Checking in with Southwest

[becka]

We are flying out of Kansas City on 2/7 on Southwest. We are spending the night at a hotel there at the airport so that we are less rushed the day we leave. Since we will have a toddler with us I was wondering if it was possible to just have DH run over to the airport to get us (hopefully) 'A' passes and then DS and I can join him as it gets closer to departure time (obviously far enough in advance to get through security). Is it possible for one person to do this or do we all have to be there?

Also, I know there is some confusion about the pre-boarding but since we will have our carseat will we qualify for pre-boarding? When do they start pre-boarding? 30 minutes before, 15 minutes before? How much time will we have to get the carseat in and arranged before everyone else starts to board? I don't want to take too much time but this is our first time trying to install a carseat in a plane and it would be easier if we had more room in the surrounding seats temporarily. Also, can we place the carseat in the middle? Will the armrest lift up out of the way?

Thanks!

 

[tw1nsmom]

Everyone flying will have to be present at checkin with ID (probably won't need ID for your son but he will need to be there). As for preboarding we've had very good experiences with southwest. There probably isn't a set time given for boarding, but they've always given us plenty of time to get situated. You may want to call Southwest to confirm that both you and your husband can preboard with your son. If thats the case then you wouldn't have to worry about getting "A" passes. You'll be boarded first regardless of what letter is on your boarding pass.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by tw1nsmom
Everyone flying will have to be present at checkin with ID (probably won't need ID for your son but he will need to be there). As for preboarding we've had very good experiences with southwest. There probably isn't a set time given for boarding, but they've always given us plenty of time to get situated. You may want to call Southwest to confirm that both you and your husband can preboard with your son. If thats the case then you wouldn't have to worry about getting "A" passes. You'll be boarded first regardless of what letter is on your boarding pass.

Both parents and siblings can accompany a preboarder. The folks with kids under 5 board after those with special needs.
They start preboarding as soon as the plane is ready to take on pax. Usually about 15-20 mins. before departure.

 

[donmil723]

becka, I just posted to your other thread about SWA and now I see that you will be going in February. We were on this same flight last October and there were even seats available. My DH and I had an extra seat between us as did several other people. I don't think you will have any problem at all finding seats for you, your DH and your DS together. Last time I checked SWA was only requesting that you arrive 1 hour prior to your flight in KC but since we usually have a 2 1/2 hour drive from mid-Missouri we get there about 1 1/2 hours early. We really like flying SWA out of KC and I'm sure you will too. Unfortunately, their March airfares were too high this year and we're driving then but we'll be flying with them again in May!

Donna