Preboarding with Children?

[Uncle Mikey]

I haven't done a lot of flying over the last 9 months due to an illness. So I was a bit surprised yesterday. I took my cousin to the Oakland Airport on Saturday morning and waited with her and chatted a bit. When it came time to board, I noticed that United did not give people with small children or those with physical problems an opportunity to preboard. Is this unusual or this now the practice for United and perhaps other airlines?

[Beverly Lynn]

Usair was still doing it the last time I flew. many of them are no longer doing it. you may request it if you feel it is necessary. what they are doing a lot of is letting the frequent travelers whoa re high in the program board first. Not fair huh? When we used to make the announcement we no longer had the pre-board either. its a shame it would help with the holdups during the boarding process.

[robinb]

I usually ask the gate agent if I can pre-board with my 22 month old daughter. I've flown United, Northwest, American, British Airways and JAL and have only been denied once.

[imgoingtodisney]

This is why my 9 yr son and I are flying Delta instead of Southwest. I wanted to make sure he and I got 2 seats together. This Oct is only his 2nd time flying and I didnt want us separated. Delta assigns seats ahead of time - Southwest is the cattle call.

[bicker]

Many airlines have curtailed pre-boarding for families with young children, because the privilege was being abused. It was originally intended to give parents with infants a chance to get settled, with the typically accoutremonts (diaper bag, stroller, car seat, etc.) but was more-and-more being used by families with children who could walk themselves down the jetway. I remember the first flights to stop the practice were those heading non-stop to Orlando, since so many passengers were in that latter category. I wasn't aware that the curtailing of the practice had become more widespread.

Incidently, there is a great advantage to pre-boarding for folks who carry-on baggage. Since the most frequent fliers are the airlines best individual customers, it makes sense that they'd give this kind of advantage to them, in return for their contniued loyalty and revenue.

[Beckles]

US Airways is the only airline I recall lately that I've flown who still does this, specifically allowing pre-boarding for families with children and "passengers needing extra assistance or time."

However, for passengers who are handicapped or in a wheelchair, I don't recall an airline not boarding them first, they just don't specifically invite them (it's usually pretty obvious who needs such assistance ... when I was on crutches with a broken ankle, I flew Delta several times, and was offered pre-boarding at the gate without having to ask).

[Beverly Lynn]

no I still say its not fair to just let the FTP members board first. yes they give revenue but so do the rest of the people traveling. and those traveling with young children under the age of 3 should get pre boarding as well. sometimes its not easy getting those young ones intot heir seats without them havign to check everything out. its a simple curteousy....if it wasn't for business reasons those people who are high in the ftp programs wouldn't have as many miles as they do either. These FTP members get the red carpet rolled out for themselves. passengers traveling with small children don't get much these days. its a shame. I can understand why there is so much air rage now. not right but I do have an understanding...I have been on both sides of the fence and a lot of those FTP members expect the agents to bow down to them too. that they do not deserve no matter what. they do get rewarded for being FTP'ers..they get all those free first class upgrades and extra ftp bonus's and preferred seating...just because the jones family only flies once a year doesn't mean they should get any less customer svc. it should be equal all the way around. the ftp members get enough perks. The airlines bends over backwards for them.

[skeezixspud]

But they are cracking down on people preboarding with older children.

I do find that having a carseat with you usually makes a difference; and if not, I very gently remind them that the aisle is not wide enough for the seat to pass through, and it would be such a shame if I accidentally hit one or two of their Elite passengers in the head with it while trying to board (you have to carry it on by holding it up high over the tops of the seats.) It takes time and maneuvering room to get that carseat in place; I don't want to delay departure, either. At very least, I've always been able to get someone to put the carseat into our assigned seats for us. Though they will not buckle it in for liability reasons, at least that's one less thing I have to maneuver past all those other passengers. (Just to be clear, I wouldn't hit someone on purpose, but it's hard to avoid when the plane is full of people.)

[SueM in MN]

We have noticed the airline announcements are more specific about the age of children for preboarding. They used to just say "parties traveling with small children" and now they are more likely to give a specific age. One of the reasons I've heard gate agents give is that on non-stop flights to Orlando, almost everyone is flying with "small children", so almost everyone was preboarding and it actually took longer ot load.

