Anyone have SW make you give up EBCI seat?

[lylone]

If a parent is so worried about not being able to sit with their child, then fly another airline that allows you to assign you seats.
We actually pay extra to get our seats.. why... Because if I sit in the back then I am vomiting the whole trip.
Paying extra to avoid gag reflex is worth it in my opinion.
I guess it is not worth it to pay for you to sit with your child on a flight.

Go ahead and Flame me...I guess I just don't understand...

 

[luv2sleep]

If a parent is so worried about not being able to sit with their child, then fly another airline that allows you to assign you seats.
We actually pay extra to get our seats.. why... Because if I sit in the back then I am vomiting the whole trip.
Paying extra to avoid gag reflex is worth it in my opinion.
I guess it is not worth it to pay for you to sit with your child on a flight.

Go ahead and Flame me...I guess I just don't understand...

Totally agree. I've only flown them for local trips. I'd never fly them cross country or do connecting flights with my kid on SWA especially after reading this. The thread is good. I know now what's involved if you are late. Until this thread I didn't realize all of this was an issue. I've never had a problem with SWA before. Always great experiences.

 

[kamik86]

One other thing to note... some FA may make the volunteer announcement but it is up to them. I did see a flight to Orlando where a mom with a seven year old that boarded with C (which BTW I had seen the same group near us for a while waiting for the flight so it was not a situation that they got there late or had connection issues) wanted the FA to see if anyone would move or get them seats together after she saw someone volunteer (without FA at all involved) to move for another child. Kept saying it was the child's first flight and it was bad enough that her husband was separate. However daughter was in front of her and the FA flat out told her that there were alot of kids and that was the best she was going to be able to get.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

I agree with those saying if it is important to sit with your child do whatever you need to in order to ensure you are seated together. That goes for SW or any other airline. If you purchase seats---keep checking weekly to make sure the airline hasn't switched planes (don't wait for them to notify you). If you fly SW purchase the EBCI for at least the number who you require sit together---don't buy one thinking I'll save an entire row of seats...some of us will see an empty seat and sit down if nobody there. Also, don't count on family boarding (not a guarantee and for certain not the entire entourage of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, BFF's, etc). We flew recently and it was on US Airways. I don't recall any family boarding.

It is hard when people think having kids gets them special rights---thinking a 6 year old is a 'toddler' and can preboard (assuming this is the same 6 year old in the stroller at Disney). Also, the parents who threaten---you'll be stuck with my kid next to you the whole flight (sometimes the kids are better behaved than the parents! ). Just pay the extra if needed, keep checking and if you find your seats are separate the GET TO THE AIRPORT EARLY...VERY EARLY (not an hour before your flight because you had to ride DUMBO one last time). GET THERE AND ASK NICELY WHAT CAN BE DONE. By the way if you have to ask someone to switch seats...make it a better offer---a forward seat, an aisle seat.....not a middle by the toilet. Children don't entitle you to special rights.....flying is not fun but if you are prepared and research and stay on top of things it doesn't need to be stressful!

 

[gmeh1]

I agree with those saying if it is important to sit with your child do whatever you need to in order to ensure you are seated together. That goes for SW or any other airline. If you purchase seats---keep checking weekly to make sure the airline hasn't switched planes (don't wait for them to notify you). If you fly SW purchase the EBCI for at least the number who you require sit together---don't buy one thinking I'll save an entire row of seats...some of us will see an empty seat and sit down if nobody there. Also, don't count on family boarding (not a guarantee and for certain not the entire entourage of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, BFF's, etc). We flew recently and it was on US Airways. I don't recall any family boarding.

It is hard when people think having kids gets them special rights---thinking a 6 year old is a 'toddler' and can preboard (assuming this is the same 6 year old in the stroller at Disney). Also, the parents who threaten---you'll be stuck with my kid next to you the whole flight (sometimes the kids are better behaved than the parents! ). Just pay the extra if needed, keep checking and if you find your seats are separate the GET TO THE AIRPORT EARLY...VERY EARLY (not an hour before your flight because you had to ride DUMBO one last time). GET THERE AND ASK NICELY WHAT CAN BE DONE. By the way if you have to ask someone to switch seats...make it a better offer---a forward seat, an aisle seat.....not a middle by the toilet. Children don't entitle you to special rights.....flying is not fun but if you are prepared and research and stay on top of things it doesn't need to be stressful!

