Self-tagging baggage
Self-tagging allows you to speed up the check-in process by printing your own baggage claim tag at a Southwest kiosk and placing it on the bags you wish to check.
Look for self-tagging signs at the airport ticket counters. To find out if self-tagging is available at a specific airport, visit our Airport Information page (if self-tagging is available, there will be a checkmark in the “Self-Tagging” column for the given airport).
- During the check-in process on the kiosk, you’ll indicate the number of bags you (and each Customer in your party) would like to check.
- Please wait until all bag tags have printed before tearing them off of the roll.
- When all your bag tag(s) have printed, follow the on-screen and printed instructions and peel back the area on the back of the tag indicated.
- Slide the printed tag(s) through the handle of your bag(s), and match the adhesive ends together.
- Once you have tagged all of your bag(s), proceed to the designated bag drop area.
The part of the bag tag that you remove serves as your claim check.
Yes. If you’re checking three or more bags, you’ll be prompted to use a credit card to pay the applicable bag charge. Learn more about our checked bag policy.
On the self-tagging kiosks, you can:
- Check in for your flight
- Print boarding passes
- Check bags
- Upgrade to Business Select®
- Change flights
- Add a Rapid Rewards® number to your reservation
- Add a lap child
Although we encourage you to try self-tagging, the full-service line at the ticket counter is available.
Many do, but not all. Check the airport information page to see which airports have self-tagging kiosks available.
Self-tagging isn’t available for all reservations. Customers meeting the following criteria will need to check in via the full-service lines at the ticket counter:
- All itineraries that include Cuba
- Group bookings
- Reservations for unaccompanied minors
Yes, CSAs will continue to be available at the ticket counter to assist with any questions or needs that require full service. If you need help during the self-tagging process, please ask for assistance at the baggage drop off.
If you need to reprint a bag tag, visit the help desk.