We preboard because DD uses a wheelchair and can't walk, but one airline (can't remember which) told us at check in we could preboard, but then the gate agent didn't call us. He told us they only preboard people with disabilities if they ask, and we hadn't checked in with him to ask. The reason was they didn't want to discriminate by assuming people with disabilities all needed preboarding. On that flight, we didn't get to board until our row number was called, so we've been pretty careful to ask both at check in and to remind the gate agent since then.

[Beckles]

Originally posted by Beverly Lynn
no I still say its not fair to just let the FTP members board first. yes they give revenue but so do the rest of the people traveling. and those traveling with young children under the age of 3 should get pre boarding as well. sometimes its not easy getting those young ones intot heir seats without them havign to check everything out. its a simple curteousy....if it wasn't for business reasons those people who are high in the ftp programs wouldn't have as many miles as they do either. These FTP members get the red carpet rolled out for themselves. passengers traveling with small children don't get much these days. its a shame. I can understand why there is so much air rage now. not right but I do have an understanding...I have been on both sides of the fence and a lot of those FTP members expect the agents to bow down to them too. that they do not deserve no matter what. they do get rewarded for being FTP'ers..they get all those free first class upgrades and extra ftp bonus's and preferred seating...just because the jones family only flies once a year doesn't mean they should get any less customer svc. it should be equal all the way around. the ftp members get enough perks. The airlines bends over backwards for them.

Out of curiosity Beverly Lynn, do you realize this post is full of gross generalizations about elite level frequent fliers, and being one myself I find it very insulting. Let me just say two things:

1. Many elite level frequent fliers do little or no travel for business.
2. I know many elite level frequent fliers, and most of them do not "expect agents to bow down to them."

[DebbieB]

I noticed when I flew USAir to Orlando last month that they said something like "families with infants who do not have their own ticket". In other words, with infants under 2 who will sit in the parent's lap. I didn't understand that because people who buy a seat for their infant and bring a car seat on would hold up things more than people who are sitting a baby on their lap. Why just not say "children under 2".

In the past I've seen families with kids 8 or 10 years old get in line with the "families with small children".

[n2mm]

Boy, I haven't heard that phrase in a long time. I travel to WDW 4 to 5 times a year and never hear that announcement anymore. I usually fly United, Delta and USAir. Even when my grandson was little, we never had that option. I always assume it's because we only fly to Orlando and if they seat folks with kids, well that would be about 75% of the plane. My grandson has gone with us four times now and have never been given that option. It's just not a big deal. I find if I wait for my row number to be called, my seat is always there waiting for me and the plane hasn't left me behind, yet. What irks me is when the overhead is filled before we get to our seats. But guess that's a different thread.

[Disnydad]

The last time we flew Southwest I think they announced preboarding for those with children 5 and under. Of course on the Orlando flight that would be about 1/3 of the plane.:D

[bicker]

The reality is that making your frequent fliers angry at you is not a smart way to run an airline. Leisure travelers generally aren't as loyal as frequent fliers, generally don't make buying decisions based on pre-boarding prvileges, and individually (let me say it again, since someone missed the point in my earlier message: individually) don't bring in nearly as much money. I know as a FF that when one airline cut back on perqs, including messing around with pre-boarding privileges, another airline was quick to comp me FF status for a few months (until I earned it on their airline outright) in order to get my business -- some years that was almost $100,000. That kind of money makes a very big difference.

[steph73]

We flew Spirit Air (eww, don't even get me started by the way) - but they still did allow preboarding. They announced children under 2 but there were families with teenagers getting on also. We had a stroller and a car seat and were allowed to preboard both coming and going. Last year, we flew America West twice to Vegas just DH and I, and I'm almost positive they allowed preboarding. I've also flown Southwest a few times just DS and I and was always allowed to preboard. I was wondering on this trip, because I've heard that many airlines no longer allow it.

