When flying with Southwest Airlines, knowing how early to check-in is important because the airline follows a unique open seating policy where boarding positions are assigned based on check-in time rather than seat numbers. Southwest allows passengers to check-in exactly 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, and the earlier you check-in within that window, the better your boarding position will be. Unlike most airlines, Southwest does not assign seats in advance. Instead, passengers board in groups—A, B, or C—and choose their seats once on the plane. Boarding group and position are determined by the check-in time, so checking in right at the 24-hour mark is key to getting a better spot. If you wait too long, you may end up with a late boarding group, which usually means fewer seat options and potentially not being able to sit with your travel companions. For those who want to secure a better boarding position without worrying about timing, Southwest also offers EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in before the 24-hour mark, typically 36 hours before departure. However, this service comes at an extra cost and doesn’t guarantee an A group position, but it improves your chances. If you don’t use EarlyBird and forget to check-in on time, you can still check-in online, through the app, or at the airport, but you may receive a late boarding position. For airport arrivals, Southwest recommends getting to the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights. If you have checked baggage, the bag drop closes 45 minutes before domestic departures and 60 minutes before international departures, so arriving early helps ensure you don’t miss your flight. Even if you’ve checked in online, it’s important to arrive early enough to clear security and get to your gate before boarding begins, which typically starts 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you’re flying out of a busy airport or traveling during peak times, arriving even earlier is advised. Keep in mind that if you miss the check-in window entirely and arrive at the airport late, there’s a chance you may be denied boarding or lose your spot, especially if the flight is full. Checking in as close to 24 hours before your flight as possible not only secures a better boarding group but also gives you time to resolve any booking issues or document problems. In summary, you should check-in for your Southwest flight exactly 24 hours before departure for the best boarding position and arrive at the airport 90 to 120 minutes before your flight, depending on whether it’s domestic or international. This approach ensures you have enough time for bag drop, security, and boarding, and it helps you get the seat you want. Planning ahead and knowing the right check-in timing with Southwest makes the overall travel experience much smoother and more efficient.