Southwest Early Bird Checkin - The DIS Discussion Forums

DisneyDadNY · 09-02-2009, 07:51 AM

Looks like Southwest has a new checkin program as of this morning.

http://www.southwest.com/flight/earl...servation.html

For a fee of $10.00 one way (not sure yet per person or per confirmation#)

We'll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight's departure - that's 12 hours before general boarding positions become available. While EarlyBird Check-in doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it improves your seat selection options to help you get your favorite seat.

* While the best EarlyBird Check-in boarding positions will be assigned 36 hours prior to the flight's scheduled departure time, Customers are eligible to purchase EarlyBird Check-in up until 25 hours prior to the flight's scheduled departure time.

* EarlyBird Check-in is designed for passengers who have purchased electronic tickets at the Wanna Get Away Fare, Anytime Fare, Senior Fare or DING! Fare

* EarlyBird Check-in is not available to all Customers
o Priority boarding privileges are already included with the purchase of Business Select

o EarlyBird Check-in is an automatic benefit of being on the Rapid Rewards A-List

Going to have to do some reading up on this..........

Here is the FAQ from the Southwest site:

http://www.southwest.com/flight/earl...irdCheckInFAQs

pamjb · 09-02-2009, 08:01 AM

Hmm, sounds like all of those companies like boardfirst.com gave Southwest a great idea!

It isn't worth it for me to pay the $10. I am right on the button at 24 hours before and have always gotten an A pass.

sanibelover · 09-02-2009, 08:11 AM

Currently have a SW ressie - went into early bird check-in. The $10 is per person each way.

tjmw2727 · 09-02-2009, 08:22 AM

Interesting - thanks for posting.

For most of our flights I can just check us in at 24 hours.

I must admit though, this will be tempting for those return flights from WDW when I can't have a family member do it. If I have a great fare it may be worth the extra $10 not to have to wait at guest relations and take time out of the parks......

TJ

Luckymommyx2 · 09-02-2009, 08:36 AM

Not interested. For our family of four it would be $80 rt which is more than an extra rt ticket!!
I just hope we won't start seeing one person buying an early bird ticket then trying to save seats for the rest of their group.

clanmcculloch · 09-02-2009, 09:01 AM

I'll have to consider this for my family for our return flights in December so we don't have to stop what we're doing to go to Guest Services or a concierge desk during out trip. On our outbound flight, I don't mind getting online at the 24 hour mark and I know that our airport isn't a hub that will have passengers continuing from elsewhere.

I'm hoping to hear between now and December how this seems to affect boarding positions for those logging in 24 hours before flights.

crashbb · 09-02-2009, 09:32 AM

It will be interesting to see how many people use this service. If a lot of people do, then checking in right at 24 hours may no longer get you an A boarding pass (since they are taken by those using the early-bird service).

tjmw2727 · 09-02-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crashbb

It will be interesting to see how many people use this service. If a lot of people do, then checking in right at 24 hours may no longer get you an A boarding pass (since they are taken by those using the early-bird service).

That's what I was thinking as well.

When you consider the low fares of SWA, adding that $10 (which is less than some airlines charge for the 1st checked bag) it may be more appealing than I first thought. Especially for familes with younger kids or those that just want/need to sit together for various reasons.

TJ

n2mm · 09-02-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crashbb

It will be interesting to see how many people use this service. If a lot of people do, then checking in right at 24 hours may no longer get you an A boarding pass (since they are taken by those using the early-bird service).

I agree -- I see this as helpful while cruising. I will pay if this is the only way to get an A BP, but only when I've paid dirt cheap fares -- like I just did for January and March ($54 ec way).

Mouseaholic!!! · 09-02-2009, 09:49 AM

Ok, this is PERFECT for a Disney trip - you don't even have to think about being near a computer or Guest SErvices counter at 24 hours. Print out your boarding pass later....or just at the airport.

Ok, got to run now....I'm, going to enter ALL my upcoming Southwest flights.

Thanks!

SamSam · 09-02-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crashbb

It will be interesting to see how many people use this service. If a lot of people do, then checking in right at 24 hours may no longer get you an A boarding pass (since they are taken by those using the early-bird service).

Exactly what I was thinking. Although I hate being dinged to death (no pun intended), it will be worth $10.00 each to guarantee an A pass.

pamjb · 09-02-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamSam

Exactly what I was thinking. Although I hate being dinged to death (no pun intended), it will be worth $10.00 each to guarantee an A pass.

But there is no guarantee of an A pass, even with the Early Bird Service.

We'll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight's departure - that's 12 hours before general boarding positions become available. While EarlyBird Check-in doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it improves your seat selection options to help you get your favorite seat.

n2mm · 09-02-2009, 10:20 AM

Yes, I just read the FAQ on their site and it does not guarantee the A BP. It depends how many other early birds got in before you. So it would really stink to pay the fee and still get an B, but I guess eventually if you don't pay the fee, then you'll have to be OK with a C boarding pass. This will not be good for those families not willing to pay and can not use the preboard. My daughter most likely would not use it since she has a 2 yo and 4 yo. But we may for our flight home, but not the flight down. My understanding is that you DON't have to log on to get your boarding assignment...correct. This is done automatically for you...right?

chicagodisneyfan · 09-02-2009, 10:24 AM

Love it - just did this for my October trip. This means I do not have to bring my phone to the parks to check in.

MAYNARDS99 · 09-02-2009, 10:32 AM

Quick question.

How do I use Guest Services at the parks to check my party in for a Southwest flight?

