Et tu Southwest? Airline to charge $40 to board first (sorta)

[JEDI]

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/22/travel/southwest-new-fee-early-boarding/index.html?hpt=hp_bn10

Starting 45 minutes before a flight's departure, any remaining spots in the airline's "A" boarding group can now be purchased for a $40 fee payable by credit card.

This is yet another of several recent attempts by Southwest to add peripheral fees so that it can raise revenues without tarnishing its image.
Southwest's elite travelers won't like that people can buy their way to the front of the line, but it will be welcomed by those at the back. This is the first effort Southwest has made to allow people to better their position once they know their boarding number.


ahh.. so if you're not an elite status or do an early check-in then you can buy an upgrade to the 'A' group if there are spots.

i dont understand why people dont do early check-in.
u can login online, and print your boarding tix 12hrs ahead of time.
obviously not enuf do it if there's room to sell 'A' upgrades.

So basically Southwest is allowing dimwits w/too much cash to catch up to the smarter people?

 

[randomrogue]

Ryanair does this. It's kinda stupid but hey it's not my money and if it keeps ticket prices down by all means have this as an option. Every flight I take I see people do this. What you'll probably see is that they ask you to line up for boarding 40 minutes before they let you on the plane and those that pay that fee get in a really short line, get on the plane, and chill out while you stand in a stupid line.

 

[olds]

That sucks.
I have to fly a lot for work. We have to fly SWA. We can't buy any early boarding passes/tickets.

 

[da loser]

I get was where boarding early gets you a seat. But what's the big deal with assigned seating other than luggage space?

 

[jagec]

There ARE no "remaining spots in the 'A' boarding group" 5 minutes after online check-in begins.

 

[JEDI]

I get was where boarding early gets you a seat. But what's the big deal with assigned seating other than luggage space?

southwest does not have assigned seats. pick your seat

 

[JEDI]

There ARE no "remaining spots in the 'A' boarding group" 5 minutes after online check-in begins.

so how are they selling 'A' spots 40min b4 boarding?

 

[randomrogue]

Have you ever flown with SouthWest?

 

[Exterous]

I get was where boarding early gets you a seat. But what's the big deal with assigned seating other than luggage space?

It allows those who can plan ahead to get better seats. At 6' 2" and with shoulders 23" wide this is often more important to me than luggage space since most domestic seats are in the 17-17.5" wide range. I look at other carriers first to see if there are isle seats available for the flights I need. If they are too full then I book SW and make sure to check in immediately after its available.

There ARE no "remaining spots in the 'A' boarding group" 5 minutes after online check-in begins.

Yeah - you need to be logged in and all ready the minute check in starts to get A boarding for a lot of flights

 

[dank69]

When you buy Southwest tickets you have the option of paying $15 for business select which gives you guaranteed A. Southwest reserves A1-15 for this purpose.

 

[EagleKeeper]

You can not check in 24:01 before the departure slot time at the departure timezone.

 

[olds]

...
Yeah - you need to be logged in and all ready the minute check in starts to get A boarding for a lot of flights

I do this. I click on the confirmation the second the clock ticks over. I never get below A 35-40. I often get in the low Bs.

 

[DCal430]

I do this. I click on the confirmation the second the clock ticks over. I never get below A 35-40. I often get in the low Bs.

Why not pay the $10 your self and get the early bird check in?

 

[olds]

Why not pay the $10 your self and get the early bird check in?

I tried. My ticket gets charged to an account. They will only accept payment from that account which I have no control over..

 

[Ferzerp]

The trials and tribulations of non A-listers!

 

[darkxshade]

/middleclass problems

I only fly on a private jet, sucks to be you chumps

 

[DCal430]

I tried. My ticket gets charged to an account. They will only accept payment from that account which I have no control over..

That sucks, at my agency we purchase tickets with our own CC and get reimbursed.

 

[olds]

That sucks, at my agency we purchase tickets with our own CC and get reimbursed.

Our flights and rental cars are on contract.

 

[dud]

Flying has changed so much in the last 20 years ... I wish I could get where I need to go by train, again.

 

[ElFenix]

When you buy Southwest tickets you have the option of paying $15 for business select which gives you guaranteed A. Southwest reserves A1-15 for this purpose.

do you still get a drink coupon with that?

 

[eits]

i don't see the problem here. sounds like a good idea. some people forget to print their boarding pass until it's too late and they don't want to deal with the anxiety of finding the two non-fat, healthy, friendly-looking people to sit between. ain't nobody got time for that.

 

[MustISO]

Really surprised that no airlines have started charging to use the bathroom.

 

[eits]

Really surprised that no airlines have started charging to use the bathroom.

who uses a bathroom on a plane???

 

[olds]

who uses a bathroom on a plane???

I do all the time. I mean free drinks and that little bathroom pouch on the back of the seat in front of me. It's the only way to fly.

 

[RossMAN]

Really surprised that no airlines have started charging to use the bathroom.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/17/travel/ryanair-money-saving-schemes/index.html

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/Green/...-call-ryanairs-fee-inhumane/story?id=10355139