I usually print my airline boarding passes from home. I am wondering if the timing of my pass request has anything to do with seat assignment? Ed
Airline Boarding pass
- Thread starter Eddie
- Start date
- Status
On Southwest, you want to check in as close to 24 hours before your flight as possible to be able to board as soon as possible...unless you pay the extra money to have SW check you in and get ahead of everybody but the business and high mileage travelers. You don't actually get an assigned seat, of course, but you can make sure you can sit with family and/or friends (if applicable) and also be sure to get some overhead bin space.
On other airlines, I've always been able to pick my seat at the time of purchase, so check in didn't matter...unless I had to switch flights for some reason.
On other airlines, I've always been able to pick my seat at the time of purchase, so check in didn't matter...unless I had to switch flights for some reason.
Talk about nickel and dime stuff, a few budget carriers out there CHARGE you to pick your seat. The big players might charge you to pick an exit row seat or something like that, but airlines like Frontier charge to pick the seat, period. I flew Frontier to Denver a couple of years ago. By the time I got done picking my seats and paying the carry-on fees ($25 per bag, each way) I had added $80 to the cost of each ticket. So much for being a "budget" airline.
I wish they would all just charge a price, a simple price. I am not a fan of deliberate obfuscation.
I wish they would all just charge a price, a simple price. I am not a fan of deliberate obfuscation.
Originally Posted By: Virtus_Probi
On Southwest, you want to check in as close to 24 hours before your flight as possible to be able to board as soon as possible...unless you pay the extra money to have SW check you in and get ahead of everybody but the business and high mileage travelers. You don't actually get an assigned seat, of course, but you can make sure you can sit with family and/or friends (if applicable) and also be sure to get some overhead bin space.
On other airlines, I've always been able to pick my seat at the time of purchase, so check in didn't matter...unless I had to switch flights for some reason.
Until very recently, I was a road warrior who flew 40 weeks a year, and this information is correct.
Southwest is the only one where you gain something by checking in literally the SECOND after you are 24 hours prior to your flight time. The Early Bird add on.. which is I think now around $15/20 per way helps to keep you from getting stuck in boarding groups C and D, but a lot of it just depends on how many people ahead of you are A-List Preferred or A-List. Certain "business" flights, like the 6AM Monday outbound from Dallas to Houston is going to be chock full of frequent travelers so you could still end up boarding later.
I usually was A-List preferred, and I still set alarms to remind myself to check in 24 hours prior to a flight.. and I was very often in positions A16-A20. The first 15 positions in group A are reserved for Business Select.
On Southwest, you want to check in as close to 24 hours before your flight as possible to be able to board as soon as possible...unless you pay the extra money to have SW check you in and get ahead of everybody but the business and high mileage travelers. You don't actually get an assigned seat, of course, but you can make sure you can sit with family and/or friends (if applicable) and also be sure to get some overhead bin space.
On other airlines, I've always been able to pick my seat at the time of purchase, so check in didn't matter...unless I had to switch flights for some reason.
Until very recently, I was a road warrior who flew 40 weeks a year, and this information is correct.
Southwest is the only one where you gain something by checking in literally the SECOND after you are 24 hours prior to your flight time. The Early Bird add on.. which is I think now around $15/20 per way helps to keep you from getting stuck in boarding groups C and D, but a lot of it just depends on how many people ahead of you are A-List Preferred or A-List. Certain "business" flights, like the 6AM Monday outbound from Dallas to Houston is going to be chock full of frequent travelers so you could still end up boarding later.
I usually was A-List preferred, and I still set alarms to remind myself to check in 24 hours prior to a flight.. and I was very often in positions A16-A20. The first 15 positions in group A are reserved for Business Select.
Originally Posted By: Reddy45
Until very recently, I was a road warrior who flew 40 weeks a year, and this information is correct.
Southwest is the only one where you gain something by checking in literally the SECOND after you are 24 hours prior to your flight time. The Early Bird add on.. which is I think now around $15/20 per way helps to keep you from getting stuck in boarding groups C and D, but a lot of it just depends on how many people ahead of you are A-List Preferred or A-List. Certain "business" flights, like the 6AM Monday outbound from Dallas to Houston is going to be chock full of frequent travelers so you could still end up boarding later.
I usually was A-List preferred, and I still set alarms to remind myself to check in 24 hours prior to a flight.. and I was very often in positions A16-A20. The first 15 positions in group A are reserved for Business Select.