On a side note, I'm so done with the "bargain" airlines - never again. In fact, I told DH on our way home today that the next time we go to Vegas we're just gonna splurge and go first class. I can't even imagine what it must feel like to actually have room in a seat, much less leg room. And, I'm a pretty small person - 5'4" and thin. DH is 6" and I can't even imagine how uncomfortable he is. I could go on, but I'll save our most recent escapades for my trip report.

[Lewisc]

n2mm--I suspect this is really about getting on early to get room for your carryon (other than SW which features open seating).
Bicker--Wouldn't most FF prefer to be the last person to board if they were guaranteed the same amenities (space for carryon, magazines, pillows etc) as if they were the first to board?

[Tink42]

Maybe its just me but I don't want to spend any more time on a plane sitting on the ground then I have to. I rarely bring more on the plane than can fit under the seat ahead of me so I would rather hang back and stay in the airconditioned terminal and get on near the end. I have not taken advantage of boarding with small children because I figured my kids were better off waiting where they had more room. The less time my 2 year old had to wait in a stuffy plane until take off the better.

[MikeP]

I don't know that I have ever carried on more than would fit in the the seats ahead of me. With a young son I we always wait till the last moment to board. No need pushing our luck with him.

[faeflora]

We fly Midway from Raleigh to Florida, I don't know about pre boarding for children, but as a wheelchair user they always pre board me without question. We usually note the wheelchair in our reservations and obviously when I show up at the gate they see the wheelchair. I would think regular boarding for a person who uses a wheelchair would be a nightmare since often they need to transfer to an aisle chair for boarding.

[Beverly Lynn]

I will rephrase part of what I said earlier....most of the higher status ftp members are from business travel.....

I stand where I am on this matter. there is still controversy going on about who gets the ftp miles the flier or the company who is paying for the travel. you must fly so many segments/miles per year in order to achieve the chairmans preferred, gold or platinum status, admirals seat etc. most of this is due to business travel. the average american doesn't travel on pleasure enough in a calendar year to achieve such status. this comes from one of the statistic reports from a ftp dept. so if someone feels this is grossly mistated so be it. thats your opinion. I am going by what I have personally seen in the past 15 years. I have also noticed how obnoxious some of the people in first class have become. I have been on the flight as both an employee working and as a passenger to hear such comments as look at those people who have to fly in coach and laugh and snicker. I'm sorry but this is not necessary. some people can't afford to fly as often to obtain the status which allows them to upgrade to first. and the bad thing is that the ones making the comments are flying on someone elses upgrade! I have heard this while on 4 different carriers so its not like its contained to one certain carrier. I have also been in first class where joe businessman has his entire family upgraded to first and he is letting little besty jump up and down on the seat as people walk by thus spilling her drink all over that seat. he has sat there not saying a word as she jumps up and down. now I am not saying this is all people but one family I observed. the flt attnds were mumbling about how it was going to be a fun flight with them and the uncontrollable kids they had.. and sure enough on their return flight I had asked and she gave me a run down on what they did. this was also put into my daily report because he used his upgrades and created quite a few scenes and made such a bad mess in first that it needed to be brought to the attention of the ftp dept about what this man who was chairmans preferred did. this was first class and there used to be some standards in flying it but that seems to have disappeared somewhere along the way.....I'm not saying it should be all stuffy and that but my point is it was abused.....if he was using those upgrades he should have kept his family in tow.....I am getting off the beaten path...but these ftp members want to be the first on the aircraft and literally push people aside to get there to board first.....to sit and drink and read whatever material they have and some give others going to coach a dirty look......especially if they get bumped ...yeesh! but then these are also the first to complain about having to sit on the aircraft if there is a delay but then again they are the ones who pushed to get on the plane first.......as for the average american family not having any loyalty thats false. many people who only fly once a year do try and stick to the same carrier to get those few flying miles in. and a lot of them are also using their CC and long distance to accrue mileage and more of them are doing it with carriers who don't have them expire after a year or two. in fact I know someone personally who builds up close to 90,000 miles a year on her CC alone with usair to get miles....she flies about once or twice a year once on business and once on pleasure...she has the mileage per calendar year for a high status in the ftp dept but doesn't get it due to them not being "flown miles" I myself have built up to over 100,000 miles on continental and having only flown maybe 3 trips to get there. I have 50,000 miles now to use for 2 free rt tkts that were obtained in other ways besides flying. the rest of the miles were already used in free tkts. I keep up on FTP info on a daily basis as well as air info. I go by what I have seen, heard and have first hand experience with. if someone feels this is grossly misstated so be it. thats your opinion. just as this is mine. there are very few who achieve a high elite status in ftp programs by flying strictly on pleasure......90% of those status's are obtained by flying for business.....

