Southwest and kids and sitting together

[Finally08]

Once or twice we've even had flight attendants walk up & down the aisle to ask if anyone would switch seats so a parent can sit with their child. Somebody always did so it worked out.

I was going to ask if this was an option.
I have flown once in my life...and it was 1st class (contest type thing). No one else in my family has ever flown.
I was debating flying for our next trip to WDW, it would be only me and my dd (who will be newly 7 by then).
I know she would CRY if she was seated away from me, especially with it being her first time on a plane. I think even if she were comfortable flying, she would still be very upset to be separated from me.
I didn't know this was how SW worked (obviously I have no experience booking a flight) but wow....

 

[*Seanaci*]

The OPs kids are 10 and 14. The FA is unlikely to ask for volunteers to switch when the kids are that old.

Wow. You seem so sure of things.

I was going to ask if this was an option.
I have flown once in my life...and it was 1st class (contest type thing). No one else in my family has ever flown.
I was debating flying for our next trip to WDW, it would be only me and my dd (who will be newly 7 by then).
I know she would CRY if she was seated away from me, especially with it being her first time on a plane. I think even if she were comfortable flying, she would still be very upset to be separated from me.
I didn't know this was how SW worked (obviously I have no experience booking a flight) but wow....

Personally, I don't think it would hurt to ask an FA for help having people switch seats should you not find seats together. It's always better to ask and have the FA flat out tell you no, than not ask and have the kind FA who will ask until she/he finds you seats together (because some KIND person is willing to switch so you and your child can sit together).

And OP, if I were you, I'd pay the $40 extra for EBCI. Just think, if you were flying another airline, that fee would pay to check just ONE bag. It'd be worth it for me to know that I'll be sitting with my kids.

Also, I have seen at some airports that no matter what policy is stated on the airlines site, some GA's will let families board during family boarding no matter the age of the kids (especially if there are a lot of families flying).

 

[bumbershoot]

I didn't know this was how SW worked (obviously I have no experience booking a flight) but wow....

Do NOT worry about this!

I've flown SW for ages, and many times with my son, who is only 6 now, and there has NEVER been a problem. Not even when our original flight was canceled about 20 minutes before it was supposed to depart and we were put on a different flight leaving in 5 minutes...we still had seats right next to each other. NO worries, IMO.


This sort of thing is worth *thinking* about and developing your strategy, but it's NOT worth actually worrying about.



I agree 100% (100 million, actually, but that's just silly) with NotUrsula about liking how SW does it more than other airlines. If you look around this board for a few weeks, you'll see time after time that other airlines will switch aircrafts around (thereby disrupting the seat you chose when you booked), they'll have random glitches (thereby disrupting the seat you chose when you booked), all sorts of things can cause you to lose that seat that you "chose" when you booked! I flew the "old" airlines a lot when I was single, and I was constantly having my seat changed by the time I got checked in at the airport. It was maddening!

So to me, SW actually lets you CHOOSE your seat. Once you're there, you're there (unless you sit in an exit row with your child, then ya gotta move).

 

[maxiesmom]

I was going to ask if this was an option.
I have flown once in my life...and it was 1st class (contest type thing). No one else in my family has ever flown.
I was debating flying for our next trip to WDW, it would be only me and my dd (who will be newly 7 by then).
I know she would CRY if she was seated away from me, especially with it being her first time on a plane. I think even if she were comfortable flying, she would still be very upset to be separated from me.
I didn't know this was how SW worked (obviously I have no experience booking a flight) but wow....

Keep in mind that if you don't fly Southwest you will most likely be able to pay for your seat assignments and pick exactly where you sit on the plane. So if you decide to go with a different airline, be on the lookout for that!

