Debating EBCI purchase- Updated!

[leebee]

DD22 and I are flying Southwest and I can't decide whether or not to purchase EBCI. We will be on a non-stop flight from IND to BOS, departing at 6am on Monday, Feb. 22. This is not school vacation week for most of New England. A big part of me thinks that EBCI won't really be necessary for a 6am flight for this route; at this hour of the morning, I can't imagine that IND is a stop-over location for a flight that originated elsewhere. Anyone know if there's a way to find this out? Any opinions on whether I should purchase the EBCI? I'm not purchasing it for our outbound flight (Wed. afternoon flight, BOS-IND). I guess my debate is between spending the money or getting up at 5:45am while staying at my MIL's home.

 

[Disneylover99]

It's probably not necessary, but if you're thinking about it, and a bit worried over it, it would be worth the $25 and it saves you from getting up before 6am.

 

[sam_gordon]

I doubt a 6am flight is a continuing flight. Two questions you need to ask...
1) How important is it that you two sit together? Is it a "want" or a "need". Is it worth $25 to all but guarantee you sit together? If so, purchase EBCI.
2) How important is sleep to you? Is it worth $25 to not have to get up at 5:40AM (allowing time to get on the computer, log on to SW, etc)? IF so, purchase EBCI.

It might be worth $12.50 to you to sit together and you're willing to spend $12.50 to sleep later. There's your $25 and get EBCI.

The other thing to consider is your checkin order using EBCI is based on when you purchase EBCI. I'm guessing purchasing 4 weeks before your trip will put you fairly far down the list, so you won't get much benefit than checking in 24 hours before.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I think it would be a waste of money. The flight will be originating at IND. Just check in at the 24 hour mark and you'll be fine.

 

[CarolMN]

I think it would be a waste of money. The flight will be originating at IND. Just check in at the 24 hour mark and you'll be fine.

Agree. I would not purchase and wouldn't get up early to check-in for this flight, either. If flight originates in IND, even a B boarding position should get two seats together. Doesn't matter to me if I sit towards the back.

 

[nkereina]

I always book EBCI without batting an eye. One less thing to worry about in the craziness of getting ready for a trip. Often times, even that added $12.50pp fee each way still makes the fare cheaper than comparable airlines where I live.

 

[sharona]

I always book EBCI without batting an eye. One less thing to worry about in the craziness of getting ready for a trip. Often times, even that added $12.50pp fee each way still makes the fare cheaper than comparable airlines where I live.

Same here. I just factor it in as part of the fare when I'm shopping for a flight. Even when I'm travelling alone I want my aisle seat near the front and I want to not have to fight for overhead space for my carryon.

 

[beccasmom]

My group is picky about sitting in the front of the plane. it's not that important to me unless I'm making a tight connection. It's an extra stress I choose not to deal with, so Early Bird cuts down on the drama. And I'd purchase it flying back from MCO in any case.

 

[Distinkt]

Unlikely that the flight is a continuing flight. However, many of the early morning flights especially first thing on a Monday morning are full of business travelers, so I would purchase EBCI. I used to just check in at the 24 hour mark, even when traveling alone, but I feel so much better when I do Early Bird because I do not like to sit much past the wings and with EBCI I am almost always able to stay nearer the front. I think if you are already worrying enough about it to post you should just go ahead and purchase it and be done. One less thing to mull around in your mind. I bet if you decide not to and have to get up at 5:45, you will interrupt the best night's sleep ever! It always works out that way, or you will wake up every hour or so anticipating having to get up! LOL!

 

[leebee]

At DH's urging, I purchased EBCI for DD22, figuring at worst she could board early and try to save me a seat beside her, in case I didn't wake up early while on vacation. Turns out it was totally unnecessary. DD's boarding position is A19; mine, done 24 hours prior to the flight, is A20. Oh well. OTOH, as it seems like there were only 4 EBCI (assuming 1-15 held for business/first class), I'm guessing it's not going to be a very full flight!