Easy Southwest Boarding Pass Guide for 2026

Last Updated on July 29, 2026 by Daniel Globe

Need to print your Southwest boarding pass before heading to the airport? For most eligible trips, you can check in through Southwest.com starting 24 hours before the flight’s original scheduled departure time, open your boarding pass, and print it through your browser. You can also use a mobile boarding pass or print one at an airport kiosk.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Gather the following information and equipment before checking in:

• Your six-character Southwest confirmation number from your booking email or account
• Your first and last name exactly as they appear on the reservation
• A computer, phone, or tablet with internet access
• A working printer with paper and enough ink or toner if you want a physical copy
• Your passport or other required travel documents for an international itinerary

How to Print Your Southwest Boarding Pass Online

For the most reliable home-printing process, use Southwest.com on a computer with a connected printer.

1. Open Southwest’s check-in page. Visit Southwest flight check-in.
2. Enter the passenger information. Type the confirmation number and the passenger’s first and last name exactly as shown on the reservation.
3. Select “Check in.” Review the itinerary and complete any identity, passport, seat, or baggage prompts that appear.
4. Open the boarding pass. Select the button or link provided to view the boarding pass after check-in.
5. Start the print command. Select the on-screen print option when available, or press Ctrl + P on Windows or Command + P on a Mac.
6. Choose your printer. Select the correct printer, use portrait orientation unless the preview indicates otherwise, and keep the page scale near 100% so the barcode is not cropped.
7. Print or save a PDF. Print the page immediately or choose the browser’s “Save as PDF” destination for later printing.
8. Check the finished pass. Confirm that the passenger name, travel date, flight number, seat, boarding group, and barcode are complete and easy to read.

What to Do If Your Seat Is Not Shown

Southwest now uses assigned seating, but a seat may not always appear immediately after check-in. This is most likely with a Basic fare when the system cannot assign an available Standard seat at that moment.

If that happens, Southwest may give you a security document instead of a complete boarding pass. The security document lets you proceed through the security checkpoint. After security, speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the departure gate to receive your seat assignment and final boarding pass.

Southwest’s Assigned Seating System

Southwest introduced assigned seating for travel beginning January 27, 2026, replacing its former open-seating process. Every current Southwest flight uses assigned seats, although the time and method of seat selection depend on the fare, Rapid Rewards tier, and eligible credit-card benefits.

Southwest offers three main seat categories:

• Extra Legroom: Seats near the front of the cabin and in exit-row areas, with additional legroom that varies by aircraft.
• Preferred: Standard-legroom seats located closer to the front of the cabin.
• Standard: Standard-legroom seats generally located farther back in the cabin.

Southwest’s current fare bundles are Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. According to Southwest’s assigned-seating guide:

• Basic: A Standard seat is assigned at check-in or at the gate, unless a tier or eligible card benefit provides earlier selection.
• Choice: An available Standard seat can be selected at booking.
• Choice Preferred: An available Preferred or Standard seat can be selected at booking.
• Choice Extra: An available Extra Legroom, Preferred, or Standard seat can be selected at booking.

The former A, B, and C boarding positions have also been replaced. Passengers now receive a boarding group from 1 through 8, based on factors such as fare benefits, status, card benefits, and boarding eligibility.

Why Print Your Boarding Pass Early

A printed boarding pass gives you a backup if your phone battery dies, the app does not load, or the airport has a poor data connection. It also gives you time to catch a misspelled name, wrong flight date, missing seat, or incomplete barcode before leaving home.

If you already have a valid boarding pass and are not checking bags or completing an in-person document check, you may be able to go directly to airport security. Passengers checking luggage, traveling on certain international itineraries, or using special travel services may still need a kiosk or ticket-counter visit.

Southwest requires passengers to have their boarding passes and be available in the gate area at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure.

