Is purchasing Early Bird Boarding through Southwest really necessary?

[MsHershey]

I've flown Southwest several times now and have always purchased the Early Bird boarding. I wonder how necessary this really is. I always manage to check in at the 24-hour mark on my own. Considering this is there a true benefit of purchasing this? Opinions wanted.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Necessary? No.

I only buy it for our return trips because I don't want to worry about what I'm doing 24 hrs in advance when it's time to check in. Otherwise, we just check in at the 24 hr mark and have never been further back than 1/2 way through the B boarding group.

 

[need2travel]

We've purchased it for the last several years, I'm VERY nervous about flying & as it's just my husband & I we don't qualify for early boarding without it. Ever since the time we were among the last few people to board the plane (even though we had checked in about 18 hours early) & got to the airport 2 hours early. There were no seats left together, it took me starting to cry (nerves!) & a very nice man switching seats so I could sit with my husband. Ever since then, we won't fly Southwest without it!!

 

[loveswdw]

I've purchased it for the flight home only. Our flight home is at 7:10 am so I really don't want to get up that early to check us in. Now our flight down is at 3:55 pm so I can be ready to check in at 24 hrs prior.

 

[rszdtrvl]

If you really care where you sit, it is necessary. If you are happy sitting anywhere, don't worry about it.

That being said, we always purchase it. We like sitting in the front (I tend to get motion/airsick) because it is easier on me. And we don't need to worry about checking in exactly 24 hours before boarding.

 

[mcd2745]

Necessary? No.

I only buy it for our return trips because I don't want to worry about what I'm doing 24 hrs in advance when it's time to check in. Otherwise, we just check in at the 24 hr mark and have never been further back than 1/2 way through the B boarding group.

We do exactly the same. Always buy it for the return flight, never for the flight down.

 

[figment_jii]

I agree that it's not necessary, but it can be beneficial. It's probably more beneficial to the folks that want to sit somewhere specific or have a group that they want to keep together. If you don't care where you sit or with whom you sit, then Early Bird probably isn't needed. When I fly Southwest (primarily for business), I don't purchase Early Bird because it doesn't really matter if I sit with my co-worker or not. If I were flying with my family, I'd probably think about it so that we could all sit together.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We never get it and have never had an issue getting seats together.

The day of our return I simply sign into the SWA app enter my confirmation number click the check in now button and get the error message that I am checking in too early. I leave the app be and go about my day till my phone buzzes reminding me to check in. Then I click the button on the 24 hour mark and I am checked in. Then simple go to the front desk at the resort and they print my boarding passes.

 

[jeffbear]

I never buy Early Bird and my group rarely has to split up into singles. It HAS happened, but my bunch doesn't seem to care ... thank goodness.

 

[daisyx3]

I always do if we fly SWA. I want to sit with my family and not worry about it. It is worth it for me. Last year I drive my daughter to CA and flew home alone....I got EB because for a flight that long I wanted a window.
I agree if you don't mind who you sit by it would not be an issue, but I do.
Daisyx3

 

[Sandi]

I always buy it because we want aisle seats near the front. We don't even care if we sit together. I am usually busy at work at the 24 hour mark before going on vacation and busy enjoying vacation at the 24 hour mark before the return flight. On my flight home on Saturday, I was A-16 and DD was A-29. We both ended up in row 5 in aisle seats. Then the masses were boarding. Finally there was a man and his daughter who were among the last to board and all that was left was a couple of center seats in the back. The flight attendant asked for a couple of volunteers to give up their seats so the dad and daughter could sit together. After a bit of time, a couple gave up their seats and were rewarded by SWA with drink coupons.

If sitting with your traveling companions is important, buy the ebci.