Southwest Airlines Question

[PoohBearAndMe]

Hello,

I know this question is not a Theme Park/Strategy type question, but since it isn't about Disney transportation specifically, I thought I should try it here since there is a lot of traffic on this page. Moderators, please move it if it belongs elsewhere...thanks

We are a family of three flying Southwest tomorrow to Disney World. Even though I checked in for our flight online at the 24 hour prior point, we still ended up with B21 boarding position. Does anyone who has flown Southwest know if this is good enough to find three seats together in one row, or will we be having to split up? Our daughter is 7, and me and my DH are Pooh sized, so we were really hoping to have our own row.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Angel Ariel]

Families with Children are allowed to board between the A and the B groups on Southwest, regardless of what their boarding position is. Once they start boarding the A group, other families will likely start lining up near the jetway (they do announce it as well, but people generally line up before they make the official annoucement for families)

 

[Mome Rath]

Usually it is children 4 and under that qualify for boarding between A and B group, I don't know if they would allow a family with a 7 year old to board early or not. As for an open row (of 3), it entirely depends on where others choose to sit who board before you.

 

[WEDWDW]

You have a good shot with B21.

Head all the way to the back of the aircraft and you "should" find some free rows back there.

 

[disney world dreamer]

Hello,

I know this question is not a Theme Park/Strategy type question, but since it isn't about Disney transportation specifically, I thought I should try it here since there is a lot of traffic on this page. Moderators, please move it if it belongs elsewhere...thanks

We are a family of three flying Southwest tomorrow to Disney World. Even though I checked in for our flight online at the 24 hour prior point, we still ended up with B21 boarding position. Does anyone who has flown Southwest know if this is good enough to find three seats together in one row, or will we be having to split up? Our daughter is 7, and me and my DH are Pooh sized, so we were really hoping to have our own row.

Thanks for any input!

you're gonna end up in the middle or back of the plane but there should be no problem finding a row with 3 empty seats with that boarding position.

 

[disney world dreamer]

Families with Children are allowed to board between the A and the B groups on Southwest, regardless of what their boarding position is. Once they start boarding the A group, other families will likely start lining up near the jetway (they do announce it as well, but people generally line up before they make the official annoucement for families)

thats for people with a child that is 4 or younger.
this child is 7.
that is not gonna fly.

 

[larryz]

Even though I checked in for our flight online at the 24 hour prior point, we still ended up with B21 boarding position.

A great example of why, if you're on a popular Southwest route (like anywhere USA to Orlando) and are adamant that you want to sit together as a group, it's worth paying the extra $$$s for the early check in option.

 

[DebbieB]

you're gonna end up in the middle or back of the plane but there should be no problem finding a row with 3 empty seats with that boarding position.

I agree, unless it is a stopover and there are already people on the plane.

 

[PoohBearAndMe]

Thanks for all your input! I wasn't even going to attempt the family boarding with our 7YO since she looks 9....lol. I don't mind sitting in the back, so it sounds like we will be okay. From where we are departing, I don't think it is a continuation of a previous flight either.

Anyway, it sounds like things will be okay. I just never thought that if I was online right at the 24 hour mark, I wouldn't end up in an "A" position.

And all that really matters, is that 24 hours from right now we will be in the air!

Thanks again!

 

[larryz]

I just never thought that if I was online right at the 24 hour mark, I wouldn't end up in an "A" position.

I hear ya, but I think those days are over -- Southwest's frequent flyer program is very popular, you're on a very popular flight, and other people probably paid for the extra-early check in.

 

[johde]

Our daughter is 7, and me and my DH are Pooh sized, so we were really hoping to have our own row.

Thanks for any input!

Yes I know this is a touchy subject. But, how Pooh sized are you and DH. If either one of you is over the size of a standard SW seat (17" between armrests), you can get a complementary second seat at the gate agent if the flight isn't sold out. That may let you board earlier. Also, Southwest's policy is to refund the extra seat fare all passengers who proactively book an extra seat because of size or medical need not just those on flights that are not sold out. Depending on your situation, it may be worth discreetly discussing with the gate agent.

 

[disneygrandma]

Also, on our last trips, they would ask people at that gate if they wanted to pay to upgrade their seats. So not only do you have everyone ahead of you who did the Early Bird check in, but then others might decide to pay at the gate to get moved to the front of the line.

This trip, I just decided to pay and get the Early Bird so we wouldn't have as much stress about getting our seats together. Last trip we had 6 of us, and we just headed for the back of the plane. I agree, with a # in the mid-B's, you should be fine in getting a row for the 3 of you, but it will probably be in the back of the plane.

 

[Skywise]

Yeah you've definitely got a shot at getting a whole row to yourself near the back. Part of it depends on whether or not your flight came in from somewhere else and how many people stay on board to go onto Orlando. Each boarding group can handle 60 seats so I believe each Southwest flight will hold 180 people. Assuming there's not too many people staying on board the connecting flight (20? 30? is what I usually see) you're actually position "81" out of 180. So yeah, in my experience I can usually find a whole row to myself and grab window so long as I'm in the first half of B (but I never had the whole row for long! )

 

[Angel Ariel]

thats for people with a child that is 4 or younger.
this child is 7.
that is not gonna fly.

I'm sorry, honest mistake. I knew my brother and SIL were still able to use this when my older nephew was 8..didn't realize it was because of younger nephew being 4. Wasn't trying to advocate any lying or anything

 

[katyj26]

We just flew home Thursday and we observed the flight attendants asking other attendants to save rows for people with children. You could ask for that.

 

[PoohBearAndMe]

Wow...lots of good information! Thanks to everyone who responded. I am in major packing mode now, and just counting the hours!

Hope I can sleep tonight!

 

[DWillowBay]

It's been my experience that sometimes other passengers will offer to move so that families can sit together. There shouldn't be a problem for you. Have a great trip!

 

[kaetra]

This is the only thing I don't like about Southwest. Assigned seats would be so much better. The onboarding scramble can be stressful!

 

[flicx]

You should be fine . I have flown southwest quite often and we usually get 2 seats close to the front with that boarding number. I see no issues getting three in the back. Have a good trip.

 

[gtpoohbear]

We have relied on family boarding for several years, but once DS turns 5 we will start getting the EBCI. When we do family boarding, after the "A" group, there are usually empty rows from about 3/4 of the way back. You will probably be okay, but if not don't hesitate to politely ask if anyone minds moving, people traveling alone usually don't mind.