Anyone know how many SW Early Bird Checkins are sold per flight?

[3happydancers]

Good gracious people. I am sorry I brought it up. I thought of it as a money saving tip, not to cause an uprising. It was presented to me as a money saving tip and that's how I took it. Heaven forbid SW ever finds out who suggested it, because I'm sure they'll be strung up by their toes. By no means did I mean my comment to take over this thread. One comment even questioned my morals! Really? Morals? My morals are just fine, thank you. I'm off of my soapbox now. Maybe everyone should just please move on.

FWIW, this is a hot topic that's been discussed many times over. You asked a very innocent question for the sake of gathering information. No need to apologize. I guess we can all get carried away! Anyhow, hope you have a safe flight and a magical vacation!

 

[3happydancers]

Ok....I looked at what SW says about EBCI....they do say that it gets you checked in, automatically, at the 36 hr mark. BUT......it also says that while buying EBCI doesn't guarantee you an A boarding spot, it does get you checked in before those checking in at the 24 hr mark thereby giving you a better chance of getting the seat you want. So....it is NOT only about being automatically checked in at the 36 hr mark.

Thanks for confirming this! Still, unless all of SWA rep's preaches the same information and/or until it is a written policy, there will be those who insist that saving seats during EBCI loading is within their right with no regard to the fact that they are taking away from others who purchased this privilege.

Lets say there are 10 families that have decided to pay for just one EBCI. Lets also say that each family has 4 people in it. That now has 10 seats taken legitimately, while 30 seats are now being saved for later arriving family members. Now? There are 2 rows, for each family, with saved seats. 20 rows total! That's 20 rows that are unusable for a family of 3 or more. And...that remaining aisle or window seat will most likely be grabbed by a solo traveler. Very few people will take a middle seat unless that's all there is.

As soon as people feel they can save seats for the rest of their group, we will see fewer and fewer passengers buying EBCI for everyone in the group. They will guy just one,and save the rest of the seats. We will see more and more seats being saved, which will negatively impact those who have bought EBCI! If you are far enough back in the EBCI pack, you could very well have to walk back many, many rows before finding seats for those in your group, that paid for EBCI.

Now.....once this becomes more commonplace, and it will, fewer and fewer people will buy EBCI. SW will start missing that cash cow. I would see SW just raising fares by a small amount, to cover the loss of EBCI sales. Or....they will have to have some consistent policy in effect!

Thanks for confirming this. Still, unless all of SWA rep's preaches the same information and/or implements a written policy, there will always be those who will justify saving seats during EBCI loading with little regard given to those who paid for this privilege.

I've thought the same thing about SWA raising rates to cover the loss or they would have to implement a written policy! Wondering how long this will take before SWA catches on?

 

[goofy4tink]

Good gracious people. I am sorry I brought it up. I thought of it as a money saving tip, not to cause an uprising. It was presented to me as a money saving tip and that's how I took it. Heaven forbid SW ever finds out who suggested it, because I'm sure they'll be strung up by their toes. By no means did I mean my comment to take over this thread. One comment even questioned my morals! Really? Morals? My morals are just fine, thank you. I'm off of my soapbox now. Maybe everyone should just please move on.

This is a 'hot topic', and many like to discuss it. There is no problem with the way this thread has gone. Healthy discussion is a good thing. Just as long as we all remain civil and polite, it's all good.

 

[keishashadow]

My 1st flight on SWA after EBIC rolled out, I purchased it for everybody in my party and had primo numbers. We boarded right after the pre-boards & business class. Was shocked to see an elderly man & woman each standing in one row with their arm thrown over the seat back of the row in front of them...effectively snagging a total of 12 seats.

They looked at me and sweetly stated they were saving seats for their family, this with FA a few feet away! Much to my DH's chagrin, I turned and asked said FA if this was permissible. The smile left her face & I was told that there are no assigned seats and to quickly find one.

It doesn't take much to set some people off, it's a given somebody will eventually be rubbed the wrong way, leading to unfortunate incident that will surely go viral. Perhaps then SWA will clarify and enforce whatever their policy may be on this.

