Airline check-in guide
Southwest Airlines check-in: cutoffs, carry-on rules, and bag fees
Check in online 24 hours before departure and be through airport check-in by Southwest Airlines's cutoff of 30 minutes before departure on domestic flights. Bag-drop closes 30 minutes before departure — miss that window and your bag may not make the plane even if you do.
Looking for oversize fees, sports equipment, or stroller policy? See the full Southwest Airlines baggage guide.
When does Southwest Airlines open online check-in?
Southwest Airlines opens online check-in 24 hours before departure and closes it 30 minutes before departure (domestic); 60 minutes before departure (international). The moment the window opens today, check in — you lock in your seat, skip the ticket-counter queue, and have your boarding pass on your phone before you leave home.
What is Southwest Airlines's airport check-in cutoff?
| Flight type | Check-in closes | Bag drop closes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 30 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| International | 60 minutes before departure (75 minutes for Aruba) | 60 minutes before departure |
These are hard deadlines — Southwest Airlines can give your seat to a standby traveler once the cutoff passes. Arrive with room to breathe, not at the last second.
Can I bring a carry-on on Southwest Airlines?
Yes. One full-size carry-on and one personal item are included on main-cabin fares at no extra charge. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin — Southwest Airlines sets the limit at 24 x 16 x 10 in (including wheels and handles).
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you (No official dimensions published; must fit under the seat in front of you). Pack it smart so you have easy access during the flight.
How much does Southwest Airlines charge for checked bags?
| Bag | Main cabin | Basic economy |
|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | $45 | $45 |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 | $55 |
Prices shown are for online prepayment. Paying at the airport or the gate runs higher. Baggage fees compared across every airline shows how Southwest Airlines stacks up against the rest.
How does a bag fee change my Leave-By Time?
Checking a bag adds 5 to 10 minutes at the counter — time in line, handing off the bag, collecting a receipt. That window sits between your arrival at the terminal and your walk to security, so it shifts your Leave-By Time at home earlier, not just your airport arrival.
Recompute your Leave-By Time with bag drop factored in — enter your flight, mark that you are checking a bag, and the calculator adds the counter time so you leave home with exact numbers, not a guess.
Things to know before you fly Southwest Airlines
- Bags fly free policy ended May 28, 2025; Southwest raised fees again on April 9, 2026: first checked bag now $45, second $55 for Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares; Choice Extra fare and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members still get 2 free checked bags; A-List members and RR credit cardholders get 1 free bag.
- Southwest moved to assigned seating in 2025 with four fare tiers (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra); Basic fare boards last and overhead bins may be full.
- Early Bird Check-In available for $15 to $25 per person, which auto-checks you in at 36 hours before departure for a better seat assignment.
Related guides
Verified against Southwest Airlines's official site, . Sources: support.southwest.com — online checkin; support.southwest.com — checked baggage policy; southwest.com — travel fees.