I did online check-in at Southwest.com and.....

[TigerLilly's Mom]

It was great. Thurs. night at 12:00 I went on and punched in our confirmation numbers. It didn't work until about 12:04. Everyone got A passes and I printed them right out. It was great.

Coming home, I used the business center at the Hard Rock Hotel about 7:30am, for our 3:00pm flight. Again, no problem and we got A's. The business center charged $5 for 5 minutes and 4 dollars per page printed, but it was worth it.

Here is a question? Why on earth do people line up in the A line over an hour before take off? I thought that was the whole reason for getting an A pass. DH and I sat peacefully and watched the kids play and didn't get in line until the plane started boarding. We were second to the last group to board in A and the whole back half of the plane was empty. Can anyone tell me why you would line up over an hour in advance instead of sitting and relaxing. My husband and I got a kick out of watching everyone scramble to be position. I can understand why you would line up with a C or even a B, but not an A. But, it did provide for some extra amusement at the end of our vacation .

 

[NotUrsula]

They line up b/c they want the first few seats in the front of the plane, so as to be able to get off quickly.

 

[dznyntnh]

Lining up is part of the 'fun' of Southwest.

A few years ago, you would get there early, line up at the counter for your plastic boarding pass and then at least one member of your party would plant themselves in the 'A' line so you could get on a get a good seat. I think for those of us who have used SWA for a long time, we still do this out of habit.

Even if you are an 'A', if it is a continuing flight, you can have a hard time finding a good seat (or seats together).

 

[jctwizzer]

"We view it as a mindless exercise by anal retentive, "me first" types

 

[cosmo2003]

Has anyone had trouble getting TWO seats together regardless if you got an A,B,or C boarding pass?
What if I got a "C" boarding pass would we be able to find to seats together?

 

[denisenh]

I would be one of the "A" boarding pass holders that you would find in line at a time of my choosing, 20 minutes ahead, 1 hour ahead, 4 hours ahead. I don't consider myself anal retentive or a "me first" type of person in any real sense.
Mindless, perhaps.
If I am going to wait anyway, what difference does it make to anyone whether I wait in line or wait sitting down in a seat being amused by other people in line?

 

[Jestocost]

My theory is that the drive to line up is part of the genetic make up of many people. As a result, they can't help but join any line that they see in a crowded place. I firmly believe that if you started a line facing a blank airport wall that people would soon be lined up behind you.

 

[castlegazer]

Can you do On-line check-in if you have baggage to be checked?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by castlegazer
Can you do On-line check-in if you have baggage to be checked?

Yes, you can then use the skycap (making sure you tip the skycap) or the counter.

 

[Pinnie]

Can anyone tell me why you would line up over an hour in advance instead of sitting and relaxing. My husband and I got a kick out of watching everyone scramble to be position. I can understand why you would line up with a C or even a B, but not an A. But, it did provide for some extra amusement at the end of our vacation . [/B]

I can tell you in 2 words:

EXIT ROW!

IF I have a long flight, I want the additional leg room of those seats. No to mention, the row on the right of the plane has only 2 seats, so there is NO middle seat.

And YES I am one of those who gets in line just for that purpose!

pin

 

[CarolA]

I won't line up even if I don't have an A.

I did a survey once and ALL the seats go to the same place. LOL!

 

[inkkognito]

I've never flown Southwest, but if I ever do, I will be one of those "line up way ahead of time" people. I am choosy about my seats, and if I only have carry on luggage, I want to be near the front. I figure I'd either be sitting or standing, and standing not only gives me a better shot at a good seat, but also burns more calories.
We usually fly ATA and I use online check-in to get exit rows, so we don't have to worry about rushing to board.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[CarolA]

The problem with this whole. .. I will wait in line for the exit row assumes that no one is already ON the plane IN the seat you want.

For example, the plane starts in Fort Lauderdale, next stop Orlando, next stop Nashville, next stop Baltimore.

The only time you are REALLY guaranteed your seat of choice would be Fort Lauderdale.

 

[DVC-Don]

I only get up when boarding starts when I have an A. Most of the time we do get A. Plus on the way home to ALB, you can get off the back of the plane at the same time as the front.

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by cosmo2003
Has anyone had trouble getting TWO seats together regardless if you got an A,B,or C boarding pass?
What if I got a "C" boarding pass would we be able to find to seats together?

It is entirely conceivable that if you are near the end of the C's that you will not find two seats together. You should be alright with A's or B's.

 

[mark & sandra]

Sandy is a smoker, so her reasoning is simple. After about 3 1/2 hours without a smoke, she is ready to kill to get off the plane for a cigarette. By getting a seat in the first couple of rows, she doesn't have to worry about those r e a l l y s l o w movers who always seem to be ahead of you when you're in a rush.

 

[maiyasgram]

Have to agree with Pinnie. It's all about the exit rows.
DH is 6'5" and that row allows more leg room thus a more enjoyable flight. We will line up every time.

 

[antmaril]

I admit it - I get in the "A" line about 20 minutes before the plane starts to board. I figure I'm waiting anyway, so I might as well stand there a few minutes and get the seat I want. I like being able to get off the plane first. I can't help it.

 

[mousy_in_canada]

How early can you do the on-line check in.. my flight leaves around 8:00 am.. can you do only 4 hours in advance or can you do it at 12:01 am that day?
also there are 5 of us, 3 are children how many seats are in their "rows" I am hoping to all get together but if not that is ok too.. I am aiming to get into the A grouping.
Thanks!

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

You can check in online at 12:01 am on the day you depart. Everyone in your group must have separate confirmation numbers.

Southwest seats 3 on each side. So you could probably put one grown up with two kids on one side and 1 grown up with 1 kid on the other side. The 1 grown up and child would most likely have a stranger sit next to them though.