Southwest Airlines

[airhead]

Am I reading this correctly: passengers are assigned a letter(A,B,C) and that determines where you sit? So,does that mean
I may not be sitting next to my friend?

CJ

 

[Pinnie]

You area assigned a letter according to when you show up at checkin. "A" group boards first, then "B" then "C". I have been in "B" group many times and got to sit next to my DH. With the "C" group it can be a bit more dicey. Those with the "C" are sometimes scattered in seats all over the plane.

Keep in mind that if you are changing planes, you will have to re-checkin again and get another boarding pass. This is where my DH and I sometimes get separated on a flight. We flew from DTW to BNA together and changed planes to LAX.....when we checked in after our arrival at BNA, we were in the "C" group. It is no big deal for us, but it could be for someone with kids.


pin

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

If it is a connecting flight you can now get an automated boarding pass at the SWA kiosks which are now in every airport they use.
http://www.southwestair.com/travel_center/kiosks/kiosks.html

It saves a lot of time and no lines.

Anyone with can save a seat for another if their pass is say an "a" and the friend's is a "b". It has happened on a few occassions, not a big deal.

 

[Dads Dream]

Let me get this straight. The skycap will issue a ticket with an "A, B, or C"; after luggage is checked you proceed directly through security and on to the gate. Do we need to go to the kiosk to check in and get boarding pass? Do lines form at the desk at the gate or boarding door and do we form a line immediately? When boarding begins they will announce all "A's" board first. What if several families with children under 4 show up with a "C" do they still get to board first?

Yikes, the more I read the more confused I get. Like I need one more thing to worry about!

 

[Lexxiefern]

Originally posted by twinmomplus2
We too always fly Southwest. We leave from the Cape as well. It is an easy ride to Providence and there are always skycaps available when we arrive about 6am. we take the same flight every time. With 2 two year olds you will be allowed to preboard. Don't forget for safety reasons, you would never not be seated next to your baby, so be assured if you hit a snag they would fix it post haste. We have 2 year old twins and always preboard by request, the babies, carseats, stroller on the jetway, they much prefer to get us in our seats and the heck out of everyones way! In addition I have find the flight crew fabulous as far as putting you at ease, I have had 2 flights with a singing stewardess, and a pilot that was like a standup act. This is most appreciated by me as I am a white knuckle flyer myself! Have fun and be assured you will sit with the baby no matter what!

Thanks Twinmom! We flew out of Providence in April and I loved the airport. So much nicer than Logan. My sister is a little worried about the seating. She flew SWA when she was single and she said she always got the middle seat (I am assuming she got a "C" boarding pass). I will be sure to reassure her

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Dads Dream
Let me get this straight. The skycap will issue a ticket with an "A, B, or C"; after luggage is checked you proceed directly through security and on to the gate. Do we need to go to the kiosk to check in and get boarding pass? Do lines form at the desk at the gate or boarding door and do we form a line immediately? When boarding begins they will announce all "A's" board first. What if several families with children under 4 show up with a "C" do they still get to board first?

Yikes, the more I read the more confused I get. Like I need one more thing to worry about!

All righty now, take a deep breath and stop worrying.

If you use the skycap he/she will give you a boarding pass with either an A, B, or C on it. You will then proceed through security and wait until people start to line up under the little gate that corresponds to your boarding letter. They annouce something like, we are preboarding, then we are boarding A and so on.
If someone shows up with C passes and small children, they board first, which irritates a lot of people who manage to get their butts there in plently of time to get a boarding pass with an A or B. Guess they figure, I have a kid, tough nuggies, I will get there whenever. Some day these folks will have a very rude awakening when they find that they are not allowing preboarding for the kids because there are a kajillion kids there.

I hope this helps your confusion.