 

[djmeredith]

This is a 'hot topic', and many like to discuss it. There is no problem with the way this thread has gone. Healthy discussion is a good thing. Just as long as we all remain civil and polite, it's all good.

It's nice to see that a good debate can occur and still stay civil!

As for the underlying topic of seat saving, I'm just going to agree to disagree with those of you on the other side of this issue. I hope everyone has safe flights and fun vacations!

 

[3happydancers]

My 1st flight on SWA after EBIC rolled out, I purchased it for everybody in my party and had primo numbers. We boarded right after the pre-boards & business class. Was shocked to see an elderly man & woman each standing in one row with their arm thrown over the seat back of the row in front of them...effectively snagging a total of 12 seats.

They looked at me and sweetly stated they were saving seats for their family, this with FA a few feet away! Much to my DH's chagrin, I turned and asked said FA if this was permissible. The smile left her face & I was told that there are no assigned seats and to quickly find one.

It doesn't take much to set some people off, it's a given somebody will eventually be rubbed the wrong way, leading to unfortunate incident that will surely go viral. Perhaps then SWA will clarify and enforce whatever their policy may be on this.

This would be very sad especially when a simple thing like clarifying policy could help avoid unnecessary problems! Let's hope this never happens.

 

[3happydancers]

It's nice to see that a good debate can occur and still stay civil!

As for the underlying topic of seat saving, I'm just going to agree to disagree with those of you on the other side of this issue. I hope everyone has safe flights and fun vacations!

Agreed!

 

[gwynne]

It's nice to see that a good debate can occur and still stay civil!

As for the underlying topic of seat saving, I'm just going to agree to disagree with those of you on the other side of this issue. I hope everyone has safe flights and fun vacations!

ITA about having a civil discussion. And please know that we're always OK with anyone sitting in a seat next to us. If you ask us if the empty seat next us is saved, we'll say no, feel free to take it. That's the plus to us of buying EBCI for all and boarding together (even if it's at the higher number...should we get different ones.) It's just easier and nicer for us to avoid the whole seat saving complication.

 

[goofy4tink]

My 1st flight on SWA after EBIC rolled out, I purchased it for everybody in my party and had primo numbers. We boarded right after the pre-boards & business class. Was shocked to see an elderly man & woman each standing in one row with their arm thrown over the seat back of the row in front of them...effectively snagging a total of 12 seats.

They looked at me and sweetly stated they were saving seats for their family, this with FA a few feet away! Much to my DH's chagrin, I turned and asked said FA if this was permissible. The smile left her face & I was told that there are no assigned seats and to quickly find one.

It doesn't take much to set some people off, it's a given somebody will eventually be rubbed the wrong way, leading to unfortunate incident that will surely go viral. Perhaps then SWA will clarify and enforce whatever their policy may be on this.

Had a somewhat similar experience. I was able to snag A16 on one flight...was thrilled. Figured I would head right to the exit row seats. There were probably about 15 people boarding prior to me.....medical preboards, with their families. Well....as I boarded the plane, the FA followed me up the aisle. I got to the exit rows and there sat an elderly couple...they had boarded second, with the medical preboards. I took a window seat in an exit row across from them. The FA then told them that they had to move. They asked why. She told them that anyone that had been a medical preboard wasn't able to sit in the exit rows because they wouldn't be able to help out in an emergency. Well...the gentleman, that had used his cane to walk onto the plane....said that he and his wife would be very capable of helping in an emergency! The FA smiled very sweetly and said that if that was the case, they shouldn't have asked to be medical preboards...you can't have it both ways sir! The man grumbled, his wife had a nasty attitude..they didn't want to move. The FA told them that if they didn't move to another pair of seats, they would be escorted off the plane by security! That got them moving. But by then...they had to sit behind the wing. They were less than amused. I quietly thanked the FA!

 

[sam_gordon]

I've been thinking about this. Take EBCI out of the mix. It really has nothing to do with the seat saving. Does someone with a higher boarding number have the right to save a seat? Let's say a frequent flyer is traveling with his family. He gets A15. His family gets B32-35. THAT'S the issue to me. EBCI only entitles you to an earlier booking number than someone who doesn't get it.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've been thinking about this. Take EBCI out of the mix. It really has nothing to do with the seat saving. Does someone with a higher boarding number have the right to save a seat? Let's say a frequent flyer is traveling with his family. He gets A15. His family gets B32-35. THAT'S the issue to me. EBCI only entitles you to an earlier booking number than someone who doesn't get it.

