When flying with Southwest Airlines, knowing how early to check in is essential due to the airline’s unique open seating policy, which operates on a first-come, first-served boarding system. Unlike traditional carriers that assign specific seats, Southwest assigns passengers a boarding group and position based on when they complete check-in. This means the earlier you check in, the better your boarding spot, and the more seat choices you'll have when you board. Passengers are allowed to check in exactly 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, and doing so at that moment significantly increases your chances of securing a Group A or early Group B boarding position. Delaying check-in could result in a later boarding group, which often leads to fewer seating options, especially on full flights. For travelers who prefer not to worry about the 24-hour timer, Southwest offers an optional EarlyBird Check-In service, which automatically checks you in ahead of the standard window, usually around 36 hours before departure. While this does not guarantee an A boarding group, it does improve your position over those who wait until the 24-hour mark. For airport arrival, Southwest recommends arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure for domestic flights and at least two hours for international flights. This buffer allows enough time to drop off checked luggage, go through security, and reach your boarding gate without stress. For passengers with checked baggage, bag drop typically closes 45 minutes before domestic departures and 60 minutes before international departures. Even if you have already checked in online or through the mobile app, arriving at the airport early is still important, especially during peak travel hours or at busy airports. Boarding typically starts about 30 minutes before the flight’s departure time, so being at the gate on time is necessary to avoid missing your flight. If you fail to check in at all and arrive at the airport close to departure time, you risk being placed in the last boarding group or even missing the flight if check-in and baggage cut-offs have passed. Another advantage of checking in early is having time to resolve any booking issues, document verifications, or unexpected travel changes. In summary, for the best experience when flying with Southwest Airlines, you should check in exactly 24 hours before departure to get a better boarding position and ensure more seating flexibility. In addition, you should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights to allow sufficient time for all airport procedures. Planning your check-in and airport arrival times carefully helps you avoid last-minute stress and ensures a smoother, more enjoyable start to your journey with Southwest Airlines. Early check-in and timely airport arrival are key factors in getting the seat you prefer, boarding on time, and traveling with peace of mind.