Southwest check in

[Mickey527]

How does SW do their check in?
My flight is tomorrow at 10:05 am. I signed onto their site and tried to get a pass at 10 am. they told me it was too early. I used my back button and waited till my clock said 10:04 then clicked on the check in button again.
I got A-52??? 52??? does that mean 52 people checked in before me?

 

[pamjb]

No. A1 thru A15 are reserved for the Business Select passengers. There may not actually be any bodies in slots A1 thru A15 when you get to the airport. So, there was only actually 37 people that checked in before you.

 

[hddanis]

And if your flight doesn't originate at your airport, those 37 people are already on the flight from another airport.

 

[DMRick]

If you actually got to check in at 10:04, you were lucky..they make me wait until it's on the exact time of my flight..to the second.

How does SW do their check in?
My flight is tomorrow at 10:05 am. I signed onto their site and tried to get a pass at 10 am. they told me it was too early. I used my back button and waited till my clock said 10:04 then clicked on the check in button again.
I got A-52??? 52??? does that mean 52 people checked in before me?

 

[oliviansmom17]

So does that mean she received a seat assignment??
We flew in Sept. and we got A, but no number. I know things have changed since Sept.....

 

[cjsmom5]

No she didn't receive a seat assignment but anyone with A and the number above hers will board first. If it is an originating flight ... the first 15 numbers are "iffy" if they are filled ... so if there were none of those travelers you will be the 37th person to board the flight. All preboards board after all the A boarding passes board now .... so you should be in good shape to get the seat you want.

 

[slruud]

No she didn't receive a seat assignment but anyone with A and the number above hers will board first. If it is an originating flight ... the first 15 numbers are "iffy" if they are filled ... so if there were none of those travelers you will be the 37th person to board the flight. All preboards board after all the A boarding passes board now .... so you should be in good shape to get the seat you want.

Just a correction or two. SWA still preboards those folks in wheelchairs and any that need extra time and those with the blue boarding sleeves. People with children under 5 or so will board in order if they have an A group boarding pass. After the A group is boarded, any other people with children under 5 or so will be allowed to board regardless of their boarding group, B or C. Then the B group boards in order, followed by the C group.

 

[oliviansmom17]

So they call you by group and number now? Ex. "Group A, numbers 16-26"?
Just prepping myself....

 

[slruud]

So they call you by group and number now? Ex. "Group A, numbers 16-26"?
Just prepping myself....

They have posts with numbers in groups of 5. Usually 16-20 fills in the space between those numbers, and 21-25, 26-30 also, and board accordingly. The groups of 5 may not necessarily be in exact order, but they are close enough.

 

[Mickey527]

Thanks for the replies. I forgot about the business class.
I have a cane and need it to walk the long hallway to the airplane but hate to go in the handicapped line. With the children preboarding before, I used to get on before them using the handicap excuse but now I will be able to get on with out having to wait out the kids.
The one problem though is that I usually find a nice seat and along comes mom and dad with 2 or 3 kids in tow. And they always sit the screaming one near me.
Now don't get me wrong, I used to travel with 3 kids and now bring my grandson who is 2 along with mea few times a year but I have toys, games, food, drinks etc... The screaming kids always seem to have parents who bring nothing. Luckily in the past "grandma" always has a pad of paper and crayons in her purse, but for once I would like to be able to read my book and not entertain.

 

[oliviansmom17]

Thanks for all the responses, too! The last thing I like on "Flying Day" are surprises. I avoid 'em if I can!!

 

[DMRick]

On the flights we have taken since this started, even though SW says you are boarding in a group of five, the people at check in actually look at your numbers and put you in order. We had one person in front of us, and they made her go in back of me..which I thought was not how SW said it would be. Didn't bother me either way..just noted it.

I love the new boarding. We were able to wander, be on the computer and no more camping out in line for an hour.

They have posts with numbers in groups of 5. Usually 16-20 fills in the space between those numbers, and 21-25, 26-30 also, and board accordingly. The groups of 5 may not necessarily be in exact order, but they are close enough.