How early does Southwest start boarding?

How early does Southwest start boarding? 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time: We may begin boarding as early as 30 minutes prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. We encourage all passengers to plan to arrive in the gate area no later than this time.

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).

Does early bird guarantee a group?

Buying early bird does not automatically put you in A boarding group. Often times you will be assigned B boarding group. There are a lot of factors that go into this boarding assignment.

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As such, we do not publish flight loads.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.

What counts as a disability for Preboarding?

Preboarding is available for Customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability and/or need assistance in boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device. Customers who are traveling with assistance and emotional support animals qualify for preboarding.

Does checking in early give you a better boarding group?

Bottom Line: Your best bets to get a higher boarding position without having to earn elite status are EarlyBird Check-In and upgraded boarding at the gate. However, both options will cost you. EarlyBird Check-In costs $15 to $25 one-way per person and doesn't guarantee you'll get an A boarding number.

Can an airline ask for proof of disability?

Generally, airline personnel may not ask what specific disability the person has, but they can ask questions regarding the person's ability to perform specific air travel-related functions, such as boarding, deplaning or walking through the airport.

Can I go to airport 12 hours early?

It's sometimes possible to check your bags 12 hours before a same-day flight in major airports, but this is at the discretion of the check-in staff and is by not guaranteed.

How strict is Southwest with family boarding?

Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. There should be enough open seats to enable the child to sit next to at least one accompanying adult.

How early should I arrive for Southwest?

It's recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. Though, some airports may recommend more than two hours before. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time, so you can get through TSA with time to spare.

What is the fastest way to check-in on Southwest?

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.

Can you board Southwest early if you have anxiety?

Southwest allows preboarding only for customers who 1) need a specific seat on the plane, or 2) need assistance boarding the plane. If you find that having a specific seat helps with your anxiety, that would be a way for you to preboard.

What does RR mean on Southwest boarding pass?

What are the Rapid Rewards Rules and Regulations? Rapid Rewards is a rewards program offered by Southwest Airlines^® Co. for Southwest Airlines Customers.

Why does Southwest not assign seats?

Southwest Airlines has long argued that its unassigned seating policy is popular with passengers and facilitates speedier boarding. That means planes spend less time at the gate and more time in the air generating Southwest money. Over the years, the airline has tinkered with the no-system boarding system.

Is Group B good on Southwest?

If you have a B group boarding position, the chances are good that you'll still be able to get a window or aisle seat or find 2 seats together if you're traveling with a companion. Hot Tip: If you are in the B group (or even one of the first numbers in the C group), head to the back of the plane.

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.

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.