoff. Passenger, bag and gate deadlines still apply. Southwest's online guidance gives passenger check-in deadlines: 30 minutes domestically, 60 minutes internationally and 75 minutes for Aruba. Those deadlines still apply. For online or app check-in. Check in for your flight — Southwest Airlines; Contract of Carriage · Verified 2026-10-10
Passenger check-in deadline (For domestic flights, whether or not you check bags)	30 minutes before original scheduled departure The domestic checked-bag deadline is separately 45 minutes; airport arrival and baggage times may vary by location. Contract says scheduled; Help Center gives the more explicit original-scheduled basis. Applies at the airport. When to Arrive for Your Flight — Southwest Airlines · Verified 2026-10-10
Checked-bag deadline (For domestic bags at the ticket counter or curbside, where available)	45 minutes before original scheduled departure St. Thomas has an earlier bag deadline; passenger check-in has a separate deadline. Contract says scheduled; Help Center gives the more explicit original-scheduled basis. Applies at the airport. Contract of Carriage — 58th Revised, effective 09/24/2026 · Verified 2026-10-10
Checked-bag deadline (Domestic departures from St. Thomas)	90 minutes before original scheduled departure St. Thomas has an earlier bag deadline; passenger check-in has a separate deadline. Contract says scheduled; Help Center gives the more explicit original-scheduled basis. Applies at the airport. Contract of Carriage — 58th Revised, effective 09/24/2026 · Verified 2026-10-10
Passenger check-in deadline (For international flights, whether or not you check bags)	60 minutes before original scheduled departure Aruba is 75 minutes; a passenger missing the time will not be permitted to check in or board. Contract says scheduled; Help Center gives the more explicit original-scheduled basis. Applies at the airport. Contract of Carriage — 58th Revised, effective 09/24/2026 · Verified 2026-10-10
Passenger check-in deadline (For international departures from Aruba)	75 minutes before original scheduled departure Aruba is 75 minutes; a passenger missing the time will not be permitted to check in or board. Contract says scheduled; Help Center gives the more explicit original-scheduled basis. Applies at the airport. Contract of Carriage — 58th Revised, effective 09/24/2026 · Verified 2026-10-10
Checked-bag deadline (For international bags at the airport ticket counter)	60 minutes before original scheduled departure Aruba is 75 minutes; passengers cannot voluntarily separate from luggage on international flights. Contract says scheduled; Help Center gives the more explicit original-scheduled basis. Applies at the airport. Contract of Carriage — 58th Revised, effective 09/24/2026 · Verified 2026-10-10
Checked-bag deadline (For international departures from Aruba at the ticket counter)	75 minutes before original scheduled departure Aruba is 75 minutes; passengers cannot voluntarily separate from luggage on international flights. Contract says scheduled; Help Center gives the more explicit original-scheduled basis. Applies at the airport. Contract of Carriage — 58th Revised, effective 09/24/2026 · Verified 2026-10-10
Recommended time to reach the gate (When planning to reach the gate; boarding may begin at this time)	30 minutes before scheduled departure Plan to arrive in the gate area no later than this time; encouragement, separate from 10-minute gate/pass requirement. Applies at the airport. Check in for your flight — Southwest Airlines · Verified 2026-10-10
Have your boarding pass and be available at the gate (For every passenger: have your boarding pass and be available at the gate)	10 minutes before original scheduled departure If not met, Southwest may cancel reserved space; this is neither a bag-tender rule nor a check-in opening/cutoff rule. Contract says scheduled; Help Center gives the more explicit original-scheduled basis. Applies at the airport. Check in for your flight — Southwest Airlines · Verified 2026-10-10
Check-In URL	https://www.southwest.com/air/check-in/
Mobile App	Southwest Airlines app (iOS, Android)
Mobile Boarding Pass	Yes
Airport Kiosk	Yes

Southwest's Help Center measures passenger, bag and gate-availability deadlines from original scheduled departure; its contract uses scheduled departure. The published passenger check-in deadlines still apply even though the sources do not specify a separate online-system cutoff. On partner itineraries, check-in methods follow the first operating airline. Airport opening times and available methods may differ. Official exception guidance

Step-by-Step Check-In Guide

Visit southwest.com/check-in or open the Southwest app
Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name
Click 'Check In' starting 24 hours before original scheduled departure
View or change your assigned seat (if your fare includes seat selection)
Download your mobile boarding pass or print it
Proceed to the gate and board in your assigned group

Documents Needed

Confirmation number, first and last name. For international flights, a valid passport is required, and visa/entry documents depending on the destination. For domestic travel, passengers 18+ need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification. Check Southwest and TSA guidance for current conditions.

Seat Selection

Southwest switched to assigned seating for all flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares include seat selection at booking. Basic fares receive a seat assignment at check-in. You can view or change your seat starting 24 hours before departure.

International Check-In Rules

Passport information must be entered during booking or check-in. Passenger and bag deadlines are at least 60 minutes before original scheduled departure, or 75 minutes for flights departing Aruba. You may need to verify your passport at the ticket counter or kiosk before receiving a boarding pass.

Group Check-In

Families on the same reservation are assigned to the same boarding group, and Southwest works to seat children under 13 with an adult. Families with children 6 and under board during Family Boarding.

Troubleshooting

1. 'Unable to check in online' - For international flights, this often means passport verification is required at the airport. 2. 'Check-in button not working' - Ensure you are checking in exactly at or after the 24-hour mark; refreshing the page right at 24 hours is recommended. 3. 'Boarding pass not issued' - You may have been selected for secondary security screening (SSSS) or need to see an agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check in for Southwest Airlines?: You can check in starting 24 hours before original scheduled departure at southwest.com, the Southwest app, or airport kiosks. Enter your confirmation number and name to view your assigned seat and download your boarding pass.
Does Southwest assign seats?: Yes — Southwest switched to assigned seating for all flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares include seat selection at booking; Basic fares receive a seat assignment at check-in.
Can I change my seat after check-in?: Yes, you can view or change your assigned seat starting 24 hours before departure during the check-in process.
Can I check in online for international flights?: Yes, but you must enter your passport information, and you may still need to verify documents at the airport counter before proceeding to security.
What are the separate check-in, bag and gate times for Southwest Airlines?: Online check-in opens 24 hours before original scheduled departure. Complete domestic passenger check-in 30 minutes before original scheduled departure, with or without bags; check domestic bags 45 minutes before it. International passenger and bag deadlines are 60 minutes, subject to airport exceptions. Southwest encourages reaching the gate 30 minutes before scheduled departure, when boarding may begin. Separately, have your boarding pass and be available in the gate area 10 minutes before original scheduled departure; Southwest may cancel your space otherwise. Online guidance includes the passenger deadlines, not a separate online-system cutoff. Partner flights follow the first operating airline's check-in methods.
Which airport, route or method exceptions apply to Southwest Airlines?: For domestic flights departing St. Thomas, check bags 90 minutes before original scheduled departure. For flights departing Aruba, complete international passenger check-in and check bags at the ticket counter 75 minutes before original scheduled departure. Domestic bags use the ticket counter or curbside where available; international bags use the airport ticket counter. International passengers cannot voluntarily separate from luggage. Missing the international passenger deadline means you cannot check in or board. The Help Center uses original scheduled departure for passenger, bag and gate-availability deadlines; the contract says scheduled departure. Partner itineraries use the first operating airline's check-in method; airport opening or method availability may differ.