so nervous about flying tomorrow

[puffkin]

Just wanted to let you know that BWI is not a big airport at all. The Southwest gates are in the A&B terminals which are connected and on the right side of the airport. You shouldn't have very far to go for a connecting flight so hopefully that will help a little.

I personally wouldn't mess around with a carseat for a 2 year old on the plane, especially with connecting flighs and being by yourself. I would just check that with your other luggage and bring a small stroller instead. Even without a stroller you should be fine though since BWI is not very big.

My biggest tip for BWI is to use the first bathroom you see. They seemed to be few and far between at that airport and far from the gates.

 

[surfergirl602]

You'll be fine! Stressing will only make things worse. Assuming that you bought a single (connecting) ticket, SW assumes that you can make the connection - and they know their schedules.

Two points though:

1) Are you using the car seat on the plane? That will greatly impact your ability to "rush off the plane". You cannot start to unhook it until the seatbelt sign is off (i.e. until the plane is basically ready to unload) and they can take a few minutes to unhook.

2) The "drivers" are meant for people with mobility problems and are limited. Often times, you end up waiting for the driver to come to the gate to get you. And, in some airports,the "carts" carry more than one group, so you may have to stop at other gates on your way. Although the carts move faster than walkers, the entire experience isn't always faster.

I looked up our departing airport, and our gate(s) are just up the escalator. I won't need a ride. We are using a carseat, but it works with the lapbelt and then we just pick it up and go. It's actually really nice and quick. And mobile. ha ha We do need to put her in the carseat while flying as she will not stay seated. When she's in her seat, she knows its time to go. If we just used the lapbelt, she would be pitching a fat that she couldn't get out, ect.

I was under the impression that family boarding is after the business and select, and in between the A and B boarding group. We got the A group for our check in... when do we preboard?

 

[surfergirl602]

A suggestion on flying into New England from Texas. Be sure your winter jackets are easily accessible, as you'll want them before you even leave the airport. It's downright frigid here.

I have the hats and gloves in the carry on! We are actually wearing winter jackets here. It's chilly! Its only in the 40's!

 

[crashbb]

I was under the impression that family boarding is after the business and select, and in between the A and B boarding group. We got the A group for our check in... when do we preboard?

You don't.

As I quoted from SW, family boarding is between groups A and B. Since you are in group A, you'll board earlier if you just board when your boarding number is called.

Pre-boarding is only for those with mobility issues.

 

[puffkin]

I was under the impression that family boarding is after the business and select, and in between the A and B boarding group. We got the A group for our check in... when do we preboard?

Since you have A boarding passes you will not qualify to preboard. Family's can board between A and B so you actually are ahead of them with the A boarding passes.

 

[surfergirl602]

You don't.

As I quoted from SW, family boarding is between groups A and B. Since you are in group A, you'll board earlier if you just board when your boarding number is called.

Pre-boarding is only for those with mobility issues.

Thanks!! That's what I thought. We'll be waiting by the gate. ha ha

 

[surfergirl602]

Just wanted to let you know that BWI is not a big airport at all. The Southwest gates are in the A&B terminals which are connected and on the right side of the airport. You shouldn't have very far to go for a connecting flight so hopefully that will help a little.

I personally wouldn't mess around with a carseat for a 2 year old on the plane, especially with connecting flighs and being by yourself. I would just check that with your other luggage and bring a small stroller instead. Even without a stroller you should be fine though since BWI is not very big.

My biggest tip for BWI is to use the first bathroom you see. They seemed to be few and far between at that airport and far from the gates.

Thanks for the tips! Very good info to know!