Boo Southwest Airlines

[Warren Kiefer]

We just returned form a trip flying Southwest Airlines. A passenger is allowed to get a boarding pass via computer no earlier than 24 hours prior to a flight. My wife was on the computer 23 hours and 59 minuted before our scheduled flight. So how in the world did we get a boarding pass number 91. Here is part of the answer, while waiting to board, SWA anounced that anyone desiring could upgrade their boarding passes to positions 1 thru 16. Apparently these passes were never available via the computer. Yes, you could choose to board early in position 1 thru 16 "BUT" the cost would be $40 per ticket !!!!!!!! My wife and I $80.... I felt this was a rip off.... Nope, we stuck with our number 91 and 92 passes.:mad:

[YouNeverKnow]

We just returned form a trip flying Southwest Airlines. A passenger is allowed to get a boarding pass via computer no earlier than 24 hours prior to a flight. My wife was on the computer 23 hours and 59 minuted before our scheduled flight. So how in the world did we get a boarding pass number 91. Here is part of the answer, while waiting to board, SWA anounced that anyone desiring could upgrade their boarding passes to positions 1 thru 16. Apparently these passes were never available via the computer. Yes, you could choose to board early in position 1 thru 16 "BUT" the cost would be $40 per ticket !!!!!!!! My wife and I $80.... I felt this was a rip off.... Nope, we stuck with our number 91 and 92 passes.:mad:
When we purchase our tickets on line we add the early bird check in for 12.50 each way. That way Southwest automatically checks you in 36 before your flight and you get an earlier boarding position. We figure it's well worth the 12.50 to not have to worry about sitting on your computer 23 hours and 59 minutes before your flight to try and check in.

[kfierle]

It is my understanding that boarding positions A1-16 were set aside for people who pay the business select fare, the most expensive fare on Southwest. It appears that no business select fares were sold for the flight so they were being offered to those who wanted to board earlier, though at a premium price.

I, too, always pay for early bird check in. If your boarding numbers were that high, it seems like many of the people on your flight probably paid for the early bird option, also.

[justjim]

These are "gimmicks" that all the airlines use and if people wouldn't fall for them they would quit using them. However, airlines are starting to make a little money! Good for stockholders.

Flying was fun years ago---not so any more IMHO.

[skip0358]

I fly SW all the time. It's been that since they started. As another poster stated those first spots are reserved for business class etc. If you wanted o be an early boarder you should have paid, otherwise it's the luck of the draw.

[Medtrans]

We have flown SW a lot. I now always pay the $12.50 each way to get the early boarding tx. By doing this you will either get an A group or at most B but not too far into the B. You almost have to do this because most do and if you don't you will be in the C group with no overhead space. And, I do this as soon as I book the trip, but if you cancel the flight you do not get that money back and will have to pay it on the flight you then re-book. On the other hand, SW is a very easy airline to work with for booking, changing or canceling. No big change fees.

[Steph]

I flew Southwest weekly for over a year. Reno to Philly. Postions 1-15 are for the highest fare passengers, their version of Business Class. The next positions are reserved for anyone designated as their Priority A customers meaning you have flown with them a lot and through miles and segments have achieved their highest customer appreciation level as a frequent flyer. So Priority A passengers are assigned 16 thru whatever it takes to accommodate them. (Only up to 24 hours ahead - after that even those spots go to Early Bird check in's.) And then you go into Early Bird check-in. Now I just buy Early Bird for $12.50 when I buy my ticket. Personally I love Southwest. When I travelled all the time I was one of those Priority A passengers and it was nice to get a good boarding position without worrying about Early Bird check-in. Now that I am retired, I take the Early Bird luck of the draw. That's ok - I'd rather board B31 and be retired than board A16 for the umpteenth flight that week!

[Buckeyephan]

The last few times I've flown, I had my finger on the enter button exactly when the clock turned and still came out in B. Thanks for the reminder about Early Bird. The other thing to remember about Southwest is that families with young children board between A and B. The last time we flew, it seemed as though the entire world had small children, as one could expect with flights to and from Orlando. Included with those families were several obviously non-parent adults who got on with the family groups. Wondered if they were legit or were merely taking advantage of the situation.

[red tail]

These are "gimmicks" that all the airlines use and if people wouldn't fall for them they would quit using them. However, airlines are starting to make a little money! Good for stockholders.

Flying was fun years ago---not so any more IMHO.

not true....only the Walmart airlines do this. the legacy carriers have seat selection when you purchase your ticket. you cant shop low fare carriers and expect high class service. if you choose to fly in and out of small airports like Sanford on a low fare airline that's what you will get! its the old adage...'you get what you pay for'

[perrjojo]

Anyone flown Spirit Airlines. Jeesh! Talk about add ons.

[Madelaine Amee]

We always use Southwest and have only once paid early bird check in. Now we take a chance, usually get a B seat which is fine with us. On the other hand, when I fly alone, or sometimes with the other half, we sit separately and usually find a middle seat right at the front of the plane.

