How Early Should I Check-In for a Southwest Flight? A Simple Guide If you're flying with Southwest Airlines and wondering, "How early should I check in for a Southwest flight?", it's important to know that your check-in time directly affects your boarding position. Unlike most airlines, Southwest does not assign seat numbers. Instead, it uses an open seating policy, meaning passengers board in groups (A, B, or C) based on when they checked in. The earlier you check in, the better your spot in line—and the better your chance of getting the seat you want. That’s why it’s highly recommended to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight departs. You can check in on the Southwest Airlines website, using the mobile app, or even at the airport. But if you're aiming for a good boarding position, the online or app check-in at the 24-hour mark is the best option. Southwest allows check-in to begin exactly 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight. If you want to be in boarding group A or early B, it’s best to be ready to check in the moment that window opens. Once checked in, you’ll receive a boarding position (like A23, B15, etc.), which determines when you’ll board the plane. Since there are no assigned seats, those who board earlier get to choose the best available seats—whether that's a window, aisle, or front-row option. If you're not able to check in right at the 24-hour mark, don’t worry—you can still get a boarding pass online, via the app, or at a Southwest airport kiosk anytime before your flight. However, keep in mind that later check-in times usually result in boarding group C, which may limit your seat choices and overhead bin space. For passengers who want to skip the 24-hour rush, Southwest offers a paid Early Bird Check-In® option, which automatically checks you in and assigns a boarding position 36 hours before departure. This doesn't guarantee an A group spot, but it usually improves your position compared to those who check in manually at 24 hours. As for how early to arrive at the airport, Southwest recommends arriving at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. This gives you plenty of time to check bags (if needed), go through security, and arrive at your gate relaxed and on time. Airport check-in counters and bag drop typically close 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights. To sum it up, if you’re wondering how early should I check in for a Southwest flight, the best answer is: check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight for the best boarding position, and arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours early, depending on your destination. This ensures a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience with Southwest Airlines.