How Should I Do EBCI?

[maciec]

It will be myself, dh, 7mo ds, 8yo ds, and 10yo dd. Right now the baby is a lap baby until the price of our flight comes down and I can get him a seat. If the price doesn't come down, he will be a lap baby (please no flames because I know all of the arguments).

If he gets a seat we will be taking on a car seat of course. Is he considered one of those that will be allowed to go on first with the "special needs" people or should I just buy EBCI for the 4 of us?

I'm new to SW so I have no idea. Really gonna miss Airtran

Thanks!

 

[seashoreCM]

One parent and the 7mo can go on with the second tier special needs so you can order early boarding for 3 of you.

Now if the EBCI gives you A group boarding passes, the one of you with the 7mo will board after, not before (the entire A group).

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

No idea what "second tier special needs" means LOL!

SW boards special needs first. Small children aren't in that group. That's elderly and people who have mobility issues as a general rule.

Then Group A.

Then Families traveling with small children who didn't have an A boarding pass.

Then everyone else.

If you want an "A" I would by the EBCI for everyone or be online 24 hours in advance.

 

[tjmw2727]

Southwest has a nice video on the website called boarding school - that may help with your decision.

You can use family boarding with the baby regarless of if he has a seat or not, as mentioned this happens after the A group. Sometimes the entire family can board, other times one parent with each child 4 and under. Remember to bring his birth certificate if he is a lap rider, SWA is very strict on this and you won't get a boarding document for the baby without a BC. If he ends up ticketed then you don't need the BC or ID for any of the kids.

Personally I purchase EBCI for everyone when we fly so that would be my advice to you as well. If you do decide to ticket the baby later I am sure they will waive his boarding # and let him board with you - or you could switch his bp with an adult if necessary.