Southwest Airlines check in begins 24 hours prior to the departure time, according to the flight plan. Southwest Airlines passengers can check in through the website, mobile app, or at the airport. Standard check-in time is 30 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights.
If you have checked bags, you should follow the baggage drop time, which may be earlier than check-in time. In addition, the airline recently introduced assigned seats and a new boarding group procedure in 2026.
What is Southwest Airlines Check in policy?
Southwest Airlines offers check-in through its website, app, and at the airport. Online and mobile check-in is available 24 hours prior to the original departure time.
| Check-In Method | Opens | General Deadline |
| Online | 24 hours before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| Mobile app | 24 hours before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| Airport kiosk | Varies by airport | 30 minutes before departure |
| Airport counter | Varies by airport | 30 minutes before departure |
There may be airport-specific rules and regulations that apply to international flights.
Southwest Check In With Special Assistance Requirements
Yes, passengers who need wheelchair service and other accessibility services can check in for a Southwest flight. But note that certain accessibility services may require further arrangements at the airport.
Passengers requiring mobility assistance or any other form of accessibility service should read the Special Assistance Policy prior to their trip.
Southwest Check In with a Pet
Travelers with an eligible pet may check in for their flight with Southwest Airlines if they meet all applicable requirements for transporting pets on Southwest Airlines flights. Specific requirements may apply depending on the pet’s nature, carrier, route, and airport. You may need to take additional steps before boarding the aircraft. Pet travelers must ensure the animal meets all applicable requirements before going to the airport. If the airport has requirements for transporting pets, you may need additional time for check-in.
For passengers’ reference, all applicable requirements are available in the Southwest Airlines Pet Policy.
How does Southwest Flight Check-in work?
Southwest Airlines offers three check-in options: online via the official Southwest Airlines website, through the mobile app, or at the airport counter. In general, online or mobile check-in starts 24 hours before the initial departure time.
Online Check in Southwest Airlines
Passengers may check in for Southwest flights online 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the flight. Online check-in is an easy way to check in before you arrive at the airport. To do online check-in:
- Go to the Southwest Airlines website.
- Click on the check-in link.
- Type in your confirmation number and name.
- Access your reservation.
- Check your flight details.
- Complete the check-in process.
- Download your boarding pass.
Mobile Check in Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines also allows passengers to complete Southwest check in through its mobile app. Mobile check-in opens 24 hours before the original scheduled departure time. After completing check-in, you can access your boarding pass on your phone. This option is especially convenient when traveling with carry-on baggage only.
Southwest Flight Check in at the Airport
Passengers can use Southwest Airlines’ airport check-in facilities, including kiosks for self-service check-in, ticket counters, and Skycap services at certain airports. Airport check-in comes in handy, especially if you need to check baggage, confirm travel documents, or get help with your booking. Airport check-in can be useful if you need to:
- Check baggage.
- Verify travel documents.
- Get help with your reservation.
- Complete a special check-in requirement.
- Request airport assistance.
In case you wish to change your itinerary prior to check-in for a Southwest flight, refer to Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy.
What Documents Do You Need for Southwest Check In?
Required Documents for Check-in at Southwest Airlines are based on the country you are traveling to.
Domestic Flights
Passengers 18 and older should have a driver’s license compliant with REAL ID or an Enhanced Driver’s License from the state, or other TSA-approved identification. Passengers under 18 do not require identification except in certain conditions.
International Flights
International travelers require:
- Valid passport
- Visa/entry permission, where required.
- Travel documents for specific destinations.
- Confirmation of flight reservation.
What is the Southwest Checked Bag Policy?
Many passengers wonder how much is a checked bag on Southwest Airlines. Southwest’s checked luggage policy includes baggage fees, weight restrictions, complimentary checked bags, and the check-in cutoff time. Depending on your ticket and other factors, the applicable guidelines may differ.
How much is a checked bag on Southwest?
The Southwest checked bag fee depends on the fare and applicable passenger benefits.
| Fare | First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag |
| Basic | $45 | $55 |
| Choice | $45 | $55 |
| Choice Preferred | $45 | $55 |
| Choice Extra | Free | Free |
Eligible passengers may receive different baggage benefits based on their fare, Rapid Rewards status, or qualifying credit card benefits.