Also, not a pax problem if someone's child has a meltdown. Lack of discipline and behaviour problems are not our problem.

 

[keishashadow]

If a parent is so worried about not being able to sit with their child, then fly another airline that allows you to assign you seats.
We actually pay extra to get our seats.. why... Because if I sit in the back then I am vomiting the whole trip.
Paying extra to avoid gag reflex is worth it in my opinion.
I guess it is not worth it to pay for you to sit with your child on a flight.

Go ahead and Flame me...I guess I just don't understand...

I agree in theory but when SWA started to sell seats on AT even their staff was unclear as to the process of being able to select seats prior to the T-24 mark many thought they could purchase EBIC after the fact and had an unpleasant surprise.

That said, even if on a strict vacation budget, the cost of purchasing EBIC for one person can be recouped somewhere else during the trip. (no flames, typically buy it for everybody in my party when I do utilize it, sometimes I don't bother when it's just me & DH off peak travel times)

 

[stitchlovestink]

But even buying a ticket on a carrier with 'assigned' seating does NOT absolutely PROMISE you THAT seat. The captain of the plane is Always in control and if he/she wants to shuffle passengers/seats around they are within their authority to do so. You are really only ever guaranteed a seat on the flight. It is really at the pilot's descretion where you sit, if he/she so see fit to move you or anyone else on the plane.
And techinically, if they feel you are unfit to fly or are a risk to the other passengers, they can remove you (general you) from the flight.
So buying tickets with assigned seating will not PROMISE you assigned seating....just saying....

 

[SarahInMN]

If a parent is so worried about not being able to sit with their child, then fly another airline that allows you to assign you seats.
We actually pay extra to get our seats.. why... Because if I sit in the back then I am vomiting the whole trip.

I fly alot and have status on legacy carriers allowing me first pick of premium seats. I pick my aisle, forward seats or an exit row seats because I get really claustrophobic. I realize it may sound harsh but I pick those seats for a reason and am not going to give them up without a good reason. Why is my claustrophobia less important than someone else's issues?

I absolutely refuse to fly SW because of the cattle call boarding style.

I will give up my seat if I'm offered a reasonably equivalent trade, if I'm being asked for what seems like a good reason, and if I'm asked nicely.

I will not give up my seat if people demand it, I will not give up my front aisle seat for a back middle seat, and I will not give up my seats so two adults can sit together.

As a side note, I have in the past been seated next to some absolutely delightful young flyers (either UM's or kids whose parents are seated elsewhere) and have no issue with kids who fly (in fact most of the experienced kids act with more maturity than novice adult flyers).

I have issues with people who don't plan ahead and who act entitled to the seat which I reserved in advance.

But even buying a ticket on a carrier with 'assigned' seating does NOT absolutely PROMISE you THAT seat. The captain of the plane is Always in control and if he/she wants to shuffle passengers/seats around they are within their authority to do so. You are really only ever guaranteed a seat on the flight. It is really at the pilot's descretion where you sit, if he/she so see fit to move you or anyone else on the plane.
And techinically, if they feel you are unfit to fly or are a risk to the other passengers, they can remove you (general you) from the flight.
So buying tickets with assigned seating will not PROMISE you assigned seating....just saying....

Of course they can remove someone who is unfit to fly - I've seen more than 1 drunk person be removed from a flight (usually to/from LAS). I've not ever seen the captain get involved in a seat swap. And of course metal changes can lead to a whole new seating chart - which is why I check my seats/flights every week so that I can reseat myself in that event.

 

[bedogged]

fur and hair are synonymous. Fur is used to refer to nonhuman animals.

FYI in dogs, fur is a double coat that grows to a specific length. Hair refers to a single coat that continues to grow unless cut. For instance, Dobermans have fur and Yorkshire Terriers have hair.

 

[Gracie09]

But even buying a ticket on a carrier with 'assigned' seating does NOT absolutely PROMISE you THAT seat. The captain of the plane is Always in control and if he/she wants to shuffle passengers/seats around they are within their authority to do so. You are really only ever guaranteed a seat on the flight. It is really at the pilot's descretion where you sit, if he/she so see fit to move you or anyone else on the plane.
And techinically, if they feel you are unfit to fly or are a risk to the other passengers, they can remove you (general you) from the flight.
So buying tickets with assigned seating will not PROMISE you assigned seating....just saying....

