Southwest Airlines Community

Dear Pamela, Your suggestion is a good one. Unfortunately, it has been tried without success. Parents with small children were told that they could preboard provided that they sat behind a given row, and invariably, they complained (loudly) and did not comply. Once on the plane, what could the flight attendants be expected to do? Physically move them? You are obviously rational and reasonable and if everyone was like you, that policy would work, would likely still be in effect and many would be pleased. Unfortunately, all parents are not as reasonable and understanding as you are, and another system became necessary. And since we are talking about parents and small children I will quote from "The Little Mermaid" with Sebastian's lament about misbehaving teenagers. "Teenagers!..... You give them an inch, and they swim all over you! It seems that parents with small children acted similarly. It is also important to remember that the speed at which the passengers board and deplane is of critical importance. Airplanes do not make any money sitting at the gate. If the ground times increase by only a few minutes per flight, the airline will need more planes, crews, and ground personal to handle the same number of flights. And that only translates into higher fares. We all want large, aisle seats with gormet dinners and hot towels, but we need low fares. If we want the former, first class seats at rediculous prices are available on other airlines. If we need the latter (I do), we have to work with the airline. I hope that this clears up some of your questions. ... View more

Emily, first you say that you have been traveling with your child for more than 2 years and then you complain about not getting a boarding pass because you have a lap child. FAA regulations require that lap chilren are UNDER 2 years of age. Could it be that you are exaggerating just a bit? The new system allows you to hold your position in line while your daughter runs around and "burns off excess energy" so that arguement holds no water. In fact, because of the numbers, you do not even have to get in line untill boarding time so there is no need to "camp out". (This is also good for those who have small children with proportionally small bladders!) All of the baggage associated with small children slows the boarding process. The new system will likely have you sitting further back (after the A group) which will afford you more time (while the front passengers are boarding and deboarding) both getting on and getting off so that you do not inconveince others as much. It allows you to sit with your daughter but does not guarantee the bulkhead seat just because she is traveling with you. I want that seat as well, so I check in early and arrive early. Now I don't have to. I love families as much as you do, (I have 3 daughters) but that should not entitle one to the most favorable seat with the most leg room. Try the new system. You will still sit with your daughter, it's just that she won't likely get the extra leg room of the bulk head seat (which she has no use for) and taller customers who need that room will have the opportunity to get it. ... View more