Post all SW questions concerns, etc. here...

[TJDisneymama]

can someone explain the online checkin/boarding? i paid $10 extra for auto check in and i have no clue what it means, lol. never flown SW before as its only come to boston in the past year or two.

 

[Karlzmom]

passengers are given their number to board the plane based on the order the check-in. normally, check-in starts at the 24 hour mark and creates what amounts to a virtual line. it's not always convenient to get in the virtual line right at the 24 hour mark, so early bird check-in is offered where the airlines computer gets in the line for you before the main queue opens at the 24 hour mark. the early check-in is also a virtual line in order based on when you bought your place in line..early buy before later.

when you obtain your boarding pass, even if you wait until you get to the airport, will reflect your standing in the early virtual line with no additional action by you beyond buying the early bird check-in. relax and have fun!

 

[1tufgt]

passengers are given their number to board the plane based on the order the check-in. normally, check-in starts at the 24 hour mark and creates what amounts to a virtual line. it's not always convenient to get in the virtual line right at the 24 hour mark, so early bird check-in is offered where the airlines computer gets in the line for you before the main queue opens at the 24 hour mark. the early check-in is also a virtual line in order based on when you bought your place in line..early buy before later.

when you obtain your boarding pass, even if you wait until you get to the airport, will reflect your standing in the early virtual line with no additional action by you beyond buying the early bird check-in. relax and have fun!

Also note that when you do get in the 24 hour window of when your flight you can log onto southwest.con and click online checkin to see what position EBCI gave you.

 

[TJDisneymama]

thanks for the info on online check in......

another question - if SW puts out a code, can you apply it to already-booked flights? do you have to cancel and re-book?

 

[1tufgt]

thanks for the info on online check in......

another question - if SW puts out a code, can you apply it to already-booked flights? do you have to cancel and re-book?

You can't apply codes to already booked tickets. You would have to cancel and rebook with your credits. Remember though if you cancel (unless you got anytime fares / business select) you will not get a cash refund back but rather you will have SW credits so unless you plan on flying again it's better to wait than to book and be stuck with the credits.

 

[sonogal]

We'll be flying SW for the first time next month. Is it really worth it to buy the early bird check-in? I can easily do the online check-in myself at the 24 hour mark so how much of a difference will there be in boarding order? We have no problem sitting at the back of the plane and are not really worried about overhead storage. Thanks

 

[poohj80]

We'll be flying SW for the first time next month. Is it really worth it to buy the early bird check-in? I can easily do the online check-in myself at the 24 hour mark so how much of a difference will there be in boarding order? We have no problem sitting at the back of the plane and are not really worried about overhead storage. Thanks

We flew SW to WDW last month, checked in right at 24 hour mark and were in the A group (#56-58 ). We had no problems sitting together. One thing you might want to look at is where your plane is coming from and how many of those people might be staying on the plane to your destination. The only time we've had issues with seats is when half the plane was already full when we started boarding.

 

[mcd2745]

Anyone know what time of day (in the Eastern time zone) SW usually releases fares when they open the next batch of fares? Is it standard every time, or does it vary? I need to book flights Feb 4 when the fares for late August are released.

 

[1tufgt]

Anyone know what time of day (in the Eastern time zone) SW usually releases fares when they open the next batch of fares? Is it standard every time, or does it vary? I need to book flights Feb 4 when the fares for late August are released.

I think it's usually in the mornings EST.

 

[lildeb724]

Anyone know what time of day (in the Eastern time zone) SW usually releases fares when they open the next batch of fares? Is it standard every time, or does it vary? I need to book flights Feb 4 when the fares for late August are released.

The last two times I booked flights opened up around 6:30 est. I started checking around 6

 

[mcd2745]

I think it's usually in the mornings EST.

The last two times I booked flights opened up around 6:30 est. I started checking around 6

thx

 

[Saralew]

Does anyone know if SW still seats family with little children first.

 

[Itinkso]

Does anyone know if SW still seats family with little children first.

We flew on SW last week and families with babies were being seated according to boarding pass numbers. The fliers who needed special assistance boarded first and then they went to the numerical line-up of passengers.

 

[SAT887]

Does anyone know if SW still seats family with little children first.

My last 3 flights they did not. We pay for EBCI so we have less to worry about. With car seats/strollers/diaper bags it's saved us some aggravation.

 

[jenseib]

Does anyone know if SW still seats family with little children first.

No they board between a and b

 

[RainbowsMist]

I booked 6 tickets back in August for our upcoming March trip. I see the price has dropped however it's only for 3 tickets, once I put in more than 3 the price jumps up. Is there any way I can apply it to just three?

Thanks in advance

 

[ocalla]

Good Morning all!

I have enough points to purchase airline for July, and want to go ahead and book since the price is right. BUT (there is always a but....), if I need to change the dates of the flight, will I get all the points back to use on the new flights?

How would I go about doing this if need be? 1. Book now. 2. DH - "honey, we need to change our travel dates" 3. Me - What???? 4. Log into SW and do what????

Thanks so much for any help you can give me.

 

[jenseib]

Good Morning all!

I have enough points to purchase airline for July, and want to go ahead and book since the price is right. BUT (there is always a but....), if I need to change the dates of the flight, will I get all the points back to use on the new flights?

How would I go about doing this if need be? 1. Book now. 2. DH - "honey, we need to change our travel dates" 3. Me - What???? 4. Log into SW and do what????

Thanks so much for any help you can give me.

Yes, I booked on points and then the price went down and I adjusted and my points went back to my account.

 

[ocalla]

Thanks! Now what about thed $5 per ticket charge? is that credited back to CC OR Lost?

 

[jenseib]

Thanks! Now what about thed $5 per ticket charge? is that credited back to CC OR Lost?

That should be transfer to the next flight. It was for me, but I am not an expert on changing flights either. LOL