OK Seriously I'm an idiot- Flying SW tips

[JenC025]

We've flown ONCE 4 years ago so I don't know terms and such please excuse my stupidity. You are allowed to free 'checked' bags. Do these go on flight with you? I'd rather one not be carry on so I can carry full size shampoo sunblock etc.
What are other hidden fees I should expect? There's the EBC which is necessary so we get to sit together? If we don't get this will they sit a 14 year old by himself?
thanks-
Also How often does SW change schedule? If I book a flight is there a good chance it will be changed?

 

[guitarob]

On Southwest each person's first two checked bags and carry-ons are free. "Checked" bags go in the belly of the plane, you check them in when you check in for your flight. "Carry On" bags you keep with you for the entire journey.

I haven't had a problem with SW changing my itinerary around, but I'd never rule it out, these things happen occasionally.

As for seating a 14 year old by himself, it is sadly a very real possibility. If you book Southwest, you should do online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight to get in the "A" boarding group and have your choice of seats. Be at your computer, and on Southwest's website 10 minutes early, as soon as your 24 hour mark rolls around, check in immediately, you should have no problems. I've never done EBC, but after reviewing it on their site, it doesn't look like it can hurt to try if you want to pay the extra money.

I hope you have a safe trip!

 

[JenC025]

thanks from a felowe NJ'er. You don't get 4 total bags free right you get 2 that can either by carry on or checked?

 

[DisneyFirefly]

thanks from a felowe NJ'er. You don't get 4 total bags free right you get 2 that can either by carry on or checked?

One carry-on less than 40 pounds, one personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag, etc), and two checked bags less than 50 pounds. Their baggage measurements are on this page. Southwest is the only airline I fly, actually, and I don't bother with EBCI, but that's for other reasons.

 

[goofy4tink]

Each paying passenger gets 2 free checked bags, which will be stowed in the belly of their plane. Then, they get 2 carryon bags...a personal item such as a purse, briefcase, camera bag, and a larger bag that will be stowed in the overhead bin above their seat.
Both carryon bags are subject to the 3-1-1 ruling per the TSA.

There are no hidden fees. If you wish to buy the EBCI, that's up to you. It isn't absolutely necessary. If you are able to checkin right at the 24 hr mark, you should be able to get a boarding slot that enables you to be seated with your child. Only those with mid-C boarding slots may face an issue finding seating together.

SW seldom changes their flights once they are put out. This in one reason they wait so long to open the booking window....little chance of having to make any changes. The only way it might happen is if there were to be an equipment issue and they had to change planes.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

If you haven't flown in a while, make sure you check out the TSA site for what you are allowed to take through security.

www.tsa.gov.

Oh, and make sure your checked bags are less than 50 pounds each, or SWA will charge you $25 for each bag that is overweight.

 

[JenC025]

Thanks for the link- it says carry on liquids but what about checked bags? I can still pack full size liquids if they are being checked right?

 

[dgaston]

Yes -- full sized bottles must be in checked bags. Carry on luggage is what counts for the 3 -1 -1 plastic bag.

 

[Taja]

The only other "fees" I can think of offhand are for alcoholic beverages in flight. I believe they have a cashless systems now--debit or credit card only. I stick to water in-flight--actually, most of the time! *LOL*--so I haven't paid too much attention to the policy.

Despite their quirky open seating policy, SWA is my favourite airline these days. I used to prefer AmericaWest Airlines--prior to the merger with US Air--but SWA has been my airline of choice for the past 8 years or so.

They key to sitting together (all planes are configured 3 seats on each side of the aisle), as PP noted, is to check in promptly at the 24-hour window. Have a window for each reservation open, the boxes checked and be ready to go for it! Don't worry if you can't print your boarding pass for some reason. You can retrieve it (print it) later or print it at the airport.

EBCI for the return flight might be a good option for you, if you won't have easy access to a computer and the internet or whatever type of cell phone has internet access these days. I still live in the dark ages--my cell phone is limited to sending and receiving calls! *LOL*