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The Single Worst Mistake You Can Make When Flying Southwest

May 30, 2016
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3 min read
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The Single Worst Mistake You Can Make When Flying Southwest
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On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I chose to fly Southwest's new Newark (EWR) to Las Vegas (LAS) route. I've flown Southwest a few times in the past so I am familiar with the airline's boarding process and how you need to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to get a decent position in the boarding line. If you don't, it's likely you'll only get to choose between middle seats or something perhaps a bit more desirable at the back of the plane.

Southwest's boarding process is orderly but you can get stuck with a bad seat if you don't check-in on time.

On this trip, however, I only checked in 22 hours before my flight was scheduled to depart — and boy did I pay the price for that misstep. I was designated position B34, which put me boarding the aircraft at about half way through the process. I was optimistic that I'd be able to find a window or aisle seat near the middle of the plane. Upon boarding, however, I walked by row after row of passengers seated at the window and the aisle, with just the middle seat open. Determined to avoid the middle seat, I kept walking towards the back of the plane until I found a window seat — in the very last row.

My untimely check-in resulted in me occupying a seat in the last row of the plane.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to avoid the situation I got myself into. Flyers who have A-List status with the airline are entitled to priority boarding on every flight. Another option is purchasing the Business Select fare, which comes bundled with a guaranteed A1 - A15 boarding position. For those who don't fly Southwest often, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In for $15 (recently increased from $12) to get a position reserved before general boarding begins.

If you fly Southwest often, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, which is currently offering a 40,000-point sign-up bonus after you spend $1,000 in the first three months. Those bonus points count toward the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows you to bring along a companion for free each time you travel (plus taxes), even when redeeming points.

What's your strategy for securing a good spot in the Southwest boarding line?

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.