How does check-in at Southwest work?


How does check-in at Southwest work? Flight Check-In Online Beginning 24 hours prior to departure, from Southwest.com® or the Southwest® app, select “Check in.” Enter the confirmation number and first and last name of a Passenger on the itinerary, and click “Check in” (for desktop) or “Retrieve reservation” (for the Southwest app or mobile website).


Is it OK to not check-in online?

If possible, you should not check in online if you want to check in bulky luggage or a pet. Conversely, there are airlines that oblige you to check in online.


How do I check in for my flight?

Check in online before arriving to airport You can usually check in online starting 24 hours before departure. If checking luggage, you will need to bring your luggage to a staffed counter or checked luggage station once you arrive at the airport. Benefits of online check-in: Avoid potential check-in lines at airport.


Can you use a screenshot of boarding pass?

If you received your physical boarding pass at a kiosk or check-in desk, you will not be able to use a screenshot of the paper pass to get through TSA or the gate. You can always get another pass printed if you lost the original.


Why does Southwest automatically check me in?

If EarlyBird Check-In® is available, we'll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight's departure - that's 12 hours before general boarding positions become available.


Why is Southwest saying airport check in required?

Re: Airport Checkin Required? This usually occurs if you book a special fare such as a senior or child fare that requires age verification. I think it's also possible if all standard boarding positions have already been assigned and the system can't assign you a position.


Can I go straight to security if I print my boarding pass at home?

In most cases, you can check-in online (or via a mobile phone app), print a boarding pass (or have it loaded to an app), and walk straight to security. You might also be able to print your boarding pass from a self-automated kiosk at the airport.


Do I need to print boarding pass or can I show my phone?

Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed. To board your flight, scan your mobile boarding pass by holding one of the devices listed above with your pass facing the scanner.


Do I need to print my boarding pass if I checked in online?

Online check-in lets you check in from your home or office and print your own boarding pass. You can also choose to have a link to your boarding pass emailed to your mobile device.


Is Southwest check-in exactly 24 hours?

If you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, we'll automatically check you in and reserve your boarding position 36 hours before you flight's departure. This is before our general 24-hour check-in begins.


Do I need hard copy of boarding pass?

Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.


What are the disadvantages of online check-in?

One disadvantage is certainly that many people have poor time management and arrive too late at the airport if they check in online. For some, this can lead to unwanted time pressure. On the other hand, those who still have to check in at the airport itself usually arrive early enough and are therefore over-punctual.


Is it better to check-in online or at the airport?

For a short-haul flight where you are only taking hand luggage, checking in online saves a lot of time and is therefore much better than checking in at the airport. If, on the other hand, you have to check in bulky luggage, it is better to use the classic check-in at the airport for security reasons.