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Southwest Airlines·None
When Southwest check-in opens, airport and bag drop cutoffs for domestic and international flights, and how early the gate closes.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
24 hours before departure. With assigned seating this matters far less than it did under the old boarding-position scramble.
30 minutes before departure at most airports.
60 minutes before departure.
45 minutes before domestic departure, 60 minutes internationally.
Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Doors close 10 minutes before departure — earlier than the 15-minute industry norm, and a common cause of missed flights for travellers used to other carriers.
The Southwest app handles changes, cancellations and credits cleanly. Because there is no change fee, self-service rebooking is genuinely usable rather than a route to a penalty.
24 hours before departure. With assigned seating this matters far less than it did under the old boarding-position scramble.
Domestic: 30 minutes before departure at most airports. International: 60 minutes before departure. Bags: 45 minutes before domestic departure, 60 minutes internationally.
Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Doors close 10 minutes before departure — earlier than the 15-minute industry norm, and a common cause of missed flights for travellers used to other carriers.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.