Southwest - earlybird check in or not?

[TeachTink]

I have EBCI for my flight tomorrow. Hubby and I are A 29 and A 30. Not too shabby.

I purchased the EBCI on January 7 for my May 14 flight.

 

[Quicklabs]

We always buy the EBCI for the return flight so we don't have to worry about checking in while on vacation. That is totally worth it!

We typically don't buy EBCI on our flight down, but I also check in right at T24 and we've never had an issue not getting seats together.

Totally worth it to not have to worry about checking in while we're at the park or still on the cruise ship.

 

[mmbrad02]

Thanks everyone! I booked tonight and did go ahead and get EBCI for both outgoing and returning flights. I always check in right at the 24 hour mark... like refreshing till the second, but I wasn't ready to chance it. Hopefully we get a good spot!

 

[Minniekins]

Ok, I've purchased EBCI before, but blanking on the details of checking in and finding out my boarding info. I remember something about 36 hrs before my but, lol, as I said I'm blanking on the rest. Can someone give me a reminder please?

 

[pigletgirl]

We always do. Quite frankly I am a worry wart when it comes to travel so it's nice to have the EBCI.

 

[focusondisney]

Ok, I've purchased EBCI before, but blanking on the details of checking in and finding out my boarding info. I remember something about 36 hrs before my but, lol, as I said I'm blanking on the rest. Can someone give me a reminder please?

All you have to do is go online anytime after your 24 hour mark & print your boarding pass. Your boarding number will be on the pass. You can print the pass at the airport if you don't have access to a printer. I believe guest services at the resorts will still print the boarding passes for you.

 

[loveswdw]

We fly out of SDF, too. They do "usually" offer family boarding so you should be fine, especially in Sept which wouldn't be a prime time for families to be heading to WDW since area schools will be in session already.

What I did was booked EB for the flight home only. I knew for the flight down that I'd be at a computer at the 24 hour check in mark (at work) so I didn't have any problems getting upper A. But the flight home was early so I didn't want to have to get up so early on vacation just to check in. We got A again of course for the flight home since EB checked in for us. I know they offered family boarding for the flight home but we flew home out of TPA instead of MCO so I can't say that it was offered from MCO.

 

[puffkin]

I honestly think it is a HUGE waste of money and it does exactly what they want it to do....generate lots of revenue by praying on peoples fears. It really does surprise me how many people just automatically fork over the money.

Background, we fly approx 4 times a year (usually 2-3 as a family). I mainly fly Southwest out of Philly or Baltimore. I have an 8 year old and a 22 month old plus my mom usually comes with us. It only takes two seconds to check in at 24 hours on my phone. I just set a reminder and then do it quick at work or in line at Disney or wherever. It is 100% worth saving that $125. At least in my book, that is a lot of money! I wish I could just glibly say that $125 isn't worth 2 seconds of my time but it is a lot of money to most families. I almost always get low-mid B's at 24 hours. You will have no problems sitting together at low to mid B's. And we have never, ever had family boarding afters A's cancelled on one of our flights. Like I said, we fly to Orlando a lot. I know it can happen, but we have never experienced it. I don't think it is very common at all.

We just got back from a cruise and my mother forget to check us in so we didn't do it until that morning (11:30 am flight). We had positions C8 & C9. We still got seats together at the back of the plane. I have seen full flights when families have split up and they had older children. I have never seen them split up a family with a really young child. They can't guarantee it, but they will do everything in their power to get a really young child with one of their parents.

I honestly would not waste time worrying about very rare hypotheticals or underestimating the general good of people. I wouldn't just throw my money away needlessly to line the pockets of some Southwest executives. I honestly think you will be absolutely fine not getting EBCI in your situation.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

I honestly think it is a HUGE waste of money and it does exactly what they want it to do....generate lots of revenue by praying on peoples fears. It really does surprise me how many people just automatically fork over the money.

Background, we fly approx 4 times a year (usually 2-3 as a family). I mainly fly Southwest out of Philly or Baltimore. I have an 8 year old and a 22 month old plus my mom usually comes with us. It only takes two seconds to check in at 24 hours on my phone. I just set a reminder and then do it quick at work or in line at Disney or wherever. It is 100% worth saving that $125. At least in my book, that is a lot of money! I wish I could just glibly say that $125 isn't worth 2 seconds of my time but it is a lot of money to most families. I almost always get low-mid B's at 24 hours. You will have no problems sitting together at low to mid B's. And we have never, ever had family boarding afters A's cancelled on one of our flights. Like I said, we fly to Orlando a lot. I know it can happen, but we have never experienced it. I don't think it is very common at all.

We just got back from a cruise and my mother forget to check us in so we didn't do it until that morning (11:30 am flight). We had positions C8 & C9. We still got seats together at the back of the plane. I have seen full flights when families have split up and they had older children. I have never seen them split up a family with a really young child. They can't guarantee it, but they will do everything in their power to get a really young child with one of their parents.

