The worst thing about Southwest is you don't have assigned seats - first come first serve.

They board by the order you check in.

The first 30 or 60 people are given an "A", which means you board first. The next group gets a "B", and the last grouping gets a "C".

Before you board the airplane, you stand in the appropriate line, A, B, or C.

It is critical to be in the "A" group. You get your choice of seat, and you and your companions get to sit together. Generally speaking, even if you are a B, you will still get to be able to pick an aisle seat, be you'll be in the back of the airplane. If you are in the C group, you are ***** out of luck. You'll get a middle seat at the back half of the airplane, and all the overhead storage space will be taken up by the guys in the A and B group.

Sooooooo, here's the trick. You are allowed to check in online and print your boarding pass 24 hours before the flight leaves. If you don't want to check in at the ticket counter 3-4 hours before the flight leaves, you won't get an "A" unless you check in online.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".