Of course it doesn't but unless the aircraft changes I have never had my seat changed by an airline where I have purchased and upgraded seat. Even if I dot purchase upgraded seats, I still can go check my flight and see if my seat has been changed and adjust the seating at that time to suit my needs. There is no stress of checking in at t24 and hoping to get good seats or buying ebci. I can go to the airport confident that I will sit next to my children without having to scramble for seats. Even if I want to wait until the very last minute to board (a good idea if you have young squirmy children) I know my seats are there. And if someone decides to sit in them I simply show the flight attendant my boarding pass and they take care of it. No fa bribing people with free drinks or pilots holding planes hostage to get Johnny a seat with his mommy.

As for people causing a disturbance that is not what we are discussing. If someone is drunk or otherwise impaired they can Ot fly. I use to live in Nola and saw it fairly frequently when I flew.

 

[lylone]

I never mentioned drinking or being drunk, did I? That would be the last thing I would do!

Being claustrophobic and having panic attacks does not mean I am not "fit to fly". I guess a child who is having a temper tantrum and needs to sit next to mommy could be considered to be not "fit to fly" just as well.

 

[Sheilby]

I used to be allergic to dog dandruff when I was little but I outgrew it around age 12. Amazingly, I was never allergic to poodles though...

I thankfully outgrew my food allergies (milk, corn and strawberries) but the pet allergies remain. They did get better during and for a few years after pregnancies, but now that my youngest is 6 they are back full force.

I'm glad I read this thread, I had no idea that was how SW worked. I don't like the idea of that type of boarding. I don't want to have to rush onto a plane just to sit there longer.

 

[PatsGirl]

I am firmly planted in the "book with an airline that can accommodate your needs and wishes" rather than expect me to work around you or your children. There are alot of reasons why some families shoud not use SW, it is up to them to realize and accept that.

Sure, there is the rare occasion when a connecting flight puts a family too late for boarding to get seats together and I think most of us would gladly give up a seat for a young child if that was the case. By young, I mean younger than 8 or so...after that, all bets are off

The problem is that people make up excuses all the time why they were not able to board appropriately for their family. This is society today. Expect others to bend over backwards to make your life easier. Really makes it too bad for those FEW that actually have made an effort and yet circumstances got in the way...

 

[LisaS]

Even if I want to wait until the very last minute to board (a good idea if you have young squirmy children) I know my seats are there. And if someone decides to sit in them I simply show the flight attendant my boarding pass and they take care of it.

This has happened to me twice and both times I was told (yelled at in one case) to find another seat. I wouldn't count on getting the FA to make someone move out of your seat if you wait until the very last minute to board.

 

[mikehn]

But even buying a ticket on a carrier with 'assigned' seating does NOT absolutely PROMISE you THAT seat. The captain of the plane is Always in control and if he/she wants to shuffle passengers/seats around they are within their authority to do so. You are really only ever guaranteed a seat on the flight. It is really at the pilot's descretion where you sit, if he/she so see fit to move you or anyone else on the plane.
And techinically, if they feel you are unfit to fly or are a risk to the other passengers, they can remove you (general you) from the flight.
So buying tickets with assigned seating will not PROMISE you assigned seating....just saying....

Not withstanding the captain's right, there is a huge difference between 'reserved' seating and 'general admission'.

 

[goofy4tink]

FYI in dogs, fur is a double coat that grows to a specific length. Hair refers to a single coat that continues to grow unless cut. For instance, Dobermans have fur and Yorkshire Terriers have hair.

I knew the difference, but just couldn't think of a way to define it!!!! Thanks for doing it for me.

This has happened to me twice and both times I was told (yelled at in one case) to find another seat. I wouldn't count on getting the FA to make someone move out of your seat if you wait until the very last minute to board.

I can't agree with you on that one. If I have chosen my seat, on JB for instance, and I board with my group and I find that someone else has taken my seat, you better believe that FA is going to have to do something about it. Even if I am the last person to board that plane, I have chosen that seat. If the person sitting in my prechosen seat can show proof of being able to sit there, fine....the airline booking system messed up. But in all likelihood, that person just wasn't able to get a seat next to a companion or they just liked my seat better than theirs, so plopped down in my seat. And I'm not going to be so happy about that one!!

 

[Gracie09]

I knew the difference, but just couldn't think of a way to define it!!!! Thanks for doing it for me.