IIRC, families with small children are allowed to board between the A and B groups no matter what boarding group they are in. If you are going to some family destination like Disney and end up early in the B group, you might still have your own group broken up because all the folks with little kids are going to stream on between A and B.
I have been paying the early bird fee without the slightest qualm lately, with low baggage fees SW is still generally a great deal and I LOVE that their whole model makes people want to board as quickly as they possibly can.
Until very recently, I was a road warrior who flew 40 weeks a year, and this information is correct.
Southwest is the only one where you gain something by checking in literally the SECOND after you are 24 hours prior to your flight time. The Early Bird add on.. which is I think now around $15/20 per way helps to keep you from getting stuck in boarding groups C and D, but a lot of it just depends on how many people ahead of you are A-List Preferred or A-List. Certain "business" flights, like the 6AM Monday outbound from Dallas to Houston is going to be chock full of frequent travelers so you could still end up boarding later.
I usually was A-List preferred, and I still set alarms to remind myself to check in 24 hours prior to a flight.. and I was very often in positions A16-A20. The first 15 positions in group A are reserved for Business Select.
IIRC, families with small children are allowed to board between the A and B groups no matter what boarding group they are in. If you are going to some family destination like Disney and end up early in the B group, you might still have your own group broken up because all the folks with little kids are going to stream on between A and B.
I have been paying the early bird fee without the slightest qualm lately, with low baggage fees SW is still generally a great deal and I LOVE that their whole model makes people want to board as quickly as they possibly can.
Speaking of Southwest, last time I flew that airline I didn't know about the importance of prompt online check-in. I believe I was in group C. When entering the plane I noticed that 3/4 of the way back the only empty seats were middle seats. Are there that many single fliers? It was a Dallas to Denver flight.
I used to think that the boarding group on SW was based upon when you bought the tickets. I'm glad I learned otherwise, but does it really save a lot of money not to have assigned seating?
I wish that airlines would pay attention and think about using better boarding and deplaning schemes. The ones currently in use are incredibly inefficient and time consuming.
I used to think that the boarding group on SW was based upon when you bought the tickets. I'm glad I learned otherwise, but does it really save a lot of money not to have assigned seating?
I wish that airlines would pay attention and think about using better boarding and deplaning schemes. The ones currently in use are incredibly inefficient and time consuming.
Originally Posted By: Alfred_B
I actually prefer to be one of the last people to board. Then I can find a middle seat with tiny passengers as close to the front as possible. Works most of the time for flights that are not fully booked.
Hmm. Never thought of this. Not a bad approach at all. My "issue" is that I am quite broad-shouldered (not fat, though). That means I am pretty uncomfortable no matter where I sit. I have plenty of hip room and leg room isn't awful, but if I'm in the middle I have to draw my shoulders forward. If I'm on the aisle the flight attendants, and every walnut-sized bladder passenger, bumps against me walking down the aisle. So, no seat is terribly comfortable, but the window seat is usually the winner.
I actually prefer to be one of the last people to board. Then I can find a middle seat with tiny passengers as close to the front as possible. Works most of the time for flights that are not fully booked.
Hmm. Never thought of this. Not a bad approach at all. My "issue" is that I am quite broad-shouldered (not fat, though). That means I am pretty uncomfortable no matter where I sit. I have plenty of hip room and leg room isn't awful, but if I'm in the middle I have to draw my shoulders forward. If I'm on the aisle the flight attendants, and every walnut-sized bladder passenger, bumps against me walking down the aisle. So, no seat is terribly comfortable, but the window seat is usually the winner.
Originally Posted By: Eddie
I usually print my airline boarding passes from home. I am wondering if the timing of my pass request has anything to do with seat assignment? Ed
What airline?
For nearly all of them, the app is the fastest way to check in, not to mention that it's the quickest way to find out gate information, baggage carousel, connecting flights, and to rebook, if needed.
I usually print my airline boarding passes from home. I am wondering if the timing of my pass request has anything to do with seat assignment? Ed
What airline?
For nearly all of them, the app is the fastest way to check in, not to mention that it's the quickest way to find out gate information, baggage carousel, connecting flights, and to rebook, if needed.
Some of the cheap airlines are forcing you to use the APP for tickets now, otherwise you pay to have them print it out.
Allegiant wanted 5 dollars to print passes, I just used their app.
Allegiant wanted 5 dollars to print passes, I just used their app.
