SW EBCI up to $12.50

[RMAMom]

I just recieved an email about an upcoming trip and it mentioned that early bird check in was $12.50! This was news to me. When did this happen? Why does it feel like it hurts so much more to pay an extra $2.50! It just seems expensive now.

 

[goofy4tink]

This was announced awhile ago. I 'think' it's supposed to go into effect March 1. Anyone else remember the exact date??
I find it hard to believe that if you have already purchased EBCI, that they would tell you they want more money. It should be only those that are actually deciding to buy it now...for future flights.

SW has done exactly what they wanted to do. Same thing Disney does. They put something out there, we all buy into it, and get used to it. Then, after a few years, they either start charging for the service (where it was at first offered free), or, as in the case of EBCI, they up the cost. That way, some will say, nope, not paying that addtl cost. Others will. Doesn't matter to SW...they will still make a boat load of money on it.

 

[sam_gordon]

I know it's been mentioned on the transportation board for a while. The Los Angeles Times had an article about it back in December...

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/14/business/la-fi-mo-southwest-airlines-announces-new-fees-20121214

 

[goofy4tink]

I know it's been mentioned on the transportation board for a while. The Los Angeles Times had an article about it back in December...

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/14/business/la-fi-mo-southwest-airlines-announces-new-fees-20121214

Thanks!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Now that they will be codesharing with Airtran starting tomorrow and not charging baggage fee's for airtran flight booked on SWA web sight this must be a way to recop those fee's

The increase must have just happened becuase I bought EBCI last week and only paid $10

 

[mrsstats]

Just go up and ask for a blue sleeve. Then you can get on before anyone else.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Just go up and ask for a blue sleeve. Then you can get on before anyone else.

A "blue sleeve" is a medical preboard, not just for anyone that asks for it.

 

[nabi]

I do love the ability to board in the first groups, though..... wasn't aware of the price increase.

 

[Jestocost]

A "blue sleeve" is a medical preboard, not just for anyone that asks for it.

And yet, in America, you can't be asked for proof that you need a medical pre board. I believe that it's sleazy to ask if you don't technically qualify, but anyone can ask for--and if they do will be given--a blue sleeve.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Just go up and ask for a blue sleeve. Then you can get on before anyone else.

seriously?

Did you know there are actually a limit to the handicapped sleeves they can hand out per flight? Its kinda like the people that take the handicap spots cause they feel entitled...
And they do not get on before anyone else..
the business people, the continuing people and the wheelchairs, and unaccompanied minors go first...just say'n..

Please dont encourage it, leave them for people that actually need them......rant over.

 

[DebbieB]

Then you have the people who book 1 EBCI and save seats for the rest of the group. If they are going to charge more, they should start enforcing no seat saving.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Then you have the people who book 1 EBCI and save seats for the rest of the group. If they are going to charge more, they should start enforcing no seat saving.

Why? Southwest has no policy prohibiting saving seats.

 

[DebbieB]

Why? Southwest has no policy prohibiting saving seats.

They should. It's not fair that one family of 4 pays EBCI for each, paying $50 total now while another family of 4 only pays for 1 EBCI for $12.50 and saves 3 other seats for free. It's also not fair to those who had earlier boarding numbers than those 3 and have to move farther to the back because of saved seats or even being forced to split up.

 

[mom2brooke76]

And they do not get on before anyone else..
the business people, the continuing people and the wheelchairs, and unaccompanied minors go first...just say'n..

Not completely true. The business people do NOT board before those with the blue medical preboard sleeve. It's usually wheelchairs, then unaccompanied minors and then others with preboard sleeves. I know because I always get one for my autistic daughter.

 

[kmermaid]

I purchase EBCI last week for my July trip and was charged $12.50.

 

[brymolmom]

Why? Southwest has no policy prohibiting saving seats.

Depends on the flight.

I have been on at least a couple flights where the FA's were explicitly saying 'No seat saving' while the B's and C's were loading.

I don't think they need a policy. Their policy is that you get whatever seat is not taken by a passenger when loading in your proper order. Therefore - If I'm B50 - I get any seat that does not have a butt in it from any of the A's, family and B's 1 - 49.

If anyone is 'saving' it for C30 and it is the only set of 2 seats left available...I will be taking them.

 

[paults]

I do love the ability to board in the first groups, though..... wasn't aware of the price increase.

buying the EBCI DOES NOT mean you will always board in the first groups. If enough people buy them you could actually end up with a C boarding pass. I havn't yet but have been at A 58/59 and heard some people on the boards getting B's

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Depends on the flight.

I have been on at least a couple flights where the FA's were explicitly saying 'No seat saving' while the B's and C's were loading.

I don't think they need a policy.

I believe you heard this, but as I already posted, WN has no official policy on saving seats.

 

[strmtroopr96]

I purchase EBCI last week for my July trip and was charged $12.50.

We just bought half of our May flights last night and EBCI was $12.50 to add for us as well.