Southwest Early Boarding - HELP!

[SarahKate]

I am getting ready to book tix for one leg of our trip to WDW that will be in February.

I have gotten to the screen where it asks if I want to pay $10 per person EXTRA to be able to check in online 24 hours ahead of time.

This is crazy. The other times we've flown with them, we were able to check in FREE of charge. Maybe this is where they're making up for the fact that they don't charge for baggage.

I hate to spend any more money than what I have to on our airfare. Those of you who have flown SW since they initiated this - what have you done? Just wondering how terrible it is to check in when you get to the airport vs. doing it online.

 

[sue1013]

The $10 charge is if you want them to check you in NOT if you check in yourself.

 

[SarahKate]

Thank you so much for your quick reply. I can see that now that you explain it. The way they explain it is not 100% clear, especially for someone who wouldn't know any better!! Definitely don't need that additional expense. Thanks again!

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

If you pay, you are automatically checked in before the people who wait for the 24 hour check-in. I went ahead and paid it for this trip so that I didn't have to worry about checking in while I am at the park on our last day.

 

[lumpydj]

Plus - they will check you in 36 hours in advance - so you're ALMOST guaranteed an A boarding. It's a good idea for your trip back - since most people can't check in for their return flight when on vacation...

We did it in Feb, but I only paid for DD and DH. They took the window and aisle seats. I boarded later and took the middle seat (that no one else wanted).

 

[tinka-belle]

If you don't take it now, you will still be able to pull up your SW res and add the $10 early check-in later. They will even send a reminder email about a week before your flight offering it again if you haven't got it yet.

 

[disneyag]

SarahKate---You only need to pay the $10 if you want SWA to check you in. If you are at your hotel at WDW at the 24 hour mark, the concierge at the front desk can check you in (some hotels even have a designated spot for printing of boarding passes.) In addition, we've gone to City Hall at the MK at the 24 hour mark and had Guest Services check us in. I believe Guest Services at the other parks will do that, too.

 

[kansas_wazzu]

If you want to ensure that you board prior to most everyone else, then the $10 per passenger might be worth it. When I travel with my family, I like to ensure that I have seats together for everyone and we are not rushed to get an overhead bin. It is worth it. However, when I travel solo, I never get it. In fact, I like to board in the "B" group so I can choose who I sit next to. Family with kids? I walk right by. I look for a single seat next to someone, uh, pretty. that's where I sit.

Best