 

[goofy4tink]

Bottom line??? If being seated with your children/group is that important to you, and you are overly concerned about this, then perhaps SW isn't going to be the right airline for you.
SW gives us some great fares, but those come at a cost. You can't fly cheaply and get all the bells and whistles. That's just the way life is.
Trying to tell airlines that children under 10 shouldn't have to sit alone??? Not going to fly. Not worrying about when you check in and then having a FA make others move so you can sit with your child? Nope again. Either book with an airline that you can choose your seats on when booking, or pay for EBCI and get a lower boarding group in order to be sure of getting seats together.

Understand the policies an airline has and then work within those policies.

 

[topolskis]

Lots of good advice. (Willie's post at beginning of thread is right on). You shoudn't have to pay for early bird check-in. Check-in right at 24 hrs in advance.

Also, spring break in Orlando. When leaving - get to airport 2 hours in advance when you leave. I've seen lines outside to check-in.

 

[goofy4tink]

Lots of good advice. (Willie's post at beginning of thread is right on). You shoudn't have to pay for early bird check-in. Check-in right at 24 hrs in advance.

Also, spring break in Orlando. When leaving - get to airport 2 hours in advance when you leave. I've seen lines outside to check-in.

With so many people using EBCI, heading to and from MCO, those that checkin at the 24 hr window are finding that they are getting spaces in the mid-B group. Usually there is no issue with finding seats together unless you are flying with a group larger than 4.

As far as getting to MCO 2 hrs before flight departure, that has always been the recommended time. BUT, with spring break, it might be a good idea to up that a bit...especially if you aren't able to use RAC and have to check your own bags there...that can add a significant amount of time. And security can be a nightmare. I last traveled home, from MCO to Boston, on a weekday morning....the line for security was ridiculous...I was in line for about 25 mins or so. So, it's going to be worse during spring break...plan accordingly.

 

[brymolmom]

I was going to ask if this was an option.
I have flown once in my life...and it was 1st class (contest type thing). No one else in my family has ever flown.
I was debating flying for our next trip to WDW, it would be only me and my dd (who will be newly 7 by then).
I know she would CRY if she was seated away from me, especially with it being her first time on a plane. I think even if she were comfortable flying, she would still be very upset to be separated from me.
I didn't know this was how SW worked (obviously I have no experience booking a flight) but wow....

I have a 7 year old (6 on last flight) and an 8 year old - I always prepare them that 'maybe' we won't be able to sit right next to each other. I think prepared kids are better off. STill, my 7 year old would be VERY sad if it happened - my 8 year old would likely be fine. But still much easier to explain it to them upfront than when you're standing there on the plane.

It wasn't a 7 year old - but last time we flew the FA's didn't bat an eye when a dad was standing in the aisle basically saying 'are there any together for me and my son' - the son appeared to be between 10 and 12 years old. They did not end up sitting together.

Definitely pay for EBCI if it would be horrible if you ended up apart.

 

[Lewisc]

Also, on the way we stopped in Baltimore a family of 5 (2A, 3K) got on and could not find seats together. One of the little girls, I'm guessing she was 6, sat across the isle from me and she was just fine. Her dad was 2 rows behind and her big sister was directly behind her. The dad could see both girls the whole time.

Wow. You seem so sure of things.

A few posts before your comment. A 6 year old was split. OPs kids are 10 and 14.

I'm pretty sure flights to MCO are filled with families. I'm pretty sure even adults want to sit together.

 

[maxiesmom]

As far as getting to MCO 2 hrs before flight departure, that has always been the recommended time. BUT, with spring break, it might be a good idea to up that a bit...especially if you aren't able to use RAC and have to check your own bags there...that can add a significant amount of time. And security can be a nightmare. I last traveled home, from MCO to Boston, on a weekday morning....the line for security was ridiculous...I was in line for about 25 mins or so. So, it's going to be worse during spring break...plan accordingly.

The security line was about 25 minutes last year when I was at WDW for Spring Break.

I agree too that the OP may want to arrive a little earlier than the recommended 2 hours, especially having kids along. You really don't want to feel panicked that you may miss your flight as you get in that long security line.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I pay for the early check-in for my own peace of mind, but that's a personal choice. I also don't think my kids would have a huge problem with sitting apart from me if necessary (well, maybe DS5 would--NOT my DS13, though!).

