Lost your Southwest boarding pass or want to print it before heading to the airport? You’re not alone. Thousands of travelers print their boarding passes at home each day to skip check-in lines and reduce airport stress.

Southwest Airlines lets you check in online starting 24 hours before your flight. Once you check in, you can print your boarding pass at home, save it to your phone, or print it at the airport. With Southwest’s transition to assigned seating in January 2026, your boarding pass now shows your specific seat assignment instead of the old A/B/C boarding group system.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you print your Southwest boarding pass, gather these items:

• Your Southwest confirmation number (found in your booking confirmation email)
• Your first and last name exactly as shown on your reservation
• A computer or smartphone with internet access
• A working printer (for home printing) with adequate ink and paper

Estimated time: 3-5 minutes from start to finish.

How to Print Your Southwest Boarding Pass Online

Follow these steps to print your Southwest boarding pass from home:

1. Visit the Southwest website at Southwest.com or open the Southwest mobile app.
2. Click “Check In” in the main navigation menu on the homepage.
3. Enter your confirmation number along with your first and last name exactly as they appear on your reservation.
4. Click “Retrieve Reservation” to pull up your flight details.
5. Review your flight information and click “Check In” to confirm.
6. Select the print option to send your boarding pass to your printer, or choose “Save as PDF” for later printing.
7. Verify your printer is connected and has enough ink and paper loaded.
8. Print your boarding pass and review it for accuracy before heading to the airport.

On the mobile app, the process works the same way. Check in through the app and select the option to view your boarding pass. You can take a screenshot or use the app’s built-in feature to save it for offline access.

Southwest’s Assigned Seating System (January 2026)

On January 27, 2026, Southwest officially retired its open seating model after more than 50 years. Under the old system, passengers received a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number, then chose any open seat when boarding. Now all passengers receive a specific seat assignment.

According to Southwest’s official website, the airline offers three seat types: Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard. The airline also replaced the A/B/C boarding groups with a new eight-group system (Groups 1 through 8). Your boarding order is based on seat location and status level. If you hold a higher-tier fare or have elite status, you board earlier.

The airline’s fare structure has also been updated. The new fare names are Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Higher fare tiers include perks like seat selection at booking, earlier boarding, and free checked bags. With a Basic fare, your Standard seat is assigned at check-in rather than at booking.

Why Print Your Boarding Pass Early

Printing your boarding pass in advance saves you significant time at the airport. With your boarding pass already in hand, you can skip the check-in lines that often form during peak travel times. This is especially helpful if you’re flying during busy seasons or at popular times of day when airports are crowded.

You can head straight to security screening, making the whole airport experience faster. Printing ahead of time also gives you peace of mind. It allows you to double-check your flight details, ensuring you’re aware of any changes or updates that occurred since your initial booking.

A physical copy of your boarding pass is also useful if your phone runs out of battery or loses connectivity at the airport. Many travelers carry both a printed copy and a mobile version for backup.

Printing Tips and Best Practices

Before printing your boarding pass, check that your printer works correctly. Make sure it has enough ink and paper, and confirm it’s connected to your computer or phone. If possible, do a test print of another document first.

Once printed, look over the boarding pass layout. The document includes barcodes and QR codes that are scanned at various points during your trip. These codes need to be clear and easy to read. If they look faint or distorted, try adjusting your printer settings or using a different printer.

Keep your printed boarding pass somewhere safe so it doesn’t get crumpled or damaged before your flight. A folder or travel document holder works well for protecting important papers.

Mobile and Airport Kiosk Options

While printing is a common choice, Southwest Airlines offers other ways to get your boarding pass. One popular method is through mobile check-in via the Southwest Airlines app. This lets most passengers receive their boarding passes directly on their smartphones. Mobile boarding passes are now accepted at all Southwest-served U.S. airports.

Some travelers, such as those flying with lap infants, Unaccompanied Minors, on certain international routes, or on select government and military fares, may still need a printed boarding pass. Always follow the prompts shown during check-in.

The app has a straightforward interface where you can check in and access your boarding pass at any time. Another option is the self-service kiosks at the airport. These kiosks let you check in and print your boarding pass without help from airline staff. Whichever method you choose, make sure you have your boarding pass before heading through security.

Southwest Boarding Pass Policies You Should Know

Southwest Airlines has specific policies around boarding passes that are good to know before you fly. Online check-in opens 24 hours before your scheduled departure. With the switch to assigned seating in January 2026, your boarding pass now shows your specific seat rather than the old boarding group and position.

If you purchased a Basic fare, your seat is assigned at check-in. Higher fare tiers (Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra) let you pick your seat when you book.

The airline also uses a new group-based boarding process with Groups 1 through 8. Passengers with Extra Legroom seats and elite-status members board first, while others are grouped by seat location and fare type.

On the baggage front, Southwest now charges fees for checked bags on most reservations booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025. According to Southwest’s baggage fee page, the first checked bag costs $35 and the second costs $45 for Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra customers and A-List Preferred members still receive two free checked bags, while A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit card holders get one free checked bag.

There’s no separate fee just to get a boarding pass. If you change your flight after checking in and printing your boarding pass, you’ll need to check in again and get a new one with your updated details.

Troubleshooting Common Printing Problems

Even though printing a boarding pass is usually simple, a few common problems can pop up. Printer malfunctions like paper jams or connection issues are the most frequent. If you run into technical trouble, try restarting both your printer and computer, and check for any software updates that might be needed.

Another issue is trouble accessing your flight info online because of a wrong confirmation number or misspelled name. If this happens, double-check that you’re entering the same details shown in your reservation confirmation email.

If the problem continues, contact Southwest Airlines customer service for help retrieving your flight details and getting your boarding pass on time. The airline’s customer service team can resend your confirmation number or help resolve account issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Southwest Airlines boarding pass?

A Southwest Airlines boarding pass is a document that allows passengers to board their flight. It includes your name, flight details, and your assigned seat.

How can I print my Southwest Airlines boarding pass?

Visit the Southwest Airlines website or open the Southwest mobile app. Starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure, check in, then choose the option to print your boarding pass or save it as a PDF.

Can I print my Southwest Airlines boarding pass at the airport?

Yes. You can print your boarding pass at a self-service kiosk or at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.

Do I need to print my Southwest Airlines boarding pass if I have the mobile app?

No. Most passengers can use the Southwest Airlines mobile app to access their boarding pass electronically. Just show the mobile boarding pass on your device at the security checkpoint and at the gate. Some passengers (for example, those traveling with lap infants, Unaccompanied Minors, on certain international itineraries, or on select government and military fares) may still need a printed version. Follow the instructions you see when you check in.

What information do I need to print my Southwest Airlines boarding pass?

You’ll need your confirmation number, along with your first and last name as they appear on your reservation.

Can I reprint my Southwest Airlines boarding pass if I lose it?

Yes. Visit the Southwest Airlines website or use the mobile app to retrieve and reprint your boarding pass.

Conclusion

Printing your Southwest boarding pass is a straightforward process that saves you time at the airport. Whether you print at home, use mobile check-in, or grab one at a kiosk, having your boarding pass ready before you arrive reduces stress and gets you through security faster. Stay updated on your flight status and gate information as your departure approaches for the smoothest travel experience.

References

1. Southwest Airlines Assigned Seating — Southwest.com, 2026
2. Southwest Airlines Optional Travel Charges — Southwest.com, 2026
3. Southwest Airlines Online Check-In Help — Southwest.com Support