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Best strategy for switching from Delta
I started flying again this July after 2.5 years not flying for business. I dont have status anywhere, though my booking habits and routes mean I am flying mostly through DL because I always get decent seats (aisle, front halwf of the plane). I average about 1.5, 4-segment trips with DL each month. In other words, I’m solidly flying enough to be Silver and not a lot more. I could also easily be A-List. But I’m not likely to make Silver Medallion this year without a mileage run, and I’m not sure I could match that on WN anyway. I would like to switch to WN because it would save my employer money. But I don’t want to hover over a web browser at T-24 (I have actual work to do) and I don’t want to get stuck in middle seats and next to lavs a lot until mid-year when I qualify A-List. Can anyone offer strategies - other than paying out of my pocket for EB - that would reduce the number of those flights? Also, I plan to get the higher-end card for my business. I assume I should wait till close to EOY so that my points hit after January 1? Thanks for any advice. |
Originally Posted by argolfer
(Post 30159378)
I started flying again this July after 2.5 years not flying for business. I dont have status anywhere, though my booking habits and routes mean I am flying mostly through DL because I always get decent seats (aisle, front halwf of the plane). I average about 1.5, 4-segment trips with DL each month. In other words, I’m solidly flying enough to be Silver and not a lot more. I could also easily be A-List. But I’m not likely to make Silver Medallion this year without a mileage run, and I’m not sure I could match that on WN anyway. I would like to switch to WN because it would save my employer money. But I don’t want to hover over a web browser at T-24 (I have actual work to do) and I don’t want to get stuck in middle seats and next to lavs a lot until mid-year when I qualify A-List. Can anyone offer strategies - other than paying out of my pocket for EB - that would reduce the number of those flights? Also, I plan to get the higher-end card for my business. I assume I should wait till close to EOY so that my points hit after January 1? Thanks for any advice. Or buy AT or BS fares. But that of course negates the idea of saving money. If your employer is of decent size, maybe it could negotiate some status. There may be some kind of Fast Track offer for A-List. Or pay some high school kid $5 to check you in. |
Are you really that busy? Checking in takes about 30 seconds if you're slow.
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Originally Posted by Kevin AA
(Post 30160599)
Are you really that busy? Checking in takes about 30 seconds if you're slow.
Even with being slow to do it a few times, we have never been stuck with middle seats. Worse seats have been toward the back. |
If I’m in a meeting during that time it’s rude to pull out my phone and hover, even for 60 seconds. I only bring this up because it happened both times I flew Southwest this year. Was in a meeting and couldn’t do it. An hour later I get a high-B boarding position and a middle seat. It wouldnt always be that way I suppose. And maybe when that happens I just pay for EB. |
Originally Posted by argolfer
(Post 30161436)
If I’m in a meeting during that time it’s rude to pull out my phone and hover, even for 60 seconds. I only bring this up because it happened both times I flew Southwest this year. Was in a meeting and couldn’t do it. An hour later I get a high-B boarding position and a middle seat. It wouldnt always be that way I suppose. And maybe when that happens I just pay for EB. |
Originally Posted by shadow520
(Post 30161489)
Would you know far enough in advance that you won't be able to check in at T-24 to buy EB? EB cuts off at T-36 (or earlier) AFAIK. Even then, if you bought it at T-37, you're getting the last EB position since EB check-in is in order of purchase.
My problem is that I prefer to fly out early Monday morning when I can so I have all day Sunday with my family. Unfortunately, this can mean an early Sunday alarm to check in. The wife doesn't like those so much ;) |
Originally Posted by argolfer
(Post 30159378)
I would like to switch to WN because it would save my employer money. But I don’t want to hover over a web browser at T-24 (I have actual work to do) and I don’t want to get stuck in middle seats and next to lavs a lot until mid-year when I qualify. |
Originally Posted by argolfer
(Post 30161436)
If I’m in a meeting during that time it’s rude to pull out my phone and hover, even for 60 seconds. I only bring this up because it happened both times I flew Southwest this year. Was in a meeting and couldn’t do it. An hour later I get a high-B boarding position and a middle seat. “Excuse me, I have to run to the restroom.” |
Originally Posted by AsiaTraveler
(Post 30161933)
If flying WN will save your employer money (and you can demonstrate that), can you make the case for your employer paying for early bird? Mine is willing to pay for EB as a matter of course, but that was policy when i arrived, so i don't know how it came to be.
Thanks to those who replied. |
Originally Posted by argolfer
(Post 30159378)
...Also, I plan to get the higher-end card for my business. I assume I should wait till close to EOY so that my points hit after January 1?
Thanks for any advice. |
You can check in via the mobile app. (I've done it even in meetings. ;)) You do not need to do anything beyond the screen where you see your boarding position. Don't need to save the QR code then, don't need to print anything.
It literally takes me 15 seconds or less. Probably less if you open the Southwest app before the start of your meeting. Whenever you get at T-24 will be sufficient to avoid a middle seat. Even if it's B-something. |
Originally Posted by argolfer
(Post 30159378)
Can anyone offer strategies - other than paying out of my pocket for EB - that would reduce the number of those flights?
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Why would you want to do this? If you fly enough, you could earn status with Delta for yourself and have phenomenal personal travel experiences. The SWA CS is generally good and the people are friendly, but I’d much rather have status on AA/DAL/UA than on SWA |
Realistically the best I can expect to get is Silver, with the occasional Gold. I don’t think I’d have a phenomenal experience TBH. And the DL experience is fine without status. Switching to WN on A-List will give me a similar experience (perhaps better seats) and will save my employer money. I’m doing a challenge for A-List and will hopefully like it. If I don’t I will go back to Delta at the beginning of the year. |
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