Oh no!!!! Don't bother us with logic!!!!!

 

[3happydancers]

I've been thinking about this. Take EBCI out of the mix. It really has nothing to do with the seat saving. Does someone with a higher boarding number have the right to save a seat? Let's say a frequent flyer is traveling with his family. He gets A15. His family gets B32-35. THAT'S the issue to me. EBCI only entitles you to an earlier booking number than someone who doesn't get it.

Read post#80. That is my logic!

 

[keishashadow]

Had a somewhat similar experience. I was able to snag A16 on one flight...was thrilled. Figured I would head right to the exit row seats. There were probably about 15 people boarding prior to me.....medical preboards, with their families. Well....as I boarded the plane, the FA followed me up the aisle. I got to the exit rows and there sat an elderly couple...they had boarded second, with the medical preboards. I took a window seat in an exit row across from them. The FA then told them that they had to move. They asked why. She told them that anyone that had been a medical preboard wasn't able to sit in the exit rows because they wouldn't be able to help out in an emergency. Well...the gentleman, that had used his cane to walk onto the plane....said that he and his wife would be very capable of helping in an emergency! The FA smiled very sweetly and said that if that was the case, they shouldn't have asked to be medical preboards...you can't have it both ways sir! The man grumbled, his wife had a nasty attitude..they didn't want to move. The FA told them that if they didn't move to another pair of seats, they would be escorted off the plane by security! That got them moving. But by then...they had to sit behind the wing. They were less than amused. I quietly thanked the FA!

I'm sure your support was appreciated by the FA. How they manage to get everybody boarded and the odd assortment of carry-ons stowed in a timely fashion (re MCO with many novice flyers) is quite the feat imo. I'm sure they would gladly welcome the big-wigs implementing a written policy as to EBIC so they could attend to other matters and not have to play referee.

 

[airplanegod]

Sorry I am going off topic, but I have never witnessed this whole seat saving thing (Actually quite the opposite, i've seen it on airlines where you get assigned seats...) anyway, the people I can't stand are the ones boarding with children between the A and B groups that are definitely over the age of 10. I understand if you need more time to board if you have a baby, toddler, or children younger than 10. Over 10, they can wait in line with the rest of us.

 

[DebbieB]

Sorry I am going off topic, but I have never witnessed this whole seat saving thing (Actually quite the opposite, i've seen it on airlines where you get assigned seats...) anyway, the people I can't stand are the ones boarding with children between the A and B groups that are definitely over the age of 10. I understand if you need more time to board if you have a baby, toddler, or children younger than 10. Over 10, they can wait in line with the rest of us.

Over the age of 10? SW's family boarding rule is children 4 and under. But parents and older siblings are also allowed to board with them, that is what you are probably seeing.

 

[goofy4tink]

Sorry I am going off topic, but I have never witnessed this whole seat saving thing (Actually quite the opposite, i've seen it on airlines where you get assigned seats...) anyway, the people I can't stand are the ones boarding with children between the A and B groups that are definitely over the age of 10. I understand if you need more time to board if you have a baby, toddler, or children younger than 10. Over 10, they can wait in line with the rest of us.

Don't get me started on that one! I used to see it with SW, but the gate attendants seem to have gotten better about that. Sure, if a family has multiple children, but one 4 or younger, let them board in family boarding. But not Grammy and Grampa, Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary and all the cousins! They get to board with everyone else!

BUT.....other airlines? Oh dear God. When JetBlue starts their boarding process and then announce boarding for those traveling with children that need extra time to get situated? And families with teens get up and board? One time, my dd, at the age of 10, looked at the horde of families doing this, said to me 'Hey Mom, I think I might need some extra time to sit down! What is wrong with those people?' Sure some could have some hidden disability, but if that were the case, they could have boarded with medical preboards. And of course, they take forever stowing their stuff and deciding who is sitting next to who..oh, I guess that's why they needed extra time! Reverse it getting off the plane...takes them forever to gather their stuff and get off!

