Odd observation at SW queue in MCO

[Squirlz]

4 weeks ago we were coming home from WDW and we utilized EBCI. We were A49 & 50. When the call came to line up, the entire 1-15 section was empty. Not one single person with an A1-15 was there! Why would this happen? If you went to all the trouble to get to board early why wouldn't you be there? And why ALL of them? There must be an explanation.

 

[Karlzmom]

I'm sure someone will chime in if I am wrong, but I believe I read that A1-15 are held for the more expensive fare tickets. I know they had a sign up at the gate on our way home how we could upgrade into 1-15 for a certain price, but it seems a complete waste, IMO.

 

[connorsmom911]

You are correct! A1-A-15 is for business class fare. In my experience, it is usually empty, or only 1 or 2 people in that section.

 

[LisaS]

As mentioned, A1-A15 are for Business Select passengers. They reserve those boarding positions so that even if someone purchases a Business Select fare just an hour or so before boarding, they will still get to board first. About 45 minutes or so before boarding, any open positions in A1-A15 are offered for sale at the gate for around $40 per person. I've seen a few people who have purchased the boarding upgrade on the last couple of SWA flights I've taken.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

As mentioned, A1-A15 are for Business Select passengers. They reserve those boarding positions so that even if someone purchases a Business Select fare just an hour or so before boarding, they will still get to board first. About 45 minutes or so before boarding, any open positions in A1-A15 are offered for sale at the gate for around $40 per person. I've seen a few people who have purchased the boarding upgrade on the last couple of SWA flights I've taken.

Do you mean someone paid $40 at the gate just to be one of the first to board? Not a better seat first class) or any other perk, just be one of the first to board?

 

[goofy4tink]

I have paid full fare, completely refundable before with SW, and got A1,2 and 3 slots! It was really nice. We weren't 100% sure we would be traveling on that date, so wanted to be able to get a refund if something happened. Otherwise, we book the cheaper 'wanna get away' fares.
Would I pay an addlt $40 to take one of those spots? Maybe. If I somehow ended up with a later boarding slot or I needed to be off that plane quickly, then maybe. Otherwise, no.

 

[DVCismyhappyplace]

These spots are A-List Rapid Rewards Members (more than 25 flights in one year or 35,000 points) and those who buy Business Select Anytime tickets. They get "priority" boarding. You rarely see these boarding spots fill up out of MCO.

 

[LisaS]

Do you mean someone paid $40 at the gate just to be one of the first to board? Not a better seat first class) or any other perk, just be one of the first to board?

Correct. I can think of a few situations where people might be willing to pay $40 to get an A1-A15 boarding position. 1.) Those who got "C" boarding passes, have only carry on luggage and don't want to risk having to gate check their bag because the bins could be full by the time the those in the "C" group get to board; 2) someone with a high "B" or "C" boarding pass who wants to avoid getting stuck in a middle seat; 3) someone with a tight connection who wants to sit as close to the front of the plane as possible so that they don't risk missing their connecting flight.

 

[LisaS]

These spots are A-List Rapid Rewards Members (more than 25 flights in one year or 35,000 points) and those who buy Business Select Anytime tickets. They get "priority" boarding. You rarely see these boarding spots fill up out of MCO.

A-Listers are assigned boarding positions starting at A16.

 

[MaleficentRN]

DH and I are not A listers. We bought EB once and got A16 and A17.There was no one in A1-15 and we snagged a two seat exit row.

 

[Squirlz]

On the way down I logged in right at 24 hours out and got A39-40. For the way back I got EBCI and got A49-50. We were still in row 7, easy in and out!

 

[goofy4tink]

DH and I are not A listers. We bought EB once and got A16 and A17.There was no one in A1-15 and we snagged a two seat exit row.

I've gotten A16 twice so far. Nothing special about me...just in the right place at the right time I guess.