southwest fee for early boarding passes?

First time flying Southwest and I don't have a problem checking in 24 hrs before our flight to Vegas, but am a little worried about the return flight. I will have a tablet with me and can check in that way and the hotel will probably print my boarding passes, but I am wondering if the 25.00 charge each way (for 2) $50 is worth it. You Vegas travelers that fly southwest, do you buy the early checkin/boarding passes or take your chances with the 24 hr check in. How has that worked out for you? I can also just purchase the early check in for the return flight.

Check in with your tablet and print the boarding passes at the airport.

I agree BUT make sure you have a good connection to them and do not be late....just a minute or two can put you in the last of the B group or further. If you can use your tablet to make multiple connections, do that and fill out everything before the 24 hour starts and then start submitting your request a few seconds before the 24 hour starts. If you are early it will just bounce you and say you are to early. When you get to the airport to check baggage you can print the boarding passes.

That's exactly how I did it, checked in on my IPad and printed during checkin at McCarran

I used to do the same but often found myself forgetting to check in at the 24 hr mark - when in Vegas, it's hard to keep track of time. So it's worth it to me to buy the early bird and then print out the pass once I arrive at McCarran.

fredo

I always buy the early bird for the trip home, even though I could (and do) check in from my hotel room. I usually buy it a few days before we depart for Las Vegas, so it is maybe 10 days in advance of the return flight. Lately (Aug., Sept.) we have been getting very high A numbers, like A44 and 45, and A59 and 60, even with the Early Bird.

- bcc

I think your answer is right there. I've never encountered a problem by not paying, and have always been at least in "reasonable" B range, if not end of the A. BUT - I have always managed to remember. If you'd prefer to not have to worry about it, might be worth the $$$ to you - - at least on the return.

The Vegas flights I've taken on Southwest are always full, if it's important to sit next to the person you are traveling with it would be worth the extra cost IMO.

Agree with all thats been said.

I would just say mid-weekday flights Tue,Wed,Thurs will frequently not be sold out -espcially this time of year. So I wouldn't sweat missing the 24 hour checkin. Likely you'll get a decent seat anyway. Flying on the other days requires you to be Johnny-On-The-Spot when checkin opens. You only need to miss it by a few hours to get stuck in a "C".

Had to do the middle seat on a 4 hour SW flight to Vegas a few years ago. It was pure hell.

" PJ - Had to do the middle seat on a 4 hour SW flight to Vegas a few years ago. It was pure hell."------ Pure hell???? Poor baby - only a whining liberal would consider the middle seat to Vegas as "pure hell". Pathetic.