The kiosks are there for connecting flights, or those without bags to check. It is a time saver.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Lexxiefern
Thanks Twinmom! We flew out of Providence in April and I loved the airport. So much nicer than Logan. My sister is a little worried about the seating. She flew SWA when she was single and she said she always got the middle seat (I am assuming she got a "C" boarding pass). I will be sure to reassure her

They had a different way of boarding people a few years ago, they did it with numbers. Dee and I soon learned that you need to be there somewhat early to get a decent number. Oversleeping was not allowed!!!

 

[JOC]

Hi Gail,

We'll be flying SWA for the first time in December, so here are my silly SWA questions for the day:

1. We have to connect in Houston; will our luggage be checked through to Orlando from our airport of origin or do we have to re-check luggage again?

2. If luggage is indeed checked all the way through to Orlando, all we have to do when we connect in Houston is go to one of the kiosks and get our boarding passes for that leg of the trip? We won't have to check in at the counter again?

Thanks for your patience in answering these questions.

 

[vhoffman]

If you have a connecting flight, your bags will be automatically ticketed by the skycap (?) at checkin to go to the ultimate destination. That's why they always ask to see your ticket. Just to ease your mind, check the tags they put on your bags. They should have the airport code for Orlando on them, which is MCO. You don't have to do anything about your bags when you stop over in Houston, or wherever you connect.

However, you do need to go to the airline gate for your next fllight and get boarding passes. You don't need to go through security agiain,as the plane lets you off in a secure area. Don't go all through the airport to the ticket check-in counter. They'll just verify your ticket and send you right back to the plane boarding area. Since you're connecting to another flight on the same airline the boarding gates should all be in the same area. It would be much more inconvenient to connect to another airline, since you'd have to find their boarding area and it could be quite a hike.

When you find the boarding gate for your next flight, get in line for a boarding pass. The one you had from the previous flight will be taken from you as you walk onto the plane.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by vhoffman
If you have a connecting flight, your bags will be automatically ticketed by the skycap (?) at checkin to go to the ultimate destination. That's why they always ask to see your ticket. Just to ease your mind, check the tags they put on your bags. They should have the airport code for Orlando on them, which is MCO. You don't have to do anything about your bags when you stop over in Houston, or wherever you connect.

However, you do need to go to the airline gate for your next fllight and get boarding passes. You don't need to go through security agiain,as the plane lets you off in a secure area. Don't go all through the airport to the ticket check-in counter. They'll just verify your ticket and send you right back to the plane boarding area. Since you're connecting to another flight on the same airline the boarding gates should all be in the same area. It would be much more inconvenient to connect to another airline, since you'd have to find their boarding area and it could be quite a hike.

When you find the boarding gate for your next flight, get in line for a boarding pass. The one you had from the previous flight will be taken from you as you walk onto the plane.

The question asker is flying SWA, he does not need to go to the counter for a new boarding pass, he can use the kiosks. http://www.southwestair.com/travel_center/kiosks/kiosks.html

The will not take his previous boarding pass, he will get a new one at the kiosk which they will take when he boards.

 

[tammydel]

I need to jump in w/ a question and a comment.

I always fly Southwest out of Albany. I love it and have had no problems. I do have young children and up to now was eligable to pre-board.
For those who may be bothered by pre-boarding families of young children when there are so MANY families with young children I say this: Would you like to see children separated from thier parents? This is especially true w/ no assisgned seats on Southwest. I couldn't imagine a stranger having to sit next to my little ones during take off and landing? Cabin ear pressure? MOTION SICKNESS? Yes we get there early but it seems people are getting there earlier and earlier for those A boarding passes. I've been there 2 hours early and been suprised to get B and C passes.
I think it is important for Southwest to make evey effort to keep families with young children together. At least with one adult in thier party.
If I am traveling with just adults and we have to split - no problem - I can read and sleep.

O.K. having said all of THAT! My children are 5 and 6 and I will be flying with them alone in two weeks. We are no longer qualify for pre-boarding. I plan on getting there 2 hour early, but am still a little nervous. They are still to young to be without me next to them on the plane. Anyone every have trouble with this?

