How Southwest check-in generally works
General timings. Exact windows depend on the airport and whether your flight is domestic or near-international.
Southwest check-in on southwest.com and the Southwest app generally opens 24 hours before departure and closes a set time before the flight. With assigned seating, there's no longer a rush to grab a boarding position — but checking in early is still smart.
If you're checking a bag or need documents verified, use the counter or bag drop. Near-international flights to Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America need more time than a domestic hop.
Southwest boards by group, and under the new model your fare and status set your order — Choice Extra, A-List and A-List Preferred board earlier, Basic later. Boarding closes several minutes before departure.
For flights to Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America, passports and entry requirements are your responsibility and are checked before boarding. Verify them well ahead.
Keep your six-character confirmation number handy for check-in and for us — it's the fastest way to pull up your trip.
Check-in and boarding cutoffs vary by airport, route and aircraft. If online check-in fails or a document question comes up, call us and we'll help you sort it before you travel.
Your check-in timeline
General timings — always confirm the exact windows for your airport and route.
Before you leave for the airport
A quick pre-flight check that prevents most day-of problems.
- Check in online and save the mobile boarding pass
- Confirm your seat assignment under the new 2026 model
- For Mexico/Caribbean/Central America, confirm passport and entry requirements
- Recheck your flight status and know your boarding cutoff
No more 24-hour scramble. With assigned seating from January 27, 2026, you don't need to race to check in for a boarding position — your seat is set before you fly. Still check in on time for documents and cutoffs, and call us if anything won't go through.
Frequently asked
When does Southwest check-in open and close?+
Do I still need to check in exactly 24 hours early for a good seat?+
Online check-in won't accept me — what now?+
Do I need to print a boarding pass?+
Contact options
Reach Southwest directly, or let us handle it.
Contact Southwest Airlines directly
The airline's own official channels — free.
More Southwest Airlines help
Related guides.