Is Southwest Check-In Exactly 24 Hours?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows passengers to check in exactly 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of their flight. This 24-hour check-in rule is important because Southwest uses an open seating policy, which means passengers do not receive assigned seats. Instead, your boarding position—which determines when you board the plane and what seat options you’ll have—is based on how early you check in. The sooner you check in after the 24-hour window opens, the better your boarding group and number (such as A21 or B05).

Checking in at exactly 24 hours before departure gives you the best chance of getting a good seat. If you wait even 5 to 10 minutes longer, your boarding position might fall behind others who checked in right on time. Since seats on Southwest are available on a first-come, first-serve basis during boarding, checking in late may leave you with limited seat choices, especially on busy or fully booked flights.

The check-in process can be done in several ways. The most common and fastest method is to check in online through the Southwest website or the Southwest mobile app. You will need your confirmation number, first name, and last name to complete the check-in. After that, you’ll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number between 1 and 60. You can print your boarding pass, email it to yourself, or save it on your mobile device.

If you're worried about missing that 24-hour check-in window, Southwest offers a service called EarlyBird Check-In. This option automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight. It doesn’t guarantee an A boarding group, but it usually results in a better position than checking in manually at 24 hours. EarlyBird Check-In costs extra and is non-refundable, but it's helpful for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of timing their check-in.

Airport check-in is also available via self-service kiosks or at ticket counters, but if you choose this route and arrive close to departure time, your boarding position will likely be lower.

To sum it up, Southwest check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight, and the earlier you complete it, the better your chances of getting a good seat. Setting a reminder or using EarlyBird Check-In can help make sure you don’t miss that important check-in window.