SW familly boarding question

[busymomma123]

We did not pay for the early bird check in for South West since we do have an 18 month old. Do I understand this correctly that those with children under 4 are boarded early? My question is will it be just me with our DD or our entire family getting to board under family boarding? It me DH, four kids and Grandma. We have only flew SW once and that was before they changed the boarding procedure.

 

[Danibelle]

You can check in 24 hrs prior to your departure. If you get 'A' boarding group, you will all board together by number. If you get 'B' or 'C' boarding, one adult will be able to board with 18 mo old between 'A' and 'B' boarding groups. The rest of your party will board by their group and number. The SW website has a link to their 'boarding school' which explains all this. I think you will want to check in right at the 24 hr mark. Hope this helps!

 

[tjmw2727]

Your best bet is to check at or as close to T24 and try and get A boarding passes. Family boarding is now after medical pre-boards and the A group but before the B group and limited to one adult with each child under 4. The rest of the family will board according to their boarding pass.

SWA has a great section on the website explaining the procedure at

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/airport-experience/boarding-school/

From SWA boarding school:

"An adult traveling with a child four years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs between the "A" and "B" boarding groups. However, those Customers holding an "A" boarding pass should still board with the "A" boarding group."

 

[taymorel]

Family boarding is in between "A" and "B" boarding. Whenever we don't get in the A group, we board before the B group and it has always been smooth boarding with our son.


caroline

 

[busymomma123]

As long as I check in around the 24 hour mark, I can try to get into the A group. That will be no problem for the way down, but coming home will be a bit harder, since it would be around 3 in the afternoon. We will probably be in the parks then. Could I upgrade to the automatic check in for the just the way home?

 

[dburg30]

As long as I check in around the 24 hour mark, I can try to get into the A group. That will be no problem for the way down, but coming home will be a bit harder, since it would be around 3 in the afternoon. We will probably be in the parks then. Could I upgrade to the automatic check in for the just the way home?

Yes, early bird checkin is available per person, per each way of trip.

 

[tjmw2727]

As long as I check in around the 24 hour mark, I can try to get into the A group. That will be no problem for the way down, but coming home will be a bit harder, since it would be around 3 in the afternoon. We will probably be in the parks then. Could I upgrade to the automatic check in for the just the way home?

Yes you can definately do the EBCI just one way - we usually do just that, check in at T24 on the way out and then use EBCI for the return. Just go to the website and choose the early bird option for the flight and then passengers.

You can also check in at any disney guest services - either at the parks parks or resorts, use a web enabled cellphone or have a trusted family member check you in from home. This will secure your boarding pass group and numbers and then print the actual boarding passes when you get to the airport.

 

[busymomma123]

You guys are great. Thank you so much for your help.

 

[At World's End]

You can also check in at any disney guest services - either at the parks parks or resorts, use a web enabled cellphone or have a trusted family member check you in from home. This will secure your boarding pass group and numbers and then print the actual boarding passes when you get to the airport.

Just want to make sure I'm understanding this.

I'm staying offsite without a computer. Can I go to guest services at the park and use their computer to check in for my flight? Or is this only if you are staying onsite?

 

[dburg30]

Just want to make sure I'm understanding this.

I'm staying offsite without a computer. Can I go to guest services at the park and use their computer to check in for my flight? Or is this only if you are staying onsite?

Have your conf# and they will happily check you in and print your boarding pass. Doesnt matter onsite / offsite. If for some reason their printer isnt working, can still check you in and you can print the BP at the airport. If you have a cell phone that can access the internet, you can check in via it and print your BP at a later time.

 

[DebbieB]

Just want to make sure I'm understanding this.

I'm staying offsite without a computer. Can I go to guest services at the park and use their computer to check in for my flight? Or is this only if you are staying onsite?

Anyone can use it. I've checked in a couple of times at City Hall at MK. You don't use their computer. You give the cm your confirmation #, they do it at their computer behind the counter.

 

[At World's End]

Thanks so much, that's one less thing to worry about!

Just another great tip I would never have known without this board!