Printing Tips and Best Practices

• Preview the page first: Make sure the complete barcode appears inside the printable area.
• Use normal scaling: Start at 100% scale. Reduce it slightly only if the edges are being cut off.
• Print in black and white if needed: Color ink is generally unnecessary as long as the barcode and text remain sharp.
• Avoid low-quality draft mode: Faint lines or missing barcode sections can prevent scanning.
• Keep the page flat: Do not fold, staple, write across, or heavily crease the barcode.
• Print each flight segment: A connecting itinerary may include a separate boarding pass for each leg.
• Retrieve a new pass after changes: Recheck the reservation if the flight, passenger details, seat, or itinerary changes.

Store the printed pass in a flat, dry place. A folder or travel document holder can protect it from creases, spills, and damage.

Mobile, Kiosk, and Ticket-Counter Options

You do not have to print your Southwest boarding pass at home. Choose the method that best matches your itinerary and travel needs.

Using a Mobile Boarding Pass

After checking in through the Southwest app or mobile website, tap the boarding-pass button. Southwest recommends saving an eligible pass to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for easier access during travel.

A mobile boarding pass is not available for every reservation. Southwest currently lists lap children, Unaccompanied Minors, passengers on certain international itineraries, partner reservations, and some military or government fares as ineligible.

Printing at an Airport Kiosk

Most passengers can retrieve a reservation and print a pass at a Southwest self-service kiosk. Depending on the kiosk, you may be able to use your confirmation number, Rapid Rewards number, passport, mobile boarding pass, or a credit card displaying your name to locate the trip.

Getting a Pass at the Ticket Counter

A Southwest agent can print or replace a boarding pass and help with reservations that require additional review. Bring the required identification and travel documents, especially for international flights, lap children, Unaccompanied Minors, and travelers requesting special assistance.

Who May Need Airport Assistance

The following situations can change the normal online or mobile process:

• Partner itinerary: Check in with the airline operating the first flight. Some Southwest kiosk and mobile features may not be available.
• International itinerary: Passport or permanent-resident-card verification may be required before a boarding pass is issued.
• Aruba, Havana, or Punta Cana: Southwest states that passengers traveling to or from these destinations cannot check in online.
• Unaccompanied Minor: The child and responsible adult must complete required steps at the Southwest ticket counter.
• Group reservation: Group passengers may be able to check in online, but some groups must obtain boarding passes at the ticket counter.
• Lap child: Age and travel documents may need to be verified, and a mobile boarding pass may not be available.
• Government or military fare: Some reservations are not eligible for a mobile pass and may require counter assistance.

Southwest Boarding Pass Policies You Should Know

Check-In and Gate Deadlines

Southwest’s published check-in deadlines are:

• Domestic flights: Complete check-in at least 30 minutes before the original scheduled departure.
• Most international flights: Complete check-in at least 60 minutes before the original scheduled departure.
• Aruba: Complete check-in at least 75 minutes before the original scheduled departure.
• Gate requirement: Obtain the boarding pass and be in the gate area at least 10 minutes before departure.

Seat and Boarding Information

Your boarding pass should show your assigned seat and boarding group. Basic-fare customers normally receive a Standard seat at check-in, although the seat may be assigned at the gate when one cannot be issued immediately. Choice and higher fare bundles include different seat-selection benefits.

Current Checked-Bag Charges

There is no separate charge merely to receive a boarding pass. Checked-bag charges are separate and depend on the fare, itinerary, status, card benefits, and the date the reservation was booked, ticketed, or changed.

For qualifying U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed, or changed on or after April 9, 2026, Southwest’s current standard fee table lists:

• Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred: $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second checked bag
• Choice Extra: Two free standard checked bags
• A-List Preferred: Two free standard checked bags, subject to Southwest’s terms
• A-List and eligible Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers: The first standard checked bag is free, subject to Southwest’s terms

Hawaii interisland travel, military travel, partner flights, group reservations, oversized items, and older bookings can follow different rules. Check Southwest’s current optional travel charges for the exact itinerary before departure.

Changes After Printing

If you change the flight, passenger details, or itinerary after printing, check in again when required and retrieve a new boarding pass. Do not rely on the old barcode, gate, flight number, boarding group, or seat assignment.

Troubleshooting Common Printing Problems

The Reservation Cannot Be Found

Check that the confirmation number contains the correct six letters and numbers. Enter the passenger’s first and last name exactly as shown on the reservation. Look for extra spaces, hyphens, suffixes, or a legal-name mismatch.

