Rolling the dice... EBCI in December

[leebee]

I am really conflicted on whether to get EBCI for my husband and myself. We have direct flights each way, MHT to MCO, 12/21 and 12/27. EBCI is $25 for these flights; gone are the days of $10 early bird! DH has a knee issue (post-surgical reconstructions) that means he really prefers an aisle seat on the left (as you are sitting) but it's not really serious enough to need pre-boarding (he says). He's a little gimpy and slow, and if he can't extend that leg into the aisle for much of the trip, he's gonna be even slower and uncomfortable for a few days. I know, I know... pay for the boarding position if it's important. We don't normally get EBCI and do alright with boarding position, but I have no experience with holiday travel. I know the flights will be full, so I guess it's just a question of guessing how many OTHER people will have paid for EBCI, right? Any insight on this (other than the bolded, above...)?

 

[rwdavis2]

Just pay the fee. Isn’t it just an insignificant part of the overall cost of the trip? Or get it just for your husband.

 

[shoreward]

Your husband legitimately qualifies for preboard and you as his companion. That is nothing to be ashamed or reluctant about. As you state, that will be a busy travel time. Your flights will be full.

I recommend requesting preboard at the airport check-in counter or at the customer service counter servicing your departure gate. Let them know of the need to sit in an aisle seat, toward the front of the aircraft.

MCO is a very large airport with long walking distances, unlike MHT. Wheelchair service at MCO is also something to be considered. Again, that is nothing to be reluctant about. There are many customers, from young to old, to in-between, who make use of the service, when it's helpful.

The extra time to board is another reason to make use of preboard. Once general boarding starts (that includes those with EBCI), everyone is pushed to move quickly and get seated. That's too much pressure and not a good start (or end) of a vacation.

I don't think that EBCI will resolve all of your issues, at this point. People book holiday travel the very moment that Southwest releases the flights for booking. By now, the lower boarding positions have already been taken. That is not to say that a "C" seat won't be available, but it may be toward the middle or rear of the cabin.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Those flights will be completely full and will be packed with families wanting to sit together. EBCI will probably go well into the B boarding group.

Your husband's disability absolutely qualifies him to preboard, & he can have one companion (you). He doesn't need to be in a wheelchair to preboard. I have an invisible disability & used to preboard before I recently became unable to fly altogether.

That said, if your husband refuses to preboard, your should both definitely buy EBCI.

 

[kaytieeldr]

and if he can't extend that leg into the aisle for much of the trip,

Well, but really he can't.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Well, but really he can't.

Right. And the fact that he needs special seating to accommodate his knee is why he should preboard.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yup. And take a seat in the bulkhead row, where there is typically more legroom. Exit row, too, but prepared can't sit there.

 

[leebee]

Well, but really he can't.

Actually, you'd be surprised how much of the time he can straighten his knee enough while sitting in the right spot. Of course his leg isn't sticking right out into the walkway, but if he can get the right seat it's enough to keep him from getting spasms or being lame for a day or two after the flight. Bulkhead is perfect, but usually by the time we board (even with EBCI) those seats are long gone.

 

[Allison]

but if he can get the right seat it's enough to keep him from getting spasms or being lame for a day or two after the flight.

I think this tells you what you should do.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

You realize if you preboard you are not allowed to sit in emergency exit row? We had A1/A2 boarding and flight attendant was firmly telling passenger of who did medical preboard he couldn’t sit in the row (bulkhead was full so he wanted more room).

 

[leebee]

You realize if you preboard you are not allowed to sit in emergency exit row? We had A1/A2 boarding and flight attendant was firmly telling passenger of who did medical preboard he couldn’t sit in the row (bulkhead was full so he wanted more room).

Yes, we have never pre-boarded but I know that if you pre-board you can't sit in the emergency exit row. You have to agree that you speak/understand English, are over 16, and have no medical issues that would preclude you from helping in the event of an emergency. Bulkhead would be nice but as long as DH can get an aisle seat on the right side of the plane (as you are walking down the aisle when boarding) he will be OK. We often choose connecting flights rather than direct, so he can get out of the plane and stretch out that leg of his, even though it makes for a longer travel day. Grrr... post-surgical infections STINK (hahaha, I just realized what I did there!).

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, I absolutely see what you did there .

Another option nobody mentioned yet is, you might be able to purchase a Business seat at the airport - boarding numbers A1-A15. I know goofy4tink has done this and gotten position A1. NOw, this has you boarding after the preboards, but since they can't sit in the exit rows...assuming, it course, he I able and willing to assist.

Yet one more option: purchase one EBCI, for you. If he can preboard, or upgrade to Business, all set.

 

[shoreward]

Yes, I absolutely see what you did there .

Another option nobody mentioned yet is, you might be able to purchase a Business seat at the airport - boarding numbers A1-A15. I know goofy4tink has done this and gotten position A1. NOw, this has you boarding after the preboards, but since they can't sit in the exit rows...assuming, it course, he I able and willing to assist.

Yet one more option: purchase one EBCI, for you. If he can preboard, or upgrade to Business, all set.

Of course, airport purchase of the limited BS upgrade is subject to availability. The cost, per person, is usually $50, unless you are looking at a very short flight.

 

[Pooh2]

We always buy early check-in both to and from MHT and MCO.
Several times, even with early check-in on the return flight, we had B boarding positions at MCO with tons of preboards and families.

On our August trip, I was in an heavy knee brace due to an injury two days before the flight.
I chose to just board with my A position rather than stand in the very long line of people in wheel chairs and boarding with their dogs. Just not ready to join the preboarders!
During the flight, the attendant told me I should have preboarded but I really don't think it would have made a difference in my comfort (I did get the aisle seat for the same reason as your husband).

We will always just factor in the early check-in into the trip.

 

[nkereina]

Yes, I absolutely see what you did there .

Another option nobody mentioned yet is, you might be able to purchase a Business seat at the airport - boarding numbers A1-A15. I know goofy4tink has done this and gotten position A1. NOw, this has you boarding after the preboards, but since they can't sit in the exit rows...assuming, it course, he I able and willing to assist.

Yet one more option: purchase one EBCI, for you. If he can preboard, or upgrade to Business, all set.

Of course, airport purchase of the limited BS upgrade is subject to availability. The cost, per person, is usually $50, unless you are looking at a very short flight.

We've done the Business Select upgrade before. As mentioned, its not always available and the cost varies. Although, my own experience has been $30 for varying flight lengths. A good option in a pinch though, if its available.

OP, I would just do the pre-board. He qualifies for it, it saves you $100, and you don't have to worry exactly where in the boarding order you'll end up.

 

[EACarlson]

Two years ago I was flying home from umpiring softball at WWOS and forgot to check in at T24. Cost me $40 to buy the upgraded boarding position at the gate from MCO-MKE. I got A1 and it was worth it to me to be able to pick any seat on the plane.

 

[kandb]

When I read all the stuff about pre-boarding, I am so glad we always fly JetBlue and never have to deal with this. Why does SW do it this way? When you book a flight you pick your seats immediately. Sooooo much easier.

 

[Allison]

Why does SW do it this way?

Because it works and many people like their process.

 

[EACarlson]

Why does SW do it this way?

Because there is evidence that boarding this way is faster and more efficient than the way the legacy airlines do it.

 

[SaintsManiac]

When I read all the stuff about pre-boarding, I am so glad we always fly JetBlue and never have to deal with this. Why does SW do it this way? When you book a flight you pick your seats immediately. Sooooo much easier.

It's really not that big of a deal.