How early do I need to be at the airport for a Southwest flight?

Please arrive to your gate at least 30 minutes prior to your flight’s scheduled departure. All passengers must obtain their boarding passes and be in the gate area available for boarding at least 10 minutes prior to your flight’s scheduled departure time.

How early should I get to the airport 2021?

The TSA advises arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours before for international travel. If you’re traveling during peak times like early morning or evening, or during holidays and other events, please plan accordingly and allow for extra time.

Is it better to check-in early for Southwest?

Without paying for early check-in, it’s usually the case that the earlier you check in for a Southwest flight, the better your boarding spot will be. That’s why many passengers check in at the earliest possible moment: precisely 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure.

Is Southwest boarding first come first serve?

The airline has an open seating policy, which means you can sit just about anywhere you want: up front, way in the back or right in the middle. There are no assigned seats — not even at the very front of the plane. It’s first come, first seated.

What precautions is Southwest Airlines taking for Covid?

Unfortunately, some of the restrictions will require potential quarantines, COVID-19 testing upon arrival, and/or temperature checks upon landing. Our Team will notify you of these restrictions as soon as possible, offer the flexibility you need to make changes, and as always, do what we can to help our Customers.

Do I really need to get to the airport 3 hours early?

While the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) recommends travelers arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours prior to an international trip, “those are just general times,” says Richard Duncan, the Assistant General Manager of Public Safety and Security at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson …

Why do I not qualify for early bird check-in on Southwest?

Please note, for Anytime fares purchased between 36 and 24 hours, the boarding position assignment process has begun so this may impact the boarding position assigned to you. If you purchase an Anytime fare within 24 hours of your flight’s scheduled departure, you will not receive the EarlyBird Check-In benefit.

Are seats assigned on Southwest?

At Southwest®, we let you sit where you like. We don’t assign seats on our flights, so feel free to sit in any available seat once you board the plane.

What is a good boarding position on Southwest Airlines?

If you have a B group boarding position, the chances are good that you’ll still be able to get a window or aisle seat or find 2 seats together if you’re traveling with a companion. Hot Tip: If you are in the B group (or even one of the first numbers in the C group), head to the back of the plane.

Can my wife board with me on Southwest?

If you are A List with a fellow traveler on the same reservation/booking as you, they will get a boarding position with you and can board with you. It is automatic.

Are masks required to fly Southwest?

Do I need to wear a mask on the plane and or in the airport? No, federal law no longer requires that masks be worn in the airport or on the plane, but certain cities or states may still be requiring them at their airports. Make sure to check any airport you’re traveling to before arriving to know their policies.

Does Southwest Air require Covid test?

Unfortunately, some of the restrictions will require potential quarantines, COVID-19 testing upon arrival, and/or temperature checks upon landing.

Can I check in 30 minutes before flight?

For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed here, Go to footer note) Additionally, you’re required to be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

Is 2 hours before a flight enough?

The TSA recommends getting to the airport two hours before a domestic flight, but there are certain factors that could influence whether you should leave earlier or later to catch your flight.

How are Southwest Early Bird seats assigned?

Customers who have purchased Anytime Fares will receive priority over Customer’s who purchase Early Bird with other fare types. Boarding positions are assigned based on the time stamp of the EarlyBird Check-In purchase relative to passengers within the same fare class.