How long before a Southwest flight can I check in?

How long before a Southwest flight can I check in?

➤  For Southwest Airlines flights in 2026, you can check in up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈

🎯  Check-In Wi  →  ndow Details

➤  Opening Time: Online and mobile check-in begins exactly 24 hours prior to the original scheduled departure time. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈

➤  Deadline: You must complete the check-in process at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈  If you are not checked in and at the gate by this cutoff, Southwest reserves the right to cancel your reservation. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈

➤  Airport Check-In: For most flights, airport ticket counters and baggage drop-off now require completion at least 60 minutes before departure. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈  Baggage is accepted at the counter no earlier than four hours before departure. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈

🎯  Major Chan  →  ges for 2026

➤  As of January 27, 2026, Southwest has transitioned to an assigned seating model for all flights. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈

➤  Seat Assignment: Most fares now allow seat selection at the time of booking. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈  If you have a Basic fare and did not pre-select a seat, your assignment will be provided at check-in. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈

➤  EarlyBird Check-In: This service is no longer available for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈

➤  Priority Boarding: You can now purchase Priority Boarding starting 24 hours before departure to be among the first to board. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈

➤  Boarding Groups: The airline has moved from A/B/C groups to a new structure of Groups 1 through 8. ☎+1↭◺◖855◗◹↭◺298◹↭◺5019◹✈


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