[VondaP]

Just my .02 worth. DH is a member of the executive platinum club on AA. He travels weekly from our home in Texas to Mexico, China, India, Italy and others. Because of this he is not home very often which is hard on our family. He uses his status for upgrading his trips to first class that are long flights. He's a tall man and it helps him to be able to rest comfortably. Very important when you are on a plane for a very long time. ALL of his ff miles come from business travel. When we do travel for pleasure we do so using his mileage. Dh's company does not pay him extra for being away from home so much, so I think of the miles as a perk. We will be using miles to travel to WDW again in October. We are very thankful that we can do this saving us quite a bit of money. A lot of business do not allow their employees to keep the mileage.

I cannot imagine anyone acting a fool in either first class, business class or coach. I personally have never seen it. According to my husband it does happen. DH is a quiet man who keeps to himself. But he will definitely speak up if someone is getting out of hand, and does not tolerate anyone speaking badly to a flight attendant. One bad apple can certainly spoil the whole bunch.

My point is, the miles "we" earn we use to fund our family vacations and are grateful for them.

One thing I will add, the prices that his company pays for his airfare is ridiculous! They seldom, if ever, book ahead of time. I supppose that's the kind of flyer the airlines want. The last minute person (or company) that paid a premium for his/her ticket.

Vonda

[StilesMom]

Vonda - I agree with your post completely! My DH is also a business traveler and has reached Chairman status with USAirways. I think of his miles as a perk for our family since he, too, does not get paid extra when he travels. He rarely books a flight more than 5 days ahead and most of the time pays full fare. Not everyone who enjoys a high ftp status is rude and obnoxious - most of them are just enjoying the perks that come along with being on the road so often.

Getting back to the original post.... when we flew to Orlando last month, the announcement was, "Anyone needing assistance..." They said nothing about small children. They also offered us the option of boarding early because of DH's ftp status, and we were glad to have the opportunity to get settled in early.

Melissa

[VickiVM]

Just an FYI...We flew Southwest earlier this month to Seattle. They still offered pre-boarding and I didn't notice but a handful of people taking advantage of it. My MIL and FIL were also with us and it occured to them to request pre-boarding on way back since FIL has Alzheimers. Although he isn't physically handicapped in any way, it is quite tricky getting him around...he does tend to wander off and he has a harder time navigating if there is a crowd. And to the earlier poster who chose Delta over Southwest simply because of boarding procedures (SW - open seating), my son and I flew back from Seattle separately form DH and his parents and we had 15 min between flights in LAX connection. We were among the last group to board on our flight and DS (7) and I didn't have a problem finding two seats together. As a matter of fact, another family boarded in last group and a guy gave up his seat for another so that they could have 3 seats together. I don't want to get flamed for this...just an observation: I feel that flying is a great way to observe the human race as they truly relate to one another - once you remove the "classes" and perks, most don't behave any better or worse than others.

[Beverly Lynn]

now I did not say all do it in first class but there are more now than there used to be. its a shame those few have to make it like that. now I personally think the one doing hte flying should get the miles but it is a big issue and even the government is trying to tax the ftp tkts and they have even tried to add the cost of an employees travel into their salary......but that too is another thread.....

[bicker]

I agree with Vonda. Frequent fliers earn every perq the airline could give them. I gave up a six-figure salary because of the "cost" associated with that kind of lifestyle (and all the millions of frequent flier miles I would have earned over the four years since I left that job). They do the flying -- not their company. The company may or may not take the miles, but the status and perqs such as early boarding and upgrades, those stay with the traveler who earned those miles with their sweat.

