Flying with Children

[dbd0512]

Wife and I are considering a southwest flight with our two young children. I have read about family boarding. Anyone have any firsthand experience with it? This will be the kids first time flying and I am afraid they will not do well if they can't sit beside one of us. 

[dfwskier]

Family boarding is limited to kids under age 7. If yours are, then you qualify.

Southwest boards by groups A,B, and C. Each has about 60 people in it. Families board after A group boards. Planes seat either 143 or 175 people, so there would be plenty of seats available after A boards. You should have no problem finding seats together.

[DancingDavidE]

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@dfwskier wrote:

Family boarding is limited to kids under age 7. If yours are, then you qualify.

Southwest boards by groups A,B, and C. Each has about 60 people in it. Families board after A group boards. Planes seat either 143 or 175 people, so there would be plenty of seats available after A boards. You should have no problem finding seats together.

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Don't go up during the preboarding - it is a common mistake - but stand off to the side there near where the preboarders are. After they go and then the A-group the agent should call for family boarding and you'll want to be ready to hop up there, regardless of your actual boarding pass letter and number.

Two adults per kid are allowed. 

[KathleenLillib]

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. I will keep it in my mind.

[floridaguy]

Keep in mind that "Family Boarding" does not equal sitting together.  There is no provision for assigned seats so the idea that you board between A and B groups is only beneficial if you have a higher B or C boarding position.  If you already have an A boarding position, then you don't need family boarding.

[cheyenneallgood]

Hey there! Just jumping to say that while it's not guaranteed; as we don't have assigned seats so we can never guarantee seats together... Family Boarding is implemented when it is because there is a very, very high likelihood there will be seats together. I hope this clears up your question.