Can anybody tell me what these numbers mean--A39, etc? Does that mean you are to line up in order or something? In the olden days we used to board 1-30 31-60 etc. at least that's what I remember. I understand A would board first, but would A39 board before A5 or is it just to keep track or something.
I don't mean to start any controversy or flames over the age question. It just used to always be those boarding with "small children" etc. could board early. I understand somewhat why that has evolved, but this is the first time I have ever heard of age 4 for a cut-off for any kind of boarding procedure. I personally don't see a big difference in 4 or 5, or even 6 for that matter. I think the point is they are trying to resolve some angst for those with children not being able to sit together, however, if that's the case, I can't see children aged 5, 6 or 7 (can't say beyond because I don't have children that age) being able to sit on their own. So therefore, I guess I just don't get why they say 4 and why they picked that age.
We have spent a bundle on a/f as it is, and are doing this trip on a
budget so I would MUCH prefer not to spend the extra $ for the early boarding--would be $60 altogether.
Also, DH does have a phone with internet connection...we can do online checkin even though we can't print. Is that okay--will they have our printout at the check-in desk?
No controversy...just info. SW has changed the way they board. You are remembering the 'old' way.....you got into a group when you got there. If you were in the A group, you got there early and stood there in order to 'hold' your boarding spot. Of course, that meant you might be standing there, holding your 'spot' for 90 mins!! And back then, those flying with small children were allowed to board first..in front of everyone. But, the problem was that there were so many people boarding with kids (and most people pushed the limit by trying to get the whole family of 10 on at the same time!!) that SW changed the way families board.
Now...when you check in at the 24 hr mark, if not doing EBCI, you will get an A, B, or C group. Most likely an A group if you are there right at the 24 hr mark. Within that group will be numbers...1 and up. Spots for A1-15 are held for those flying business select..they have paid a premium for their seats and board right after the medical preboards. Then, after that group, come the rest of the A group. The lower numbers...A16 and up to about A40ish, are going to have gone to those using EBCI....but, there is no guarentee that you will get an A spot just by checking in at the 24 hr window. If there are 60+ people paying for EBCI, they will get the A spots.
Then, after that A group boards, those with small children under 4, can board. Then the B group boards, in their numerical spots. Even the B group has little to no trouble finding seats together. You will have to head to the rear of the plane but there should be seats together there.
Why the age of 4 and under? Who knows. But again...people were abusing the perk. When you were standing there, after being in line for an hour, and you see a family of 10 or so, be able to preboard, well you would understand the frustration. It should have been one parent per child..plain and simple. If it was a mom, dad, dd 3 and ds 6, then no big deal..they would be able to board at the same time. BUT...mom, dad, ds 6, dd 3, aunt jane, uncle bill, the three cousins and grammie and grampa??? Seriously??? Yes, I have seen situations just like that. And SW allowed it.
Or the medical preboards. My favorite??? The man who needed his cane to get on that plane. He slowly dragged himself to his feet, with the help of his wife. Then, he struggled over to the preboard line. Okay...not having an issue yet. He then slowly made his way down the jetway...with his wife.
We boarded about 8 people behind them. When we got on that plane, the FA was trying to move this man, and his wife, out of the exit row seats!!! The gate attendent had made the announcement that if you were a medical preboard you wouldn't be able to take an exit row seat. But, this man wanted that seat..he was arguing with the FA up and down a wall. She told him that if preboarded, due to a medical issue, then he wasn't going to be able to perform the exit row seat duties in an emergency! He said of course he would be able to. Her response was 'If you don't move to another pair of seats, I'm calling security and you will be removed from the plane.' He was not a happy camper. I was thrilled to see a FA enforcing the boarding rules.