[Jcricket Fan]

I just flew Delta (4 boardings as we had connecting flights) they never asked for preboarding of small children just 1st. class and FF members. Two of the flights could have used the kids preboarding as the parents were trying to get car seats installed on the plane and other passengers were not able to get by them.
Colleen

[pamk]

Maybe I'm not seeing something but the last time that I took a flight we sat on the runway waiting to take off for 45 minutes. What is so great about being the first one on the plane unless you physically need to be?

[lindaso]

We usually fly Delta Express down to FL. When my DD was 18 months and we were flying alone, they would not let me preboard even though I had to install her carseat. I had trouble with the seat and held up the entire flight. I was drenched with sweat by the time I got it installed correctly (no help from anyone!!) and my nerves were shot.

Now I insist they let me preboard even when they tell me it's not their policy. Last year when I had 2 carseats to install and was being denied preboarding, I asked to speak to a manager and they did let me on eventually...but only me, the rest of the gang had to wait until our row was called.

They always act like they're doing me a big favor but I'm really only trying to help them get their flight off on time.

Linda

[AllanJ]

Just to let you know,

Preboarding children is for the airline's convenience, not yours.

When they found out that not preboarding children allowed the plane to depart just as quickly, they stopped the practice.

Also the Ferraris (biztravelers with briefcases) hated creeping behind the Amish buggies (families with children) down the gangplank so they let the former go first and then sit and wait in their seats instead of stand and wait on the gangplank.

But YOU do not have to drench yourself with sweat just because THEY did not give you more time to board by preboarding you.

All you gotta do is ... act naturally. (Was Ringo Starr the first to sing that line?). When enough parents ignore (quietly please) the steward/ess' cries of hurry, hurry, maybe preboarding children will come back.

Incidentally, usually when I heard the preboarding call for children (years gone by), the phrase "who need extra time" was worked into the announcement.

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[lindaso]

Hi Allan,

I know I should have a more laid-back attitude about it but having 100+ people staring at me with the flight attendants saying "oh, the seat is secure enough" as it wobbles back and forth at the slightest pull is not my idea of a vacation!!

I am a safety-fanatic and that plane will not leave until my seats are secured correctly (heck, that's why I buy a seat for my under-2 kids)...so a little extra time in an empty plane without people pushing past me and without my kids climbing around and getting trampled by others is worth fighting for. It winds up benefitting me in the long run as I can enjoy the flight.

Linda

[AllanJ]

Hmmmm ... Lemme think ...

The child seat is to protect the child from being pitched forward in a mishap. The regular seat belt and seat is too big to protect adequately. Side impact collisions are not regarded as a problem on airplanes. It is OK if the child seat lifts up a little or wobbles from side to side, so long as the child can't be crushed between the seat in front, the child seat, and his own seat back.

Boarding first won't save you from being trampled by the hordes who are now behind you! The plane won't be empty for long. If you select seats near the back (not the very last row), you will usually board first, and also children will be have a better view out the window not blocked by the wing.

[mummajea]

Frankly I havn't preboarded with my DD since she was an infant and couldn't walk. As soon as she could there was no way I would get on the plane with her first thing. The kids have to sit still long enough on those planes... why strap them in any earlier then need be???

I always try to do little carryons. MAinly I have a big purse that I carry meds and essentials in, and then an "entertainment bag" for DD. I try to keep it small so I dont have to worry abut it going in an overhead. I usually stuff it under the sit then we can get to the "entertainment" easier.

[robinb]

We usually fly Delta Express down to FL. When my DD was 18 months and we were flying alone, they would not let me preboard even though I had to install her carseat. I had trouble with the seat and held up the entire flight. I was drenched with sweat by the time I got it installed correctly (no help from anyone!!) and my nerves were shot.


Oh yeah! BTDT :). Also with an 18 month old after they wouldn't let me pre-board. I took a "too bad, so sad" attitude and said "If I had been able to pre-board my car seat would have been in by now." loud enough for the passengers around me to hear. Of course, the squirmy 18 month old didn't help matters either ;).