[Phanatic Luvr]

I love flying Southwest and would never think to complain about something so trivial. You should have paid for early check-in since you saved the money on not paying for your luggage as most all other airlines charge.

[zonerboy]

Southwest has no assigned seats, so the earlier you board the better your chance of finding a satisfactory seat. When my wife and I fly together I have her pay the extra $12.50 for early bird preferential boarding. So she boards before me and saves me a seat.
12 bucks is 12 bucks.

[Sable99]

Anyone flown Spirit Airlines. Jeesh! Talk about ad dons.

I was thinking the same thing!

[Topspinmo]

There reason SW cow pens are full on about every flight. I have ask Why did you fly SW? I'LL take guess? Cause it's CHEAPER sometimes half the cost of American or Delta. If you don't want to be lead down the cattle trail then pay premium prices for the luxury service you desire. I prefer to pay the extra for boarding and not for extra hair bush. I too have NEVER been in 1-16 even paying extra, but I was now where near the back of the plane wondering if I was going to get onboard or not. Once you onboard and you have stop over you can move when the plane disembarks and before boarding for final destination. IMO this well worth the money when connection flight time is close or you have to catch other transportation.

[jmemc46]

I always fly SW and never pay early check in. Always get a or early b setting. And if one person there is always up front setting. I can' t complain.

[Whatever]

Southwest is the miracle airline! Closer to the Lord than any other I have seen. Just board a plane in NY, MI, or just about anywhere else that is flying to So. Fla. and note all the wheel chairs at the pre board. Amazing isn't it that upon landing, the wheel chairs are waiting, but, by some great unknown power, the Wheelies have managed to get up and go all by themselves.

I for one, am glad that I need not, at this stage in my life, require that service, but when I do I will fly Southwest for the cure.

[shcisamax]

Southwest has no assigned seats, so the earlier you board the better your chance of finding a satisfactory seat. When my wife and I fly together I have her pay the extra $12.50 for early bird preferential boarding. So she boards before me and saves me a seat.
12 bucks is 12 bucks.

How does she save you a seat? If someone comes along and wants the seat, how does she say she is saving it for someone?

[Lbmb24101]

Anyone flown Spirit Airlines. Jeesh! Talk about add ons.

I have not, but my sis did, from DC to DallasShe could not even pre print her bpass from Spirit!
She flew safely but add on after add on, she said never again....

[Sable99]

I have not, but my sis did, from DC to DallasShe could not even pre print her bpass from Spirit!
She flew safely but add on after add on, she said never again....

Luckily, I've always been able to print my boarding passes. But for those that don't know, Spirit charges extra for your seat selection (window, aisle but I can't remember if they charge for the middle seat) and they announced a few weeks ago that they were going to start charging for carry-on bags.

[buggyone]

How does she save you a seat? If someone comes along and wants the seat, how does she say she is saving it for someone?

I have seen people do this. One person went so far as to place a used Kleenex on the seat she was saving for a friend. She then pretended to be preoccupied in a book and would not respond to anyone's question about the seat with the used Kleenex.

[dirtbanker]

How does she save you a seat? If someone comes along and wants the seat, how does she say she is saving it for someone?
Same way they save seats at the square...

[Carl in Tampa]

Southwest is the miracle airline! Closer to the Lord than any other I have seen. Just board a plane in NY, MI, or just about anywhere else that is flying to So. Fla. and note all the wheel chairs at the pre board. Amazing isn't it that upon landing, the wheel chairs are waiting, but, by some great unknown power, the Wheelies have managed to get up and go all by themselves.

I for one, am glad that I need not, at this stage in my life, require that service, but when I do I will fly Southwest for the cure.

There are many whose disability is not that they are entirely incapable of walking, but that they are incapable of walking more than a few yards before becoming exhausted. I have a friend who orders a wheelchair at curbside check in and rides it all the way to the gate, and then at destination rides it from the gate to baggage claim and to curbside pick up. Without this service my friend would probably have to quit flying.

Southwest provides a place in your on-line personal profile to request wheelchair service for your flights if needed. Proof of your medical need for wheelchair service may be required. The handicapped card used for parking your car in handicapped zones is acceptable.

Disabilities are not all just about being unable to walk. It can involve lung incapacity; severe heart disease; some combination of both, or other problems like stroke, arthritis or adjusting to the use of a new prosthetic leg .

As one who is presently wheelchair bound I find your derisive term "Wheelies" offensive.

But, I have no Constitutional Right not to be offended, so don't worry about it. I can handle it.

:gc:

[Lpierleo]

Southwest is the miracle airline! Closer to the Lord than any other I have seen. Just board a plane in NY, MI, or just about anywhere else that is flying to So. Fla. and note all the wheel chairs at the pre board. Amazing isn't it that upon landing, the wheel chairs are waiting, but, by some great unknown power, the Wheelies have managed to get up and go all by themselves.

