Southwest Airlines Community

I believe that the point made by many in this forum is that the EBCI did not serve a purpose.  The fact that they come to the airport and present bags essentially checks them in anyway.  So, to provide an "early" version, with an associated fee, there is a reasonable expectation that for that fee, there is associated value.     ... View more

It is great to hear a story like this.  The people on Southwest do make the airline special. ... View more

I have several cards that provide cash back.  On each card, I do a monthly reconciliation as I go over the statement.  Each month I record the accrued rebate earned and have an account for that on my Quickbooks ledger.     Over the years, I have identified gaps in the accrual and have reported that to the credit card carrier.  In one instance, I had an issue with "Fells Wargo" where certain bonus points were missing.  After going through the records, they agreed with me, restored the points and scrapped their special rewards because they couldn't keep up with it.   File a dispute of your points, in writing, with the credit card carrier.     ... View more

Most software systems attach the suffix to the last name, or there is a separate field for suffix.     Agree that you need to contact Southwest and have them align your name in their "system" to your passport. ... View more

There are more than a few complaints here about the Early Bird Check In.  The general advice that is given here is correct.  All that is done is that you are automatically checked in, not guaranteed a better boarding position.   Personally, I have never used EBCI since I put a reminder on my phone 26 hours ahead of time to remind me.  Then, I have two hours to wait until I can check in.  I have occasionally forgot to check in and depending upon the flight, I still got a B20is spot.   I wouldn't go so far as to call it a scam.  It is a service to automatically check you in.  However, it does not upgrade your boarding position.   Southwest is making extra money off passengers' anxiety of boarding the plane, that part is clear.  Everyone wants to be first on the plane to have a better choice of seats and have adequate overhead bin space.  My advice is to check your bags, check in through the normal process and keep your money in your pocket. ... View more

I'd suggest a call to Southwest to get a specific answer.  You have a non-prescription device that does help your husband's condition, but it is also forbidden from being used on the plane.   While you won't be using the device, I would suggest getting a clear answer.  I believe that the advice of storing the battery separate is the best answer. ... View more

Southwest's policy on family boarding was copied/pasted to the response.   You are not the moderator. ... View more

My personal life and friends are beyond the scope of this discussion.   I, like many people here, grow weary of people making choices and then present to the world needing help.   Recently, I was part of a conversation where the individual indicated that it "wasn't fair" that the amount of benefit that I will receive from Social Security is 4X their own.  This person also suggested that it "wasn't fair" that I'll have as much income in retirement as during my working years.   Like others, I made life choices and my Social Security expected payment will be the max in today's dollars.  That's due to my earnings over my working life and the fact that I maximized my 401k over the years also makes a difference.  I didn't blow my money on nonsense and today live comfortably.   So, while some would say that it "isn't fair", I see it as totally fair as I made decisions over my lifetime that were accountable.     Now, if I'm looking for a guarantee that I will sit beside someone, even a child, I'm going to buy a ticket on an airline with assigned seating instead of trying to find some workaround. ... View more

Southwest offers Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding. If the child and adults are all holding “A” boarding passes, they should board in their assigned boarding position rather than waiting for Family Boarding ... View more

I've been saying for months now that the EBCI is a total waste of money.  You'd be better to donate that money to a charity and then take a tax deduction, you'd receive more benefit.   Stop wasting money.  Check in 24 hours before the flight.  I have never had a position that far down the line even when I checked in much later.   You are only feeding Southwest's bottom line and receiving NOTHING in return. ... View more

They're not off the hook.  The Holiday DISASTER is going to cost them nearly $1 Billion and will wipe out all of 2023 earnings.   Shareholders are angry beyond words. ... View more

I keep hearing that little song... ... View more

You'd be better off making a $50 contribution to a charity, at least you'd get the benefit of a tax deduction.   All of this upgrade and early bird check in goes right to the Southwest bottom line and adds virtually NOTHING to the experience.   Check in and find a seat.  Otherwise, you'd be better to fly another airline where you choose your seat. ... View more

What the OP describes could easily be reported as an assault. ... View more

You can ask TSA anything, but their information is wholly unreliable.  For the most part, they operate as if the airport were a Police State and forget that as a citizen, we have rights.   I'm watching a few cases where the plaintiff challenged the authority of TSA and pushed back, filing a lawsuit against TSA and the individual agent.  It appears that the thinking of the courts is beginning to align with how the police are regulated and there is no more immunity just because a TSA agent did it.   The times they are a changing. ... View more

You can calculate your own earnings, as best you can determine, and enter that in your tax software, indicating that you failed to receive a W-2 from the employer.  The IRS will be very generous with you as far as accuracy and withholding.   The law says that these must be sent to employees by January 31st of the following tax year.   I had this situation in my past, years ago, and could not get anyone to deal with the issue.  I filed, I got a refund and my return was "accurate".   Whatever you report will show on your Social Security earnings record, as well, unless formally corrected. ... View more

If the wifi doesn't function, I get a refund.  If it was included, I want a credit for the implied value.     I'm happy to host a conference to further explain the concept. ... View more

Request a full refund.  I do and I do. ... View more

I totally agree.  And, by the way, the law does not guarantee sitting together.  There is no practical way to enforce that since seats are either 1.)  first come, first serve ala Southwest, or 2.) designated during purchase.     ... View more

File a written dispute with your credit card carrier and be done with it. ... View more

Document this in a well-written letter to Southwest at their Dallas TX office.     In addition, report this to the FAA and DOT for further investigation. ... View more

You should have made the flight crew aware of the situation.  They would have run interference on the situation and if it wasn't controlled, the individuals would have been arrested when you landed.   I have been on flights before were there was a "ruckus" and when the plane landed, the local police entered the plane and escorted people off.   ... View more

Here's a proud moment for Southwest shareholders in the aftermath of the Holiday DISASTER.   https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/26/investing/southwest-loss-from-meltdown/index.html ... View more

We will test that theory very soon.   ... View more

If you are so committed to the value of EBCI, then go ahead and buy the service.     I'd be demanding a refund. ... View more

Yes, we have heard several complaints on this board about EBCI.  I agree with you that it is a total waste of money and you'd be better off to make a donation and take the associated tax benefit of the donation.   With the Holiday DISASTER of 2022, Southwest is looking for revenues to offset what appears to be a near $1 BILLION hit.  However, I do not see any value for EBCI.   On my trip to New Orleans, I am going to do the EBCI and then request a refund since I preboard anyway.   I will let everyone know how that goes. ... View more

I will agree with you that using "Southwest Hotels" is substandard.  One time I used "Southwest Vacations" and the outcome was not good.  I was compensated fairly when "Southwest Vacations" dropped the ball and I will never use them again.   Whatever you do, use a credit card and invoke your dispute rights.  If you have used a credit card for this transaction, you have a world of protection behind that credit card that most people are unaware. ... View more