Question about Southwest

[smfritz03]

Im flying for the first time w/ Southwest in Aug.---Ive noticed posts about A, B , C---what does that mean? I am traveling w/ 3 kids under 7 and dont want to get stuck not sitting together!! Help!!!!

 

[marriedmarylander]

I think it's the seat. Like A near the window, B, C,e tc.. Or could be the opposite way. ?

 

[Beth76]

That means get there early. A, B and C are the groups of boarding passes, A being the first group that gets to board. I've never traveled with children, so I don't know if you automatically get to board first. I would think, at the very least, the flight attendents and other passengers would work with you if you can't find seats together--but I wouldn't bank on it.

 

[PooohBear]

People who have young children are able to board before the "A" passes, so if your kids are young, you should have no problem sitting together

 

[smfritz03]

I see--makes sense because when we called the airlines, they said that the seats are first come-first serve--so I was a bit worried about it and getting seats together.

So if I book online at 12:01 do I still need to check in at the counter? Im new at this--I flew once-back in 1998 and Im sure things have changed alot since then!! Im embarrassed to even say it!!!!

SO any heads up what to expect--what to do, etc is much appreciated!

 

[smfritz03]

So I dont have to worry about checking in early???? I hate to get there then find out different!!! My kids are only 7, 6, 6 and WAY to young in my opinion to be sitting alone on a flight. (dont trust too many people when it comes to my kids) Thank so much for the help!!

 

[PooohBear]

As long as you're at the airport early, there's no need to worry, parents with young kids always get to board before anyone else ! If you print your boarding passes on-line, you just go and check your luggage in and they will tell you where to go from there !

 

[smfritz03]

Thanks alot!! Lots of things to think of and get in order in my head so I can enjoy my trip! This is hubby and childrens first time flying--so I wont be geting much help from him at the airport and I want it to be enjoyable for all!!!

 

[DisneycrazedX6]

We flew in 2002 when my youngest was one,but my other kids were 6,7 and 10,and they told me that if I didnt have the one year old I would'nt have been able to board first. I don't know what they mean by young children....anyone out there know for sure???????

 

[PooohBear]

Just from my experience.......I believe them to mean kids that are 7 and under, but i've seen people with older kids than that board early too, so I guess it depends on who's there that day and what mood they're in....

 

[Bama mom to 3]

On the transportation forum I think the said younger than 5.

 

[smfritz03]

I hope not--Im going to call Southwest tonight and see so I dont have any surprizes upfront and I will post what I find.

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

From Southwest's web site:

Boarding Procedure
* Each Customer will be issued a boarding pass grouped by A, B, or C (in that order) based on when the Customer checked in online at southwest.com, at the Skycap Podium, Ticket Counter, Departure Gate, or RAPID CHECK-IN Kiosk (where available).

* Prior to general boarding, Customers with disabilities, unaccompanied children between the ages of five and 11, and adults traveling with a child under five years of age will preboard. Customers holding boarding pass "A" will begin general boarding, followed by Customers with boarding pass "B," and then "C."

* Because Southwest Airlines maintains an open-seating policy, Customers may sit in any open or unclaimed seat. Customers who choose a seat in an emergency exit row must meet all requirements set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration and Southwest Airlines.

 

[smfritz03]

Thank you!! Guess my dd who will be 6 will just miss that requirement by 3 mths when we leave----so now I will have to stay up till after midnight to book a flight and be up by 4am to make our flight..........im not sure im a fan of the open seating deal. I love the rates I got--but w/ 3 kids--all under 7--I want them near me when we fly!

 

[ajf3]

Have to keep that in mind when I book - like a 6 year old is equipped to sit alone?!?

Hell, if I were you, I'd give the 11 year old some shades & white stick... board early with the disabled peeps - then you can all sit together

 

[smfritz03]

thanks for the laugh!! hmm--wonder if they would let a 6 yo shy through?? or i could suck up to someone and have them save me 5 seats!!!

 

[AKbabe]

You are not likely to preboard with your 5 year old. If you look at the quote that was cited from the SW website: "unaccompanied children between the ages of five and 11, and adults traveling with a child under five years of age will preboard."

That means under 5, not 5 and under. We were allowed to preboard in Orlando when my daughter was 5, but not at BWI. They said she must be 4 and once she hit 5 she was ineligible. So it also will depend on who is at the gate taking your tickets.

 

[Sheaboys]

I have always flown SW, but I have been blessed enough to have children with me that are under the age of 5, at least 2 are. But we just returned from Tampa, and I believe that SW said those traveling with children under the age of 4. Which I had 2 of. We were able to all get on together, but I have heard that SW will separate Mom and Dad's so that kids 4 and under can get on with one parent while the other members of their family wait in either A, B, or C lines. Now, I have not experienced this and I travel on SW with dh and the boys at least 2x a year, but I also read that this is when traveling to Orlando, MCO, which we have not done yet, we only go to Tampa (my parents live over that way). You can print your boarding pass online at 12:01am on the day you fly, but then you still need to get there early enough to stand in line, under A, B or C.

 

[Forevryoung]

Thank you!! Guess my dd who will be 6 will just miss that requirement by 3 mths when we leave----so now I will have to stay up till after midnight to book a flight and be up by 4am to make our flight..........im not sure im a fan of the open seating deal. I love the rates I got--but w/ 3 kids--all under 7--I want them near me when we fly!

Why are you staying up until after midnight to book a flight?? You can check in after midnight (i think thats what you mean) but depending on what time your flight is (and how far away you are from the airport) you can check in when you wake up. Any questions just ask-

Guys, I understand "hateing" Southwest's policy but people WILL move for a family to sit together. Even if you get a B it wont hurt, just ask. I fly Southwest monthly and I would be willing to give up my seat for anyone that wants to sit next to a family member. IMO if you don't like Southwest's seating policy dont fly them. I love the fact I can be home in an hour for $65 round trip. Nothing beats that

 

[mommytobug]

Southwest is really good to help. I would be there early though....just sit in the line to get seats together but usually they will help you get situated together.................but yes 6 is too old to board first...learnd that a few months ago with my dd.(((((