first time on SW - how does it work?

[jnrrt]

I just got 5 tickets for Southwest for our upcoming trip. We've never flown this airline, but I understand that they do not have assigned seats. Since we have 3 small children (I did purchase a seat for the baby), I'd like to make this as painless as possible for all of us. Any tips out there? I do plan to "check-in" at midnight - what does that get me exactly?

Another random question, can you use infant carrier-type car seats on a plane, or does it have to be the forward kind? Our regular car seats are rated to fly and we've never had a problem taking them, but they're huge, and the baby will be exactly 12 months, so legal in either.

If someone could outline the procedure at SW, I'd be grateful, thanks.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Basically you get a number according to when you check in, then they'll call out numbers in order. You will be traveling with small children, so it doesn't really matter, you'll be able to pre-board. Any FAA approved carseat will be fine, but they will require you to use if forward-facing since, if it were installed rear-facing, the seat back will block safe exit from your row. They may also require it to be placed in a window seat (ymmv).

 

[KerriKaden]

jnrrt,
I wouldn't worry about doing the online check-in. If your kids are under 5, you get to preboard. We just flew home today (southwest), and I did not do the online check-in. We were running kind of late, so we got a "B" pass. It didn't matter though, b/c we pre-boarded anyway.

Yes, your car seat has to be by the window. They made me move mine on the way down, b/c it would block the exit.

HTH.

 

[gw_lit]

Basically you get a number according to when you check in, then they'll call out numbers in order.

Not numbers anymore, (although there is a small number at the bottom of your boarding pass) they board by groups A, B & C, in that order. But, as others stated, since you have young children you'll be eligible for pre-boarding. Just a word of warning, sometimes on busy flights to Orlando, they can suspend pre-boarding, and just board by group letter. I would still try to get my A boarding pass by checking in online after midnight. You shouldn't have any troubles, especially since you'll have car seats to install. The flight attendants will make sure you get on and have a proper place (window) to install them.

 

[melindaandrob]

I used to worry about my children being separated from my DH and I during our flight if we didn't get 'A' boarding passes. I don't anymore, on one of our previous trips we arrived nice and early and got 'B' passes, I was surprised we usually have 'A's! Well, there was a very large group travelling together so they had all the 'A's! When we boarded the 'B' people were pushing forward getting all freaked out worrying that they were not going to get seats together. We aren't 'pushers', especially with kids, that's how you lose them, get stressed out, doesn't work for us, so we let them move ahead. When we got on the plane I was a little worried that I would have to ask(beg) to trade with someone so my ds6 could sit with one of his parents. When we got on the plane there were plenty of seats together, and I realized that noone really wants to sit with my children!
Don't worry the attendants are very helpful, they want you to be with your children also, if (god forbid) something were to happen on the plane it's you who needs to put your mask on then your childs (Remember that there will be a quiz)

 

[MomLC]

You do get to pre-board with your children but FYI there could be a lot of other "pre-boards" going the same time as you. Sometimes this line could get pretty long. I would recommend waiting in the pre-board line as soon as you get to the airport. We just flew SW and there were about 20 families in line with us waiting to pre-board. The line does move quickly but if you would like to select your seat ASAP I'd suggest waiting in line ASAP or at least have someone in your party wait in line for you.