+1-866-551-1186 How early should I check-in for a Southwest flight?

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When flying with Southwest Airlines, knowing when to check in is important because it directly affects your boarding position and seat choice. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest does not assign seats, so passengers board in the order of their check-in time. To get the best boarding position possible, you should check in exactly 24 hours before your scheduled flight departure. You can check in online at Southwest.com, through the mobile app, or at an airport kiosk. The earlier you check in within that 24-hour window, the better your boarding group and position (like A1, B20, or C35) will be, giving you more options when selecting a seat on the plane. If you wait too long to check in, you may end up in a later boarding group and have fewer seat choices, especially on full flights. For those who don’t want to worry about checking in right at the 24-hour mark, Southwest offers a service called EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight. This option can give you a better boarding spot, although it doesn’t guarantee it, and comes with an extra cost per passenger. Still, it’s a good option for travelers who don’t want to risk forgetting or being unavailable when the 24-hour check-in window opens. Aside from the online check-in, it's also important to arrive at the airport early. For domestic flights, it’s recommended to be at the airport at least two hours before departure, and for international flights, at least three hours before. This gives you enough time to drop off bags, go through security, and get to your gate without stress. If you’re checking bags, make sure they are dropped off no later than 45 minutes before a domestic flight and 60 minutes before an international flight. Boarding typically starts 30 minutes before takeoff, and having a good boarding position allows you to choose your preferred seat and find space in the overhead bins more easily. For travelers with Business Select tickets or A-List elite status, early boarding is already included, so check-in time is less urgent, but it’s still necessary to confirm your spot and get your boarding pass. Whether you’re flying for business or vacation, checking in early for your Southwest flight can make your trip more comfortable and efficient. In short, always aim to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight unless you’ve paid for EarlyBird Check-In, and be sure to arrive at the airport early enough to handle all pre-flight steps without rushing. This simple habit can improve your travel experience with Southwest and help ensure a smooth start to your journey.