SW Pre-Boarding/Exit Row Enforcement

[inkkognito]

Today I was very pleased to see that SW is very serious about not allowing pre-boarders to sit in the exit rows. I know they announced it at the gate now, but I didn't know if they do anything on the plane. I was first in the A line, and one of the pre-boarders was taking forever at the end of the jetway (her little boy wouldn't get out of his stroller), so I ended up walking on right behind her (usually I've noticed there's a little pause between pre-board and A). I headed back to the exit row; the FA must have noticed I was right behind the last pre-board family, as he asked me, "Are you a pre-boarder?" That made me VERY happy; nice to know they are taking a commonsense rule quite seriously.
Barb

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

On my last two flights, I was the first A on both. The MCO to MHT flight, I kept my boarding pass and gave it to the FA, who then signaled the FA in the exit row. On my return trip, they didn't do that... but she did ask to make sure that I was an A. She kept standing in the row too, which dissuaded people from taking the middle seat. YAY!

 

[Honeybehr1]

who can classify as a pre-boarder? we are traveling with a 2 1/2 yr old? would that be a preboarder or just a regular one?

 

[inkkognito]

You would be a pre-boarder...the age is 4 and below.
Barb

 

[Honeybehr1]

You would be a pre-boarder...the age is 4 and below.
Barb

Thanks
DS actually looks 4+ but he will be 2 1/2 at the end of the month. I have been toying with the idea of getting him a state issued ID card. My older son has one from when we went last time - right after 911. I just dont want to spend my vacation being questioned about his age. We have bought the dining plan as well and that is 3 and up. Just hoping no problems.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just bring a copy of his birth certificate. Not a copier-copy, but the one you pay like $5 for at City Hall. I know (from watching Airline ) that Southwest will accept this as proof of his age.

 

[Pinnie]

The last few times I have flown SWA, the FA's have stationed themselves in the EXIT rows and have been screening to see if the pax that sit there are capable of performing the duties should the need arise. On one flight from MDW to DTW, they were adament that a dad and his 13 yr old son could NOT sit there regardless of the fact that they had "A" boarding passes!

pinnie

 

[NotUrsula]

Yep, even though the dad was physically OK to sit there, the fact that he was with a kid under 15 would keep him out of the row. SWA is the only US-based airline I know that consistently enforces this, and it is a very sensible rule: if you're responsible for a child then you are not going to stay in the exit row and help people out the door; you're going to go for your child and then fight your way off ASAP.