Should I get EBCI With family of 6

[Ronald Kuba]

We are fly out of Milwaukee on May 5th at 3:40pm and flying back from Orlando on the 16th at 9:25pm both nonstop. It will be 2 adults, and 4 kids(2,5,7,9) What advice would you give regarding EBCI? I know the cutoff for family boarding is 6, does that mean the 7 and 9 wouldn't be able to use family boarding with their brothers? I would like to make a decision before they raise the price. Thanks for your help.

 

[tjmw2727]

You should all be able to board together - even when they limit to one adult per eligible child you would have 2 eligible children and 2 adults and they wouldn't make the 7 and 9yo children board alone. The only risk is when family boarding is suspended completely and the only place I have ever seen this is in Orlando! Used SWA in Baltimore, Tampa, Philadelphia, Michigan and more and the only time they have limited or suspended family was Orlando. The chances are pretty slim but honestly in your situation I would probably spring for EBCI for the return flight just in case, this also saves you from having to bother to check in during vacation time.

 

[DebbieB]

As soon as you get to the gate, I would ask where the family boarding line starts. When I flew to Orlando in December, there were probably 30 to 40 people in family boarding. I had B26 and ended up in the back of the plane. Looking at the families in line, I had my doubts that some had a child 6 or under.

 

[DisCatGirl]

In my opinion - better to be safe and buy the EBCI. That's the closest you get to a guarantee you will sit together.

 

[tjmw2727]

As soon as you get to the gate, I would ask where the family boarding line starts. When I flew to Orlando in December, there were probably 30 to 40 people in family boarding. I had B26 and ended up in the back of the plane. Looking at the families in line, I had my doubts that some had a child 6 or under.

Good point I forgot that the families line up like the old days at SWA - first come first board in the family line!

FWIW we are a family of 3 myself and my dd's but I always purchase EBCI and mentally add it to the cost of the trip - its still less than some airlines checked bag fees and many of the other airlines seat fees.

 

[DebbieB]

Good point I forgot that the families line up like the old days at SWA - first come first board in the family line!

FWIW we are a family of 3 myself and my dd's but I always purchase EBCI and mentally add it to the cost of the trip - its still less than some airlines checked bag fees and many of the other airlines seat fees.

After my experience in December, I am automatically adding it too. Between family boarding increased to age 6 and under (which actually means age 8 or 10 and under) and seat savers, a 24 hour boarding pass will not get you a good seat. I hate the back of the plane and ended up in the second to last row with B26.

 

[Ronald Kuba]

I went ahead and added it to the return flight because of the advice from all of you. I also noticed this morning that the flight showed sold out. I'm still deciding if I should spend the $75 for the departing flight. I will be at my computer at the 24hr mark. Leaning toward risking but still looking for more opinions.

 

[pens4821]

We don't fly often, but have decided we are just going to get it from now on to be safe. Even adding it on, SW is still a cheaper option than other carriers. I just figure it's equal to the luggage fees of other airlines. I like the peace of mind. While A isn't guaranteed (and I've read many stories of people not getting A), I would say it's more likely than not.

 

[maxiesmom]

I always pay for EBCI. Ask yourself how big of a deal it would be if your family had to be scattered all over the plane and couldn't sit together. If it is a huge deal, there is your answer.

 

[Minnesota!]

I always say this, I know, but, in my experience (out of MKE, too..) that there are so many families going to MCO that they nix family boarding. If it is important to you that everyone is nearby each other, I would buy it.

 

[mydisneykids]

This is my first time flying SW. It is just my husband and I so we don't need to sit together but I really prefer the aisle as I get a bit claustrophobic in the middle and window. What is the likelihood of getting an aisle.

 

[maxiesmom]

This is my first time flying SW. It is just my husband and I so we don't need to sit together but I really prefer the aisle as I get a bit claustrophobic in the middle and window. What is the likelihood of getting an aisle.

You mean without EBCI? That is hard to say. It depends on how many people on your flight do spring for EBCI, and how many will board during family boarding.