I for one, am glad that I need not, at this stage in my life, require that service, but when I do I will fly Southwest for the cure.

We also fly Roundtrip from Upstate NY to TV approximately 5 times a year and use Southwest each time due to price and direct flights. Have often experienced this Miracle Power as well. However, I do not feel the airline is at fault for dishonest people. I agree with you Whatever, we are just glad we do not need this assistance.

To Carl in Tampa, I fully agree with you that not all disabilities can be seen, and certainly not everyone is dishonest. Those that need assistance should always receive what required and deserved.

In regards to the seating arrangements, I don't feel it is ideal, but seems to work for them. We have never paid the additional $12.50 upon booking for numerous flights and my spouse and I have always had seats together. Granted, it is a hassle to remember to check in at EXACTLY the 24 hour mark. Typically we are assigned a very high A number ie 50 or 60, or a low B number. Now that we have a smart phone, we can check in from anywhere. Easy and economical. Works well for us.

[buzzy]

I like the window seat and my wife likes the aisle. Sometimes we get a stranger in the middle, who offers to change seats with one of us, but we graciously decline. That's usually an ice-breaker for interesting conversation.

[shcisamax]

I rode SW for the first time a couple weeks ago. I checked in online the morning of the flight and got the number B45. I ended up sitting in a middle seat around the 8th row. Although I don't like the middle seat, who does? I would rather take a middle seat forward than an aisle in the back so I was fine with it. Next time I will take the $12.50 upgrade.
I actually thought it was a good system for getting people on board in an orderly fashion. And I have to say, the stewards were so much nicer and more helpful than those on USAir (the absolute worst) or any of the others I have flown recently except perhaps Jet Blue.

[BarryRX]

not true....only the Walmart airlines do this. the legacy carriers have seat selection when you purchase your ticket. you cant shop low fare carriers and expect high class service. if you choose to fly in and out of small airports like Sanford on a low fare airline that's what you will get! its the old adage...'you get what you pay for'

Absolutely true. People shop for airline tickets according to price, not service, and then complain about poor service. But I think the only thing OP was commenting on was being so far back in the queue after being on their computer when seating first opened up. I think the previous posts explained why that happened.

[nitehawk]

Southwest is the miracle airline! Closer to the Lord than any other I have seen. Just board a plane in NY, MI, or just about anywhere else that is flying to So. Fla. and note all the wheel chairs at the pre board. Amazing isn't it that upon landing, the wheel chairs are waiting, but, by some great unknown power, the Wheelies have managed to get up and go all by themselves.

I for one, am glad that I need not, at this stage in my life, require that service, but when I do I will fly Southwest for the cure.

:BigApplause:

[Cedwards38]

Looks like Southwest may have some other issues too, like deceptive advertising on fares. See todays Daily Sun, A 12.

[asianthree]

have a better story for you.had a flight with spirit to Minneapolis at 3 p.m. Yesterday. At 415 still no staff at the gate no one had any idea what was going on. Hundred seventeen passengers sitting with no answers and no one to even ask questions. Finally at 8:05 a crew walked up asking what was going on. Then empty plane arrived No excuses no explanations just told us to board. And i paid $208. For my luggage

[red tail]

have a better story for you.had a flight with spirit to Minneapolis at 3 p.m. Yesterday. At 415 still no staff at the gate no one had any idea what was going on. Hundred seventeen passengers sitting with no answers and no one to even ask questions. Finally at 8:05 a crew walked up asking what was going on. Then empty plane arrived No excuses no explanations just told us to board. And i paid $208. For my luggage

Ddelta had one at 4:pm left right on time and everyone had their seat reserved ahead of time!!

[mrfixit]

I like the window seat and my wife likes the aisle. Sometimes we get a stranger in the middle, who offers to change seats with one of us, but we graciously decline.

That's usually an ice-breaker for interesting conversation.

.....flew for business...a lot ( maybe way too much )......

ALWAYS adhered to the 60 Second Rule.
( duh rool dey teached us in bidness skool)

If you do not introduce yourself during the first 60 seconds....you wil probably not talk during flight.
Always included across aisle and front and behind.

Met lots of interesting people. Made MANY business partnerships and located opportunities with this simple Rule.
It was the single MOST valuable thing I done learnt frum dat bidness skool.

[casita37]

not true....only the Walmart airlines do this. the legacy carriers have seat selection when you purchase your ticket. you cant shop low fare carriers and expect high class service. if you choose to fly in and out of small airports like Sanford on a low fare airline that's what you will get! its the old adage...'you get what you pay for'

I wouldn't call American a Walmart airline. I paid an extra $39 for a bulkhead seat. I had a bum knee, at the time, so it was worth it to me. However, the lady beside me got her seat at no extra charge. She didn't even ask for it.

I love that Delta will let you upgrade to first class, at check in (24 hrs.), for a very reasonable fee, if seats are available.