 

[BCVNovember]

My family and I will be flying on SWA for the first time in November out of Indianapolis. I do have a 2 year old and intend on using a carseat for her, and am planning on getting there about 2 hours ahead of time so I'm hoping they will board us early.

I have 2 questions. First, this is the first time I've travelled with web reservations, ie., without paper tickets. Can I still check-in curbside with a skycap if I don't have paper tickets?

Second, and this is more rhetorical, what if a family with youngish children ends up with "C" tickets. Does SWA really feel that it is okay to have a 5 year old separated from her family because they didn't get to the airport early enough, or will they work with the family and other passengers to try to get the child next to at least one family member?

Thanks!

 

[Magic2000]

We usually always fly Southwest too - they offer the best fares and a direct flight!!

Of course, no assigned seats does make me nervous too! We always arrive early to check in, and usually, we get "A"; sometimes, we've been allowed to pre-board; however, on our last flight from Orlando, the Southwest rep said they no longer preboard small children since there are so many children flying these days. It still wasn't a problem for us - we were all able to sit together.

I've never seen a parent not being able to sit with their child. You may not get to sit in the first or second row - it may be way in the back, but I don't think you'd really have a problem.

We'll be flying Southwest again in October! My youngest DD is so excited. We just flew to Las Vegas a few weeks ago (on American Airlines) and my daughter did fine. In fact, for both of the long flights, she slept. It was a little bit of a bumpy landing in Vegas - she slept through it all and I had to wake her up when it was time to get off the plane!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by tammydel
I need to jump in w/ a question and a comment.

I always fly Southwest out of Albany. I love it and have had no problems. I do have young children and up to now was eligable to pre-board.
For those who may be bothered by pre-boarding families of young children when there are so MANY families with young children I say this: Would you like to see children separated from thier parents? This is especially true w/ no assisgned seats on Southwest. I couldn't imagine a stranger having to sit next to my little ones during take off and landing? Cabin ear pressure? MOTION SICKNESS? Yes we get there early but it seems people are getting there earlier and earlier for those A boarding passes. I've been there 2 hours early and been suprised to get B and C passes.
I think it is important for Southwest to make evey effort to keep families with young children together. At least with one adult in thier party.
If I am traveling with just adults and we have to split - no problem - I can read and sleep.

O.K. having said all of THAT! My children are 5 and 6 and I will be flying with them alone in two weeks. We are no longer qualify for pre-boarding. I plan on getting there 2 hour early, but am still a little nervous. They are still to young to be without me next to them on the plane. Anyone every have trouble with this?

I don't have an issue with families with young children boarding early, I have a HUGE issue with families that show up at the last minute and preboard, it is like they are using their children as "get out of jail free cards".
Usually, SWA will make every attempt at accomodating families with kids. They cannot force people to move, but, let's face it, who would not move to accomodate someone with a child? If it does not involve being separated from my s/o I would do it in a minute. Assuming the kid is not whining and the parent has a nice attitude.
I doubt you will have a problem with arriving two hours early for your flight.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by BCVNovember
My family and I will be flying on SWA for the first time in November out of Indianapolis. I do have a 2 year old and intend on using a carseat for her, and am planning on getting there about 2 hours ahead of time so I'm hoping they will board us early.

I have 2 questions. First, this is the first time I've travelled with web reservations, ie., without paper tickets. Can I still check-in curbside with a skycap if I don't have paper tickets?

Second, and this is more rhetorical, what if a family with youngish children ends up with "C" tickets. Does SWA really feel that it is okay to have a 5 year old separated from her family because they didn't get to the airport early enough, or will they work with the family and other passengers to try to get the child next to at least one family member?

Thanks!

They will most probably board you early. And, for your rhetorical question. Yes, SWA will do everything they can do to seat the child with the parent. Not to sound snotty, but, it is not SWA's problem if the folks involved do not get to the airport early.
Everything anyone ever needs to know about SWA is on their website. Just like everything else in this world, it is up to you to "do your homework", there are, as you know, a ton of resources out there, you just have to find them or ask questions.

