SWA policy re: EBCI

[goofy4tink]

I'm sorry but I think they should have been allowed to board as a family. We are a family of 3, DH, DD7 and me, I won't be too happy if we don't sit together. Why would it hurt to allow them to board together? I mean do you really want a frightened 7 yo who is upset that she didn't get to sit next to mommy AND Daddy beside you? I don't care where I sit just that we sit together.

THey could have boarded together...Mom could have moved back to board with them in the B group. I'm sure those in between her and the rest of the family would have been more than happy to move up a spot when Mom moved back. But, Dad and the kids move up to A? Nope not going to happen. And if one child was 3, then they may have been able to do family boarding inbetween the A and B groups. But, if there are many families flying, SW will suspend the family boarding perk.

 

[conniehar90]

I frequently fly with just my 10 yo daughter and we are usually separated. We ALWAYS move back to the higher number so that we can board together. Moving up is just rude.

 

[Lewisc]

http://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/tiers-more-alist?int=GSUBNAV-RR-ALIST

Business Select can be A1-A15. Next are A-List Preferred followed by A-Listers.

Very true. It's often very different when we talk about heading to MCO vs other 'business routes'.

I have a question....all this talk of A-listers. What is the definition of an A-lister?? I know that when I look at SW's site, and I check out the various 'perks' available to various booking groups, I see business select and anytime fliers get automatic slots in A1-15. Where do the A-listers fit in here??? Just curious.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm sorry but I think they should have been allowed to board as a family. We are a family of 3, DH, DD7 and me, I won't be too happy if we don't sit together. Why would it hurt to allow them to board together? I mean do you really want a frightened 7 yo who is upset that she didn't get to sit next to mommy AND Daddy beside you? I don't care where I sit just that we sit together.

Well, there is no airline flying that will 100% guarantee your family will get to sit together. Not one. Even the airlines that let you pick your seat assignments sometimes have to switch equpiment, which can throw the seat assignments off.

All you are guaranteed by buying a ticket is a seat on a plane going where you want it to go, on a certain day (barring any problems). Seat assignments are subject to change. And if you have a little one going along and think this may be an issue, then you need to prep them for it as best you can. Maybe make it a game as in "Look mommy and you get to sit up here while daddy is stuck waaay in the back. Wave at silly daddy!" If the parents doesn't stress out about it, the odds are the child won't either.

 

[mrsstats]

So the mother with the A boards the plane and just saves the seats she needs. I have seen it done on many flights. Nothing is done to stop it.

 

[Haley]

I wouldn't worry about it, I'm sure your husband will save you a seat

 

[Dizzyworld]

So the mother with the A boards the plane and just saves the seats she needs. I have seen it done on many flights. Nothing is done to stop it.

I wish they would stop this too. I don't know why I keep paying for all for of us one paying for 1 person is all you need?

As to the OP, interesting question. I wonder what SW would say as the explanation?

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

I believe they give out EB numbers in order of price paid and then time purchased. ie, a Wanna Get Away fare would be behind people who purchased the Anytime fare. Was there a price difference in the tickets?

I have found getting the front row mostly depends on how many passengers there are with the blue assistance needed sleeves.

I had an issue with EB in January. We were taking a cruise and I purchased it for my return flight since it would be difficult to check in at the 24 hour mark. I went on line from the cruise ship later to check and see what we had gotten and saw that we all had boarding passes in the B50's. I was told at the ticket counter that EB ordering is based on the amount paid for the ticket. (BTW the "A" boarding pass thing can be overrated, we were still able to get three seats together, albiet farther back on the plane).

Upon my return I sent a complaint to SW where I basically stated that they should tell people on their website that the EB is based on ticket pricing. As such I would never again purchase it as I tend to purchase my tickets very early when I can get a better fare and will, therefore, always be toward the back of EB. The response I received from SW stated that this was not the case and EB is not based on ticket price and second there was a glitch in my reservation and I did not get EB so they refunded my fee.

So I have no idea how it works as I received conflicting information. I do know that unless there is some extenuating circumstance, I will not purchase this service as I generally am able to go online at the 24 hour mark and receive boarding pass numbers that are still high enough that my traveling party can sit together.