Southwest Business Class???

[Muppetfan3]

Okay, so with the recent of buzz of the Kevin Smith incident, my DH and I were a little taken back because we are "customers of size", I suppose (although we've never had issues getting the armrests down) - and we have recently booked airline tickets on Southwest, but they are business class. From my understanding, this puts you first in line for the cattle call and gets you a premium drink. Now, I haven't flown Southwest in more than 10 years and I was a good 25 lbs. lighter then (pre-baby), but I thought it was pretty comfortable then.

Anyway....should I be worried? If you're asking, there are 3 of us traveling, my DH and I plus our DD. I've read the policies up and down and my guess right now is it's so arbitrary.

I realize their is another thread going about this topic. But, what I wanted to know is if anyone has had encounters or negative experiences on SWA? And, has anyone flown Business Class?

Should I stick with our plans or worry? I was hoping this would be a great flight, it's direct and hopefully will be enjoyable. I understand this whole thing with Kevin Smith has sparked a lot of controversy. What I want to know is have other people, non-celebrity, encountered these issues?

Thanks in advance.

I just want to see the mouse and quit seeing all this snow!!

 

[pamjb]

The only perk to Business Class on SW is the early boarding and free drink. There is no separate business class seating. You will just get first choice of the seats.
I have flown SW several times over the past several years. And my weight has fluctuated between 170 and 240 lbs. I have never, been denied boarding on any of my flights. I can put my armrests down. Truthfully, I had less room on a Delta flight that I took in October.
This is a policy that has always been there. Is there arbitrary enforcement? Yes. I haven't even ever seen a passenger removed, except on the TV show that southwest used to have.
It seems that SW is the only airline that has a "policy" while the others have "informal policies"
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26158641/#storyContinued

 

[Muppetfan3]

ok, thanks. That was what I was thinking...first choice in boarding. So, I am assuming it is worth it that we paid for business select tickets in the first place? We were just hoping we would get 3 seats together as a family. Thanks for the reassurance. Hopefully our flights will be enjoyable. I appreciate the info.

 

[pamjb]

I never buy the Business fare and have always been able to sit with my family. But, I do work from home and can be next to my computer to check in at the 24 hour mark. Even since the Early Bird Check in option (never used) I have been able to sit with my group of 6 in the middle of the plane.
If the only reason you purchased Business Select was for the guarantee of seating together, you could of saved yourself some $$ and just purchased Early Bird.

 

[Muppetfan3]

ahh, thank you very much for the fyi....that is good

 

[goofy4tink]

I buy business class with SW if there is any chance I might not be flying. It costs a lot more, but it is fully refundable. You do get boarding passes in the A1-15 section, which means that only medical preboards will board before you...also unaccompanied minors. So, even if you pay for business class, you may not be able to get the first few rows.

We have always been able to sit together. Has never been an issue. We are flying SW this summer, but will do EBCI this time around, both ways. That way I don't have to worry about being online at that 24 hr mark.