Family Boarding on Southwest Airlines Question

[MomtothreeEs]

DH and I are flying with our 5 year old, 3 year old, and 2 year old. Will they allow all of us to board together during family boarding? I know my 5 year old is technically too old. We will be using carseats for our 3 and 2 year olds. I can't imagine how I'd be able to manage installing 2 carseats while trying to manage the 2 little ones... assuming I'd even be able to carry two carseats plus a toddler and all of our carry-ons. Also, my 5 year old is autistic, and he will also need some extra support while boarding. We always have our hands full!

Just trying to plan ahead. Thanks!

 

[Cadets74]

They should, we just flew southwest and myself and my wife boarded with all 7 kids (although 2 are under 4) When they do the announcing for family boarding they mention the whole family except older adults like grandparents and aunts and uncles can board according to their pass...

 

[T4K]

I've always found them accommodating. If you can, check in right at the 24 hour mark to secure some A boarding passes.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I know one time on trip down to WDW, they did not due a family boarding as it was all families. it was a Sat morning and a full plane. one thing to remember only one car seat per row and they have to be at the window. that could affect your older child

 

[KalamityJane]

I know one time on trip down to WDW, they did not due a family boarding as it was all families. it was a Sat morning and a full plane. one thing to remember only one car seat per row and they have to be at the window. that could affect your older child

No you can have 2 car seats next to each other but they must be same family, and they have to be window-middle.

 

[KalamityJane]

Also, they let us all board together when I do family boarding, my kids are similar ages.

 

[MomtothreeEs]

No you can have 2 car seats next to each other but they must be same family, and they have to be window-middle.

Thanks! I totally forgot about that. We haven't been on a plane in a couple years... it was when I was pregnant with #3. I didn't even think about the carseat rule.


Thanks everyone else! One less worry to check off the list.

 

[MomtothreeEs]

I've always found them accommodating. If you can, check in right at the 24 hour mark to secure some A boarding passes.

This reminds me, can I still use the 24 hour mark to check in if I'm using the check in to depart from our hotel? I forget what the service is called, but I read that I can check my bags at our resort then go about our day. Maybe it's just the regular DME service? Our departure flight is at 8:40pm, so we're hoping to still have a full day at MK... as full as possible with our kids on the last day of a long week! lol

 

[Betty Rohrer]

your pick up at your resort will be around 5:40, with your kids that could make dinner either very early or at the airport.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

Would a medical pre-board aid your 5-year old? If so, I would talk with the gate agent for their take on what would be best for how your family should board. They might offer a pre-board for one adult and the 5-year or they might allow your whole family to pre-board based on the needs of securing the car seats for the 2 and 3 year olds.

 

[keishashadow]

OP head to the back of the plane, less crowded and gives you more time to get settled without people pushing past you in the aisle.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I know one time on trip down to WDW, they did not due a family boarding as it was all families. it was a Sat morning and a full plane. one thing to remember only one car seat per row and they have to be at the window. that could affect your older child

Talk to the gate agent and at the very least they will let one parent with the 5 year old. Seeing how young the other children are they should let all of you board early. I agree go towards the back for more time away from the crowds.

 

[amomma23]

This reminds me, can I still use the 24 hour mark to check in if I'm using the check in to depart from our hotel? I forget what the service is called, but I read that I can check my bags at our resort then go about our day. Maybe it's just the regular DME service? Our departure flight is at 8:40pm, so we're hoping to still have a full day at MK... as full as possible with our kids on the last day of a long week! lol

Yes, you can still use Resort Airline Check-In (RAC). Check in at 24 hours as you normally would. The day you leave, take your checked bags to the RAC desk. You can leave any carry-ons with bell services to pick up later in the day, also.