Check your Southwest flight status on their website or app

Go to southwest.com and look for the "Flight Status" link near the top of the page. Enter your confirmation number (the six-character code from your booking email) and your last name, then click "Retrieve My Booking." The next screen shows your flight number, departure and arrival times, gate information if it has been assigned, and any delays or cancellations. You can also read the Southwest mobile app from Apple's App Store or Google Play, tap the menu icon, select "Flight Status," and enter the same confirmation number and last name.

Both the website and app update in real time as your flight's status changes. If your flight is delayed, the status page tells you the new departure time and the reason — weather, mechanical issue, crew scheduling, or air traffic control delay. If your flight is cancelled, you will see that when ready, along with a link to rebook on a different Southwest flight at no extra charge.

Key Takeaways

  • Your confirmation number and last name are all you need to check your flight status on southwest.com or the Southwest app.
  • The status page updates in real time and shows your gate, departure time, and the reason for any delay.
  • You can also text your confirmation number to 79697 to receive status updates by text message.
  • If your flight is cancelled, Southwest automatically rebooks you on the next available flight at no cost.
  • Call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) if the website or app is not loading or you cannot find your confirmation number.

Use text message alerts for updates without checking the website

Text your six-character confirmation number to 79697 (SWFLY). Southwest will send you text messages when your flight status changes — typically when a delay is announced, when boarding begins, and when the flight departs. This method works even if you do not have the Southwest app installed or cannot access the website from your phone.

Text alerts are sent to the phone number you use to send the message, so make sure you are texting from the phone where you want to receive updates. You can sign up for text alerts multiple times for the same flight if you are traveling with family members and want each person to receive their own notifications.

Call Southwest directly if you need to speak to someone

Southwest's phone line is 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Have your confirmation number ready. A representative can tell you your flight status, explain the reason for a delay, help you rebook if your flight is cancelled, and answer questions about your ticket or seat assignment. Wait times are longest during major weather events or system outages, so the website and app are usually faster if they are working.

If you are calling from outside the United States, Southwest's international number is +1-210-792-7662. The call may be charged as an international call depending on your phone plan.

Check your email for automatic Southwest notifications

Southwest sends emails to the address on your booking whenever your flight status changes significantly. Check your inbox and spam folder for messages with the subject line "Your Southwest Flight Status." These emails include your new departure time, the reason for the delay, and a link back to your booking. You do not need to do anything to receive these emails — they are sent automatically when you book a flight.

If you are not receiving emails, log into your Southwest account on the website, go to "Account" in the top menu, select "Notification Preferences," and make sure email notifications are turned on. You can also choose to receive notifications by text or push notification through the app from this same page.

Understand what the status page tells you about delays

Southwest lists delays by category: weather, mechanical, crew, or air traffic control. A weather delay means conditions at your departure airport, arrival airport, or along your route are unsafe for flight. A mechanical delay means the aircraft needs repair before it can fly safely. A crew delay means the flight crew is not yet at the airport or has exceeded their legal flight hours. An air traffic control delay means the airport or airspace is congested and your flight is waiting for a slot to depart.

The status page also shows how many minutes behind schedule your flight is running. A delay of 15 minutes or less is usually not listed as an official delay. Once a delay reaches 30 minutes or more, Southwest updates the departure time on the status page and sends notifications. If your flight is delayed more than three hours, you may be may have access to to a travel credit or refund depending on the reason — check Southwest's policy on their website or ask a representative.

What to do if your flight is cancelled

Southwest automatically rebooks you on the next available Southwest flight to your destination at no extra charge. You do not have to call or visit the website — the rebooking happens automatically. Check your email for a new confirmation number and flight details, or log into your Southwest account to see your new flight.

If no Southwest flight gets you to your destination on the same day, you can request a refund of your ticket price instead of taking a later flight. You can also request a travel credit to use on a future Southwest flight. Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to make these requests, or log into your account on southwest.com and look for the cancellation notice, which usually includes a link to rebook or request a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the status page update?

The Southwest website and app update continuously as new information comes in from the airport and flight crew. During normal operations, status updates happen every few minutes. During weather events or system issues, updates may be less frequent, but the page will show the most recent information available.

Can I check the status of someone else's flight?

Yes, if you have their confirmation number and last name. You do not need to be the person who booked the flight. This is useful if you are picking someone up at the airport and want to know when they will land.

What if I lost my confirmation number?

Log into your Southwest account on southwest.com using your email address and password. Your confirmation number appears in the "Upcoming Trips" section. If you do not have a Southwest account, call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA and a representative can look up your booking using your name and flight date.

Does Southwest charge for checking flight status?

No. Checking your flight status on the website, app, or by phone is free. Text messages to 79697 are sent at your standard text message rate, which may vary depending on your phone plan.

What if the website says my flight is on time but I heard it was delayed?

Refresh the page or close and reopen the app to load the latest information. If the status still shows on time but you have received a text or email about a delay, call Southwest to confirm. During busy travel periods, the website can lag a few minutes behind the actual status.