Early Bird charge - $15?
Apr 30, 2016, 11:31 pm
#76
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,072
Early Bird Checkin Fee Rising
Now that Southwest is upping the cost of the Early Bird Checkin it makes me wonder if people would forgo paying the higher increased cost and would rather checkin at T-24 hours. I wonder if one checked in at T-24 would one get a better chance of getting an "A Boarding Group". Lets say not many people on leisure routes or weekends won't purchase the extra lots of families and others don't have the extra $$$ to fork over for this benefit.
I know that Online chekin is first come first served and I am very good at getting online at T-24 exactly. I have three alarm clocks set to do so. Whether its at midnight 4 AM or 6 AM I am online checking it. Some flights I was the First SEQ# for doing so.
I know that Online chekin is first come first served and I am very good at getting online at T-24 exactly. I have three alarm clocks set to do so. Whether its at midnight 4 AM or 6 AM I am online checking it. Some flights I was the First SEQ# for doing so.
May 2, 2016, 7:31 am
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,692
Now that Southwest is upping the cost of the Early Bird Checkin it makes me wonder if people would forgo paying the higher increased cost and would rather checkin at T-24 hours. I wonder if one checked in at T-24 would one get a better chance of getting an "A Boarding Group". Lets say not many people on leisure routes or weekends won't purchase the extra lots of families and others don't have the extra $$$ to fork over for this benefit.
I know that Online chekin is first come first served and I am very good at getting online at T-24 exactly. I have three alarm clocks set to do so. Whether its at midnight 4 AM or 6 AM I am online checking it. Some flights I was the First SEQ# for doing so.
I know that Online chekin is first come first served and I am very good at getting online at T-24 exactly. I have three alarm clocks set to do so. Whether its at midnight 4 AM or 6 AM I am online checking it. Some flights I was the First SEQ# for doing so.
May 2, 2016, 7:51 am
#78
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN Companion Pass, A-list preferred, Hyatt Globalist; United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 21,622
May 2, 2016, 10:20 am
#79
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: San Diego, Ca
Programs: AA 2MM LT PLT; AS MVP Gold75k; HHonors Diamond; IHG PLT
Posts: 3,502
Another factor is the original fare. If an inflated WGA or Anytime, it may make more sense to go with BS, assure yourself of a decent boarding position. Most of my WN flying is during peak demand, not unusual to end up with a B boarding group for tickets purchased several weeks in advance. This would suggest those paying the Early Bird fee to be further back in the B line.
May 4, 2016, 12:57 pm
#80
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: SJC, Northern Cal.
Programs: SWA RR BIS 6.2M, A+'20, CP'20, AA, UA Gold, Hertz PC, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 909
I booked a few flights for Mrs. Wingrider today and noticed the EBCI increase. I often add the EBCI just to potentially get her on the plane sooner as my low BS number creates a noteable gap otherwise. The flight we are on today was booked Monday- she was A23, flying back tomorrow A34. I'm A1 both flights.
For a CP, EBCI is still cheaper than the WGA with a potential upside. But with the TSA fee, the CP cost gap is narrowing for IntraCA fares on sale.
For a CP, EBCI is still cheaper than the WGA with a potential upside. But with the TSA fee, the CP cost gap is narrowing for IntraCA fares on sale.