I, like many others, wish southwest would go to reserved seating. Going to a computer exactly 24 hours in advance to get on-board first is absolutely annoying. Now the $10 fee to be automatically checked in is just as crazy.
Now on the other hand, I travel to Las Vegas from Baltimore between 3-5 times a year. Printing my boarding pass from home is normally no problem. However, when I have to be at a kiosk machine in Las Vegas 24 hours in advance (and this is a minimum charge of $5.00); the $10 earlybird fee appears to be a nice option. I will be automatically checked in; and can print my boarding pass when I get to the airport. No more waiting for exactly 24 hours in advance in a hotel lobby when I can still be enjoying my vacation.
I usually travel alone, however, when I do travel with others, I will pay the $10 fee for one person and save seats for the others.
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