How early do I need to be at the airport for a Southwest flight?

How early do I need to be at the airport for a Southwest flight? When do I need to arrive at the airport for my Southwest Airlines (WN) flight? Suggested arrival time: 2 hours before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights. 3 hours before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US.

What questions does Southwest ask for pre boarding?

When a Customer requests to preboard, our Employees will ask 1) do you need assistance boarding the aircraft? and/or 2) do you have a specific seating need to accommodate your disability?

Can you sit anywhere on Southwest?

At Southwest, we let you sit where you like. We don't assign seats on our flights, so feel free to sit in any available seat once you board the plane. We have a quick, easy, and efficient boarding process. Look at your boarding pass to find your assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and boarding position (1 - 60).

How early should you be at the airport by?

Within the US, and many other countries, most airlines recommend that you arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight. This accounts for everything from check-in and baggage drop to security lines and boarding cutoff times.

Can you see how full a Southwest flight is?

As such, we do not publish flight loads. If for any reason you're uncomfortable traveling in the current environment and would like to discuss the flight load of your upcoming flight, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our Customer Service Department via any of the options below. Email here.

Is Southwest usually on time?

As a result, Southwest ranked sixth for on-time performance in Dec. 2022, despite canceling 14.6% of its flights that month.

What happens if you don t check in 2 hours before your flight?

First, check-in closes an hour or two before flight departure; if you're not checked in by then, either through the app, online, or in person at the airport, you may not be able to get a boarding pass to get through security and will likely miss your flight.

How do I get my seats together on Southwest?

If someone on your reservation has A-List status, Southwest will automatically reserve boarding positions for the entire group 36 hours before departure. Likewise, you can purchase Business Select fares to guarantee A1-A15 boarding positions -- but these fares are often rather pricey.

Can I enter 1 hour before flight?

For domestic flights in the United States, most airlines recommend that passengers arrive at the airport at least 1-2 hours before the scheduled departure time for check-in and security screening.

Can you save seats on Southwest?

Re: Saving Seats Unfortunately, there's no policy to enforce. Officially, Southwest has no policy for or against seat saving, and in practice actively allows it. Reps will even suggest that passengers save seats for later boarding companions.

Why do people love Southwest Airlines so much?

On Southwest, your first two checked bags are free. Not having to worry about added fees is a reason why flying Southwest can make a lot of sense. And look at the fare classes. The Big Three airlines might seduce you with ultra-low ticket prices, but there's a good chance those fares are for basic economy.

What not to pack when flying Southwest?

Sharp, heavy, and other dangerous items are restricted on all commercial airline flights, including Southwest. Items such as sharp knives, bats, clubs, ski-poles, snow globes and most tools and weapons must be checked rather than packed in a carry-on. Explosives and fuels may not be carried by air at all.

Can I arrive 45 minutes before my flight?

To check-in and check bags at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure: Within the U.S. – 45 minutes. To or from destinations outside the U.S. – 60 minutes.

What does Group B mean on Southwest?

Southwest Airlines passengers are assigned specific boarding positions, consisting of a letter and then a number: You'll either be in group A, B, or C, with A being allowed to board first, B being allowed to board second, and C being allowed to board last.

Can I have a backpack and a carry-on Southwest?

Southwest Airlines allow for one carry-on bag (duffel, carry-on suitcase, etc) and one personal item, which would typically be a purse, a backpack, or a briefcase.

How do I get priority boarding on Southwest?

What happens if you miss your flight?

Depending on the airline, travelers may be charged a rebooking fee to get on another flight. Some airlines may also charge the difference in airfare — meaning a missed flight can be a costly inconvenience.

Is Southwest a good airline to fly?

Do you really need to arrive 2 hours before a flight?

Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

What is so special about Southwest Airlines?

Our commitment to our Customers is seen throughout the Southwest travel experience, from our “no change fees¹”, “bags fly free²”, and “flight credits don't expire³” policies to the range of benefits available through our Rapid Rewards^® program.

Do you really need to arrive 3 hours before international flight?

Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

Does checking in early get you a better seat on Southwest?

Customers who purchase an Anytime fare will automatically be checked in to their flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure—that's 12 hours before our traditional 24-hour check-in. You will receive an earlier boarding position, improved seat selection, and earlier access to overhead bins.