If you're on the fence for EBCI on return flight

[Brer Chump]

Why do you find this odd? We always do a 2-and-2 configuration, in two consecutive rows, for our family of 4. Each parent is responsible for one kid, so the responsibilities are split evenly, and each kid gets to sit by the window so there's no fighting. It's easy to hand stuff back and forth over the seat, if needed, and we always put our youngest behind our oldest so that if he accidentally kicks the seat, he's only bothering a family member and not a stranger. When we were rookies we did 3-and-1, with the single parent on the aisle, but then that left one parent essentially responsible for both kids, while the other parent got to kick back, which really isn't fair.

The family I was adjacent to were across the aisle from each other. They had the window and middle seat and I had the aisle seat. Across the aisle they had the window and middle seat. When items needed to be handed over, both me and the other aisle seat had to help which was no big deal. MY DW told me that her row was a father and lap baby in the window seat and across the row were three boys who were brothers ages about 10, 8 and 6 who were constantly fighting. Mom dad and infant child were in a nearby row.

 

[DebbieB]

That's actually not correct, I don't think. If everyone in the group has A boarding numbers, yes, that's correct that they'll board before family boarding.

However, if they have B boarding numbers, the PP's DD, DD's husband, and the 2 kids can board during family boarding. Grandparents aren't typically supposed to board during family boarding as I understand it. PP and her husband will need to board with their boarding number.

That's correct. I've seen them turn away grandparents in the family boarding line if the parents were there.

 

[jimandami]

Yes, when I posted, I didn't pay enough attention....I was just generally speaking of the boarding process, not realizing it was a set of grands and then a family. Grandparents are sometimes allowed to board with family, but usually not.

 

[jdb in AZ]

If they do raise the age of kids allowed in family boarding, I hope it's with the stipulation that family boarding takes place after EBCI, even if some of the EBCI are B-listers.

 

[n2mm]

If they do raise the age of kids allowed in family boarding, I hope it's with the stipulation that family boarding takes place after EBCI, even if some of the EBCI are B-listers.

Absolutely agree. I won't fly SW again if they either cut off how many EB they sell or let folks with EB go before preboards. I'm luck enough to have choices of airports here in the DC area.

 

[DebbieB]

If they do raise the age of kids allowed in family boarding, I hope it's with the stipulation that family boarding takes place after EBCI, even if some of the EBCI are B-listers.

I agree. I'd be really ticked if I bought EBCI and ended up behind a large number of family boarders.

 

[FTM22]

This will be our first time on SWA with two teens. I did buy EBCI because I wanted the best chance at choosing seats we want. On Airtran we always paid to select our seats as well. Airtran flew places with a 2 and 3 seat configuration and we bought two seats and then two behind. We'll see how things go I suppose. Yes, I would be ticked if I paid for a privilege and then others who didn't pay got some additional privilege. I totally get the medical preboards and the tiny kids thing. I flew by myself at age 10 AND changed planes in Atlanta - of course, it was long enough ago that I sat next to a t-rex.

 

[Flynnismine]

DD is 6 and I always purchase EBCI for our return flight, not for better seats, but just for the lazy convenience of not having to interrupt my park day to check in at the 24 hr mark I know me and 24 hrs prior to departure, I'm still blissfully happy inside the Disney bubble and wouldn't remember to check in, leaving us with the "lawnchairs strapped to each wing" seats.

 

[keishashadow]

Our last flight out of MCO was end of May. I purchased EBIC. Honestly, i always hope for voluntary bump but no LUV. They've gotten better on not over selling the flights but not to say they're not packed on that last NS

The FAs announced repeatedly that passengers could only save 2 seats for family.

YEA!!! Imo can be more of a detriment than large family preboards when many EBICs have been sold

 

[n2mm]

Our last flight out of MCO was end of May. I purchased EBIC. Honestly, i always hope for voluntary bump but no LUV. They've gotten better on not over selling the flights but not to say they're not packed on that last NS

The FAs announced repeatedly that passengers could only save 2 seats for family.

YEA!!! Imo can be more of a detriment than large family preboards when many EBICs have been sold

Wow!

 

[bumbershoot]

What I found odd was that it seemed most families had two children and mom and one kid was in one row and dad and the other was in the other

I think it's nice to split up the responsibility like that.

Many aisle seats were available in fact 4 out of the 5 of us were in an aisle seat when we eventually found seats.

Nice to get an aisle.

We did get Early Bird Check In, mostly because of the twins and the fact we will have a stroller.

Your other questions were answered, but I gotta know...what does the stroller have to do with anything?

