7 Tips for Mastering Southwest Check-In and Boarding

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A Southwest Business Select ticket guarantees you a spot in the “A,” 1 to 15 boarding zone. Since you board after pre-boarding, your seat selection

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Wanna Get Away fareholders can now buy EarlyBird Check-In. This option automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure.

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One-way EarlyBird Check-In is $15-25 Per Person. However, EarlyBird Check-In does not ensure the “A” boarding zone. Southwest will check you

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It may be worth the extra money if you need to sit in a specific location of the plane or with other passengers.

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Southwest Airlines regulars can acquire A-List or A-List Preferred elite membership after a specified number of flights or Southwest Rapid Reward points.

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If you buy a Wanna Get Away fare without Southwest elite status, the airline gives you a zone based on when you check in. Remember that passengers can check-in 24

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Try to check in 24 hours before your flight. This is the ideal boarding zone if you didn't buy EarlyBird Check-In or a Business Select fare and don't have kids under 6.

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Individual check-in is required for Southwest Rapid Reward points travelers. This applies when checking in a Southwest Companion Pass holder.

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Remember to check in on the Southwest website or app. Southwest's website's main menu includes "Check In". Find your itinerary and check-in under

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Southwest flights fill up first in the front and aisle, as expected. Window seats also fill up fast. Passengers save seats for later boarders, despite being told not to.

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More Stories.

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