B12 on EarlyBird. How normal is this?
Oct 21, 2016, 11:29 am
#17
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,698
If you fully understand the nuances, do what you have to before and arrive in time to partake in it, it actually can work to your advantage. But you have to be savvy.
Oct 21, 2016, 11:46 am
#18
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: LAX/FAO
Posts: 355
I actually think the current process is a huge improvement over flying them in the mid-90s when you needed to start lining up at least two hours before the flight to get a decent seat and while standing for two hours, watching people walk up to the gate with no difficulty, see the line winding down the terminal and "suddenly" need a wheelchair to board. And watching people argue about their place in line. It really brings out the worst in people. I didn't fly them for several years after a few of those flights and was happy to pay more for an airline with assigned seats. But every now and then they are the most convenient option. I know many people that absolutely love SW. I'm just bad about carrying grudges.
Oct 21, 2016, 12:47 pm
#19
Join Date: May 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, WN A+, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Amb, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,126
I've gotten B11/B12 multiple times flying DAL-BWI at peak time with EBCI. Still got an aisle or window around the middle of the 737-700.
I tend to book my tickets 1-3 weeks in advance, which is unfortunate. At least I'm finally A-List.
I tend to book my tickets 1-3 weeks in advance, which is unfortunate. At least I'm finally A-List.
Oct 21, 2016, 12:54 pm
#20
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
Oct 21, 2016, 5:09 pm
#21
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 206
I could be totally off on this, but my understanding is that there are certain priorities that impact your EBCI boarding position, one of them being how far in advance you booked and another being your fare. Since we booked 6 months out and the fare has only gone down by a few dollars each way, I figured I was better off not refaring. My niece is on the same trip and she did rebook hers for a $67 credit that she might actually use.
If I must fly Southwest, what's most important to me is getting an aisle seat.
If I must fly Southwest, what's most important to me is getting an aisle seat.
Oct 21, 2016, 5:13 pm
#22
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 206
I'll take a sure thing any day.
Oct 21, 2016, 5:19 pm
#23
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 206
I'd be more pissed to board before families and then have a family with a bunch of screaming brats sit next to you. At least if you board after them you can choose a seat far away. Last time I flew I was assigned A27 and ended up changing seats because of this. And if your only concern is an aisle seat, check in at T24. I do this every time and not once did I come close to not getting an aisle seat.
I'm claustrophobic and must have an aisle seat. My husband is 6'4" with LONG legs and big feet
so he prefers an exit row - or takes the aisle across from me because his knees won't fit behind a seat, so he can sit at a bit of an angle. (Damn friggin' airlines and their sardine seating.)We're particular so it's better to get on early and calculate what's to our best advantage.
Oct 21, 2016, 5:26 pm
#24
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: 21,620
I could be totally off on this, but my understanding is that there are certain priorities that impact your EBCI boarding position, one of them being how far in advance you booked and another being your fare. Since we booked 6 months out and the fare has only gone down by a few dollars each way, I figured I was better off not refaring. My niece is on the same trip and she did rebook hers for a $67 credit that she might actually use.
If I must fly Southwest, what's most important to me is getting an aisle seat.
If I must fly Southwest, what's most important to me is getting an aisle seat.
Oct 21, 2016, 8:25 pm
#25
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
Otherwise, the fare paid has no bearing on EBCI position.
Positions are based on the time stamp of the EBCI purchase. Refaring doesn't change that. My experience verifies this, as long as the specific flight number doesn't change. And possibly even if it does. Results seem to support that theory, but I have a limited data set so it may be inconclusive.
Oct 22, 2016, 7:02 pm
#26
Join Date: Mar 2016
Programs: Southwest RR, DL SkyMiles, AAdvantage
Posts: 130
Why anyone would purchase Anytime + EBCI is beyond me (unless BS is sold out), especially with the price increase. The difference to BS can be as low as $16, and comes with extra benefits.
Oct 22, 2016, 7:44 pm
#27
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin
Programs: AA P4L, WN, BA, DL, UA, HHonors, IHG
Posts: 3,485
Oct 23, 2016, 8:14 am
#28
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Amelia Island FL
Posts: 66
I agree 1000%. If you are buying Anytime fare, the upcharge for a Business Select is minimal and the extra points, guaranteed 1-15 boarding and free drink are more than worth it. Buying EBI on an Anytime is throwing money away
Oct 23, 2016, 4:37 pm
#29
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 206
I read of it quite often now on Southwest's Facebook page...and passengers are NOT happy about it. Our most frequent Southwest flight is Orlando to Las Vegas because they still have non-stops. But recently JetBlue began offering that itinerary (with a stop) so when I get a "B" with EBCI, that's where I'll go!