Southwest stressing!

[My2Girls66]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
I hope you have a WONDERFUL time!!!! I booked my flights for Sept. a couple of weeks ago. When I see good ones, I grab them.

Thank you so much!
Someday I'll be able to do that! Take advantage of those $49 fares. For now, tho, we are on the school systems schedule.
Did you get the $49 one?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by My2Girls66
Thank you so much!
Someday I'll be able to do that! Take advantage of those $49 fares. For now, tho, we are on the school systems schedule.
Did you get the $49 one?

Yes, yes I did. We are leaving from Providence. I would rather Bradley, but, oh, well, it is not that much further.

 

[My2Girls66]

We did that once- went out of Providence. Over $100 savings per ticket. Wasn't bad. I grew up in Glastonbury, Ct., so we know Bradley, pretty well.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by My2Girls66
We did that once- went out of Providence. Over $100 savings per ticket. Wasn't bad. I grew up in Glastonbury, Ct., so we know Bradley, pretty well.

In this case it is a savings of 64.50 each. I will take the 129.00 savings (which after gas and parking will be a wash, lol. I don't have to pay to park at Bradley), but, I am hoping that Bdl opens up with the same cheapie fares. You never know, it has happened for me each time. Worst case, I fly out of PVD.

 

[Blondiex46]

When I fly US air a couple of weeks ago they were letting all people with kids get on early. OUt of Philly my daughter and the twins who are 10 got on early and people were switching seats with other passengers to get to sit together and everyone (passengers) were quite responsive to that, no problems at all.

 

[My2Girls66]

We just got back- flew Song for the 1st time. The Direct Tv at each seat is GREAT for the kids!! They have music stations and many TV channels- Animal Planet, History, Travel, Cnn, Cartoon Net. etc.....You can buy a movie for $5- we had Brother Bear and another choice. There is a channel to track the airplane- stats as to how high, fast- you are. For some reason I forgot to get my seats when I booked so I had to do it at the airport. They were great at getting the kids seated with at least 1 parent(me). It took her an hour but she did it. I learned my lesson- get my seat assignments when buying the tickets for now on!!!
No snack mix anymore My DD was bummed! She loves that stuff! They serve drinks(non-alcoholic) for free- everything else(snacks/meals you have to buy separately).

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Blondiex46
When I fly US air a couple of weeks ago they were letting all people with kids get on early. OUt of Philly my daughter and the twins who are 10 got on early and people were switching seats with other passengers to get to sit together and everyone (passengers) were quite responsive to that, no problems at all.

No offense intended here, but, that would have really pi**ed me off, especially if I was there very early, like I normally am. Kids over 5 can learn to wait in line with everyone else. This is of couse assuming your daughter is over 4.

 

[safetymom]

US Airways is usually pretty strict with the pre boards. Also if it is a flight going to Florida they sometimes suspend the preboard for families since there are so many of them.

Most businessmen and women are not fond of seat switching so this must have happened on a weekend.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by safetymom
US Airways is usually pretty strict with the pre boards. Also if it is a flight going to Florida they sometimes suspend the preboard for families since there are so many of them.

Most businessmen and women are not fond of seat switching so this must have happened on a weekend.

Add to that, couples who get to the airport and expect not to have to switch.

 

[My2Girls66]

Are more airlines besides SWA not assigning seats when purchasing tickets? It seems like a no brainer to have assignments made ahead of time as to avoid problems at the gate or do like SW does and do 1st come 1st serve. If they assign seats as people book their flights- its basically the same thing- the earlier you buy(or as SWA does- earlier you get to the airport)- the better the chance you have of getting seats together. When flying with kids- book your flights early.

 

[safetymom]

I haven't heard of any recent changes in seat assignments. I know with USAirways you can make your seat assignments when you buy the tickets.

I am one of those that wouldn't move. I picked the seat I wanted when I bought the ticket. Why should I have to move to a less desirable seat because of someone else???????

 

[My2Girls66]

Originally posted by safetymom
I haven't heard of any recent changes in seat assignments. I know with USAirways you can make your seat assignments when you buy the tickets.

Thats good. I think its better to book early and pick your seats. I've always done that. This last trip was my screw up. I booked over the phone and the guy I was talking to was in India and I couldn't undestand 1/2 of what he was saying. He told me that they'd assign the seats at the gate. I should have known better- we fly 2-3 times a year. I really didn't want to deal with him anymore. I should have called back til I got an English speaking person and had the seats assigned then. I usually book online and choose my seats then. I will definitely do that from now on!

 

[safetymom]

Most times if you can't pick a seat it is because the plane is nearing capacity. The Gate agent does have some seats they can assign for families or handicapped people. Then you need to get to the airport early.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by safetymom
I haven't heard of any recent changes in seat assignments. I know with USAirways you can make your seat assignments when you buy the tickets.

I am one of those that wouldn't move. I picked the seat I wanted when I bought the ticket. Why should I have to move to a less desirable seat because of someone else???????

Because Mom and Dad don't want precious child to not be between them. You do know it is all about their children, right?

 

[safetymom]

Don't get me started. Everyone has a chance to get the seats they want by booking early. I don't like someone that just tries to muscle in because they want that seat.

Before anyone says anything Yes I have children.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by safetymom
Don't get me started. Everyone has a chance to get the seats they want by booking early. I don't like someone that just tries to muscle in because they want that seat.

Before anyone says anything Yes I have children.

I have children (and grandchildren) also. I also managed to book early to get the seats necessary to be together.

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

I'm almost afraid to ask this question, as some of you seem quite sensitive about children pre-boarding, but here goes:

I will be flying solo with my 5 kids on SWA this July from Chicago Midway to MCO(dh can't go this time). Their ages are 16, 7, 7, 4, and 1 (lap). I will assume that we will all be allowed to pre-board together because of the 4 yr old and the baby.

Do all SWA planes have the 3 seats-center aisle-3 seats configuration? If so, do you think we would be better off picking seats all the way across the plane (in which case, which seat would we leave open?) OR 3 together with 2 more in front or behind?

Since I'm the only adult, will the 4 yr old need to sit next to me, or could he sit next to dd16? I will have the baby on my lap.

Any advice most welcome!

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by momtotwinglesx4
Any advice most welcome!

Call SW and find out the price for an infant fare (not available on the web). Safer (and easier) if you get a seat for the 1 year old. The seating configuration is 3 and 3. Get singles for tips. With all those kids you'll probably need skycaps.

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

Get singles for tips. With all those kids you'll probably need skycaps. [/B]

Nah! I plan on packing *really* light! Plus I have a 16 y/o pack mule.

 

[safetymom]

Most likely you will be able to preboard because of the lap child. If it is a flight with a lot of families they will let you preboard because of the baby.