 

[3happydancers]

Don't get me started on that one! I used to see it with SW, but the gate attendants seem to have gotten better about that. Sure, if a family has multiple children, but one 4 or younger, let them board in family boarding. But not Grammy and Grampa, Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary and all the cousins! They get to board with everyone else!

BUT.....other airlines? Oh dear God. When JetBlue starts their boarding process and then announce boarding for those traveling with children that need extra time to get situated? And families with teens get up and board? One time, my dd, at the age of 10, looked at the horde of families doing this, said to me 'Hey Mom, I think I might need some extra time to sit down! What is wrong with those people?' Sure some could have some hidden disability, but if that were the case, they could have boarded with medical preboards. And of course, they take forever stowing their stuff and deciding who is sitting next to who..oh, I guess that's why they needed extra time! Reverse it getting off the plane...takes them forever to gather their stuff and get off!

A little sarcasm from a 10 year old

 

[goofy4tink]

A little sarcasm from a 10 year old

The apple certainly didn't fall from the tree!! She's always ready with a snarky comment.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

BUT.....other airlines? Oh dear God. When JetBlue starts their boarding process and then announce boarding for those traveling with children that need extra time to get situated? And families with teens get up and board? One time, my dd, at the age of 10, looked at the horde of families doing this, said to me 'Hey Mom, I think I might need some extra time to sit down! What is wrong with those people?' Sure some could have some hidden disability, but if that were the case, they could have boarded with medical preboards. And of course, they take forever stowing their stuff and deciding who is sitting next to who..oh, I guess that's why they needed extra time! Reverse it getting off the plane...takes them forever to gather their stuff and get off!

I was recently flying on United for business and got called up to the podium by the gate agent. There was a passenger up there, a woman, who begged me to be reseated so that she could sit beside her "young child" who wasn't assigned a seat close to her. It was one of those tiny regional jets with 1 seat on one side and two seats on the other, and she was begging me to change my seat in row 5 (which was on the two seat side) to a seat on the single side way in the second to last row. I was flying with some colleagues who were seated in the row in front of me, but said sure. I mean, I'm a mom, too, and I would prefer for my seven year old (who I consider to be a "young child") not to be seated away from me, either. Though on such a small plane even that wouldn't be a big deal to me. But whatever...not everyone flies as much as I do, or has a kid who flies as much as mine does, so I was willing to switch, especially because this woman was nearly hysterical about her "young child" sitting alone.

Then we boarded. And. Well. Her "young child" was at least 14. And totally embarrassed by his mom. And I sat back in row 20-something, with a screaming lap child behind me, kicking my seat, watching that mom and her totally not a "young child" at all son sitting up in MY seat, blissfully happy in row 5. GRRRRRRR.

It almost makes you not want to be nice to someone on an airplane ever again. Almost.

 

[3happydancers]

I was recently flying on United for business and got called up to the podium by the gate agent. There was a passenger up there, a woman, who begged me to be reseated so that she could sit beside her "young child" who wasn't assigned a seat close to her. It was one of those tiny regional jets with 1 seat on one side and two seats on the other, and she was begging me to change my seat in row 5 (which was on the two seat side) to a seat on the single side way in the second to last row. I was flying with some colleagues who were seated in the row in front of me, but said sure. I mean, I'm a mom, too, and I would prefer for my seven year old (who I consider to be a "young child") not to be seated away from me, either. Though on such a small plane even that wouldn't be a big deal to me. But whatever...not everyone flies as much as I do, or has a kid who flies as much as mine does, so I was willing to switch, especially because this woman was nearly hysterical about her "young child" sitting alone.

Then we boarded. And. Well. Her "young child" was at least 14. And totally embarrassed by his mom. And I sat back in row 20-something, with a screaming lap child behind me, kicking my seat, watching that mom and her totally not a "young child" at all son sitting up in MY seat, blissfully happy in row 5. GRRRRRRR.

It almost makes you not want to be nice to someone on an airplane ever again. Almost.

Was wondering where this "young child" was while mom was busy pleading?