southwest early boarding sham

Yeah, thats a good example of when it makes sense to do it, Chakat.
I used to track down Biz centers, or hit up Concierge, Front desk or D.L.
With a smart phone, your Return is easy.


Since we touched on the topic of "C" boarding passes:
Virtually every flight I've flown has been FULL..........often middle seats
are left empty by Couples, attempting to keep some space between them.
If you are a couple and the flight is Full (and Yes, they notify in advance its
going to be a Full flight) please move your keester Over.
Nobody wants to sit between you and your wife, Or you and your kid,
or traveling companion........ Thank you in advance.

I too use the early check-in on the flight home. Like chakat I don't have a smart phone or bring a computer to Vegas. The highest we have gotten is A28. It is worth the money to me for the piece of mind of not having to track down a computer for check in.

In the rare times that I haven't boarded in group A over the years, I would look for married couples seated like that and ask to sit in the middle on their row. Every time, the spouse would move and I would get the aisle seat. Obviously, that is not guaranteed to happen but it has been successful for me.

Another option for those of you without a smartphone - you can always call Southwest and they will check you in. You might use a few minutes of your cell phone time but you don't have to have a smartphone and it is cheaper than $10.

I have a smartphone and check in that way. I started flying Southwest about 4 years ago when they came back to Denver. I have never gotten anything other than an A boarding pass. Maybe I am lucky or I pick flights at weird times and I hope my luck holds out.

The people who buy the most expensive tickets do not have to pay the $10 for early boarding as it comes with the ticket. Therefore they are going to be placed ahead of the people who buy the cheap tickets (that would always be me) even if they purchase the early boarding option (that would not be me). Ignore if you would bother to reach the terms and conditions on the SWA website you would understand the process and would realize that it is not a "sham."

fingerstim- you are correct. As I always say, when all else fails read the directions.

I just printed out my boarding pass, A-41. I clicked on one second after my flight time appeared. Am I disappointed? Not in the least. My main objective is to not have to sit in a middle seat. For those who complain about their boarding pass number when they pay for the "early bird" seat assignment - do you think that you are the only one paying for this option? Be realistic, accept the possibility that there could be many others who have also paid for the "early bird"- or do as I do and set aside time and take your chances by getting your pass yourself. Other than having to sit in a middle of the row seat I am not overly concerned with my boarding pass position, for the airplane will arrive at the same time for all who are aboard. BTW- I have gotten a good seat many times with a high number "B" seating pass and even with a "C" seating pass.

Debwils brought up a good point. Call SW & can do your checkin by phone......doesn't cost $10.

I Had to do this when we were out of state, and I couldn't get a connection long enough
to do the checkin by my phone, using my Iphone on SW site.
(actually I was able to get 1 boarding pass done, but the other 2 reception went bad.)

Called SW & told the agent what happened. She got the other 2 boarding passes assigned,
and we were good ta go. Worked out Fine.

And yes, doesn't cost $10.

However, those of you who don't want to worry about checking in 24 hours ahead? Pay your $10.
I will be in line, right behind you. lol

I agree captain.

The worst I've had was A-32.

I tried to call and get it once and got the "all our agents are busy" recording and after 35 minutes on hold I went to the airport and got it myself.

Never mind.