Southwest Airlines Check In: How To Do It Right

Southwest Airlines has been operating successfully since 1971 and continues to do so today. The airline offers non-stop service between the continental United States, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean with their fleet of Boeing 737s. Southwest’s no-frills approach to air travel has made them one of the most successful airlines in the world and one of the largest in the United States, only behind American Airlines and Delta Air Lines in size. If you want to learn how to do Check in Southwest Airlines properly, these tips can help you with your next flight!

Book Early Southwest Flight Ticket

Southwest Airlines has long had a reputation for open seating, which means you can choose your seat at check-in without paying an extra fee. While some travelers love that open seating, others consider it chaotic, especially during busy holiday seasons when they want to ensure they get a specific seat on their flight. If you fall into that second category of traveler and want to reserve a seat while checking in with Southwest, book early—specifically if you’re using mobile check-in. While Southwest Airlines Check in online will automatically tell you whether or not seats are available on your flight for free and where available seats are located, mobile check-in only gives you seat options as soon as 24 hours before your flight departs.

Pick a Window Seat while travel in Southwest Airlines

A lot of business travel takes place at night, which can make jet lag a major problem. Southwest Airlines recommends picking a window seat for maximum comfort. You’ll also be able to lean on your armrest and not be bothered by those who insist on using their tray table during takeoff or landing. By sitting near a window, you can easily sleep in a slumped position without worrying about being bumped. Plus, you’ll still have room for a little extra legroom should an overnight flight find you in an aisle seat. Consider sitting closer to one side of your plane so there’s more space toward the middle; with more open area to work with, it's easier to stretch out if that's what you prefer when sleeping.

Board First- Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines assigns seating on every flight. There are multiple ways to do it, but all start with boarding order (for reasons too technical to get into here, you want to make sure you board as soon as possible). When your seat number appears on your boarding pass or mobile device, a window opens for 30 minutes—so be quick. If your boarding pass has E-A at the end of your row number (which means you're flying in business class), that means there is no advantage;it simply means you have upgraded to an E ticket.

Ask for a Swap in Southwest Flight

Before flying, call Southwest Airlines Customer Service Number and ask for a swap. This works especially well when traveling as a family. Agents have full discretion in accepting your request. If they have any doubt that another Southwest Flights are available or that you can be accommodated on a different day, they’ll tell you no. But if they have room to accommodate one or two passengers—even better if there are open seats together—they’ll go ahead and make those changes before telling you yes. And by calling in advance of your travel, chances are good that most requests will be granted without any problems at all. Many times agents will even upgrade families traveling with children to seating with extra legroom!

Pick Up Extra Amenities in Southwest Flights

Since you already paid for them, pick up those extra goodies if they’re available on your flight! Snacks, pillows, blankets and headphones are among some of things you can grab before your flight. Just remember that not all airlines offer these amenities as standard. For example, don’t expect to get a blanket on an American Airlines flight. If it's available on your plane, however, don't pass it up! Most extra perks come out to a nominal fee of $5 or less. On Southwest Airlines in particular (my favorite airline) these add-ons do require additional costs ranging from $0-$10 depending on how many items you want at once!

Get on Board Early

Southwest Airlines, like most airlines today, allows customers to check in online before they arrive at their departure airport. Depending on your needs and how early you can get online before leaving, you might prefer to be physically present at your departure airport instead of checking in from home. Either way is fine as long as you do it right! This guide will show you how to check-in for your flight on Southwest so that all goes smoothly for a worry-free travel experience.

Avoid Lines in the Southwest Airport

The Southwest Flight Check-in procedure is unlike any other. For starters, there's no traditional check-in counter—at least not in most of its airport locations. Instead, you can head straight to security or your gate, which makes avoiding airport lines a breeze. First, you can use Southwest mobile check-in on your phone or computer and get a digital Southwest Boarding Pass (even from your home computer). If you happen to forget your laptop at home but still want to avoid lines in airport security and at your gate, use Southwest's paperless ticketing option at airport kiosks; just scan and go!

Get from Gate to Gate Fast with Priority Lines

Southwest Airlines offers a First Class line for families, frequent flyers, military personnel and folks who need special assistance. If you qualify, get in that line. Once you’re there, make sure your ID is accessible because they may ask to see it right away to confirm your status. Don’t worry if you don’t make it into one of these lines; while they can save time at check-in, other Southwest check-in queues tend to move quickly as well. You can also use app check-in and TSA Precheck at several major airports (but not all). These services are free, save time and help you avoid crowds before boarding begins.