Re: SWA- where do you prefer to sit w/kids?

[reeanna]

We'll be flying SWA for the 1st time w/our 1 & 4 yr. olds in Feb. 1 yr old will be in a carseat. I've never flown w/the kids before & I was just wondering where we should try to sit on the plane. I assume we'd be in boarding group A since we've got 2 kids under 4 so there will probably be a lot of open seats. Just wondering what the preferred seats are for children and why? I am NOT a huge fan of flying & have always chosen to drive whenever possible so I don't have much air experience but driving is not an option for Feb trip. If anyone would care to share their seating preferences or experiences with me to make the flight a little easier, I'd really appreciate the help! Thanks

 

[Prince Eric1]

On our last trip we sat in the back for our return trip. I figured if the kids had to go to the bathroom or something we would be closer. It wound up being better though as the flight was not that crowded and one of the male attendants was playing games with my youngest daughter and they gave her crayons, a coloring paper, etc. I think they did this as they sit in the back and they probably get just as bored on the flights as we do and it gives them something to do. It was a good spot for us and one that I will probably use every return trip.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Definitely in the back. YOu will be in the preboard group, not A.

 

[JudithM]

We flew Southwest last weekend. People with children got to preboard along with guests who needed additional time to board. On the flight out, the Southwest employee just wrote preboard on our tickets in blue ink. On the way back the employee had us sit in the preboard section waiting area. then the employee who loaded us asked for our blue enveklope with our tickets. We all told her the other person told us to just wait in this area. I will say they were not consistent, but we did get to preboard . On both flights, most people with children sat near the front.

 

[4nana]

Guess everyone has different opinions....LOL

We prefer towards the front for the smoothest ride, if possible near the wing. Last time we boarded SW in group C and got the very last seats on the plane. There were noticable fumes the first 15 minutes, not to mention a steady line for the bathroom.

Also, I highly recommend if you have any problems with your ears to use 'ear planes' - little plugs for ears that work miracles, at any drug store for $7 pr. You may want to ck with your ped., but for our grands, ours recommended a small dose of benadryl to help with ear pressure. Have faith, you will do fine. ^i^

 

[nasmith]

I've flown with my now 3 1/2 yo on SW since he was 7 months old (He just rec'd his first frequent flyer free ticket award!) -- I love the fact that SW will let you preboard and you get to choose your own seats! The car seat will have to go in a window seat (FAA regs). Most people like to sit near the front of the airplane (they think they get off the plane sooo much sooner- but it amounts to maybe a 3 minute delay if you are in the back) - so therefore, it is always less crowded in the back - plus you are near the bathrooms!

Alot of pre-boarders will grab the very first seats, because they have more leg-room - but they also have nowhere to store items at your feet (and I know that when I travel with my child- I have entire bags of snacks and juice boxes and books and coloring books etc...) and no fold-down tray (for those coloring books).

If your 1 yo is still taking a bottle, give her one on take-off- the "sucking" helps revieve ear pressure - you can teach your 4 yo how to "pop" his ears if he needs to (easiest way is to just open you mouth super-wide several times).

If you happen to like those spill-proof child's cups or sports-bottles with straws(the kind sold in the baby section) be forewarned that they will start to leak after take-off due to the difference in cabin pressure (I learned this the hard way- what a mess!!!).

Well- that's more info then you asked for or needed I'm sure!!! Have a wonderful flight!! Jill

 

[reeanna]

Thanks for all the great advice. I guess the overriding factor in seat choice will be bathroom proximity....