Southwest Airlines Community

To everyone who is SOOOOO happy that families with small children do not get to board 1st, I will be looking to sit right next to you with my 1 1/2 year old and I will not have a problem inconviencing you while I put everything away. Also, sorry if he talks to you or makes a noise, he does not understand the difference between the Business Select Passenger and the rest of the passengers. At his age he sees everyone the same not separate classes!!! Something else that needs to be corrected and keeps coming up from the Business people who are spending someone elses money. IF YOU HAVE A LAP CHILD, SOUTHWEST AIRLINES WILL NOT LET YOU CHECK IN ONLINE, SO YOU DO NOT EVEN HAVE A CHANCE TO GET AN A. Also, if there is 137 seats on a plane how can there be 60A's?????? I am not a business flier but I was the Loyal SWA customer who went to SWA for all of my flights. Maybe I am wrong but from what I see above I am not alone when I ask the question, Why change one of the only successful airlines in the US?? You company was built by people like me who loyaly flew 4-6 round trips a year. The last time I looked it was very successful, it will be interesting to see where you and your business travelers go when you stop seeing the families travel on SWA. I wish you the best, I really like what you use to be. ... View more

Am I confused or have I missed the response???? What is SWA solution for a parent that is unable to check in online with a lap child? I am not clear why you cannot check in online anyway - I have not been asked once for the actual birth certificate to verify his age. ... View more

I am disappointed to learn that families with children will no longer be able to pre-board. I have recently went from "business traveler" to "mom" who travels frequently alone with the baby. It takes some time to get situated with a child when you are alone and do not have anyone to help. If you board between the A and B group or even in the A group, you will have to deal with other passengers being rude and impatient as you try to get situated in a comfortable seat with a child. In addition, you are not allowed to check in online with a lap child and the last thing I want to do is take a 6 month old to the airport by myself for any time longer than necessary. This new process also eliminates people who do not want to sit next to children the choice. Some passengers do not want to sit anywhere near a child - which is fine, but this new boarding process eliminates that choice. I understand that some families take advantage of the pre-boarding (ie. 1 child and 6 adults), but I would rather you address those situations individually rather than encompassing all families. The article I read stated that SWA "did not know" how much time this new boarding process would save - I find that hard to believe that this was not tested. In order to make a change of this nature, you must understand the benefits. Unfortunately I see this as another "thorn" in our new world of traveling. It is bad enough to have to deal with inconsistent security guidelines at airports in reference to what you can and cannot bring on board with a baby, but now to have to stand in a long line waiting to board a plane (alone with a baby). Honestly, I would rather pay a extra money to not have to deal with this "new traveling inconvenience" with another airline who truly is "family friendly". Sincerely, Loyal SWA Rewards Member ... View more