To check in with Southwest Airlines, you can do so online via their website or mobile app, at airport kiosks, or with a ticket counter agent. Online and mobile check-in open 24 hours before your flight. For the best boarding position, check in as soon as the 24-hour window opens, as Southwest assigns boarding positions based on check-in order. 

To check in with Southwest Airlines, you can begin the process 24 hours before your scheduled departure using either the Southwest website or mobile app. [1_86 65 51 11 86

Simply enter your confirmation number, first, and last name to check in and obtain your boarding pass, which you can print or save to your phone. Since Southwest does not assign seats, your boarding position is based on how early you check in—so checking in as close to the 24-hour mark as possible gives you a better chance of getting your preferred seat. If you prefer a hands-free approach, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight and secures an earlier boarding position, though it does not guarantee a specific seat. At the airport, Southwest offers curbside check-in at select locations, self-service kiosks, and staffed ticket counters. These options typically open about 3 hours before departure and close 30 to 60 minutes before takeoff, depending on whether it’s a domestic or international flight. For those checking bags, it's important to complete baggage drop at least 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international departures. Arriving at the airport 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours early for international flights is recommended to allow ample time for check-in, security, and boarding.