SW Early Bird Check-In

[DizFan13]

I am wondering if anyone who has flown SW Airlines can tell me if the EarlyBird Check-In is worth it? The website says it is only $10 each way. We have never used SW before, so I am a little uneasy about the new check-in process. So, I am looking for some opinions on the EarlyBrid and whether or it helps you secure significantly better seats?

 

[scootch]

If you can check in at exactly the 24 hour mark, you will most likely get an A or B boarding pass and it is not worth it. IF you can't be at your computer at the 24hour mark, then it is probably worth it to be sure your family stays together. I usually don't get it on the trip down.... but if I can't be sure I will be able to log onto the internet somewhere while on the trip, I will get it then. Sometimes too I have a friend/family member at HOME do it... then just print the boarding pass once I get to the airport. Make sense ??

 

[ToddyLu]

We have used the EBCI with each of our flights. DH and I work and I do not want to have to be attached to a computer to check in 24 hours before I leave. With my luck I get online and then have a work issue come up. With the flight home I definitely DO NOT want to stop at WDW and check in. So EBCI gives us piece of mind. We have had our tickets all be in A from about A16 to A 35. Then when we flew home in May the Sunday flight home was packed. We were so glad we had EBCI to get on board and get our seats. DH is a anxious flyer at best so we love it and it is certainly worth the money to us--just to not have to worry about it.

 

[Kiwini]

I always use earlybird. You get your boarding position automatically 36 hours in advance, so you're well ahead of people who are trying to get it 24 hours in advance, and you don't have to worry about it. Also, people who are connecting onto your flight from an earlier leg get to claim their boarding position for the flight you're on 24 hours before their first leg flight, which will be more than 24 hours before your flight.

 

[ToddyLu]

SW is very laid back, love the 2 bag check in for free and the boarding is so easy. Once you get your boarding pass, You line up when called by a post that has your number on it...say A16, so you are the 16th person "to board" then you get to pick your seat once you are on the plane. Awesome.

So yes you can board in B or C but I think being early on to pick your seat is worth it.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

For us, it has worked like a charm. Our DS is 6'8" tall so we always try to get the exit row that has one seat with nothing in front of it for him. We have always purchased EBCI and always will. We have flown four times in the last year and sat in the same seats every time.

DH and I are tall as well, and I think the exit row and sitting together make the extra money well worth it!

 

[DizFan13]

Well, it's a landslide...adding the EarlyBird for sure! Thanks all!

 

[ToddyLu]

Have fun in 11 days Wooohoooo!!!

 

[DizFan13]

Just thought of another question...if SW checks you in 36 hours before your flight, what is the process for getting your boarding pass? Do you get an email telling you that they have done it with a link of what to print?

 

[DVC-Don]

We use it for the return trip so we don't have to worry about the 24 mark. When flying alone I don't use it and just try to check in at 24 hours.

 

[DCbride]

I know you decided to purchase it- but I just wanted to add that I did purchase it for my flight last week and got A42. Still an A but not exactly great.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

I used EBCI out of MCO to come home last week and ours were A55-58 so very close to getting a B! Still we had no problem sitting together.

My Dh flew home earlier than us and we did his on the 24 hour mark and he got A38!

 

[pura77]

I know if you if you make a reservation to check in at the lake buena vista off airport check in facility you will get atleast a B boarng priority.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Just thought of another question...if SW checks you in 36 hours before your flight, what is the process for getting your boarding pass? Do you get an email telling you that they have done it with a link of what to print?

No, SWA does not notify you. You can go into the SWA site like your checking in and retrieve your boarding pass within 24 hours or your flight and print it. Usually, on the way home, we just print them at the airport when we check our bags.

 

[DizFan13]

Thanks.