Advice on flying Southwest Airlines

[lost*in*cyberspace]

my 16 yr. old was across the aisle, 3 ahead. I could hear them both crying quietly, and my heart broke!!

I can see the 5/6 year old (unclear of the age, as you state both), being upset, but a 16 year old was crying because he/she couldn't sit next to you? If this is not a disabled teen, then this is kind of ridiculous. At that age, I would have paid not to sit next to my family! Did you ask anyone to switch seats?

 

[debrapagliasotti]

We pay for early bird check in. Its $10 per person each way. It has to be booked online at least 36 hrs before you flight. Most of the time you are given group "A" boarding, but occasionally (if lots of people are doing this...dont think many do) you could get group "B". Families w/ small children (under age 5 I think??) can board between group A and B. We are planning on flying SW next year and it will be the first time on that airline w/ the kids, so we definately want to make sure we can all sit together.

 

[crashbb]

We pay for early bird check in. Its $10 per person each way. It has to be booked online at least 36 hrs before you flight. Most of the time you are given group "A" boarding, but occasionally (if lots of people are doing this...dont think many do) you could get group "B". Families w/ small children (under age 5 I think??) can board between group A and B. We are planning on flying SW next year and it will be the first time on that airline w/ the kids, so we definately want to make sure we can all sit together.

It's under 4, not under 5. There are also reports of it being suspended on some flights if there are a lot of little kids (which stinks for families assuming that they could use it and thus, don't bother to check in early and get late C boarding passes). Also reports of gate agents enforcing one adult per child and/or immediate family only. Just as a warning.

 

[NC State]

I paid for EB for our return home trip. Do I need to print anything out to give to SW when I arrive at the airport?

 

[pooch]

I paid for EB for our return home trip. Do I need to print anything out to give to SW when I arrive at the airport?

you still need your boarding pass. You can either get it printed at Guest Relations at the resort or any park after the 24 hr window (the boarding number will have already been assigned for you), at RAC the day you fly out or at the airport curbside or counter check in.

EB checks you in but you still must have a boarding pass to go through Security & board the plane.

 

[NC State]

you still need your boarding pass. You can either get it printed at Guest Relations at the resort or any park after the 24 hr window (the boarding number will have already been assigned for you), at RAC the day you fly out or at the airport curbside or counter check in.

EB checks you in but you still must have a boarding pass to go through Security & board the plane.

Great! Thank you so much for the information.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

you don't check in until you get to the airport or have a very full connecting flight, there is almost ZERO chance you & your DW won't sit together. If this is what's concerning you, put it to rest. It ain't gonna happen!!!! Sometimes, especially at the end of a vacation, I HOPE DH & I can't sit together!!!!

Amen Sistah!

 

[4forMe]

DH and I flew to Orlando last week. I didn't purchase the EBC since I knew I could check us in exactly 24 hrs. in advance. This was the first time I didn't get an A boarding pass. It was a Thursday afternoon flight so I was totally surprised to get a B boarding pass.

DH and I prefer the A boarding pass as we usually only have our carry on luggage and want to get off the plane ASAP.

I will now be purchasing EBC for all of our flights.

If you are traveling together as a family, I would definitely suggest purchasing the EBC to ensure that everyone will sit together.

 

[tx2tn]

DH and I flew to Orlando last week. I didn't purchase the EBC since I knew I could check us in exactly 24 hrs. in advance. This was the first time I didn't get an A boarding pass. It was a Thursday afternoon flight so I was totally surprised to get a B boarding pass.

DH and I prefer the A boarding pass as we usually only have our carry on luggage and want to get off the plane ASAP.

I will now be purchasing EBC for all of our flights.

If you are traveling together as a family, I would definitely suggest purchasing the EBC to ensure that everyone will sit together.

Good information. I think I will be purchasing the EBC as well.

 

[JeanfromBNA]

I still enjoy flying Southwest, and find them to be the best deal out of Nashville every time, especially with no bag fees.

Recently, the flights wherever I have flown have been packed, so if you can afford it, get early bird check in. If not, check in at the 24 hour mark. If you have a smart phone, SWA has apps that make it easy to check in wherever you are. You can print your boarding pass at the check in counter or skycap. I almost always use the SWA skycap. It saves time and hassle, though it costs a little extra for a tip.

If you're flying from Nashville, use the economy parking instead of the long term parking. It's cheaper, there's more of it, and you shouldn't encounter the airport construction.