I've switched seats to let a mom sit with her child. She just asked me politely. I think he was ~8. It sucked for me--I had the middle seat in the last row, with plenty of bathroom traffic and no recline. But I figured it was a karma thing--you never know when I might be dependent on the kindness of another mom, right?

 

[LisaS]

Just want to reinforce the message about getting to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Getting an "A" boarding pass doesn't help you if you get to your gate after most of the passengers have already boarded the flight. With airlines that offer assigned seats your seat might still be open for you even if you are the last person to board the plane. With Southwest, you need to be at the gate before your boarding group is called or you lose the benefit of having checked in 24 hours in advance or paying for EBCI. The system works well because it motivates people to get to the gate well in advance of boarding, ensuring that planes can be loaded quickly and take off on time.

 

[LSchrow]

we don't give up our seats so easily any longer....
not too long ago, a mom and dad with an infant asked us for one of our seats (we had gotten up early to get our boarding passes so we could sit together). since it was just DH and me, DH gave up his seat.
once they sat down and started chatting with one another, we realized that there were 2 grandparents and 4 other aunts and uncles in the adjoining seats - who did NOT give up their position.
yes, it was nice that their entire extended family could sit together, but blatantly inconsiderate that they would ask a stranger to forego their family's companionship when they wouldn't even do it for one another.

i hate to think i'm getting hard-hearted, but i am getting tired of the many ppl who arrive at the last minute, who didn't bother getting up early to get their BP, and/or didn't want to pay for EBCI - who then expect others to give up sitting with their family.

this was not directed at any poster, but has become the sentiment of many travelers. anyone who is considering SWA should know their options (very well listed here), and take advantage of everything they can do to secure their family's comfort, without inconveniencing total strangers.

 

[Danibelle]

The OPs kids are 10 and 14. The FA is unlikely to ask for volunteers to switch when the kids are that old.

The FA's ask only if the child is very small. If you must sit together, better to spring for Early Bird.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I'm so glad I read this thread.

With SW and Airtran merging, it will really be helpful to know how the boarding process works.

I'll be able to make informed decisions about which to fly - SW or Delta.
Thanks for starting this thread, OP.

 

[jemmouse]

My own opinion. I would never want to be separate from my child on a plane, now given there might be an age were they want to be separate from me. but if there are any issues on the plane NO ONE is going to care for your child like a parent would. My husband is a traveller fro work and has given up his seat countless times. I realize we all like to have the ideal seat BUT planes can be scary for some and just because they are 10- whatever age doesn't mean that they aren't afraid or nervous. heck I am 39 and am nervous every time I fly and yes I am the one who claps when we land.

I also agree with perhaps getting the early bird check in. We book our seats with my husband and son on one set and pay for the upgrade for them and then I just board on wherever my 24 hour dictates to me, A, B, or C. That way I don't pay, plus I am usually running around buying drinks. So we are safe they board and hold my seat.

Bottom line is I do believe parents NEED to sit with their children, for countless reasons....

 

[azdizzymom]

Yes kids do need to sit with parents , but parents also need to realize having kids doesn't make them special. Just because you have kids, especially young ones doesn't make you exempt from having to pay extra for seats (e.g. Airtran) or EBCI on Southwest if it is important and you can't hit the 24 hour mark. So many people just expect others to move for them or act like having the kids dictates that others have to move especially when that other person has paid for their seat or kept track and watched for the plane or seat changing.

Most people going to Disney are families and people try to cut costs by not paying for seats or doing EBCI if they can't hit the mark. We all want to sit by our kids 'just in case'. Mine are teenagers and have flown since they were 6 weeks old but we all sit together....this next trip we have aisles across in 2 rows and I would not move. Now my husband might but one of us will sit with our kids. BUT I would never ask anyone to move for us and the seat we moved to would have to be similar...aisle for aisle , etc. I wouldn't do aisle for middle or window. If we didn't have seats together we'd be fine though....

