Flying SouthWest with a Lap Child

[Bella's Momma]

We will be flying this Saturday on Southwest. It's 3 adults and my 10 month old DD (lap child-no seat). I've heard that some airlines let those with LO's board first...Is that the case with Southwest? How does boarding work for Southwest anyway? I've never flown with that airline before.

 

[Donaldswife]

We will be flying this Saturday on Southwest. It's 3 adults and my 10 month old DD (lap child-no seat). I've heard that some airlines let those with LO's board first...Is that the case with Southwest? How does boarding work for Southwest anyway? I've never flown with that airline before.

Southwest lets elderly people board first, then the Business next, then A16-A30 (when you check in you receive a letter and a number to board based on the order you check in, everyone lines up in order and boards in order, once on the plane you just sit in any available seat that is open), then they board families with children 4 and under, then continue boarding with the B & C groups. So if you have A boarding passes just line up and board with the A group, if you happen to get a B or C boarding pass board after the A group when they call for families flying with small children.

All the planes are the same, with 3 seats on one side, and aisle and 3 seats on the other side. You will have no problem finding a row for the 3 of you to sit together and take turns passing the baby for the flight.

 

[Bella's Momma]

Great news! Sounds just perfect. Thank you!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

We've also done that... no problems!

 

[ccgirl]

What airport are you flying out of? Don't forget the lap babies birth certificate. I forgot my DS's when he was 10 mths and had to get it faxed to them to fly. We exclusively fly SW and really like them. We only fly out of PVD (Providence). The boarding with small children is actually called family boarding. They reserve the right to change the criteria. For example, I have been on flights when they decreased the age to 2 and under and on others where they said one parent can accompany the child during family board. As a PP stated, you can check in 24 hours before your flight and receiving a boarding letter/number. We have had C's before and have never had a problem sitting together. It really is a wonderful airline. Have fun!!! We leave Saturday too!

I just wanted to edit that I see you have 3 adults. At the most, they will let the parents go with the child. If the 3rd adult is not a parent, they cannot preboard and must board in their respective boarding position. Hope this helps.

 

[Bella's Momma]

I thought I saw something saying that it costs to pre-board...Is that true? If not, we'll definitely do that.

And I already have the birth certificate in my pile of paperwork to take. I'd be really bummed if I forgot that!

Oh, and we're flying out of Omaha, NE...It's a relatively small airport, so hopefully not too much hassle.

 

[Donaldswife]

I thought I saw something saying that it costs to pre-board...Is that true? If not, we'll definitely do that.

And I already have the birth certificate in my pile of paperwork to take. I'd be really bummed if I forgot that!

Oh, and we're flying out of Omaha, NE...It's a relatively small airport, so hopefully not too much hassle.

There is no per-boarding cost, they just have an automatic check in option where you don't have to go online and check in at 24 hours, it will do it for you automatically at 36 hours and you will have a better position in line. I wouldn't do it though, at worst you will be boarding with the infant berween A&B passengers and will have no problem finding an empty row. Even if one person is left behind you can just hold a seat for them.

 

[ccgirl]

As others said, no cost to pre-board/family board. You just board after the A group and before the B group with a small child. You will then all be able to sit together as there will only be approx. no more than 75 people ahead of you. Depends on the people that purchased EBCI and medical pre boards. Def don't pay the EBCI since you have a child under 2. At least, I should say that I wouldn't. Even if you check in at 24 hours and get a C you still board between A and B with the small child. Hope that helps.

 

[MommaB]

I'll also add this- Ask the gate attendant if it is a full flight. If not they have no problem with you spreading out a little, with a LO on your lap no one will sit next to you (in fact I have found they sit FAR from you!) and you will have a little more room for LO to play and you'll be more comfortable. Just remember to only spread out on unfilled flights!