SWA at Providence RI question..

[disneydebi]

For all those familiar with SWA in Providence RI.
The Southwest website states that you can get your boarding pass at curbside check in at some airports? Is this available at PVD? Or is at the gate the best option? I know you can check your bags with the skycap curbside, but can you also check in and get your boarding pass there? Also... do they have the kiosks available at PVD or is it strictly at the gate?

thanks.

 

[crazywig]

yes, southwest has curbside at pvd. i've found it quicker to go inside, most every trip we've done the curbside line is huge, yet inside barely a wait

 

[disneydebi]

one more ....

You can't get your boarding pass at the gate until an hour before flight time...correct?

Can you get it earlier at curbside check in, or at the ticket counter? or is it the same 1 hour timeframe as getting it at the gate?

 

[LeapYear Debbie]

We always fly SWA out of PVD and use the curbside checkin. We have never encountered a long line. You will receive your boarding pass when you check in. I think they now give it up to 4 hours in advance. We always arrive 2 hours early and never have a problem.

Have a great trip.


Debbie

 

[disneydebi]

forgive my questions... the last time we flew was pre-9/11.
I read that you need a boarding pass or security document to get through security. So do you not get the boarding passes at the gate? And is curbside check in done with the sky cap or is it separate?

thanks.

 

[LeapYear Debbie]

There really is no need to get a pass at the gate. You will get it either at curbside checkin with the sky cabs or at the ticket counter. Make sure you have your reservation and driver's license with you. I'm not sure about the kiosks but you can get the locations on the Southwest website.


Debbie

 

[LeapYear Debbie]

There really is no need to get a pass at the gate. You will get it either at curbside checkin with the sky cabs or at the ticket counter. Make sure you have your reservation and driver's license with you. I'm not sure about the kiosks but you can get the locations on the Southwest website.


Debbie

 

[disneydebi]

So how does that change the distribution of the boarding passes?
When we went the last time (again, pre-9/11), we got to the gate about 90 minutes before flight time to line up and get the boarding passes, so that we'd get the A passes. If you can get them at curbside, at the ticket counter or kiosk up to 4 hours ahead of time, how does that change things?

 

[LeapYear Debbie]

Boarding passes are distributed between the three locations. All locations have an even amount of A's, B's, and C's. You can only use the kiosk if you do not have any luggage to check in. You will not have to use the boarding gate if you check in luggage because you will be given a boarding pass at the time you check in. I have always received an A pass when checking in 2 hours in advance.

Debbie

 

[Cora]

SWA has also added online checkin which now has added a fourth distribution point. You can checkin and get your boarding pass online the day of your flight. Keep in mind each person needs to have a separate confirmation number.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by disneydebi
So how does that change the distribution of the boarding passes?
When we went the last time (again, pre-9/11), we got to the gate about 90 minutes before flight time to line up and get the boarding passes, so that we'd get the A passes. If you can get them at curbside, at the ticket counter or kiosk up to 4 hours ahead of time, how does that change things?

Most of these questions can be answered right on the SWA site.


http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/

How does it change things? It changes it because now people can check in online after midnight on the day of their flight, it also allows people to get there earlier.

Unless you are not checking luggage, I would not advise using the kiosk. That is primarily for those who are doing minimal carry ons. SWA has a limit and is reasonably strict about it.

 

[disneydebi]

Gail,
do you work for SWA? You are the Board Expert it would seem. I see your posts everywhere regarding Southwest!

I had visited the SWA site... that's what made me realize things had changed since my last trip. I want to make sure I'm clear on what to do and where to go. Airport travel tends to overwhelm me (I hate flying - serious anxiety - almost passed out in the check in line at the gate last time !). And with my DH and 2 kids in tow, I want to be sure i have it all straight before i get there and go into a fit of panic! LOL.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by disneydebi
Gail,
do you work for SWA? You are the Board Expert it would seem. I see your posts everywhere regarding Southwest!

I had visited the SWA site... that's what made me realize things had changed since my last trip. I want to make sure I'm clear on what to do and where to go. Airport travel tends to overwhelm me (I hate flying - serious anxiety - almost passed out in the check in line at the gate last time !). And with my DH and 2 kids in tow, I want to be sure i have it all straight before i get there and go into a fit of panic! LOL.

LOL, no, I just fly them and read their site, a lot. You are certainly more than welcome to ask away, but, I thought a link would be easier than having to type your questions.
I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed, it happens to me with other things.
I am sure you will be fine, and you picked a great airline to fly, they will make you smile, at the very least.