E-Ticket Check-In Q&A
- Q: What is E-Ticket Check-In?
A: E-Ticket Check-In is a self-service kiosk allowing Southwest Airlines Customers to quickly check in for a flight. Customers with an electronic-ticketed reservation may walk up to any E-Ticket Check-In kiosk at the airport and, in as little as 30 seconds, receive their boarding pass and proceed to their Departure Gate. It's that easy! At most Ticket Counter Kiosks, Customers may also check bags with the assistance of a Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent. - Q: Why should I use E-Ticket Check-In? What's the advantage?
A: The advantage of E-Ticket Check-In is speed and convenience of getting through the airport faster. We have the best Customer Service Agents in the business who are always ready, willing, and able to assist you with checking luggage or checking in for your Southwest Airlines flight. - Q: How do I access my information to get a boarding pass?
A: There are several ways to access your information and begin the checkin process at a kiosk:- For eligible Ticketless Customers who have entered their Rapid Rewards account number in their reservation:
- Insert your Rapid Rewards membership card (for cards with magnetic strips)
- Enter your Rapid Rewards account number
- For all eligible Ticketless Customers:
- Insert the credit card used to purchase your flight. If that credit card is unavailable, another major credit card with your name on it may be used.
- Enter your confirmation number.
- For eligible Ticketless Customers who have entered their Rapid Rewards account number in their reservation:
- Q: Can I use E-Ticket Check-In if I have a paper ticket?
A: No. Customers with a paper ticket of any kind will need to check in at either the Skycap Podium, Ticket Counter, or Departure Gate (to check in at the gate, you must have a Security Document). - Q: If I have a Ticketless reservation but need to check luggage, can I use E-Ticket Check-In?
- A: Most E-Ticket Check-In kiosks located at the Ticket Counter allow Customers to check bags with assistance from a Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent. E-Ticket Check-In kiosks not located at the Ticket Counter cannot be used to print baggage tags.
- Q: Can Customers traveling on a Senior Fare use E-Ticket Check-In?
A: Yes, but only if they have been age verified. - Q: If my fare requires proof of military status can I use E-Ticket Check-In?
A: No. Customers traveling on Military fares are required to provide identification to the Southwest Agent as proof of eligibility for these "status fares." Therefore, Customers must see a Customer Service Agent by checking in at the Ticket Counter or Skycap if checking luggage or at the Departure Gate if they are not checking luggage (to check in at the gate, you must have a Security Document). - Q: Can Customers traveling on Youth, Infant, or Child Fares use E-Ticket Check-In?
A: No. Customers traveling on Youth, Infant, or Child Fares are required to provide identification to the Southwest Agent as proof of eligibility for these "status fares." Therefore, Customers must see a Customer Service Agent by checking in at the Ticket Counter or Skycap if checking luggage or at the Departure Gate if they are not checking luggage (to check in at the gate, you must have a Security Document). - Q: What if my child is traveling alone as an Unaccompanied Minor? Can I check him/her in with E-Ticket Check-In?
A: No. Unaccompanied Minor (UM) paperwork is required to be filled out by the person bringing the child to the airport. This paperwork must be obtained from a Customer Service Agent and verified for completion. Also, Southwest requires the Unaccompanied Minor to be escorted to the gate area and that the escort remain there until the child's flight has departed.
For additional information on children traveling alone, please read our Travel Tips for Children. - Q: Can I use E-Ticket Check-In to get a boarding pass for my connecting flight?
A: Yes. You may request Boarding Passes for your origin city and one connecting city at the same time and avoid another checkin line at your connecting city. - Q: Where can I find an E-Ticket Check-In kiosk?
A: Southwest Airlines has placed E-Ticket Check-In kiosks in every airport we serve. Kiosks are located at Southwest Airlines Ticket Counters and in airport main lobby areas. A few cities may also have kiosks in the Departure Gate areas. - Q: If there are several people traveling together, do we have to check in at the kiosk at the same time?
A: No. Customers within a multi-passenger reservation can either check in together at one kiosk or at different times at separate kiosks. - Q: Will E-Ticket Check-In be available anywhere outside of the airport?
A: Southwest Airlines has placed kiosks inside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Otherwise, E-Ticket Check-In is available only within the airports at this time. We are looking into additional locations as our goal is to add convenience for our Customers. - Q: Can you buy a ticket with E-Ticket Check-In?
A: Not at this time. Kiosks do not currently allow Customers to make a reservation, change an itinerary, or buy a ticket at the E-Ticket Kiosk. As we continue to expand the number and functionality of kiosks, we will also evaluate the most beneficial enhancements. - Q: If I use my credit card to begin the checkin process at E-Ticket Check-In, will I be charged a fee?
A: No. Credit card information is only used for identification purposes to assist in retrieving reservations. - Q: Why can’t I check luggage at ALL E-Ticket Check-In locations?
A: To comply with TSA regulations, a Southwest Airlines Agent must print and attach all baggage tags to Customer luggage. Remote kiosk locations are not staffed by a Southwest Agent, and cannot be used to check bags. - Q: Can I change my itinerary at E-Ticket Check-In?
A: No. Currently the kiosk provides Customers a quicker option for simple checkin transactions. As always, if a Customer needs to buy a ticket, change his/her travel plans, or arrange for special services such as Unaccompanied Minors, he/she may check in with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the Ticket Counter or Departure Gate (to check in at the gate, you must have a Security Document). - Q: I am traveling on a Rapid Rewards Award - can I use the kiosk?
A: Yes. - Q: As a Customer of size, can I use the kiosk?
A: To ensure Customers get both seats they have paid for and the opportunity to preboard, we suggest they check in with a Customer Service Agent at the Ticket Counter or Departure Gate (to check in at the gate, you must have a Security Document).
Updated: August 20, 2009
