Southwest Check-in

[ILuvCrush]

Hi everybody!!
I'm flying Southwest for the 1st time in October... I was reading that you check in and get boarding passes (voucher?) from home computer I think 24hrs prior to flight... no problem for on way down... but what do I do to come home??? I'm not real picky about my seat...but I hate being in last 6 rows or so (so loud) Do I check in at MCO or can I do it somewhere at ASMu?
I am doing ME and I know that SW is not on their remote check-in program. Any help would be great...this whole things making me nervous (I've always flown with REAL tixs purchaces thru my travel agent).

Thanks again!
Paula

 

[goofy4tink]

You can get checked in at your resort, or in the parks. If you go to Guest Services at the parks, they can help you out. It all depends on where you are at that all important 24 hr before departure time. But, resort front desks/concierge and Guest Services in all the parks can do it for you. Just be sure to bring your confirmation numbers with you!! You have to have those.

 

[TinkerbelleMom]

This wasn't a WDW trip, but the same fear applies here! I was afraid if I tried to do SW checkin myself for our return trip I'd somehow end up with C66, and 3 kids to find seats for, so I left all my info with a reliable friend at home. She knew the process and had the time to get it done for me (and I trusted her!!!) I had copies of my conf #, so when I checked in at the airport, all I needed to do was create luggage tags and print the boarding cards. BTW...she was quick on checkin that day...we were A21-24!

 

[ILuvCrush]

My hubby will be at home... he's a little jealous of me going without him, but not so bad that he'll leave me stranded in Florida!! I could get him to do it. Don't I need some kind of printout though for at the airport? If he does it from PA will I need a new conf# or do I just go up to the SW desk at MCO?

 

[ntz4disney]

Your husband can check in for you and you can have guest relations print out your boarding pass during the day for you. We actually have our laptop with us, so this morning at 915am we checked in from the resort before heading out to MK and then we went to Guest Relations and they printed out the copy for us. So yes, someone can check in for you and all you need to do is have it printed out at GR, or you can have it printed out when you arrive at the airport to check your bags, or at a kiosk if only traveling with carry on luggage. We planned to just print them at the airport in the morning, but changed out minds when Guest Relations was empty when we walked past! Our flight is at 915am, we got A19 and A23 ... we had 2 confirmation numbers since we are traveling with a rewards free flight and a paid flight ... worth getting a later start for us!

 

[m_kasch]

If you have a cell phone with a web browser, you can also check in from there. That is usually what I do, that way I can do it from wherever I am, and then just have the boarding passes printed from the hotel or print them when I get to the airport. But, like everyone said, make sure you have your confirmation number, you will need it. Good luck!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

you guys and gals are awesome!!
thank you so much!!

 

[TinkerbelleMom]

. Don't I need some kind of printout though for at the airport? If he does it from PA will I need a new conf# or do I just go up to the SW desk at MCO?

When you check in (inside, not curbside) you'll put your conf# in the computer and do the luggage part, then it will ask if you need to re-print your boarding pass. Click yes (computer doesn't know you never printed in the first place) and your passes pop right on out. There will be SW staff right there to help you if needed. No new conf #, just the same one your DH checked you in with.

 

[britfish]

tinkerbellmom, thanks for explaining that it makes sense now!

 

[pamjb]

I highly recommend using curbside check-in at MCO. There has been little to no lines at curbside, while the inside lines can be long. I always check in using my cellphone wherever I may be, and then the skycap will print my boarding pass. The service that I receive from the skycaps is well worth the $2 tip.

 

[ILuvCrush]

When you check in (inside, not curbside) you'll put your conf# in the computer and do the luggage part, then it will ask if you need to re-print your boarding pass. Click yes (computer doesn't know you never printed in the first place) and your passes pop right on out. There will be SW staff right there to help you if needed. No new conf #, just the same one your DH checked you in with.

What is the "luggage part"? Hmmm I'm so old fashioned I thought I gave my suitcase to the guy at the counter who weighed it then took it away
Do I now have to print luggage tags too? then what do I do with my checked bag? Why do a kiosk if I have to wait in line at the counter to give them my bag..can't I get my boarding pass then...assuming that I had DH check me in online?

Thanks!

 

[pamjb]

The "luggage part" is where the gate agent takes your bag, puts the tag on it (to make sure it goes to the right place). At MCO, if you do this inside the terminal, you then have to take your bag to the TSA, where they do the screening. It is very close to where the gate agent has tagged your bag. But sometimes the area can be very congested with other travelers. That's why I do curbside. The skycap will print my boarding pass, tag my luggage and send it on its merry way.

You don't print the luggage tags that ID the luggage for the destination.

 

[willis]

You can get checked in at your resort, or in the parks. If you go to Guest Services at the parks, they can help you out. It all depends on where you are at that all important 24 hr before departure time. But, resort front desks/concierge and Guest Services in all the parks can do it for you. Just be sure to bring your confirmation numbers with you!! You have to have those.

Has Anyone had Guest services in MK check in for the boarding passes? Last year we asked about this and the CM said that it wasn't possible. He suggested the hotel (POP) or Epcot may have a business center? So we waited for two hours at the hotel in the morning to check in at 11:00 am. This year I have to checkin at 4 pm the day we have a 4:50 CP dinner. Any advice?

 

[PIERCEDRN]

If you have a cell phone with a web browser, you can also check in from there. That is usually what I do, that way I can do it from wherever I am, and then just have the boarding passes printed from the hotel or print them when I get to the airport. But, like everyone said, make sure you have your confirmation number, you will need it. Good luck!!

It is a total breeze to check-in with your cellphone browser on mobile.southwest.com . Last year I did it waiting for the AK bus and got "A" boarding passes. Set the alarm on your phone to go off a few minutes before and have your conf. # ready.
They will print them at the SW check in desk or the skycap.
BOB

 

[ILuvCrush]

I think I'm liking the curbside plan...

Hubby check me in online...then some poor unfortunate soul taking care of me at MCO

 

[goofy4tink]

Has Anyone had Guest services in MK check in for the boarding passes? Last year we asked about this and the CM said that it wasn't possible. He suggested the hotel (POP) or Epcot may have a business center? So we waited for two hours at the hotel in the morning to check in at 11:00 am. This year I have to checkin at 4 pm the day we have a 4:50 CP dinner. Any advice?

Many have reported doing exactly that. Wonder why you got the info you did. Anyone have actual experience at MK?

 

[iheartpeterpan]

Has Anyone had Guest services in MK check in for the boarding passes? Last year we asked about this and the CM said that it wasn't possible. He suggested the hotel (POP) or Epcot may have a business center? So we waited for two hours at the hotel in the morning to check in at 11:00 am. This year I have to checkin at 4 pm the day we have a 4:50 CP dinner. Any advice?

I did this last Wednesday with no problems, right between Spectro and Wishes. The CM there told me he did it all the time.