I agree

We always pay the extra $10 for early bird and have been in A boarding each time. We like Tampa as well. It is an easy airport to go through, security has never taken us very long, takes less time to pick-up a car than Orlando....the sooner we are on the road to TV the better!

Did he get a window seat? ;-)

The downside to the 10.00 fee is if you cancel the flight no refund. Also the first time I did the early check in I went to the to the black of the plane to use the bathroom and even though I marked the seat it was taken. So don't do that. You also have a option to board with A blue card if you need extra time down the jetway.

Flew this weekend to Providence Ri from MCO on SW. For Friday a 2:45flight we checked in on line exactly 24 hours before time and got boarding passes B-2 and 3. WE got aisle/center seats mid plane.

For the reuturn monday (Labor day) 5:35 flight checked in 18 hours before flight and got board passes B 34,35. WE got window/center mid plane..aisle seats were still available in the rear.

Both flight were pretty much filled ..just a few empty seats. If you had a C boarding pass, very few 2 seats were left together

Overall both were very good flights with the returning landing 30 miniues ahead of schedule.

I do not think you would not have had a problem....the only time I pay the $10 is when I do not have computer access to do the check in. I just make sure that I am at the computer exactly 24 hours before flight time.....and I have always gotten an A pass. Safe travelling.

I'm flying on Southwest to attend a meeting for my job, so I doubt the meeting will be cancelled (I couldn't get that lucky :) ). Thanks for the heads up about using the bathroom and losing your seat -- that's dirty pool in my book. Shame on that person for taking your seat.

What's the time difference for the drive to Orlando Airport vs Tampa airport? Just wondering....

I think Tampa is about 15-20 minutes longer but it is a nicer ride...straight shot.

Plus NO tolls to Tampa