Moving Through The Airport

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Checking In For Your Flight

Kiosk screenAlthough you have to check in for your flight on all airlines, here at Southwest, it helps to check in 24 hours before your flight. That's when we begin assigning boarding positions (your place in line), and the earlier you check in, the earlier you get to board. If you don't want to remember to check in, you can buy EarlyBird Check-In™ and a boarding position will be automatically assigned for you.

There are several places you can check in before you get to the airport:

If you don't have access to a computer or printer, you can also check in and/or print your boarding pass at the airport:

  • Curbside Skycap Position (where available)
  • Self-Service Kiosk
  • Ticket Counter
  • Departure Gate

Don't forget, Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on a Business Select Fare can get to the front of the line even faster at select airports with Fly By® Priority Check-in Lanes.

Learn More about the checkin process for shared Southwest/AirTran itineraries.

Changing Your Flight

If you're at the airport and need to change your flight, there are many places you can do so quickly and easily:

  • Southwest's Mobile Site or Apps for iPhone®, Blackberry, or Android 
  • Self-Service Kiosk
  • Ticket Counter
  • Departure Gate

Checking Bags

Bags Fly Free

We have several convenient places to check your bag too:

  • Curbside Skycap Position (where available)
  • Ticket Counter

If you're traveling through one of our airports with Express Bag Drop, come with your boarding pass in hand to get through the line even faster.

Don't forget that when you fly Southwest Airlines, your first and second checked Bags Fly Free® (though weight and size limitations still apply). While bag fees have become the norm amongst many of our competitors, we've stayed true to our reputation as the maverick of the airline industry by not charging for things that should be free.

Learn More about baggage policies and procedures for shared Southwest/AirTran itineraries.

Getting Through Security

Bring your government-issued photo ID and boarding pass or security document to pass through the security checkpoint. Remember to put any liquids or gels into 3-ounce (or less) containers, and store them in a quart-size bag for screening. Be sure to familiarize yourself with other TSA checkpoint guidelines before you go.

If you're traveling on a Business Select Fare or are a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Member, you can get to the front of the security line faster with Fly By® Priority Security Lanes at select airports. If traveling on a shared itinerary, Customers with A+ Rewards Elite status, an AirTran Business Class ticket, and/or participants in the AirTran A2B program may also use the FlyBy® lanes.

Relax In The Gate Area

Gate AreaSit back and relax before your flight in our comfortable gate areas. Most are equipped with plush leather seats complete with built-in power stations, so you can charge your portable electronic devices before your flight. Televisions tuned to CNN® allow you to stay on top of the latest news, or if you're traveling with the whole family your little ones can enjoy kid-friendly programming and seating just their size in our children's gate areas at select airports.

Rapid Rewards Last Activity Date
Rapid Rewards accounts will remain active and points won't expire as long as you earn Rapid Rewards Points from flights or partners every 24 months.