When items needed to be handed over, both me and the other aisle seat had to help which was no big deal.

Now, see, some would find that to be a big deal. I'm trying to picture my brother (who is kind and generous and sweet to his family, and has given me some wonderful insights into my son when I have been too stressed or close to the situation to think clearly, but strongly feels that he is NOT responsible for any other family's choices and who puts on his headphones and closes his eyes the moment he sits down on an aircraft) with that. He wouldn't be helping, that's for sure. People need to be prepared for their lives, and if they are going to put space between their family members they need to have duplicates of things, IMO.



Family boarding...after doing it ONCE, I realized that the absolute LAST thing I wanted to do was board EARLY on a plane with a small kid! That just increased the time to get bored and antsy. Best flight when DS was little was when SW cancelled our flight as we were at the gate, and we all rushed to an already-boarded plane to find seats... Last minute I gate-checked the seat (was not going to carry the carseat and convince my 2ish year old to walk up the aisle and follow quick instructions), rushed onto the plane, found seats, sat, belted, and boom, we were taking off almost immediately. Was fabulous!

 

[VS85]

Do you guys think the day of the week matters in terms of how busy family boarding will be? We are two adults and while it's not imperative that we sit by each other, I would like to be able to do that. But we are flying on a Friday afternoon. My thought is that most families would leave on a Sunday to maximize their vacation time to include the weekend. I just got $40 back from SW due to a fare drop so I'm thinking of putting that towards EBCI for our return. Just wondering if you can ever "predict" the crowd for family boarding depending on the day of the week. EBCI is only worth it if I can get A boarding. Otherwise I may as well save myself the $25 and handle check in myself, where I would likely get a B boarding group anyway (if EBCI has taken all the As). I am usually pretty diligent about checking in exactly 24 hours ahead. Any opinions... What would you do?

 

[ibob52]

I just got $40 back from SW due to a fare drop so I'm thinking of putting that towards EBCI for our return.

Your Refund = TTF (Ticketless Travel Funds) and it cannot be used for EBCI

Join the club ... most everyone is surprised when they hear this for the first time.

 

[thedjwaver]

We have a EBCI for our flight home. In hopes two get seats together.

 

[VS85]

Your Refund = TTF (Ticketless Travel Funds) and it cannot be used for EBCI

Join the club ... most everyone is surprised when they hear this for the first time.

Yeah I guess I meant put the money towards the EBCI indirectly. Not a big deal or a surprise, am really more curious about family boarding during the week vs the weekends. Hasn't someone done a crowd calendar for this yet??

 

[vicarrieous]

Do you know how long they will test this new family boarding policy at MCO?

It will be myself, DH a newly 5 year old and 2 year old. I am hoping we can all board together in family boarding. A Southwest rep told me that since there is a two year old the entire immediate family can board with family boarding. Although their site say AN adult. We would prefer to sit 2 and 2 anyway. We might just buy EBCI for our return flight. Going down, I am not too worried.

 

[DebbieB]

Do you know how long they will test this new family boarding policy at MCO?

It will be myself, DH a newly 5 year old and 2 year old. I am hoping we can all board together in family boarding. A Southwest rep told me that since there is a two year old the entire immediate family can board with family boarding. Although their site say AN adult. We would prefer to sit 2 and 2 anyway. We might just buy EBCI for our return flight. Going down, I am not too worried.

I don't think you will have a problem. I saw a family last year with kids 8 or 10 years old that went through family boarding at PIT and were not questioned. I heard them talking behind me at the gate, lamenting that they had zone C boarding. The mom said I should have gone online earlier. When they called for family boarding, the dad said, we're a family let's go. The mother said it's 4 or under, he said let's try. And they got away with it.

I normally say follow the rules but SW let's 1 person buy EBCI and then save seats for several. The rule followers are the ones left behind.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

......
I normally say follow the rules but SW let's 1 person buy EBCI and then save seats for several. The rule followers are the ones left behind.

Southwest doesn't have a seat saving policy, so saving seats is not breaking any rules.

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't think you will have a problem. I saw a family last year with kids 8 or 10 years old that went through family boarding at PIT and were not questioned. I heard them talking behind me at the gate, lamenting that they had zone C boarding. The mom said I should have gone online earlier. When they called for family boarding, the dad said, we're a family let's go. The mother said it's 4 or under, he said let's try. And they got away with it.

I normally say follow the rules but SW let's 1 person buy EBCI and then save seats for several. The rule followers are the ones left behind.

Well, they can save seats as long as no other passenger tries to sit in one of those seats. If someone plunks down, the FAs won't tell them to move either. It is try to save at your own risk.