Southwest seating and changing planes...

[Dallas_Lady]

We have flown Southwest before but always direct flights where I don't have to change planes. This time we have one connection and I'm really worried about the seating. With the way airfares are now there weren't any other affordable choices.

Here's our flights (on a Friday in June):
-Dallas to New Orleans 6:15am to 7:35am This is the first leg for this flight.
-New Orleans to Orlando 8:35am to 11:25am This flight originates in Houston at 7:05am

What are the chances that the Houston flight is full and we'll be stuck scattered around the plane in 4 middle seats? What's your "seating strategy" on Southwest? DH and I also can't decide how we should sit. Southwest planes are all 3 seats together (I think) so I'm thinking we should sit ABC-D with the kids being in AB so they have easy window access. DH wants to do it BC-DE with the kids taking the middle seats and he and I on the isles.

This is our first time flying as a family of four, so I'm a little stressed about the logistics

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Will the Houston flight be full? Who knows?

All Southwest planes have a 3-3 configuration. If the seats are empty, I'd chose your seating plan. Otherwise, you'll just have to see what is open when you board.

 

[francie57]

You should be able to print out your boarding passes for each leg at the 24 hours mark so you would know the numbers before hand. You also have the choice of paying for the early boarding option which would probably give you better odds at good numbers for all of you.

 

[dancin Disney style]

People will be getting off in NO....there will be open seats for your family. You could be split up though. I would think that its pretty safe to think that you will get two seats and two seats.

Given the choice of seats I would sit with all four across...A thru D. This gives you more freedom to move the kids around if needed.

 

[WizardLarz]

As a Family with a small ones you get early boarding so finding seats should not be to bad. I'm with you ABC-D. Dad by himself. Mom with the kids.

 

[Friendly Frog]

Editing this post because I realize that your real concern is the plane change onto a flight from Houston.

Since you need 4 across-I definitely think you have the best seating idea!- I can see your concern. My guess is that you will be fine if you don't mind sitting in the back of the plane. Most people move forward after a stop. Then again, if you get on a plane with two kids and mumble loudly that you hope you can find seats three together so that the kids don't have to sit next to someone...I bet a single would move for you.

Good luck!

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

I have never flown SW so I can't help you with your question there, but when we only had 2 kids we would always sit 1 kid and 1 adult next to each other. In case of an emergency it would just be better in my eyes to have 1 adult be in charge of 1 kid each and not having to worry.
Now we have 4 kids. We sit 1 adult, 1 small kid and 1 older kid in a row. My older kids are very seasoned fliers so they help out a ton with the younger 2.


Sarah

 

[Mkrop]

If you check in at the 36 hour mark at with EBCI or at the 24 hour mark, you will get boarding numbers for both legs of your trip. So you will board with whatever you are assigned just as if it was a direct flight. The only time you would have an issue is if your first flight is delayed.

And never assume someone will move for you, even if it is for kids.

We always sat with both kids with me, and DH on the aisle seat right next to me.

 

[S'sMom]

We have flown Southwest before but always direct flights where I don't have to change planes. This time we have one connection and I'm really worried about the seating. With the way airfares are now there weren't any other affordable choices.

Here's our flights (on a Friday in June):
-Dallas to New Orleans 6:15am to 7:35am This is the first leg for this flight.
-New Orleans to Orlando 8:35am to 11:25am This flight originates in Houston at 7:05am

What are the chances that the Houston flight is full and we'll be stuck scattered around the plane in 4 middle seats? What's your "seating strategy" on Southwest? DH and I also can't decide how we should sit. Southwest planes are all 3 seats together (I think) so I'm thinking we should sit ABC-D with the kids being in AB so they have easy window access. DH wants to do it BC-DE with the kids taking the middle seats and he and I on the isles.

This is our first time flying as a family of four, so I'm a little stressed about the logistics

I think what the others have said makes sense. We have flown SW with the kids once and were able to get seats really close. It was also an early flight. We also paid for the early bird check in. I didnt think it would be worth it, but it turned out ok. I think checking in early, might ease some of the concerns.

If for some reason sitting together is not possible for whatever reason, try to sit two / two. I am sure that it will all work out.

 

[kaytieeldr]

As a Family with a small ones you get early boarding so finding seats should not be to bad. I'm with you ABC-D. Dad by himself. Mom with the kids.

Without knowing the ages of the Oap's children, this shouldn't be stated as an absolute; plus, even though it's Southwest's policy to board immediate families with children four and under between the A and B groups, that sometimes gets suspended.

If either of the kids is a kicker or will be in a car seat (this latter will need to be placed in the window seat or at least not blocking anyone not in your party), I'd suggest two pairs of seats, one immediately behind the other. Put the kicker/car seat behind the other adult or other child in your party.

Respectfully, why mom with the kids? Why not dad, and mom with a little break for an hour or so? Anyway, this may all be moot if the first flight is late arriving.

 

[Hannathy]

Each of my kids always wanted a window so when they were little like under 5 we always say 2 and 2 with a child at the window. Once they got in school both kids and my DH would make a bee line for a window and sat where ever they found a window and I sat usually with the youngest.

With kids I would always try for a window for each, they always like to look out and it can keep them occupied while on the ground especially.