I honestly would not waste time worrying about very rare hypotheticals or underestimating the general good of people. I wouldn't just throw my money away needlessly to line the pockets of some Southwest executives. I honestly think you will be absolutely fine not getting EBCI in your situation.

Yes, there are good people in the world BUT if they spent the money for their family to sit together do you think they will move from their seat so others can sit with their family (those that didn't pay for EBCI). I have never flown SW. We are flying next month. I did purchase EBCI because I have to have an aisle seat---doesn't matter front or back I just can't be closed in. My kids are older but tall so they like the legroom of an aisle seat. We paid and aren't moving...sorry. Especially those with young children on Orlando flights it seems the recommended purchase for the child(ren) and one adult in case family boarding isn't happening.

Guess to each their own. Yes there are kind people in the world and I have raised my kids to be kind but when I spend my $$ on EBCI don't ask me to change seats unless you offer to pay the fee back to me.

Sounds harsh but I always think people spend $$$$ to head to Disney but then cut costs in trying to make sure their family sits together (this goes for paying for seat assignments too) is STUPID. Crush some more soda cans, don't go out to eat for a few times before the trip, etc but don't ask someone who paid for their seat or EBCI to give it up to you who chose not to or think pixie dust and the fairies will bring you luck. FA can ask if someone will move but can't make anyone.

 

[puffkin]

Yes, there are good people in the world BUT if they spent the money for their family to sit together do you think they will move from their seat so others can sit with their family (those that didn't pay for EBCI). I have never flown SW. We are flying next month. I did purchase EBCI because I have to have an aisle seat---doesn't matter front or back I just can't be closed in. My kids are older but tall so they like the legroom of an aisle seat. We paid and aren't moving...sorry. Especially those with young children on Orlando flights it seems the recommended purchase for the child(ren) and one adult in case family boarding isn't happening.

Guess to each their own. Yes there are kind people in the world and I have raised my kids to be kind but when I spend my $$ on EBCI don't ask me to change seats unless you offer to pay the fee back to me.

Sounds harsh but I always think people spend $$$$ to head to Disney but then cut costs in trying to make sure their family sits together (this goes for paying for seat assignments too) is STUPID. Crush some more soda cans, don't go out to eat for a few times before the trip, etc but don't ask someone who paid for their seat or EBCI to give it up to you who chose not to or think pixie dust and the fairies will bring you luck. FA can ask if someone will move but can't make anyone.

I totally get your point and I wasn't suggesting that someone be forced to move, especially if they did pay for EBCI. What I am saying is that people forget on these boards that many, many people travel to Orlando for purposes other than Disney. Many people do not pay for EBCI. Many people are not travelling with their family. Lots and lots of business travellers. I have often times seen travellers switch seats or move across the aisle to allow a parent and young child to be together. Didn't affect them at all. And generally unless family boarding is suspended (which again I have never ever seen happen) it shouldn't even be an issue.

And that $125 I have saved the last 5 (times 3 trips a year times 5 years) since EBCI has been in existence pretty much covers the costs of one of our trips, so yeah...I think it is money well saved

 

[CaFeeney]

We travel to MCO on SW about 3 times per year from Manchester NH. The last trip was over the busy April school vacation week. I never pay for EBCI. As long as you are online at the 24hr mark we have always been in the high A/low to mid B group.

Last flight we took there was a band group that they allowed to pre-board. There were about 60 people, if I had paid for the EBCI I would have been peeved. Even with the large group and being in boarding section B the three of us were together in row 17.

The online check in is incredibly easy and can be done simply from you phone, we have done it in the parks and have had no issues at all. I totally get having the need to sit with your child, we have an 8 year old. I just don't see the need to spend an additional $75 of my vacation budget on an (IMHO) unnecessary fee.

 

[goofy4tink]

Here's the rub......if you are flying solo or with just one other person, it's I big deal to pay $25 extra pp r/t. And you probably wouldn't have had an issue getting two seats together if you didn't buy EBCI. But....it is expensive if the whole family u
Guys it...and there are 5 in the group. But those are the people who most need to sit together.
Add to that the fact that more and more people are using EBCI. This means that if you don't buy it, you get further and further back in the seating slots.
SW knows exactly what they're doing here! This is why I now say that you should just automatically figure on the fare being $25 more, r/t, than it says. Or, figure that you aren't paying for baggage. All the airlines are doing what they can to make money. This is just one more thing.

 

[lori8481]

I totally get your point and I wasn't suggesting that someone be forced to move, especially if they did pay for EBCI. What I am saying is that people forget on these boards that many, many people travel to Orlando for purposes other than Disney. Many people do not pay for EBCI. Many people are not travelling with their family. Lots and lots of business travellers. I have often times seen travellers switch seats or move across the aisle to allow a parent and young child to be together. Didn't affect them at all.

I totally agree with this! When business or solo travelers are offered the option to sit next to a young child that will be without adult supervision (i.e. only middle seats left) or give up their aisle seat to sit in between two other business travelers who likely won't even make a peep during the entire flight, I think they would almost always choose the latter.

