Known for its fee-free ways and lack of assigned seats, Southwest has added an unexpected upgrade option that's got people talking. The Early-Bird Check-In costs $10 one-way and buys passengers a spot in line behind Business Select and elite-level frequent fliers but in front of everyone else, including families with small children.
Regular Southwest passengers are used to checking in 24-hours before their flights to score a place in the "A" group and board the plane first, but the new Early-Bird option — available 25 hours before takeoff— might put a snag in these expectations. Southwest's officials say paying the extra $10 might land you a place within the first 30 people to board, but there are no guarantees.
I'll be interested to see how this new option plays out. Would you play $10 to board the flight in the first group?
Maine New England
Sebastian
Tamaris
No, it's not that hard to just check in online ahead of time.
1All these fees are getting crazy.
2No, b/c Southwest does this anyway for fliers that fly more than 6 trips a month. When you fly over average they bump you up to preferred seating, just an FYI for people who fly frequently.
3No....because you'll still likely get stuck sitting next to a screaming kid. Just because you board first doesn't mean you get to pick your seatmates, necessarily.
4Nooo because I'm good at checking in right in time to get in A 15-30 ish but now if I don't pay the $10 I'll be behind everyone who did...*sigh*. I must keep in mind that I like SWA and their no check bag fees....though I rarely check anyway...boo.
5just print your boarding pass 24 hours ahead of time. the fees are getting ridiculous! even if you do get in early, like someone said above, you can still get a sucky seatmate..
6I like boarding last...being stuck on a plane more than I have to would suck.
7I think it is a good idea personally:)
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