Following HitchHiker's advice, remember the difference in time zones. If someone back in NJ signs in for you, they have to do it on LV time.

Using myself as an (embarrassed) example, it doesn't matter what letter pass you have, if you are not there when boarding begins. Last year, I went to make a final pit stop and pick up a cup of coffee. We had "A" boarding, but when I got back to the gate, the only person standing in line was my husband. I didn't hear them call the flight number. I never want to see that look on his face, again.

Camille

I haven't used it, but it has been mentioned on here before, iboarda.com apparently will get your boarding pass for you for free.

I always use the method suggested above with having someone at home sign in and get my spot reserved and then when you get to the airport you just click on reprint boarding pass.

As long as you have A or B you should have no problems.

Thanks everyone for all the useful advice. I will definitely have someone at home check us in for the trip home. I'm curious to see how this airlines is - we usually use either Delta or Continental, but

both of those were over $140 higher per person. I'd rather spend that on a show or nice dinner!

The concierge at your hotel can usually print out your boarding pass with Southwest. At least the Venetian did it without any hassles. If you bring your laptop you can do it yourself.

What pisses me off is when you go through the trouble of getting your A boarding pass and getting to the airport and in line early do you can get the seat you want and then some lazy good for nothing twenty something pukes or some parent with kid wants to sit together. And when you say no nicely you get attiude from these miscreants. So puke read the rules and print your boarding passes like the rest of us fool.

chele The other option you have with you duaghter is to board first because of her medical condition. Its legit.

Omar

Check in as early as you can. I once checked in online only a couple of hours after it was possible (I had to wait to get home from work to use my computer) and ended up in the C group. Depending on the flight, those A passes can go really quickly. If you're particular about where you sit, do it as early as possible.

What sort of aircraft to Southwest operate from Lax to Las Vegas. Are they standard 737 ones - ie 3 seats each side of the aisle or smaller. I'm not the best 'flyer' so they bigger and sturdier the plane better - can't cope with the smaller aircraft. I can cope with not knowing what seat I'll have.

Thanks

I just flew to Vegas on Southwest last week. My departure flight was at 7:30pm Thursday. I went onling and printed the boarding passes at about 7:50pm Wednesday night, and ended up in group B.

The return flight was at 8am. I went down to the kiosk exactly 24 hours and 8 minutes before, and STILL ended up in group B! I think it just depends how full your flight is. Both of my flights had been OVERsold, so that could be why. I'd definitely check in as close to that 24 hour window as possible for your best chance at getting the A group. Good luck, and have fun!

chele...just another thought. You're gonna be on a long flight (NJ), so be advised that Southwest does not have in-flight movies or anything like that. Bring a book or a portable DVD player or something. We just flew direct from Baltimore last week, and I was bored outta my skull! Of course, I have a short attention span, so that just might be me. ;-)

Please note the original post is from August 2007.