The Boarding-Pass Button Does Not Appear

You may be outside the check-in window, the reservation may require document verification, the first flight may be operated by a partner airline, or the passenger may be ineligible for online or mobile boarding-pass delivery. Read the message on the screen and visit a kiosk or ticket counter when instructed.

The Print Window Does Not Open

Allow pop-ups for Southwest.com, reload the boarding-pass page, and try the browser’s print shortcut. If the page still does not open, save the pass as a PDF from another browser or print it at the airport.

The Barcode Is Blank, Faint, or Cut Off

Return the scale to about 100%, switch to portrait orientation, turn off headers and footers if they cover the pass, and check the print preview. Replace low ink or toner and avoid draft-quality mode.

The Printer Is Offline or Jammed

Confirm that the correct printer is selected, reconnect it to the computer or Wi-Fi network, clear paper jams, and restart the printer. Use an airport kiosk or eligible mobile pass if the printer cannot be repaired before departure.

The Boarding Pass Shows Old Information

Close the old pass, retrieve the reservation again, and print a new copy. Browser downloads and screenshots can preserve an outdated version after a schedule, seat, or flight change.

You Lost the Printed Boarding Pass

Retrieve and reprint it through Southwest.com, open an eligible mobile pass, or obtain another copy at a self-service kiosk or ticket counter. For reservation help, use the official Southwest Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Southwest Airlines boarding pass?

A Southwest boarding pass is the document used to pass through airport security and board an eligible flight. It normally displays the passenger name, travel date, flight number, departure information, assigned seat, boarding group, and a scannable barcode.

How can I print my Southwest boarding pass?

Check in on Southwest.com, open the boarding pass, and select the print option or use your browser’s print command. You can also print a pass at an eligible Southwest airport kiosk or request one from the ticket counter.

Can I print my Southwest boarding pass at the airport?

Yes. Most passengers can print a boarding pass at a Southwest self-service kiosk. A ticket-counter agent can also issue one, and some travelers must use the counter because of their itinerary or travel-service requirements.

Do I need to print a boarding pass if I have the Southwest app?

Not if Southwest provides an eligible mobile boarding pass for your reservation. Save it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet when available. Lap children, Unaccompanied Minors, certain international passengers, partner reservations, and some military or government fares may not qualify for a mobile pass.

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

You normally need the Southwest confirmation number and the passenger’s first and last name exactly as they appear on the reservation. International travel may also require passport or permanent-resident-card verification.

Can I reprint my boarding pass if I lose it?

Yes. Retrieve the reservation on Southwest.com and print another copy, use an eligible mobile pass, or visit an airport kiosk or ticket counter.

How late can I check in for a Southwest flight?

Southwest lists a 30-minute check-in deadline for domestic flights, 60 minutes for most international flights, and 75 minutes for Aruba. Every passenger must also have a boarding pass and be available at the gate at least 10 minutes before departure.

Why did Southwest give me a security document instead of a boarding pass?

Southwest may issue a security document when it cannot assign your seat during check-in. Use it to pass through security, then speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the departure gate for your seat assignment and final boarding pass.

Conclusion

Printing a Southwest boarding pass usually takes only a few minutes. Check in through Southwest.com, verify the passenger and flight details, and make sure the full barcode prints clearly. Keep a mobile backup when eligible, and use an airport kiosk or ticket counter if the reservation requires document verification or special handling. Always leave enough time to meet Southwest’s check-in and gate deadlines.

Sources

1. Southwest Airlines Online Check-In — check-in methods, eligibility, deadlines, and partner-itinerary rules
2. Southwest Airlines Assigned Seating — seat categories, fare bundles, and the assigned-seating rollout
3. Southwest Mobile Boarding Pass Information — mobile-pass access, wallet storage, and ineligible passenger types
4. Southwest Self-Service Kiosk Guide — airport printing options and ticket-counter exceptions
5. Southwest Optional Travel Charges — current checked-bag prices and fare-based exemptions
6. Southwest Basic Fare Seat Assignment — check-in seat assignments and gate-issued seats