Can someone explain SWA policy to me?

[DisKim]

I am flying SWA for the first time (I know, I need to change my counter message). I have been reading the threads about this airline and I am totally confused. What is the A, B and C lines all about? My children are only 8 and 3. I'm getting nervous that my 8 year old might get separated from me. I'd appreciate advice on the best was to make sure we stick together. Frankly, I don't care where on the plane the seats are actually located.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

You are assigned a boarding group when you check in for your flight. The group is assigned by how early you check in.

A - gets to board first
B - boards second
C - boards 3rd

Generally, everyone in a group will get a boarding pass in the same letter category.

Since you're travelling with a 3 year old, you MAY be eligible for preboarding, in which case you board before even the A group. (I'm not sure what the cutoff age is ... some airlines it's 2, some it's 4, I don't fly WN enough to know for sure)

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by DisKim
I am flying SWA for the first time (I know, I need to change my counter message). I have been reading the threads about this airline and I am totally confused. What is the A, B and C lines all about? My children are only 8 and 3. I'm getting nervous that my 8 year old might get separated from me. I'd appreciate advice on the best was to make sure we stick together. Frankly, I don't care where on the plane the seats are actually located.

Would not worry about it with a three year old, you are allowed to preboard with the other child and spouse. The cutoff for preboarding is over 4. But, for future reference, the best way to assure you are seated together is to get to the airport early and try to get and A or B pass.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by SyracuseWolvrine
You are assigned a boarding group when you check in for your flight. The group is assigned by how early you check in.

A - gets to board first
B - boards second
C - boards 3rd

Generally, everyone in a group will get a boarding pass in the same letter category.

Since you're travelling with a 3 year old, you MAY be eligible for preboarding, in which case you board before even the A group. (I'm not sure what the cutoff age is ... some airlines it's 2, some it's 4, I don't fly WN enough to know for sure)

Actually preboards board first, As board second, Bs third and Cs last.

 

[DisKim]

Thanks everyone. This was really confusing me. I never heard of this procedure before. I was getting horrified at the thought of my DD getting separated from me. I usually plan on getting to the airport two hours ahead of time. Is that usually sufficient for SWA?

 

[Pinnie]

2 hours may be sufficiet, however, this past Thursday, DH and I got to MCO 2.5 hours early and got a "B" boarding pass at the Skycap. MCO can get VERY busy!

You should be fine to preboard with a 3 yr old.

pin

 

[prncess674]

I wouldn't stress about being separated from your child. Even if you get in the C group, no one wants to sit next to your unaccompanied child. The FA's will help move people around to make sure that atleast one adult is with each child. If there are 2 Adults and 2 children the best they may be able to do is 2 groups of 2. Getting to the airport early will help alleviate needing to do the seat shuffle.