Southwest Airlines Check-In Guide
Online check-in, airport deadlines, and boarding times for Southwest Airlines (WN).
Check in online
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Skip the line by checking in on your phone or computer.
Check in on Southwest AirlinesOnline check-in opens24 hours before departure
Domestic check-in closes45 minutes before departure
International check-in closes60 minutes before departure
Domestic bag drop closes45 minutes before departure
International bag drop closes60 minutes before departure (75 minutes from Aruba)
Boarding door closes10 minutes before departure
Mobile boarding pass
Store your pass in Apple Wallet or Google Pay.
Airport kiosk check-in
Self-service kiosks available at most airports.
- Southwest uses open seating — your boarding position (A, B, C + number) determines seat choice.
- Early Bird Check-In ($15-$25) auto-assigns you a position 36 hours before departure.
- Bags can be checked no earlier than 4 hours before scheduled departure.
- Check in online to lock in your seat and speed up the airport experience.
- International flights usually require arriving 2-3 hours before departure.
- If checking bags, arrive early enough to beat the bag drop cutoff.
- Boarding typically begins 30-45 minutes before departure.
- Boarding doors close 10 minutes before departure — missing the cutoff means missing the flight.