The 'Earlybird Check-in' Gets The Overhead Storage On Southwest

September 2, 2009 at 9:24 AM | by JetSetCD | 4 Comments

How far would you go for first dibs on overhead bin space? On our recent flight back to New York, our plane ran out of overhead bin storage space for carry-ons just after half of the passengers had boarded, forcing the rest to rearrange last-minute and check what they would have preferred not to. But that is the price you pay for being late to the gate.

In an effort to give passengers what they want—more organized boarding and first access to overhead bins—while getting something they also love (money), Southwest is introducing their "Early Bird Check-in" option.

For $10 each way on Southwest, you can add the "Early Bird Check-in" to secure that you'll be one of the first on the plane, therefore drastically lessening the whole cattle-call experience and anxiety of an open seating boarding procedure.

While it doesn't always guarantee that you'll be in the vaulted "A" group for boarding, they do open it up to you greatly by giving you the freedom to check-in and print your boarding pass 36 hours prior to departure, a whole 12 hours before everyone else, which practically births you in the A group. If you are plain stupid and wait til the last minute, then that's just your own fault.

In addition to skipping the cattle-call, Earlybirds get to shove their carryons first into the overhead storage bins and pick out their seats. This of course does not apply to those flying Business Class or Rapid Rewards A-List, since they've already got these perks and more. It'll just be you and them, living it up and already halfway through your crossword puzzle while everyone else is still looking for an overhead spot to shove their duffles.

Related Stories:
· Earlybird Check-in [Southwest]
· How To Figure Out If Your Southwest Flight Has WiFi [Jaunted]
· Southwest Airlines Coverage [Jaunted]

[Image: Southwest]

4 Comments

Return to » The 'Earlybird Check-in' Gets The Overhead Storage On Southwest

kjb
Jaunted Contributing Editor

Good For Them
But isn't this like way against their philosophy? For now, I'll be one of the many doing the mad scramble 24 hours ahead of time.

September 2, 2009 at 9:45 AM

#Permalink

ecortes
Jaunted Member

Hopefully...
I have no problem on my 9/30 flight. This will be the second time i fly SouthWest; the first time was fun. And I sure did add a reminder on my calendar for check in :).

September 2, 2009 at 3:10 PM

#Permalink

Phamer55
Jaunted Member

No Baggage Fees
Since Southwest still has no baggage fees, I'll simply check in all my luggage and not worry about fighting for that space.

September 2, 2009 at 11:46 PM

#Permalink

cuntyou are
Jaunted Member

SouthWest thinks we are all suckers....
Most SWA flights never originate when one boards...they are always coming from some with passengers who are already loaded. So even if you are the very first to board...be prepared to be greeted by those already buckled in. Don't think just because you pay an extra $10, or are flying their Business class rip off that you will be first on the plane. Then remember all those pre-borders with kids and other disabilities. And, don't forget that there are now roaming TSA agents who will take you out of the line for a random search...this means you have just wasted the $10 or business surcharge. Be warned...or be fooled.

September 6, 2009 at 2:41 PM

#Permalink

Jaunted

Select a Destination:

Tags: Southwest Airlines / Airline Fees / Airline News / Overhead Compartments / Boarding Passes / → All Tags