Southwest Checked Bag Weight Limit & Deadline
The maximum Southwest checked bag weight is 50 pounds per bag. The maximum size is 62 linear inches, which is equal to the sum of the bag’s height, length, and width. There may be additional charges for overweight or oversized baggage. Southwest requires you to submit checked baggage before the applicable cutoff time.
| Departure | Baggage Deadline |
| Domestic | 45 minutes before departure |
| International | 60 minutes before departure |
| St. Thomas | 90 minutes before departure |
| Aruba | 75 minutes before departure |
The baggage deadline is separate from the general Southwest check in deadline. Completing online check-in does not extend the baggage-drop cutoff.
What If You Miss the Southwest Check In Deadline?
Passengers who fail to check in within the specified time limit may not be allowed on their booked Southwest Airlines flight. If you have checked baggage, missing the bag drop deadline will also make Southwest Airlines refuse your luggage. The deadlines for check-in and baggage drop differ; therefore, checking in online will not give you extra time to drop your checked baggage.
Does Southwest Offer Free Checked Bags?
Yes, Southwest Airlines provides passengers with free checked baggage in case they qualify for it. Choice Extra passengers get two free checked bags. Other passengers may also qualify for Southwest checked bag fee waivers through Rapid Rewards benefits, Southwest credit card eligibility, and other qualifications.
The number of free bags varies by passenger benefits and fare. Passengers who are not eligible for any baggage benefits will have to pay the relevant fee for their first and second bags.
Can You Cancel a Southwest Flight After Check-In?
Yes, the reservation for a Southwest Airlines flight can be canceled even after check-in, according to the applicable fares and the cancellation policies. The fact that the passenger is through check-in would not, by itself, preclude the possibility of canceling their reservation. However, the amount of refund or credit that could be issued would be dependent on the fares and other applicable factors. In case the reservation contains more than one passenger or flight segment, cancellation policies might differ based on how the reservation was booked.
What is Southwest Early Bird Check In?
Early Bird check-in at Southwest is one of the practices Southwest implemented under the former open seating system. Since the implementation of the assigned seating policy and the new boarding groups in 2026 at Southwest Airlines, travelers have to abide by the new policies on check-in and boarding.
The current system may differ from the old EarlyBird Check-In practice; therefore, passengers should be guided by the boarding policy for their specific booking.
Passengers searching for Southwest early bird check in should note that the previous EarlyBird process was connected to Southwest’s former boarding system. The applicable check-in and boarding options now depend on the current rules associated with the passenger’s reservation.
How to Get Your Southwest Flight Status Details?
Passengers can check their Southwest flight status before reaching the airport to ensure they have the most up-to-date itinerary information. Flight status can help you determine whether a flight is on schedule, delayed, canceled, or subject to a schedule change. By checking flight information, passengers can confirm the status before heading to the airport. If a schedule change could affect your check-in or baggage drop deadline, it is especially important to verify the status before heading to the airport. You can verify Southwest flight status before heading to the airport for your scheduled flight.
Conclusion
The process of Southwest Airlines check in can be carried out through their website, app, or even at the airport based on your requirements. Passengers must complete check-in within the time limits provided and allow enough time to check baggage, clear security, and board the plane. If you have Southwest checked bags, you need to know the current fee structure of checked baggage at Southwest airlines.
Frequently Asked Queries
Southwest Airlines opens check-in 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, both online and in the mobile app.
You can check in for your Southwest flights using the airline website, mobile app, or airport check-in services. You will need some information from your reservation to log in.
Yes. It is possible to check in at Southwest Airlines airport service desks, including kiosks and ticket counters. The airport check-in process is useful when you need to check baggage or need help.
Southwest airlines checked baggage fees depend on the fare, passenger benefits, and other eligibility criteria. Check the baggage policies for your reservation.
The cost for checked bags at Southwest Airlines depends on the fare and baggage benefits. Some eligible passengers may be entitled to free checked bags.
Yes. Southwest Airlines provides free checked bags to eligible passengers according to their fare, Rapid Rewards, eligible credit card benefits, or other qualification criteria.
The EarlyBird Check-In feature for Southwest Airlines was related to the former boarding procedure. Passengers must observe the applicable boarding procedures for their reservation.
You can check Southwest flight status before you travel to see whether your flight is on schedule, delayed, canceled, or if you can’t travel due to a schedule change.
If you fail to check in or fail to meet the check-in, luggage, or airport deadlines, it is possible that you will be unable to travel on your flight.