 

[BCVNovember]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
They will most probably board you early. And, for your rhetorical question. Yes, SWA will do everything they can do to seat the child with the parent. Not to sound snotty, but, it is not SWA's problem if the folks involved do not get to the airport early.
Everything anyone ever needs to know about SWA is on their website. Just like everything else in this world, it is up to you to "do your homework", there are, as you know, a ton of resources out there, you just have to find them or ask questions.

Gail - You do sound snotty. I didn't even ask if I would be boarded early. I am doing my best to "do your homework" and thought this was an appropriate place to ask 2 simple questions. If this is not the place to ask questions, may I ask what the purpose of this forum is?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by BCVNovember
Gail - You do sound snotty. I didn't even ask if I would be boarded early. I am doing my best to "do your homework" and thought this was an appropriate place to ask 2 simple questions. If this is not the place to ask questions, may I ask what the purpose of this forum is?

I was not trying to be snotty and the comments were for everyone and certainly NOT directed at you. Unfortunately, I did not write a separate post with those comments.

I know you did not ask to be boarded early, I was telling you would most probably be boarded early cause of the little one.

Just like everything else in this world, it is up to you to "do your homework", there are, as you know, a ton of resources out there, you just have to find them or ask questions.

Which part of the " or ask questions" did you not understand?

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by BCVNovember
I have 2 questions. First, this is the first time I've travelled with web reservations, ie., without paper tickets. Can I still check-in curbside with a skycap if I don't have paper tickets?

Second, and this is more rhetorical, what if a family with youngish children ends up with "C" tickets. Does SWA really feel that it is okay to have a 5 year old separated from her family because they didn't get to the airport early enough, or will they work with the family and other passengers to try to get the child next to at least one family member?

Thanks!

1) Your photo ID is enough for the skycap, print a copy of your itinerary just in case.

2) SWA (and other passengers) will work with you (I've seen them "bribe" passengers with free drink coupons to move) BUT TO ANSWER YOUR RHETORICAL QUESTION SWA SHOULD assume that IF IT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE FAMILY that they sit together THE FAMILY will make sure to get to the airport early enough to get an A or B boarding.

Gail really wasn't being "snotty", situation really isn't any different from a passenger that checks in late for a sold out flight A standby passenger got your seat and you're out of luck.

The "cattle car" seating is not a secret, some people get to the airport more than 2 hours early to ensure better seating.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Lewisc
1) Your photo ID is enough for the skycap, print a copy of your itinerary just in case.

2) SWA (and other passengers) will work with you (I've seen them "bribe" passengers with free drink coupons to move) BUT TO ANSWER YOUR RHETORICAL QUESTION SWA SHOULD assume that IF IT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE FAMILY that they sit together THE FAMILY will make sure to get to the airport early enough to get an A or B boarding.

Gail really wasn't being "snotty", situation really isn't any different from a passenger that checks in late for a sold out flight A standby passenger got your seat and you're out of luck.

The "cattle car" seating is not a secret, some people get to the airport more than 2 hours early to ensure better seating.

Thanks Lewis, I did not want to sound snotty, that is why I prefaced my comments. Happily, you understood what the preface was about.

Let me give you a "what if" question. Would you, after getting to the airport 2 hours or more early and receiving an A pass for you and your wife, move to accomodate someone who strolled in within the time limits with their children and expected that even if they are late someone will move? Frankly, I am not sure I would.
With my luck I would get cramped in a middle seat between two people who should have purchased two seats OR someone with a cranky kid.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
[BLet me give you a "what if" question. Would you, after getting to the airport 2 hours or more early and receiving an A pass for you and your wife, move to accomodate someone who strolled in within the time limits with their children and expected that even if they are late someone will move? Frankly, I am not sure I would.
With my luck I would get cramped in a middle seat between two people who should have purchased two seats OR someone with a cranky kid. [/B]

Give you (or me) enough free drink coupons and before long I may not care if was next to a cranky kid.