Never flown Southwest...how do the A, B & C lines work?

[laurajetter]

I just want to know what to expect when flying Southwest. How early should DH and I get there to get a good spot in line? I've heard there are three lines, A, B & C. Why are there three separate lines and what designates you as being A, B or C? Is one line better than the others?

Any other tips for flying SW would also be appreciated!

Thanks!

-Laura

 

[safetymom]

The earlier you check in at the airport or online determines when you board. An A pass means you have a larger selection of seats when you board the aircraft. If you have a D you will take what is left.

It is to your advantage to check in early.

 

[DizGeek]

I wish SW would change...I hate unassigned seats and I'm always early.

Theres always some poor family not sitting together.

 

[Pinnie]

Originally posted by DizGeek
I wish SW would change...I hate unassigned seats and I'm always early.

Theres always some poor family not sitting together.

I personally hope they DON'T change. SWA has the fastest turnaround time getting in and out of the gates with UNassigned seating. I am flying NWA in December from DTW to MCO and wish I was on SWA instead. While I have "assigned" seats already, anyone want to wager a guess how many times I will have my seat "changed"? I have a feeling that the 757 that is currently assigned will be an Arirbus by December (flown this flight many times in Dec).

pinnie

 

[bg4]

If you have a D you will take what is left.

Only A- B and C- of course there will be preboarders.

Some people don't like it, but it is successful. You are under no obligation to fly SWA.

Now about that D boarding pass

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

"D's" sit out on the wings! JK!

Just remember, if you each have a seperate reservation, you can print out your "A" boarding passes on your own computer the night before from SW website. Just call and have your reservations seperated so you can do this.

 

[ScotLady]

AuroraluvsPhillip -

How do you go about getting your reservations separated? Do you just call the general SWA number? And what info do you give them?

Don't know if this will work for us anyway, because we have paper tickets (SWA vacation package), but I'd like to try - when I called in to ask about preboarding due to the fact that my son is handicapped - I was told I had to be there 1 1/2 to 2 hours ahead of time!

 

[Sharlag]

Scotlady-

I JUST NOW called Southwest and asked to have them separated and they did it for me.

I called 800.435.9792.

Aurora- Thanks for the info!

Sharla