Southwest...Changing Planes and Seating

[momto1]

We fly from Chicago to Orlando next week changing plances in Nashville. We have never had to change planes on Southwest before and are wondering how the seating will work. Say...we check in at Chicago as B1. What are we when we get to Nashville? B1 or do we get a second boarding number or ???? My husband is worried that we will get the seats left after others board. He is 6'7" so you can see his concern - he doesn't want a middle seat!

So...can someone please tell me how changing planes and boarding works? TIA!
Lori

 

[clanmcculloch]

Your boarding position for your second flight will be assigned at the same time as your boarding position for your first flight is assigned. If you are checking in a T-24 then you're actually checking in for your second leg earlier than people who are waiting to check in to that flight at T-24 because that time hasn't come yet for them (second flight leaves later). You should get a pretty good boarding position, right after those who paid for EBCI. If you payed for EBCI then you'll get a boarding position before those on the second leg who paid for EBCI because you'll be checked in earlier than even them. Boarding position on the second leg shouldn't be an issue.

The problem you might have will be more related to whether or not they've begun boarding your second flight when you get there. Boarding won't be held if your first flight is running late or there's just not enough time to get there for the beginning of boarding. If they've passed your boarding position then you'll just go up to the gate agent with your boarding pass to show that you should already be able to board but seats will be occupied already. How much time do you have between legs?

 

[corster]

When you check in, you'll be assigned the first available boarding numbers on both your first and second flights.

So you could be B on your first flight but A on your second.

It's been a few years since i've flew Southwest, but if it hasn't changed, you're actually in a better position making a connection since you can check in for both your flights 24 hours before your first flight, whereas people flying on the second plane can't check in until 24 hours before that flight departs. (so you can check in earlier than they can).

Of course, if your first flight is late, and you run to the gate and the A's or B's have already boarded, that's where you get stuck with whatever's left.

 

[momto1]

Thank you both! That makes sense and is good to know! We have 30 minutes between scheduled landing and scheduled departure. I am just hoping the SW is running late that day and this leg of the trip is smooth!

Thanks again!
Lori

 

[Geomom]

Just a warning, if your connection is a 'continueing flight', there will already be people on the plane.

I haven't changed planes with Southwest for 5 years, but we have had the 1 stop/no plane change. We were told to stay in our seats while they counted us, and then other people boarded.

 

[momto1]

Hmmmm...I don't know if it is a continuing flight. Do you know if there is a way I can check on the SW site? Thanks!
Lori

 

[Thumper_Man]

When booking the flights, it will tell you when you select your times. It will give you the depart time, arrival time, flight number and routing. Under routing it will tell you if you have any stops, how many stops and where you will have to (or if you will have to) change planes.

 

[ccgirl]

Thank you both! That makes sense and is good to know! We have 30 minutes between scheduled landing and scheduled departure. I am just hoping the SW is running late that day and this leg of the trip is smooth!

Thanks again!
Lori

That is cutting it close. Remember, they start boarding approx. 15 minutes before the departure time and it will take time to deplane from your previous flight.

Just a warning, if your connection is a 'continueing flight', there will already be people on the plane.

I haven't changed planes with Southwest for 5 years, but we have had the 1 stop/no plane change. We were told to stay in our seats while they counted us, and then other people boarded.

That's what I was going to say. If it is a continuing flight people will already be on the plane. This is the reason I will only fly nonstop with my children on SW.

 

[malibuconlee]

With only 30 minutes for connection I would plan on the plane to have already begun boarding before you get to your gate. Hope you get in early and go with it. Have a fun trip.

 

[sue Z]

any time i fly swa and have to make connections i try and get flights that connect 1hr or more that way I dont have to rush to next gate just incase they are not nearby