How Early Should I Check-In for a Southwest Flight? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to fly with Southwest Airlines and wondering, “How early should I check in for a Southwest flight?”, it’s important to understand how their boarding process works. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest does not assign seats ahead of time. Instead, seating is determined by your boarding position, which is based on when you check in. Because of this, checking in as early as possible is crucial if you want a better seat choice. Southwest check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your scheduled flight departure, and the earlier you check in during that window, the better your boarding position will be. Travelers who check in right at the 24-hour mark are more likely to board in Group A or early in Group B, which increases your chances of getting a preferred seat or sitting with family or travel companions.

You can check in online via the Southwest Airlines website, or you can use the Southwest mobile app, both of which are quick and easy. All you need is your name and confirmation number. Once you check in, you’ll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (like A32 or B17). This boarding order is what determines when you board the plane, so checking in as soon as the 24-hour window opens is very important. If you wait too long, you may end up in a later boarding group like C, which could mean limited seat choices and overhead bin space.

If you’re not able to check in exactly 24 hours in advance, Southwest offers a few options to improve your boarding position. One option is EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure—you don’t have to do anything. While it doesn’t guarantee an A boarding position, it usually places you ahead of people who check in manually at 24 hours. Another option is Upgraded Boarding, which can be purchased at the gate (if available) and gets you into positions A1–A15 for even earlier boarding.

When it comes to arriving at the airport, Southwest recommends getting to the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international flights. This gives you enough time to check any bags, pass through security, and arrive at your gate stress-free. Even if you’ve checked in online, you’ll need extra time if you’re checking bags, as the bag drop counters typically close 45 minutes before departure. Your boarding pass—whether printed or digital—can be used at TSA checkpoints and to board the flight.

To summarize, for the best seat and smoothest travel experience, you should check in for your Southwest flight exactly 24 hours before departure. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international routes. By checking in early and arriving with plenty of time, you’ll start your journey with Southwest Airlines comfortably and without stress.