09-02-2009, 07:51 AM	#1
DisneyDadNY Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Posts: 530	Southwest Early Bird Checkin Looks like Southwest has a new checkin program as of this morning. http://www.southwest.com/flight/earl...servation.html For a fee of $10.00 one way (not sure yet per person or per confirmation#) We'll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight's departure - that's 12 hours before general boarding positions become available. While EarlyBird Check-in doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it improves your seat selection options to help you get your favorite seat. * While the best EarlyBird Check-in boarding positions will be assigned 36 hours prior to the flight's scheduled departure time, Customers are eligible to purchase EarlyBird Check-in up until 25 hours prior to the flight's scheduled departure time. * EarlyBird Check-in is designed for passengers who have purchased electronic tickets at the Wanna Get Away Fare, Anytime Fare, Senior Fare or DING! Fare * EarlyBird Check-in is not available to all Customers o Priority boarding privileges are already included with the purchase of Business Select o EarlyBird Check-in is an automatic benefit of being on the Rapid Rewards A-List Going to have to do some reading up on this.......... Here is the FAQ from the Southwest site: http://www.southwest.com/flight/earl...irdCheckInFAQs __________________

09-02-2009, 08:01 AM	#2
pamjb DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Orefield, PA Posts: 2,607	Hmm, sounds like all of those companies like boardfirst.com gave Southwest a great idea! It isn't worth it for me to pay the $10. I am right on the button at 24 hours before and have always gotten an A pass. __________________ Pam in PA (Pam) (Tim) (Alex-19) (Nick-15)

09-02-2009, 08:22 AM	#4
tjmw2727 Enjoys "mom and me" trips May just have to dance! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Delaware Posts: 7,298	Interesting - thanks for posting. For most of our flights I can just check us in at 24 hours. I must admit though, this will be tempting for those return flights from WDW when I can't have a family member do it. If I have a great fare it may be worth the extra $10 not to have to wait at guest relations and take time out of the parks...... TJ __________________ TJ

09-02-2009, 08:36 AM	#5
Luckymommyx2 Je parle francais, et tu Ready to cruise again! Will take in just about anything that walks, crawls, or flys through the yard Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Maryland Posts: 10,596	Not interested. For our family of four it would be $80 rt which is more than an extra rt ticket!! I just hope we won't start seeing one person buying an early bird ticket then trying to save seats for the rest of their group. __________________

09-02-2009, 09:01 AM	#6
clanmcculloch DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 837	I'll have to consider this for my family for our return flights in December so we don't have to stop what we're doing to go to Guest Services or a concierge desk during out trip. On our outbound flight, I don't mind getting online at the 24 hour mark and I know that our airport isn't a hub that will have passengers continuing from elsewhere. I'm hoping to hear between now and December how this seems to affect boarding positions for those logging in 24 hours before flights. __________________ Me DH DD(27) DD(25) DD(12) DD(9) DGS(newborn) WDW December 2009 (POFQ) WDW February 2009 (Pop Century) WDW August 2008 (Saratoga Springs) WDW September 2007 (Pop Century) DL April 2001 (Off Site) DL July 1999 (Off Site) WDW January 1994 (Off Site) WDW January 1992 (Off Site)

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09-02-2009, 08:11 AM	#3
sanibelover DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 872	Currently have a SW ressie - went into early bird check-in. The $10 is per person each way.

09-02-2009, 09:32 AM	#7
crashbb DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,674	It will be interesting to see how many people use this service. If a lot of people do, then checking in right at 24 hours may no longer get you an A boarding pass (since they are taken by those using the early-bird service).

09-02-2009, 09:49 AM	#10
Mouseaholic!!! DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,725	Ok, this is PERFECT for a Disney trip - you don't even have to think about being near a computer or Guest SErvices counter at 24 hours. Print out your boarding pass later....or just at the airport. Ok, got to run now....I'm, going to enter ALL my upcoming Southwest flights. Thanks!

09-02-2009, 10:20 AM	#13
n2mm aka WALTSGIRL Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: West Virgina Posts: 12,714	Yes, I just read the FAQ on their site and it does not guarantee the A BP. It depends how many other early birds got in before you. So it would really stink to pay the fee and still get an B, but I guess eventually if you don't pay the fee, then you'll have to be OK with a C boarding pass. This will not be good for those families not willing to pay and can not use the preboard. My daughter most likely would not use it since she has a 2 yo and 4 yo. But we may for our flight home, but not the flight down. My understanding is that you DON't have to log on to get your boarding assignment...correct. This is done automatically for you...right? __________________ 2010 TRIPs: March 6 @ Pop; March 7-12 @ BCV April 24 @ Pop; April 25-May 1 @ BWV May 1-7 @ BLT September 29-October 5 @ Pop -- BB Free Dining October 31-November 4 @ BLT; November 4-7 Disney Cruise November 7-12 @ BCV or BWV

09-02-2009, 10:24 AM	#14
chicagodisneyfan Peace He looked ridiculous - but it gave me the giggles for a month Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Chicago, IL, USA Posts: 1,751	Love it - just did this for my October trip. This means I do not have to bring my phone to the parks to check in.

09-02-2009, 10:32 AM	#15
MAYNARDS99 Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 109	Quick question. How do I use Guest Services at the parks to check my party in for a Southwest flight? __________________ SSR 1 Bedroom (free upgrade from ASMu) SEP09 (free dining) Wilderness Lodge/Royal Pacific (free concierge) SEP08 Grand Californian DEC07 Port Orleans Riverside Alligator Bayou SEP05 Contemporary (free MK view Tower Club) NOV03 Ritz-Carlton NOV03 Portofino Bay Hotel Deluxe NOV01 Polynesian (free Concierge) NOV99 Wilderness Lodge Deluxe OCT98 Off Site - Disneyland Paris JUL93 Off Site - WDW JAN88 Contemporary MK view Tower JUL74

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