Air carriers such as Southwest Airlines are redefining flight experience. Southwest is the largest budget airline in the world.
Moreover, it is the leader when it comes to domestic air ticket deals in the USA. It flies more passengers within the US than any other airline.
If you are based in the United States of America, you have likely flown with the Texas-based Southwest Airlines.
Being a low-cost air carrier, you can score some of the cheapest air tickets to India from the USA or to other destinations.
Since the airline has a broader audience than its competitors, this article will guide you with different ways to check-in with Southwest Airlines.
Also, you will come across, generally asked questions or FAQs.
Southwest Airlines Types of Check-in
Right from the travel fares, check-in to boarding, Southwest flight experience is seamless.
Hence, it is one of the most successful airlines in the world with the lowest customer complaints.
1) Airport Check-in:
- The traditional method to check-in for a flight is checking in at the airport. You can not avail other means of check-in at the airport if you are one of the following:
- Traveling with pets
- Commuting on a military fare
- Passengers with unaccompanied minors
- Flying with infants.
- Traveling with paper tickets.
2) Early Bird Check-in:
Southwest Airlines offers many privileges under the Early Bird Check-in scheme. Passengers need to pay a sum which, varies according to the type of flight and journey.
For instance, higher charges apply to India flight tickets from the USA, as compared to flights within the USA.
You must use a credit card and can check-in 24 hours before departure. This way, you can select your favorite seat.
You can visit the website online or perform the check-in over the phone. Also, note that the Early Bird Check-in fee is nonrefundable.
3) Curbside Check-in:
Southwest Airlines also offers curbside check-in where you can check-in one to 3 hours before departure. You need to carry your Photo ID and the reservation code.
4) Online Check-in:
Like most airlines, you can check-in for your flight through the internet. Passengers can book flight ticket deals up to 24 hours before the departure.
You can collect the boarding pass later on when you reach the airport. You must be present for boarding at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Also, make sure you arrive at the gate a minimum of 10 minutes before departure.
5) Automatic Check-in:
Next, Southwest Airlines extend automatic check-in service 36 hours before departure.
If you want to avail of automatic check-in, you must first obtain early boarding positions 12 hours before general boarding.
You can print your boarding pass 24 hours before departure using the self-service kiosks at the airport.
6) Kiosk Check-in:
Nearly every airport where Southwest Airlines operates has a kiosk installed. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you want to book tickets from India to the USA, or vice-versa, you can use kiosk check-in.
To initiate the check-in, you need a confirmation number or a Rapid Rewards number. Also, military personnel and those traveling with pets cannot avail kiosk check-in, whereas other reservations types can.
7) Others:
Finally, you can also check-in from your mobile or the ticket counter.
Southwest Airlines- Frequently Asked Questions
1) How to get Southwest Airlines ‘A’ boarding pass?
Southwest gives you boarding positions on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, you can guarantee early boarding positions of A1 to A15 if you book Business Select flight ticket offers. Next, upgrades at the airport can also help you score A boarding pass.
2) Can passengers with disabilities preboard Southwest Airlines flight?
Yes, the airline offers passengers with disabilities to board the flight before others. Also, if you require assistance to board the flight, Southwest Airlines can make provisions.
3) Is Southwest Airlines’ no change policy the same for India, as it is for domestic flights?
Yes, if you need to make a change to your India trip ticket, the procedure and structure remain the same as domestic flight itineraries.
4) Can passengers in separate boarding groups, board together?
However, it is advised that the passenger with an earlier boarding position must board with the passenger with a later boarding position.
That is to say, if your boarding position for is A13, and the fellow passenger has A22, the former must board the slight with the latter.
5) Can passengers book cheap international flights with Southwest Airlines?
Yes, Southwest Airlines is a budget air carrier. So, you can say, book cheap international flights from the USA to India throughout the year. Southwest flies to major international destinations.
6) Where can you book cheap Southwest Airlines fly fares?
Online portals offer the best airfare, or you can visit the official website of Southwest. Further, local flight booking websites are a good idea too.
For instance, if you want to book a round ticket to India, it is wise to check Indian air travel sites.
7)Is the Southwest Airlines luggage policy the same for international flights?
If you apply for Southwest Airlines’ Bags Fly Fare, you can check-in up to bags for free.
So, it doesn’t matter whether you have booked flight ticket deals to India or Indianapolis, you can check-in bags for free.
That covers the basic check-in types and generally asked questions relating to Southwest Airlines. For further information, you can get in touch with a Southwest Operations manager or customer support via phone or through the internet.