The Single Worst Mistake You Can Make When Flying Southwest

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available – View the current offers here - Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

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.

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.

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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