Actually, most airlines will often deny you a seat assignment until you get to the gate unless you pony up more dollars for their economy plus offering.
We had this experience last year on four legs on Delta, for which we paid a pretty hefty fare and booked about a month in advance.
I kept checking the website, since seats are often opened up close to flight date to no avail.
DL made some quick turns with these old Mad Dogs as well.
Southwest is our airline of choice for travel where they fly.
Since bag fees aren't an issue, people bring less stuff into the cabin which speeds both boarding and deplaning.
The dirt-cheap fares advertised by Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit usually aren't when you figure that if you travel with anything more than a tiny bag that will fit under the seat in front of you you'll pay additional fees.
Such is the state of airline travel today and only the next recession will fix this, since airlines will then be scrambling to fill seats leading to a return of some basic amenities.
We had this experience last year on four legs on Delta, for which we paid a pretty hefty fare and booked about a month in advance.
I kept checking the website, since seats are often opened up close to flight date to no avail.
DL made some quick turns with these old Mad Dogs as well.
Southwest is our airline of choice for travel where they fly.
Since bag fees aren't an issue, people bring less stuff into the cabin which speeds both boarding and deplaning.
The dirt-cheap fares advertised by Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit usually aren't when you figure that if you travel with anything more than a tiny bag that will fit under the seat in front of you you'll pay additional fees.
Such is the state of airline travel today and only the next recession will fix this, since airlines will then be scrambling to fill seats leading to a return of some basic amenities.
Southwest is the airline the timing of your check in does matter. T-24hours, check in.
Honestly, I prefer flying southwest since once you know T-24, you typically end up fine. The boarding I've ever gotten on a T-24 hour check in was a B-60, and I still had no trouble getting an aisle seat.
Frankly, I don't care that much where my seat is on the plane. I've never understood why some people get so attached to having and assigned seat. So long as I've got one, I'll deal with it (Big shoulders and long legs and all...)
Frontier and Spirit are giving customers what they've asked for. You can get a dirt cheap fare if you know how the game is played. Flew round trip to Denver 2 years ago for $45 on Frontier. I also knew how not to get charged for any other fees.
Honestly, I prefer flying southwest since once you know T-24, you typically end up fine. The boarding I've ever gotten on a T-24 hour check in was a B-60, and I still had no trouble getting an aisle seat.
Frankly, I don't care that much where my seat is on the plane. I've never understood why some people get so attached to having and assigned seat. So long as I've got one, I'll deal with it (Big shoulders and long legs and all...)
Frontier and Spirit are giving customers what they've asked for. You can get a dirt cheap fare if you know how the game is played. Flew round trip to Denver 2 years ago for $45 on Frontier. I also knew how not to get charged for any other fees.
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
Frontier and Spirit are giving customers what they've asked for. You can get a dirt cheap fare if you know how the game is played. Flew round trip to Denver 2 years ago for $45 on Frontier. I also knew how not to get charged for any other fees.
Are you willing to share your method for not paying baggage fees?
Frontier and Spirit are giving customers what they've asked for. You can get a dirt cheap fare if you know how the game is played. Flew round trip to Denver 2 years ago for $45 on Frontier. I also knew how not to get charged for any other fees.
Are you willing to share your method for not paying baggage fees?
I always fly Southwest and believe it is one of the best, plus I can get two bags checked at without a charge. . I usually get in the B boarding section but, the last three flights I got on the end of the C group. I try for aisle seat first then window and lastly the center. That is why I wonder if getting my boarding pass ASAP after the 24 hour point makes any difference. ED
The method to avoid bag fees on Spirit or Frontier is simple: bring only what they allow to fit under the seat. That's it.
Doesn't work for everyone or every flight, but a summer weekend trip makes that doable.
Otherwise, add all the fees in you will need and compare accordingly. Often that means that bargain airfare is actually higher than a competitors... how do you think those airlines make money? They prey off ignorance and confusion.
It won't keep business travelers around, but for Joe Schmoe who flies once in a blue moon and doesn't pay attention...
Doesn't work for everyone or every flight, but a summer weekend trip makes that doable.
Otherwise, add all the fees in you will need and compare accordingly. Often that means that bargain airfare is actually higher than a competitors... how do you think those airlines make money? They prey off ignorance and confusion.
It won't keep business travelers around, but for Joe Schmoe who flies once in a blue moon and doesn't pay attention...
- Status
Similar threads
