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Southwest Airlines: Pay Extra $40 To Board First


Remember all those TV commercials by Southwest that bragged about “bags fly free”? Now, the bargain flyer has joined other airlines in tacking on bothersome extras. Bags still fly free, one or two each, but if you want to board your flight ahead of all the in-line peasant passengers, you’ll need to pay an extra $40.

Used to be that if you checked in at the desk early enough, you were assigned to the A line and got in to grab choice seats and find room for your carry-on in the overheads. Or if you were a member of the SW loyalty program, you could proudly march past all the waiting lines.

Now, for non-member Southwesterners, it’s put up $40 or go to the back of the line.

Speak Up! Don’t Just Accept Any Dinky Hotel Rooms PDF Print E-mail


Savvy senior travelers have an advantage over younger ones, and should always apply it. As you check in at the front desk, ask for any deals that apply to senior guests. Say you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, military reunion or other important event.

Or, with your craggy senior face and cheerful demeanor, make up a convincing reason for deserving a better and/or cheaper room. Keep your attitude friendly and polite, and if it isn’t the hotel’s busy season, you may be happily surprised with a balcony room and/or discount from the advertised price. And when you get that $500 hot tub suite for $50 a night, don’t forget to tip the friendly desk clerk $10 or so.

 
 
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