Southwest Early Bird check-in?

[poohspal]

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone has used Southwest's Early Bird check-in? I wasn't really considering it until I noticed that our flight is sold out for the return trip. I thought it might be worth it to ensure we are seated early, and the 3 of us are not separated.

Thanks!

Liz

[DizneyRox]

I've never used it, always check in at the 24 hour mark and have been happy. However, I did try it for an upcoming trip, hopefully we did it early enough to get on first.

With smartphones, etc, the 24 hour check in should be pretty easy, you DO NOT have to actually print anything, you can reprint your passes at the airport. The important part is to get it done as soon as you can to get in virtual line sooner. They do block off business class as the first part of group A, so I think "normal" guests now start at A15 or A16. Usually those are the first people to board, I've never been on a flight to Orlando and had anyone in the business class area.

[PopPhan]

Tried it last trip (September) -- mainly because DW would NOT deal with us being separated on the plane. Worked wonderfully for us, but can depend on how many Business Select and "A" List tickets were sold.

The main thing with purchasing the Early Bird option is that the earlier you purchase it for your flight, the earlier in the process your seating is assigned. For example: if you purchase your tickets on the first day available, then immediately purchase the Early Bird option, your seating position will be assigned earlier (lower number) at the 36-hour mark. If you wait until the entire flight is booked, the odds are that many other would have already purchased the Early Bird option and you might be saddled with a "B" or even (perish the thought) "C" group position.