[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.

[YouNeverKnow]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by perrjojo

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.