First time on South West, check in ?

[averill94]

This is our first time flying SWA, we have purchase early bird but I am confused, do I still "check in" online? If yes how many hours beforehand?
Thank you very much in advance!

 

[Figment Mom]

With early bird you just need to print your boarding passes just before your flight. SW will check you in.

When I was departing Disney they automatically printed my boarding passes for me and they were hanging on my door.

 

[goofy4tink]

SW will get you all checked in 36 hrs prior to your flight departure. Then, at any time after the 24 hr window passes, you can go online and print out your boarding pass. Or, you can just wait until you get to the airport...there are kiosks there that allow you to print out the bp. Or, you can get one when you check your luggage.
No need to do anything at home, unless you really want to see what boarding slot you got...which most of us do want to see.

 

[averill94]

Thanks gang!

 

[LisaS]

As goofy4tink said, you can view/print your boarding pass once you are within 24 hours of departure. To do that online, click the "Check In" button on Southwest's home page.

The first time I purchased EBCI I went looking for a "View/Print boarding pass" button. I knew I was already checked in automatically because of EBCI so it didn't make sense to click the "Check In" button but it turns out that's what you need to do!

 

[eangel12]

Just for reference, I purchased EBCI and we leave in 24 hours. I went to check-in page and printed our boarding passes. We are A16,17,18,19,20! Very happy with that number!

 

[goofy4tink]

Just for reference, I purchased EBCI and we leave in 24 hours. I went to check-in page and printed our boarding passes. We are A16,17,18,19,20! Very happy with that number!

As well you should be.......you can't get any better than that. The A1-15 slots are reserved for business select people (paying close to full fare, if not full fare!) and anyone that chooses to upgrade, at the gate, to those slots. The only people boarding prior to you will be medical preboards, minors flying solo, and anyone that 'might' be in the first 15 slots.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Just for reference, I purchased EBCI and we leave in 24 hours. I went to check-in page and printed our boarding passes. We are A16,17,18,19,20! Very happy with that number!

WOW. Those are amazing slots. On the last SW flight I was on, there were no medical preboards and only three guys in A1-A15. The best slot we've gotten was A28-A31 and we were able to snag rows 5&6, so you should be right near the front.

 

[Figment Mom]

I purchased EBCI for our return flight and there turned out to be only 26 passengers. We all had our own row! Wasted money except for the peace of mind and not having to think about checking in. Got to enjoy the fireworks instead!