How does pre-boarding work on SW?

[HelenePA]

I'm new to flying with kids I've flown alone before, but never actually flown on SW. I know I can check in online and print out a boarding pass... but I have young kids (6,4,1) so that means I can preboard right? will they give me a different ticket at check in? How do they line up preboards? Sorry for the stupid questions... but I'm a little freaked out about the whole flying thing to begin with, now I'm worried about us all sitting together...

 

[maciec]

I'm new to flying with kids I've flown alone before, but never actually flown on SW. I know I can check in online and print out a boarding pass... but I have young kids (6,4,1) so that means I can preboard right? will they give me a different ticket at check in? How do they line up preboards? Sorry for the stupid questions... but I'm a little freaked out about the whole flying thing to begin with, now I'm worried about us all sitting together...

Yes, you will be able to pre-board. No, they won't give you a different ticket at check in. You just get in the pre-board lane and wait your turn to get on the plane. There is no line up for pre-boards per say, they just line up everyone elidgible to pre-board in the same line. I would still do the 24 hour check in to make sure that you get your A ticket just in case for some off the wall reason they decide they aren't going to let anyone with kids pre-board to or in Orlando. This has happened in the past.

If you want to ensure that you are going to sit together, get to the gate as early as reasonably possible and set yourself up in line.

 

[Hannathy]

And move to the back of the plane. Everyone gets on and tries to grab seats together in the front! Just move back and usually there are many more seats available. Guess what the back gets there at the same time as the front.

 

[goofy4tink]

When we have flown SW, we have seen those who are preboarding go and get a blue sleeve for their boarding passes from the gate attendents. Then they have gotten into that preboarding line.
And yes, people do really try to get those front rows. So, if it doesn't matter one way or the other, head to the back. I have a problem flying in the back half of the plane....I get really nudgy when I sit there, looking at those rows and rows of heads in front of me. I guess it's almost like being claustrophobic. Doesn't seem to bother me as much if I'm in front of the wing.

 

[poohbear7]

The blue sleeves SWA gives out to pre board are for people needing assistance. They don't give them to people pre boarding with children 4 and under.