SW boarding explanation for first timer?

[sandymandr]

Hey everyone!
I have been reading all the SW check-in info and am kind of confused or worried . This will be my first time flying SW. All the boards talk about the importance of getting an A pass, and the early bird check-in. Will I still get a seat if I get a C boarding pass? I am flying alone, no kids. I need to know if I should worry about this and make sure I get the early bird check-in (and pay extra $) or just show up at the airport like I do for most flights?? If it matters, I am flying non-stop from Jackson, MS to MCO on 12/1, return 12/6. Also, if I should check-in online (with early bird or regular advance check-in), how can I do that from WDW since SW isn't participating airline? (Staying at AKL). Thanks for any advice!! I don't really care where I sit, as long as I get a seat. It would be great to get a good seat, but I am pretty flexible on such a short flight

 

[disneyfaninaz]

If you're flying alone, I would not spend the $10 on the EBCI. If you check in at 24 hours and get to the airport within the recommended time and are at the gate when boarding begins, you will get a seat. It may be a middle seat or it may be in the back of the plane, but you will get one. My DH prefers B or C passes when flying on business alone because he can choose not to sit by a family with kids, or in front of a small kid who will kick the seat, etc.

It is the late comers who arrive after boarding that may not get a seat.

If you want to check in at T-24 from WDW, you can do it with a webenabled cell phone, guest services at any park or the concierge desk at any resort. It has nothing to do whether SWA is a participating airline or not. You still need to check in on your own and take your luggage to the airport with you.

 

[sandymandr]

Thank you very much!!!

 

[pamjb]

Here is a link to Southwest's Boarding School.
http://www.southwest.com/help/boardingschool/

 

[sandymandr]

Thanks! That is really cute! And idiot proof, so I may just be ok

 

[tjmw2727]

PP's and the boarding school answered your quesitons nicely.

I wanted to add the suggestion to check in at T24 yourself for the flight to WDW and then consider purchasing the early bird for the flight back. IMHO its worth the $10 not to have to stop what I am doing and check in via a cellphone or guest relations.

You also mentioned SWA not participating in DME so I wanted to let you know that the front desk at the resorts can check you in with SWA at 24 hours. You can also use the luggage delivery feature on the inbound flight regardless of airline -so if you attach those yellow bag tags you can skip baggage claim and head right to the bus.