Random Southwest/Flying Questions

[Princess_Pris85]

Not too busy today and had a few things on my mind. Nothing of too great importance, just wondering.

1. Do you find that flights later in the day (on any airline) are generally less full than flights earlier in the day?

2. Anyone ever had a problem finding overhead bin space flying southwest after buying EBCI? I'd really prefer not to check in luggage, especially since my flight is getting into MCO after midnight.

Thanks!

 

[networktek]

we have tried many different airlines and different times of the day and always find that the flights are usually full unless you are getting the red eye flight and that is pretty empty

as for your second question with the early bird we have always had an over head space but do notice the people that get on the plane towards the end of the line have a hard time finding space in the over head

 

[tjmw2727]

IMHO its best to assume that most flights these days are full so just be prepared and if you have an empty seat in your row consider it a bonus! The further to the back of the aircraft you sit the better your chances.

Last trip our flight was canceled, SWA was able to put us on an earlier flight (since we were at the airport the suggested 2 hours early) but we ended up with mid b boarding passes. We still manged to find 5 seats together (3 and 2) and enough overhead space for our 2 bags.

Oh and SWA refunded our EBCI $ for the canceled flight before I even got home from the trip!

 

[vacationclub]

1. Do you find that flights later in the day (on any airline) are generally less full than flights earlier in the day?

No. It depends more on the where you are flying from and to. Honestly, these days I never see flights that aren't completely full unless it's to or from a smaller market.

2. Anyone ever had a problem finding overhead bin space flying southwest after buying EBCI? I'd really prefer not to check in luggage, especially since my flight is getting into MCO after midnight.

Oh, you mean really late. Yea, that flight might have some seats open as it's probably not as desired. But if you buy EBCI, and are in line on time, you will have plenty of bin space.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

SWA doesn't usually have a problem with available overhead space, as other airlines, because 2 bags fly free. People aren't trying to bypass paying fees and bringing all of their luggage with them. We have never had a problem finding overhead bin space on SWA.

 

[vacationclub]

SWA doesn't usually have a problem with available overhead space, as other airlines, because 2 bags fly free. People aren't trying to bypass paying fees and bringing all of their luggage with them. We have never had a problem finding overhead bin space on SWA.

Sorry, I have to disagree. Most SW flights I take have the same announcement telling the last people on board to use any overhead space they see because it's mostly filled up. While they may not be quite as packed as other airlines because there is less pressure to bring all your stuff on board, the fact that 2 checked bags are free still doesn't change how people travel and how they divide up their stuff. Even before there was ever a checked bag fee, I brought on a carry-on bag. Most people who are smart travelers don't rely completely on checked bags, and bring essentials with them on the plane. And, while some may have figured out ways to jam all their stuff into carry-on style bags, many of those bags were coming on the plane anyway even before bag fees.

For example, when I travel, I have the same packing routine regardless of airline; 1 rolling carry-on duffle, 1 personal bag, 1 (or sometimes 2) checked bag(s) if on business. This is regardless of airline, I just have to pay for checked bags when not on Jetblue or SW.

I will say there is a larger amount of bags that simply shouldn't be on the plane on other airlines, but their bin-space-profile is about the same in terms of width, they just don't fit in to close the door.

 

[Fire14]

I personally Have had good luck flying SW from Columbus, OH to Orlando and having empty middle seats. Now when I've flown thru Midway or Baltimore I've had less luck but 9 times out of 10 it's 3 of us flying from there to MCO so we just take a row.

 

[goofy4tink]

SW flies very few less than full flights nowadays. You may find an empty seat or two, but for the most part, the planes are pretty full.
As far as overhead space goes, I have never had an issue with SW. Then again, I usually find myself in the A boarding group. But I don't hear the SW FAs telling people that they may have to gate check bags very often. But, I'm usually flying to MCO, so most passengers have checked bags. A huge percentage of people flying into MCO are heading to theme parks, so have more baggage than other passengers, so tend to check bags. Especially when it isn't costing them addtl.