OMG - never again

[EveDallas]

I usually always purchase the Early Bird check in on Southwest, but this time I knew I was going to be home at the 24 hour mark, so I skipped it. Holy crap - I barely slept last night because I was so stressed about missing the time and getting bad boarding spots. I am so tired - that'll teach me to cheap out. Always buying EB from now on!

 

[ColinBlair]

So what boarding spot did you get? I never buy EB myself, I just make sure my phone reminds me well in advance and hover over the check in button like a sniper hunting very small things from far away.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I never buy it either. Haven't had a problem. Did you do ok?

 

[EveDallas]

I got A 58 and 59. It wouldn't have been so bad if I had a later check in time, but it was 6 am. I was so worried that I'd sleep through my alarm that I ended up barely sleeping at all.

 

[kshark1958]

EBCI comes down to each individuals comfort level and convenience. I always buy EBCI because when i look at the total ticket price especially flying out of Philly these days it's minimal compared to the total ticket price. I get an early number which gives me an aisle seat up front and when traveling with a group we sit together. Also I'm not thinking about the 24 hour mark. No worries no problems for a few bucks.

 

[EveDallas]

Yeah, I'll definitely be getting it for future flights. The stress is not worth saving a few bucks.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I never get it. I am often flying alone, and at the 24 hour mark I can get a window seat. Usually get a mid-high A. If I get a low B, that is ok too, let's me know where the kiddos are sitting before I sit. But I certainly understand why people DO buy it.

 

[EveDallas]

If it was just me, I wouldn't care. But DS19 is autistic and would not do well sitting by strangers. I usually give him the window and sit in the middle so he has a buffer.

 

[DebbieB]

If it was just me, I wouldn't care. But DS19 is autistic and would not do well sitting by strangers. I usually give him the window and sit in the middle so he has a buffer.

I would get a preboard card.

 

[summerrluvv]

If it was just me, I wouldn't care. But DS19 is autistic and would not do well sitting by strangers. I usually give him the window and sit in the middle so he has a buffer.

Like the previous poster said, get a pre-board pass that entitles an individual with a disability to board before everyone else. I do this with my son who is 17 and on the spectrum. Just go to the counter at the gate and explain that your child has autism, and you would like to pre-board with him.

 

[dancin Disney style]

If it was just me, I wouldn't care. But DS19 is autistic and would not do well sitting by strangers. I usually give him the window and sit in the middle so he has a buffer.

I third getting a pre-board. They are very good about that. I did it once when my DD was only 7. We had a VERY rough flight going to MCO and she was terrified to get on the plane to go home. We had C boarding slots which concerned me about sitting together and I didn't want to have to go through the exercise of switching seats on the plane. I went to the counter and explained the situation and agent agreed that a pre-board was a good idea. This was many years ago before they did family boarding.

On the subject of EBCI every time I fly SW I debate it. Prior to WDW having WiFi I did buy it for our flight home. The last couple of SW flights I almost bought it but in the end decided that it really wasn't that big of a deal. My youngest is now 17 so sitting together is preferred but not necessary.

 

[jo-jo]

We always buy it,but we don't have a smart phone. Coming home we would have to sit at the hotel, getting the timing just right.

 

[EveDallas]

I usually have good enough numbers with ECBI that I can get seats together with the first ten rows. This time I did get a pre-boarding pass because I was worried about getting him a window seat.

 

[HollyMD]

When you check in for Southwest, will one person checking in check in all parties on the flight or do you have to do it separate?