Parents need to be proactive if it is important to sit together. Kids are always nervous about flying (my youngest who is 14 hates taking off and landing). If it is important to sit together BUY SEATS AHEAD when you are able to, check constantly for changes even when you do have seats, check in right at 24 hour mark for SW if you don't do EBCI. If you don't have seats get to the airport early and be polite to gate attendant. Don't demand they seat you together or threaten. If you still don't have seats together when you get on plane nicely ask someone if they will move...don't even joke about how your kid will act if they don't move.

Also, when you have older kids (over the age limit for preboarding) don't try and get on...you only look stupid. It is amazing how people with 6, 7, etc. year olds preboard. We just sit back and watch and laugh. Although these are probably the older kids in strollers at Disney.

Lots of people have kids so having them doesn't make you any different than the rest of us! Now if there were a family with small kids my view would probably change and one or two of us would move around as long as we were asked nicely but people need to realize someone doesn't have to do anything.

 

[goofy4tink]

There have been many threads about seating on SW flights. And for the most part, those threads have gone downhill..rapidly. This one is headed that way.
So...with that in mind....here's the thing, IMHO...
Many people have children, and a lot of them fly to WDW. And a lot of them fly on SW because there are great fares. And there are also a lot of adults flying as well...without children.
If you are a parent, then you need to plan accordingly. Having children means you need to plan ahead...for many things, not just flying. We all realize this. So, it follows that parents want to be seated with their children...I know I do, and did. But this means parents have to do what needs to be done in order to pretty much ensure being seated together. If that means you pay for EBCI, then that's what you do. If it means you checkin at the 24 hr window, that's what you do. If it means you have to be at the gate, in your spot, ready to go rather than walking around the terminal, then that's what you do.
You can not depend on others to move to allow you to be seated with your family/child. That's not fair to just assume someone will move for you. I have reasons for choosing the seat I'm in. I may very well have paid extra for EBCI in order to get the seat I want.
I have moved for someone in the past. But, I have also just sat there, while the FA begged people to move around so that a mother could be seated with her child (about 5 or so) that I had watched walking around the terminal, and just showed up at the gate as they were getting ready to close the doors!! Seriously??? You walk around, ignoring boarding calls for about 30 mins and then want people to move?

I've been on Airtan flights with a family that was clueless...had never flown before and had no idea how seating worked. I had a window seat, with the other two seats empty and offered to give up my seat (that I had chosen prior to boarding and paid for) so that some of the family could sit together. But the FA found another area to seat them in.
I will move in some cases but not all. It really is up to the parents to do all that they can do in order to be with their kids.

I really don't want this thread to turn into an 'adults' vs 'families with kids' issue. So, please try to keep that in mind.

 

[yrdlyprincess]

for us as long as we are sitting 2 and 2 we are fine...mine are 10 and 6 and we pay for the early bird fro at least 2 of us in case I have something whenthe 24 hour mark comes... that at least 2 are together... the flight was 1st thing in the morning from philly and it was filled to capacity...fun flight though..though DD was going to throw up and I hadnt sleep in 24 hrs..good luck!

 

[rdevine10]

In april we will take our 1st flights with southwest with kids. we have used them before (kidless). I will admit I am nervous about the seating, but when I booked they were far more cost effective than anyone else!

That being said, I did spring for the early boarding pass thing for our trip down as we have to change planes. We are traveling with a 5 and 8 year old. I only have hopes that there is a least 1 adult with 1 child (which is how we sit when I pay for tickets, although I keep our rows back to back). And worst case, I know my 8 year old would be OK without an adult... its the 5 year old who I am mostly concerned about. Im pretty confident one of us will be able to get a 2 seats next to each other.

The way home we are flying home direct, on a Wendesday, past the prime of spring break. I will just check in at the 24 hour mark (we will have internet access). We will see how it goes. My preferred airline is Jet Blue. We used to fly air tran before all of the luggage fees. But for the savings, I was willing to deal with this "annoyance".