To check in with Southwest Airlines, you need to begin the process 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. You can do this through the Southwest Airlines website at southwest.com or by using the Southwest mobile app. Once there, click on the “Check In” tab and enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name exactly as they appear on your booking. After submitting this information, you will be automatically assigned a boarding position, such as A45, B12, or C30, which determines your order of boarding since Southwest does not assign seats. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position is likely to be, which gives you more options when selecting your seat on the plane. If you purchased EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking, Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight, but you will still need to retrieve your boarding pass manually either online, through the mobile app, or at the airport. After check-in, you can choose to print your boarding pass immediately, send it to your email, or save it to your mobile device using the app or Apple Wallet for digital boarding. If you are unable to check in online or via the app, you can also check in at the airport using a self-service kiosk or by speaking with a Southwest Airlines representative at the check-in counter. Additionally, some airports offer curbside check-in where available. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before for international flights, especially if you plan to check bags or need to resolve any issues with your booking. If you have checked in online and have no bags to check, you can proceed directly to security with your digital or printed boarding pass. Boarding begins approximately 30 minutes before departure, and passengers line up according to their assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (1–60), making the check-in time especially important for securing a preferred seat. Because Southwest does not assign seats, families traveling together or passengers with specific seating preferences should make checking in as close to the 24-hour window as possible unless they have opted for EarlyBird Check-In or are part of the Business Select fare class, which guarantees a boarding position in the A1–A15 range. Overall, the check-in process with Southwest Airlines is straightforward, whether you choose to do it online, via the app, or in person at the airport. Just remember that your boarding position is determined by how early you check in (unless you’ve purchased a priority option), so setting a reminder for that 24-hour mark can make a big difference in your overall travel experience.