 

[Hannathy]

I totally agree with this! When business or solo travelers are offered the option to sit next to a young child that will be without adult supervision (i.e. only middle seats left) or give up their aisle seat to sit in between two other business travelers who likely won't even make a peep during the entire flight, I think they would almost always choose the latter.

Boy then you know different business travelers than I do!

There is no way my DH would give up an aisle seat for a middle seat because of a kid. On would go the earphones/buds and alseep he would go. No way is he going to squeeze in-between two other adults cause of a kid. And almost all the other frequent travelers I know would do the same.
I know I wouldn't sit in the middle if I had an aisle or window.

 

[LilyWDW]

Boy then you know different business travelers than I do!

There is no way my DH would give up an aisle seat for a middle seat because of a kid. On would go the earphones/buds and alseep he would go. No way is he going to squeeze in-between two other adults cause of a kid. And almost all the other frequent travelers I know would do the same.
I know I wouldn't sit in the middle if I had an aisle or window.

I agree! I will be traveling solo this October into MCO (yes, for Disney but solo none the less). I would never sit in a middle seat or give up my aisle seat. I spent money and accepted personal responsibility to do the best I could to get the seat I wanted. Other people should do the same... and they have the SAME opportunity I do to do so. If they decide not to... well, that is all on them and their decision shouldn't impact me.

It's called an MP3 player and a book. I won't hear a word from your child and, if I did, I would be sure the flight attendant knew so that you can get up and take care of the kid. It's not my responsibility.

 

[nkereina]

Previously, we would only book EBCI for the flight home so we wouldn't have to worry about checking in while on vacation. I would check us in for the flight going at the 24 hour mark.

However, this past week, my fiance took a mid afternoon mid week flight from Baltimore to Buffalo (a common route with several nonstop offerings all day every day). I checked him on the 24 hour mark exactly, and he ended up with B45 and a middle seat. Had I been there as well, we wouldn't have been able to sit together. I can only assume this is due to many people purchasing EBCI. The flight was also oversold and they asked for volunteers to take the next one. Because of this experience and the growth in popularity, I'll now suck it up and book EBCI for the whole flight

 

[Lewisc]

However, this past week, my fiance took a mid afternoon mid week flight from Baltimore to Buffalo (a common route with several nonstop offerings all day every day). I checked him on the 24 hour mark exactly, and he ended up with B45 and a middle seat. Had I been there as well, we wouldn't have been able to sit together. I can only assume this is due to many people purchasing EBCI. The flight was also oversold and they asked for volunteers to take the next one. Because of this experience and the growth in popularity, I'll now suck it up and book EBCI for the whole flight

You gave an example where EBCI makes a lot of sense. Baltimore is a popular connecting airport. Passengers connecting at BWI were able to get their BPs 24 hours before their first flight, at least 2 hours before your 24 hour window opened. Further your flight probably had continuing passengers.

 

[puffkin]

You gave an example where EBCI makes a lot of sense. Baltimore is a popular connecting airport. Passengers connecting at BWI were able to get their BPs 24 hours before their first flight, at least 2 hours before your 24 hour window opened. Further your flight probably had continuing passengers.

You just never know though....we just flew on a full 11 am Monday flight with continuing passengers and we had C8&C9 passes and still got seats together (granted in the back) and there were several more pairs near us that people got after us. I know the flight attendant said the plane had 2 empty seats.

You just never know though where your position will put you. There were a ton of blue sleeve preboards on our flight, plus the continuing passengers. But there were no Business Select or family preboards. There are just so many variables that even with EBCI or getting a good boarding number, you never know what you will get. We were well prepared to be split since we were in the C group, so we were a little surprised that there were so many seats together yet.

 

[mb187143]

Boy then you know different business travelers than I do! There is no way my DH would give up an aisle seat for a middle seat because of a kid. On would go the earphones/buds and alseep he would go. No way is he going to squeeze in-between two other adults cause of a kid. And almost all the other frequent travelers I know would do the same. I know I wouldn't sit in the middle if I had an aisle or window.

This. This x 100. I travel 2-3 nights a week from Philadelphia to various cities, including Orlando, and if faced with that choice, I would not give up my aisle seat. I'm a little under 5 feet tall and sitting in the middle seat makes me feel claustrophobic because it's not only compact, I'm also short enough that most peoples' shoulders are over mine when I sit on a plane. And many men in particular have broader shoulders that end up in my space. So I typically feel even more claustrophobic in that position. I don't even like the window seat for the same reason. I do what I need to do to get a seat I can live with, but it's not going to be a middle seat if I can help it. I have zero problem popping in headphones and pulling out work to do. I know of no colleagues who would do any differently.

 

[pooch]

I will be purchasing 7 tickets with RR points for our big family trip some time next year. This gives me 7 different confirmation numbers . I am planning on biting the EBCI bullet so I don't have to check in 7 separate conf #s. Is there something I'm missing? Am I right that I would have to check each in separately? I figure if I'm getting the flights free, springing for the $175 in EBCI fees won't kill me!!!