TA

Do you give them the confirmation and then they let you on the plane? Also, do you need your passport?

SallyG

You print out a boarding pass 24 hours before your flight and present it at the security gate. You don't need a passport unless you travel out of the country and Southwest does not do international flights.

KellyT

You show it to them, or use the self-service kiosk and enter the number to print your own boarding pass. You then show your picture idea when you check your luggage - and if that's your passport, fine - otherwise, if you're travelling domestically, your drivers' licence will do. Hang on to your confirmation number, though, for the trip back.

redsoxlvrx3

you might want to print EVERYTHING they give youm just incse.and in the case of a passport, you will need one if you are travelling out of the counrty, but if not then no!

djdubs

I always print my confirmation online beforehand, especially since they do the "group" thing where you don't have an assigned seat, but are herded onto the plane by groups A, B, or C. You can do this up to 24 hours in advance. When you print your confirmation, you are then able to head straight to security (if you aren't checking bags) and hand said printout to the attendant before boarding the plane.As for a passport, you only need one for international travel (Canada and Mexico included).

GEE-GEE

The confirmation is for you in case you have a problem with the reservation at a later time. Most of the time you just show up to the airport and go check in. They will have all your information etc and will print you a boarding pass. Some airlines even allow you to print your own boarding pass from home.

Courtney

You don't give them the confirmation. 24 hours before your flight, go to www.southwestairlines.com and do online check-in.Here you will print your boarding pass, which is the document required to board the plane.If you are traveling internationally, you need your passport. If you are a US citizen traveling domestically (within the states only) you only need a valid Drivers License or government issued ID.FYI - the earlier you check-in online, the better chance of getting boarding group A is... Southwest does not assign seats, but depending upon the time you check-in will issue you a boarding group letter.

KangoTraveler9206

Technically, you don't "need" anything other than some form of identification, which could be a passport, but could also be a driver's license or state-issued identity card. I flew Southwest just a few weeks ago, and they never even asked for my confirmation number or anything else -- they accessed my record by my name after seeing my ID. I was very pleasantly surprise at how easy it was.That said, it's a good idea to print out your boarding pass the night before you fly (this can only be done within 24 hours of your departure), and use it to curb-check your bags if your departure airport allows it. This makes your trip to the airport much more efficient and worry-free. At a bare minimum, you should print out the confirmation number that you received when you booked your flight.Have a great trip!Kango Traveler