Please Help! Confused!

[disneygirlatheart]

Every time we have flown we have had tickets in hand. Well, we are flying in July with SouthWest and they are now all e-tickets. I know it says check in 24 hours beforehand, I think I can handle that. What I am confused about is what do you print off boarding pass and security document? Where do you go after printing this off? Don't you need a ticket? Do you exchange the print off there for a ticket? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[legalslave]

Go to Southwest's site 24 hours before your flight and print out your boarding pass. Take the boarding pass with you to the airport and show it to security (you do not have to go to the Southwest counter unless you want to check your luggage there - your boarding pass is your "ticket"), you can self-check your luggage or check it outside with an attendant. Proceed to the gate and give the pass to the gate attendant and get on the plane when it's time. I'm not quite sure what you mean by a "security document." I've never needed anything more than the boarding pass and a government issued photo id (driver's license, passport). Make sure you have an extra copy of your boarding pass - it comes in handy sometimes. If you forget and lose your boarding pass, you can print out another one at many self-service kiosks located near the counters.

Remember, with Southwest, they have A, B and C boarding lines. The earlier you print out your pass the more likely you are to get an "A" boarding pass, and be in the first group to board and choose your seats. Southwest does not pre-assign seats.

 

[dudspizza]

Every time we have flown we have had tickets in hand. Well, we are flying in July with SouthWest and they are now all e-tickets. I know it says check in 24 hours beforehand, I think I can handle that. What I am confused about is what do you print off boarding pass and security document? Where do you go after printing this off? Don't you need a ticket? Do you exchange the print off there for a ticket? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Look at it this way. In the old days, you would present your paper ticket to the check in counter to get your boarding pass. You used the boarding pass to board the plane.

Now, your eticket is stored in the computer and your proof of having an eticket is your confirmation number. When you check in online, you type in your confirmation number and are able to print your boarding pass. If you have luggage, you can check that with a sky cap or at the counter, but you already have the boarding pass in hand. You don't need anything else (beside ID) to get through security and on to the aircraft.

Basically, the airlines have done away with the paper. I was very nervous the first time I had an eticket, but it is very easy.

Have a great trip.

 

[jimmiej]

IA with the other posters. It's very easy & convenient.

 

[seashoreCM]

Even though you have an electronic ticket you should have [gotten] printouts of the itinerary and receipt. (For paper tickets you will always have a printed itinerary and receipt.) Bring copies of these to the airport. Almost always you won't have to show them but once in a blue moon they might come in handy.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[disneygirlatheart]

Thanks for all your help!! Maybe it will be easier. Don't have to worry about holding onto a ticket.