04-04-2023
05:38 PM
04-04-2023
05:38 PM
There's a new companion pass promotion currently going on that if you book a RT flight (or 2 one way flights) between 4/3 - 4/5 and fly before 5/24, you'll receive a companion pass for the period of Aug 15-Sep 30. So far, so good.
I noticed that offer says "Not valid on flights purchased with Rapid Rewards points". The terms & conditions state that flights purchased by 4/5 and flown by 5/24 must be revenue flights. That makes sense - you need to buy a flight (not use points) to earn the promotional companion pass.
But does that restriction also apply to the flights from Aug 15-Sep 30? In other words, do my flights between between Aug 15- Sep 30 have to be revenue flights in order to use the companion pass? Or can I book my September flight with points and still use promotional companion pass? That part was not clearly spelled out in the terms & conditions. I know that in the past, when I had earned a full year companion pass, I could use points for my flight and add a companion, but wasn't sure if this promotion is different.
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I noticed that offer says "Not valid on flights purchased with Rapid Rewards points". The terms & conditions state that flights purchased by 4/5 and flown by 5/24 in order to earn the promotional companion pass must be revenue flights. But does that also apply to the flights from Aug 15-Sep 30? In other words, do my flights between between Aug 15- Sep 30 have to be revenue flights in order to use the companion pass? That part was not clearly spelled out in the rules.
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Just wanted to provide a follow-up on my upgraded boarding experience.
On our flight out to Hawaii, it was 100% sold out prior to the 24-hour check in time. When we checked it, it did NOT give me an option to upgrade to A1-A15. Worse yet, even though we checked in exactly 24 hours before the flight, we got stuck with the C boarding group! I assume that most passengers must have purchased early bird, so they filled all the rest of the A's and many of the B's. Not what we hoped for on a 6 hour flight!
HOWEVER, when we arrived at the airport the next day and got to the gate, we inquired if there was any priority boarding available for purchase. We figured it couldn't hurt to ask. Lo and behold, there were some available and we purchase the boarding passes (A5. A6) My guess is that there must have been some last minute cancellations of Business Select passengers, resulting in some open spots. So don't assume there is no availability, even if there's initially none at check-in. We got 2 of the exit row seats and it made the long flight much more comfortable.
On the flight home from Hawaii, at the 24-hour check in, there was an option on the check-in screen to upgrade to A1-A15 seats, which we did. Even though I have my SW credit card saved on the Southwest website, I was using the app on my phone and I needed to re-enter the CC data, so it took a little more effort than just clicking a button, but again well worth it. When we boarded the next day, we found that the flight was only about 95% full. Again, we got the exit row and we lucked out with an empty seat in our row. (We did not try to block or discourage anyone from taking the seat, but the flight attendant was standing in our row during boarding and I think people either don't notice or don't want to ask them to move.)
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08-23-2022
07:50 PM
In the past, I've bought upgraded boarding at the check-in desk or gate agent on day of flight, but now Southwest has just announced that you can buy 24 hours in advance online.
I've read the FAQs, but it doesn't give the actual logistics of how to do it. Do you need to first check in at 24 hours, then go to a separate link to buy the upgraded boarding? Or will there be an option right on the check-in page? Just wondering if anyone has used it yet or will give it a try in the next few days and could provide feedback?
I've got a long flight to Hawaii next week and intend to buy upgraded boarding and I want the best shot at getting the best position and not get shut out.
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08-16-2021
02:25 PM
08-16-2021
02:25 PM
I have the SW CC and have 4 priority boarding upgrades per year. I have purchased them before, so I know that I have to get it the same day as my flight, at either the ticket counter or at the gate. From past experience, I know these upgrades sometimes sell out on longer flights. But how far in advance on that day can I actually buy the upgrade? Is it when they allow baggage check-in for the flight (3-4 hours)? Or could it be earlier? For example, if my flight leaves in the evening, could I swing by the airport ticket counter in the morning and buy the upgrade then? I have a long flight to Hawaii and I expect there will be minimal business select travelers, so most of the A1-A15 positions should be available for purchase. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
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Thanks for the info! Even if the app doesn't work, as long as I can get to Southwest.com, I'll be fine. And I've got some time in the air before check in, so if I have to play around a bit with getconnected.southwestwifi.com before I can get to southwest.com, it won't be a problem.
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07-09-2019
04:33 PM
07-09-2019
04:33 PM
I have a 4+ hour flight on a Sunday afternoon. During that flight, the 24-hour check in time for my 2-hour flight on Monday afternoon will occur. I do not have A-List status. Question: Is there a way to access the SW app for free while in the air, so I can check in? I know access to entertainment is free, but I've never tried to log into my SW account during a flight. (Assuming there are no wifi/connectivity issues on the plane.) If it's not free, I believe I have one of three options: 1. Pay $8 for WiFi on my Sunday flight and check in at the 24 hour mark 2. Pay $20 now for Early Bird Check In 3. Check in after my Sunday flight lands (about 3 hours after the 24 hour mark). If I get a really bad boarding position, pay for priority boarding upgrade for around $30 at the gate on Monday (if available), with worst case being stuck in a middle seat for the 1 hr 50 min flight home. Has anybody else run into this situation before? Any suggestions/opinions?
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