When flying with Southwest Airlines, it’s important to check in as early as possible to get a better boarding position, since the airline does not assign seats. Southwest uses an open seating system, which means passengers choose their seats when they board the plane. Boarding order is based on your check-in time, so the earlier you check in, the better your chance of getting a good seat. Southwest allows passengers to check in exactly 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of their flight. For example, if your flight is at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, you can check in starting at 10:00 a.m. on Monday. To do this, go to the Southwest website or use the Southwest mobile app. Click on the “Check In” option and enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name. Once checked in, you will receive a boarding group and position, such as A25 or B10. Groups are labeled A, B, and C, with each group having positions from 1 to 60. The boarding order goes from A1 to C60. If you check in later, you will likely get a higher group and number, which means you’ll board the plane later and have fewer seat options to choose from. For travelers who want to avoid worrying about checking in exactly 24 hours before the flight, Southwest offers an option called EarlyBird Check-In. This service automatically checks you in before the 24-hour mark, usually giving you a better boarding position than if you checked in yourself. EarlyBird Check-In costs a small fee and is helpful for busy travelers who might forget to check in on time. If you are checking in at the airport, it’s a good idea to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure, especially if you have bags to check or if you are traveling during a busy time. Airport check-in closes 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes before departure for international flights, so be sure to allow enough time for checking bags, going through security, and getting to your gate. You can check in at a self-service kiosk or at the ticket counter by entering your confirmation number and following the instructions. Once you’re checked in, you can print your boarding pass or have it sent to your mobile phone. If you’re using the Southwest app, your boarding pass will automatically appear there after check-in. Always keep an eye on the time so you don’t miss your check-in window or your flight. In summary, you should check in for your Southwest flight exactly 24 hours before departure to get the best boarding position. If that’s not possible, consider buying EarlyBird Check-In. If you are checking in at the airport, plan to arrive early enough to complete the process without stress. Being early and prepared helps you get a good seat and start your trip smoothly.