southwest online check-in
 

Anyone know if this can be used if you have luggage to check? The web-site makes it sound like you can. But when I called the SW phone line I was told told I can't if I have checked luggage. Anyone with experience?

I didn't think you could with checked bags either, but at Jax a few months ago I found a long line waiting for tix and bagcheck, and decided to carry my bag after all, so I used the kiosk right in fron of the checkin desks. One of the check-in clerks immediately asked me if I wanted to check my bag, so I did.

Maybe it depends on the airport??

I fly on Southwest almost every week, and I had't checked luggage in about a year, until my most recent trip. I completely forgot I was going to check something, so I checked in online. When I got to the airport, I wasn't sure if I could still check my bag, so I went to the ticket counter. The agent checked it in for me, no problem.

I don't know why the phone person told you that - try calling back and see if you get the same response.

I've flown to 2 of my collectibles shows on SWA (MAXING out the 5-piece allowance) and I used online checkin both times with no problem.

If you have baggage you can check in on line, but you must still see a ticket agent to check in your bags. The only advantage of checking in on line if you have baggage is that you will get into the "A" boarding group if you do the online check-in early enough in the day.

Thanks all. Back from my SWA trip. You can do an online check-in with luggage. You can actually use the self-serve kiosks once you get there to check in luggage. It'll indicate that the check-in was already done. The agent there will print and attach the luggage tag and receipts for the checked luggage. So long lines are still bypassed.
Just a note: noticed more and more people are doing online check-in so the A group is getting harder to get when checking in at the airport. I went there 3.5 hours early (only shuttle choice). I was at the end of the A group. A group checking in literally 10 min behind me (same flight) were all relegated to B group.

Thank you for update, Niblette! I will be flying SW in 2 months checking luggage in. I'll try to check-in from home, and then take care of the luggage at the airport.