Boarding Groups on SW?

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Actually, after the announcement last Friday at SWA's gate, only parents and children are allowed to preboard with children uner 4, they specifically said Grandma and Grandpa would have to board with the rest of the passengers. Same went for uncles, aunts, friends, etc. of the preboarders with under 4 (age) children.
But, they can save grandma a seat.

 

[DMRick]

End of August, we were there 2 hours early. When I questioned if they were giving out passes yet, she said as of that very day, they started giving them out at 4 hours in advance, 90 minutes upstairs and curbside. We were C. We camped out at the front of the line, so we could be sure to sit together. I have allergies, and some people's perfume really bothers me, so I need hubby 'tween me and the "smelly" people (please folks, if you are getting on an airplane, leave the perfume and sports deodorant home).
We flew SW 8 times this year, going and coming and transferring. Interesting thing..first person in the B line each and every time, was picked for a full search. Every time!

I read in the paper also about SW boarding at both ends here in Albany..well, won't that be interesting LOL!

 

[dbutterfly]

My question is this- If I am traveling alone with 3 children 11,8,6 would they keep us together or is it possible we would be split up. I don't mean with like an aisle between us , thats fine, but would we be close together. thanks for any info.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

They would not have any control about where you sit. My best advice is to get there as early as possible and get an A or B pass.
Most people are nice and would move, but, there are those that will not. The flight attendants can ask, but, cannot force anyone to move.

 

[peg2001]

This is a very informative thread. I recently bought tickets on SW for my family which includes a 2 year old and a 5 year old. We have traveled several times but never on SW, usually Delta. Delta no longer lets families with little ones pre-board. I am amazed and pleased to hear that SW still does this. I was expecting to board with the "groups" and depend on the kindness of strangers to ensure that each child is sitting by a parent. As long as we are two and two, we can be on opposite ends of the plane, no problem.

My thanks to those willing to share their SW experiences.

Peggy

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Peggy,
The best part of this board is the sharing and helping of others.
Glad we could help.

 

[dcedwards]

I think you will find most passengers (although there is always the exception) are usually willing to move so passengers can sit with their children. Before I had kids my view was that I didn't really want to sit beside a 6 year old with a parent 3 seats ahead so I was ALWAYS willing to switch seats to allow that to happen.

If for whatever reasons, you can't find seats together, the flight attendants are pretty good at spotting those passengers they feel would be willing to move. But, I agree, typically if you are in the A and B group you will not have a problem. Remember SWA has about 120 seats on the airplane and the the A and B group comprise 60 or so seats plus pre-boards, so odds are pretty good that you will find those seats together. I've also found that if you are gracious when you ask ... most people (and of course, there is always the exception) are willing to move as long as they have a seat.

Also, keep in mind, that if there is a stop on your flight at another airport...at that time you can change seats and then you will be guaranteed seats together as they will let you switch seats after they have their through count.

If you aren't able to pre-board though you should try to get to the airport at least 90 minutes prior. That will help in getting your boarding passes.