Check In For Connecting Flights

[SabreSwick]

My fiance and I are taking a SouthWest flight for the first time next week and our flight has an hour layover in Atlanta.  When we do the 24 hour online check in, does that check us in for both the flights coming into and leaving Atlanta?  Or do I need to check us in 24 hours before our first flight, then again 24 hours before our connecting flight?  

Is it recommended to purchase the early bird check in for connecting flights so you get better boarding positions on both flights?

Thanks,

Mike

[franktravel]

Hi

You only have to check in on time for your flight if your conformation number is the same for the next flight.   If you are changing planes for the connection you will be printing two sets of boarding passes. 

Good Luck!

[DancingDavidE]

As an added bonus, you may earn slightly better position for the second flight since you are already checked-in with a couple of hours head start on the 24-hour check-in timeframe.

A-list and early bird will still be ahead of you, those position assignments process 36 hours ahead of the flight.