southwest early bird info

[tjmw2727]

Just an FYI - flew from philly this morning booked SWA with EBCI about 4 months ago and got A 53, 54 @ 55. My highest check in # so far with EBCI and others behind us were complaining that they also did EBCI and were not happy with the #'s.

I was fine with our #'s as we are a party of 3 and don't care how far back we sit - and with less than 10 people in the business select (1-15) we did have a good selection when boarding.

So for those wondering what you can get with T24, EBCI seems to be getting more popular (based on my experience alone of course )

Stay tuned if you are interested in what we get on the return...........

 

[TDC Nala]

It is interesting, as many more appear to be purchasing EBCI, which is not a guarantee of an A boarding pass if enough people bought it before you. 24 hour check in at this time, at least for Orlando, appears to be likely to land you a B pass.

Maybe they will start a new program called Even Earlier Bird Check In and charge $20.

 

[Lewisc]

A few posters on various internet boards report getting a B BP with EBCI. Still most posters seem to be getting As.

There is a misconception on DIS that the date you purchase EBCI determines your sequence number. That's one factor. The fare you paid, or at least the fare class you booked, is another factor.

SWs website no longer says the date you purchase EBCI determines your sequence number.

 

[Jestocost]

There are a few other factors in play that many people don't take into consideration. Here's a sample listing of who could be on the plane ahead of you even when you purchase EBCI:

1. Passengers continuing from a previous flight on the plane you are boarding
2. Medical preboards and unaccompanied minors
3. Business select ticket holders
4. Top-tier frequent fliers
5. Passengers who purchased EBCI and are connecting to your flight from earlier flights originating elsewhere

Note that passengers in the first group don't impact the boarding numbers issued and are outside of that process. The bottom three groups on the list will get boarding numbers assigned ahead of anyone using EBCI and starting their trip on a given flight.