I can't agree with you on that one. If I have chosen my seat, on JB for instance, and I board with my group and I find that someone else has taken my seat, you better believe that FA is going to have to do something about it. Even if I am the last person to board that plane, I have chosen that seat. If the person sitting in my prechosen seat can show proof of being able to sit there, fine....the airline booking system messed up. But in all likelihood, that person just wasn't able to get a seat next to a companion or they just liked my seat better than theirs, so plopped down in my seat. And I'm not going to be so happy about that one!!

Yup the one time I had a problem we showed our boarding passes. The person in my seat should have been in the back of the plane but liked my seat better. He moved I say. As for boarding at the end of the line, its a common recommendation for people flying with kids. That way they aren't sitting around for too long. When we use to fly with car seats dh would put the seats in and I came along at the end with the kids. Never a problem. Last time no car seats but we still were among the last to board with no issues.

 

[tjmw2727]

This very thing happened to me today -
Paid for choice seats for a flight on Thursday 2 passengers, there was a minimal time change (less than 10 minutes - and no not an equipment change this time!) and somehow our seats were reassigned.

I was moved from choice seats together to the last rows (1 non reclining seat) and separated by 2 rows and when I called they tried to tell me I had not paid for choice. It was a small mess for about 30 minutes but I did end up getting my seats back. You can bet I will be watching for the next 48 hours - and it cost me 61.00 for that hassle.

OTOH with SWA I purchase EBCI, try not to book connecting or continuing flights and get to the airport on time. IMHO much less stress that way not to mention no bag fees and 12.50 for EBCI vs the $25 to $30 in seat fees.

Either way though in today's world of air travel you have to be proactive either by doing what is necessary to get a good boarding spot or watching your reservation for any changes.

Of course it doesn't but unless the aircraft changes I have never had my seat changed by an airline where I have purchased and upgraded seat. Even if I dot purchase upgraded seats, I still can go check my flight and see if my seat has been changed and adjust the seating at that time to suit my needs. There is no stress of checking in at t24 and hoping to get good seats or buying ebci. I can go to the airport confident that I will sit next to my children without having to scramble for seats. Even if I want to wait until the very last minute to board (a good idea if you have young squirmy children) I know my seats are there. And if someone decides to sit in them I simply show the flight attendant my boarding pass and they take care of it. No fa bribing people with free drinks or pilots holding planes hostage to get Johnny a seat with his mommy.

As for people causing a disturbance that is not what we are discussing. If someone is drunk or otherwise impaired they can Ot fly. I use to live in Nola and saw it fairly frequently when I flew.

 

[gmeh1]

I fly alot and have status on legacy carriers allowing me first pick of premium seats. I pick my aisle, forward seats or an exit row seats because I get really claustrophobic. I realize it may sound harsh but I pick those seats for a reason and am not going to give them up without a good reason. Why is my claustrophobia less important than someone else's issues?

I absolutely refuse to fly SW because of the cattle call boarding style.

I will give up my seat if I'm offered a reasonably equivalent trade, if I'm being asked for what seems like a good reason, and if I'm asked nicely.

I will not give up my seat if people demand it, I will not give up my front aisle seat for a back middle seat, and I will not give up my seats so two adults can sit together.

As a side note, I have in the past been seated next to some absolutely delightful young flyers (either UM's or kids whose parents are seated elsewhere) and have no issue with kids who fly (in fact most of the experienced kids act with more maturity than novice adult flyers).

I have issues with people who don't plan ahead and who act entitled to the seat which I reserved in advance.



Of course they can remove someone who is unfit to fly - I've seen more than 1 drunk person be removed from a flight (usually to/from LAS). I've not ever seen the captain get involved in a seat swap. And of course metal changes can lead to a whole new seating chart - which is why I check my seats/flights every week so that I can reseat myself in that event.

Actually, SWA has refined their boarding procedure and it is a lot more orderly. One think I really like is family boarding is now between a &b groups.

 

[gmeh1]

I knew the difference, but just couldn't think of a way to define it!!!! Thanks for doing it for me.


I can't agree with you on that one. If I have chosen my seat, on JB for instance, and I board with my group and I find that someone else has taken my seat, you better believe that FA is going to have to do something about it. Even if I am the last person to board that plane, I have chosen that seat. If the person sitting in my prechosen seat can show proof of being able to sit there, fine....the airline booking system messed up. But in all likelihood, that person just wasn't able to get a seat next to a companion or they just liked my seat better than theirs, so plopped down in my seat. And I'm not going to be so happy about that one!!

Fur and hair are the same. Animals have fur people have hair. Look it up.