We have always done family boarding even flying out of Orlando where there are usually a lot of families. With 4 of us (one being a lap child) we have always been able to sit together usually around the wings but never all the way to the back! We’ve done this on multiple flights (out of SDF, RDU, BWI, IND, CVG, MCO, ELP, and DAL) and never had an issue! I only ever buy early bird if I’m on work travel and going to be tied up at check-in time. I also have used the upgraded boarding position option at the gate mostly because of the perks that come with the RR credit card for this!
... View more
I will pay for the Early Bird. I checked several different airlines and flights, and unless I want a 7 hour layover, Southwest had the cheapest flight for where and when I want to go. However, paying extra for the Early Bird will add to that cheap fare. I've read several other posts and some people have complained that it didn't give them enough of an advantage as fae as getting the seat they wanted. That is not a concern for me, at least not now. I'm buying my ticket three months in advance. I do like the idea of being automatically checked in and then just picking up my boarding pass at the airport. I may not have any access to the internet during that 24 hour period before boarding the plane. The last time I flew, I recall having an assigned seat when I purchased the ticket, though it wasn't with Southwest. I'll try this and see how it works. Thanks for the reply.
... View more
