Here's the issue with this 'new' type of boarding policy. They already allow families to board together...even if the kids are older, as long as there is a child 4 or under. SW seldom tells a family they have to have one adult board with the young child, while everyone else must board in their appointed boarding slot. So, now, rather than have families with a child that is 4 or under, as well as other kids be allowed to board between the A and B groups, we're going to have families with kids up to possibly 11, with no one under 4, boarding in that group! And that is really going to annoy those that have paid for EBCI for their entire family!!! I would be heartily miffed if my group had paid for EBCI and been give slots B27 and up, only to find that there were so many large families boarding in the family boarding group that my family now had to split up and sit in different rows...all because my youngest doesn't qualify for family boarding.
It almost defeats the purpose of not assigning seats! Those that qualify for family boarding will be assured they get seats together...while others won't. Perhaps those in this boarding group can pay extra for this privilege. After all....no one is making them fly SW....but, most choose SW because of it's fares and it's free checked bag policy.
This isn't about getting people to the sunny beaches more quickly...it's about turning that plane around. The more time they spend on the ground, the more money they lose!
Or here's a thought....perhaps SW should allowing people to choose seats prior to travel...maybe a week in advance, for a price. Then, once they've boarded, those who haven't paid, can board. Perhaps it's time to start charging for carry on bags that need to go in the overhead bins...that will make for a faster turnaround!!!
But personally? I'm heartily tired of those who feel their families need more time to board, then stand around in the aisle, trying to get settled...trying to stow bags, deciding who is sitting with who. All while the rest of us stand there, not so patiently waiting to get to our seats. And yes, it's even worse when people have assigned seating and can't seem to figure out where their seats are...how hard is it to find an airline seat?? It's just not rocket science people!! I've seen gates, for various airlines, where the gate attendant announces that those who will need extra time on the jetway, or to get settled, can now board. And when you watch those who are boarding, it's amazing. Families with teenagers, couples. Yes, I know that sometimes you can't discern who has a particular issue. But in all reality, those with true medical issues, have already been boarded. And when you finally get on the plane? Those that just had to jump up and board first are now still standing there, chatting, and deciding who is going to need what for the flight. Can they not do that at the gate?
Rant over. Sorry.
. Anyway we are flying out of Raleigh and we will have a 4 month old and an 8 yr old. We didn't pay for the preferred boarding but with the baby will we get to board earlier? Can't remember how that works. Anything else you can tell me about checking in and boarding or advice in General is appreciated! Thanks
