Can I preboard?

[pbharris4]

I purchased 2 SWA tickets (not knowing if I needed it (COS....), but it was $29/each way so what the heck..the extra room will be nice). WIll I be allowed to to preboard (SWA from Dulles to Tampa) and my family too (DH37, DD11 and DD3)? TIA

 

[Lilysmom]

I believe SW's policy is that an adult can preboard a flight with a child under the age of 4. I also believe it has been stated on the boards (I'm not 100% sure because I've never flown them) that most of the time they allow the entire party to board together. I'm also pretty sure that I've read that they may not allow any non medical preboarders for flights if there seems to be tons of people who fall into the category of traveling with a small child. (which I would think would be a large portion of flights to Orlando.)

I do know that you can check in online 24 hours prior to your flight and that should get you A passes which would mean that after preboarders you would be the next group to board and that should guarantee that you can all sit together.

If you are asking if you are allowed to preboard as a COS I'm not really sure about that, but someone else here will probably be able to answer your question.

Hope that helps!

 

[KadysMom]

I am not sure if you can preboard because of COS, but I know you can with a child 4 and under. I just flew SW to DW in January, and it makes it nice to be able to preboard.

 

[DVC Grammy]

SWA's policy seems to be :
1.Pre-board those people with health/mobility issues
2. " unattended children
3. " those families with children under 4 (sometimes they even allow extended families-grandparents, etc.)
4.A-bps
5.B "
6.C "

COS do not qualify as "medical" pre-boarders, unless there is also a health/mobility issue.

I'm sure there have been times when this protocol isn't followed exactly, but we fly SW 4-6 times/year and this seems to be the usual pattern.

 

[ducklite]

SW allows all COS who have purchased a second seat to pre-board to guarantee they will get their two seats together. They will give you a "reserved" card when you check in at the podium to place in your second seat so that no one can sit there. Generally you may preboard with one member of your party. My suggestion is to pre-baord with the older child and then have your DH pre-board with the 3YO.

HTH.

Anne

 

[shellybaxter]

Anne is absolutely correct. Southwest does not allow COS to check in online. You pre-board so that you get the seats together. When I did this I was given a blue sleave when I checked in at the gate (like the medical disability pre-boarders). Dh was allowed to pre-board with me. We have no children. At first I was upset by the COS policy, but after using it, I think its great. We sat in the first row seats and had so much room with the extra seat.

 

[pbharris4]

Thank you all for replying. I got busy yesterday and forgot to check back.

I did purchase the 2nd seat, but AFTER I purchased the original 4 for us. The SW lady told me to check in online with the first confirmation# 24 hrs prior. And then check in with the other confirmation # (said it was linked to the first one). I'd still have to check in (no problem because I'll have checked luggage and a car seat) anyway. Do I check in again at the counter and then again near the gate?

So I can preboard because I purchased an extra seat and I can take DD11 with me and then DH can preboard with DD3 because she's 3. right?

And once I can turn the DVD player on the 3 yo can move to my reserve seat and watch the DVD player w/ her older sister?

We have an evening flight from Dulles to Tampa I wonder if it will be crowded.

Can someone confirm the above possibly?

Thanks for all your help!!