? re layover and SW

[CantWaitToGo2007]

I have a question regarding SW and changing planes.

I have never flown where I did not have an assigned seat before. I know that on SW I can pay extra for the early check in so I'm not worried on the first flight. But the flight I'm looking at has a 30 minute layover with change of planes in Denver. What are the chances of me being able to sit with DS on the second flight? DS has Asperger's, and while I don't anticipate any problems, I don't want to be at one end of the plane with him at another should he have a problem.

TIA
Nanette

 

[Jestocost]

When you check in for your first flight (or have EBCI do it), you also will be checked in for your second flight (provided that the two are booked together under the same confirmation number) and will have a boarding number assigned. You almost certainly will have a lower boarding number for the second flight than you will for the first, as you will have a head start on anyone who starts their trip with that flight.

 

[CantWaitToGo2007]

thank you so much.

 

[Lewisc]

SW "pads" their schedule. Good chance your first flight will land early BUT your flight could be delayed. Neither medical pre-boarding, a low number A BP or family boarding will help if you get to the gate after the plane has already boarded. People will change for a very young child but if SW is holding the plane for connecting passengers there may not be time to move passengers around.

Is there a later flight from your connecting city to MCO? You may have to make the choice of winding up being split or waiting for a later flight.

edited to add--your son is 13. I doubt the FA will ask for volunteers to move. Make sure you go directly to the gate.

 

[CantWaitToGo2007]

I understand that there could be a delay, I'm still looking at different flight options. I was just wondering if we checked in early for the first leg if that would also check us in early for the second part. I don't have to sit with DS, but would prefer to be in the same section of the plane in case there is a problem. We have never had a problem on a plane, but I have also always sat next to him. SW has seats 1/2 of what we usually pay so I'd like to try to go with them.

Thanks

 

[Lewisc]

I understand that there could be a delay, I'm still looking at different flight options. I was just wondering if we checked in early for the first leg if that would also check us in early for the second part. I don't have to sit with DS, but would prefer to be in the same section of the plane in case there is a problem. We have never had a problem on a plane, but I have also always sat next to him. SW has seats 1/2 of what we usually pay so I'd like to try to go with them.

Thanks

24 hours before your first flight you'll be able to get BPs for both flights.

SW starts boarding 20-30 minutes before a scheduled flight. Your BP number is meaningless if you arrive at the gate after most of the passengers have already boarded. Worse case scenario the flight is full, you're the last two passengers who board and you have to take the two remaining seats.

There is a very good chance you'll get to the gate after boarding started. You have to balance fare savings over the chance of being split, possibly in a different part of the plane.

edited add

Even if your plane lands on time you may wind up getting to the gate after boarding has started.