Switching planes with SW

[steen995]

We're flying Southwest for the first time and will have to switch planes at one lay over with only 1 hour in between. First off, how "on time" is SW normally? Could there be a problem with the connection flight? Also, given the A, B, C boarding scenario what happens when you have a layover and switch planes? Are you automatically given "C" boarding for the second flight? Is there much chance in this scenario of sitting together. I'm travelling with a 4yo and 7yo.

Thanks to all the SW experts!!!!

 

[carolina_yankee]

I have changed planes on SW before - at Midway. I'm pretty certain I got the same boarding letter (A) for the connecting flight. I did check-in right at the 24 hour point, which worked for both flights. I suppose it's possible your connecting flight could be a different letter if you have several different flights feeding into it and others checked in before you did.

Dirk

 

[brianm27]

We have changed many times at BWI. I print boarding passes at home (or via cellphone/mobile web for the return trip) 24 hours in advance. Have never got anything but an "A" for both segments. Remember, at 24 hours prior, only people connecting can get boarding passes for the second flight because it is beyond the 24 hour window for that flight.

 

[Disneyof3]

Okay so if I got this right. We are a family of 5, at the 24 hrs mark prior to the day we leave I have to print 10 boarding passes for us and that will be also for the connecting flight???? Then on the return flight I have to do the same thing???

 

[carolina_yankee]

Yes.

Dirk

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Southwest is very time concious... having one late flight knocks many other flights off schedule. To them, time really is money. As such, I've noticed the Pilots will often fly higher or faster to make up for the time. So while you may depart 10 minutes late, you'll still arrive on time.

Since you have an hour, that should be plenty of time to disembark, use the rest rooms, get a refreshment, and find the new gate. And since SW has such fast turns, chances are your plane won't even arrive to the gate until 20 mins prior to departure anyway.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Southwest is very time concious

SWA has just as many problems with flight delays as other airlines. So far, for 2007, SWA has an on time departure rate of 78.89% and an on time arrival rate of 80.68%.

http://www.transtats.bts.gov/HomeDrillChart_Month.asp?URL_SelectMonth=3&URL_SelectYear=2007

 

[salmoneous]

You can be pretty much guaranteed A passes for the second flight - as you get to check in more than 24 hours ahead of time (you check in 24 hours before your first flight.)

However, an A pass doesn't do you any good if they begin boarding the second flight before you get there. If your first flight is delayed, the second flight could be nearly full by the time you get there. It's unlikely, but always possible.

But you don't to worry about the 4 year old. Every time something like this happens, the SW FA's will move people around (using free drink bribes usually) to make sure each young child sits with a parent - even if the whole family isn't together.

But that's really a worst case scenario. Most likely you will get to the second flight before boarding and just hop right in the A line with no problem.

 

[clkelley]

(using free drink bribes usually)

Totally off topic, but your post reminded me to pull my free drink coupons out of the file cabinet and put them in my carryon for tonight's flight!!

THANKS!!