Question for SWA A-List Experts

[Deb T.]

DH is an A-List frequent flier with SWA but I do not have elite status with them. We are booked to MCO on the same reservation confirmation. When he flies alone, he is automatically checked in because of his A-List status and usually ends up with a pretty decent boarding position. Since we are flying under the same confirmation code, will I automatically receive the next boarding position after DH? Or, will I need to either sign up for Early Bird or check in at the 24-hour mark to receive a boarding position? TIA

 

[LisaS]

You do not benefit from any A-List perks even when traveling with your husband. If you want to be checked in automatically you need to purchase EBCI, otherwise you need to check in 24 hours out. You will not receive the next boarding position after your DH no matter what you do unless by sheer chance he is at the end of the A-List queue and you are at the front of the EBCI queue.

I'm in the same situation so I purchase EBCI for myself. DH is A-List Preferred so he typically gets a boarding position below A-20. Even with EBCI, I will get something towards the end of the A group (though it's possible to get a B boarding pass even with EBCI). When boarding, he gets in line with me at my position since it's OK for him to board later than his assigned position and I'm not allowed to board with him at the front of the A group. We've never had a problem finding great seats together even on our last trip when I got A60. You could also just check yourself in at 24 hours if you don't mind being even further back in the boarding queue.

Some people in this situation have the A-Lister board at their position and save a seat for the spouse. My DH doesn't want to be a seat saver and as I stated, we never have a problem getting seats together when I purchase EBCI and he boards with me. He figures (and I agree) that we don't want to start our vacation with the stress and aggravation of trying to save a seat when it's really not necessary.