southwest checkin problem

[Soccerpooh]

I just went to checkin for our 7:45 am flight out of Detroit tomorrow and I got an A boarding pass, but could not print DH's because it said airport checkin required. I looked up the reasons on their website for this, and he does not fall under any of there catagories, so I am afraid it is a security thing- he has a pretty common name. He is trying to call customer service to find out why, but i have a hunch they are not going to be much help. So- what should we do now? I don't really care if we end up not sitting together (would like to though!), but I am worried that if they overbooked, he will be in danger of being bumped. Any suggestions? We were planning on getting there at 5:30, but now when do you think we should get there? TIA

 

[boswellnakia]

I had this happen to a friend who I had booked his flights. When I called, they said they randaomly pick so many to physically check in. It wasn't a big problem, he had to go to the desk to get his boarding pass. It happened on both trips; he had to go to the desk for our return trip also.

Everything should be fine. Just make sure you get to the airport in time for him to get through the line at the SW counter.

 

[disneyagain]

If they don't allow him to board with the family, just save him a seat right in the middle of 2 of you kids....I'm guessing most people will walk right past that empty seat

 

[Soccerpooh]

Thanks for the suggestions so far- the kid idea would have worked, but it is just DH and I going this trip! Oh well- I guess we will be getting up even earlier to get to DTW, and then I will "try" to save him a seat.

 

[NotUrsula]

Saving one seat will be usually be fine. However, you are fairly likely to encounter issues with other passengers if you try to "save" a seat in any of the first 8 rows or in a bulkhead or exit row, as those are the most desirable "prime" seats. Just move back a bit and you'll be fine.

 

[salmoneous]

In terms of "saving" a seat, board at the end of the A's, and sit in a row that already has one person. That just leaves a middle seat, which will be one of the last on the plane to fill.

 

[SalandJeff]

This happened to me once. I was just randomly chosen. They let me board with DH and we did not have a problem. It is, after all, their fault that you didn't get your A boarding pass. If for some reason you have to board separately, don't say you are saving the seat, just say "sorry, DH is sitting here". They don't know...he could be in the restroom. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Soccerpooh]

In terms of "saving" a seat, board at the end of the A's, and sit in a row that already has one person. That just leaves a middle seat, which will be one of the last on the plane to fill.

That is my plan! I know saving seats really irritates most people. The customer service rep suggested me saving him a seat as well. I am not picky about sitting in the front, exit row, etc. so I will head to the back. Thanks everyone! This is the first time we have flown SW, always the legacy carriers before- hopefully we will become regulars!