Getting Seat with Your Children on Southwest?

Question

Southwest Airlines does not preassign seats. They board in groups "A," "B," and "C."

If you are away from home and don't have access to the internet, how do you "check-in" early or do something else so as to avoid being in group "C" and possibly not being able to sit with your kids?

(My kids tell me that they think Southwest is "unorganized" since they don't make it easy for kids to sit with parents. Even United, US Air, Delta, all do that.)

Answer 1

Depending on the age of your children, the Southwest gate agent may allow your family to preboard -- regardless of the letter on your boarding pass. This will allow you extra time to board and -- more importantly -- the ability to choose seats together before the rest of the plane boards.

Answer 2

First come, first serve, so the earlier you arrive, get your group card and line up like a sheep, the better off you are. If you are in group A or B you should have no problem sitting together. Tedious, but the only option you've got, so pack a magazine and your IPOD and head to the airport nice and early, and bring snacks. I actually like the "open" seating- rewards people for arriving early (which I do) but I don't travel with kids, so that's easier for me to say :)

Answer 3

Most times, someone will switch with you once you get on the plane. You may have to sit separately for a few minutes during boarding, but ask a flight attendant for help as soon as you get on.

Answer 4

When I used Delta, I got to pick whatever seat I wanted. I used the phone to call and reserve a seat :D

Answer 5

i flew with southeast and hated it. i wanted to sit with my then boyfriend now fiance. they didnt even put in an effort. LUCKILY the man that was sitting beside my boyfriend was on a business flight, alone, and swapped seats with me.

Answer 6

If you have small children, then you can board before all the groups come on.....You know, they call the disabled, then children, and then the groups....

Answer 7

I can solve this problem for you....fly Frontier!

http://www.frontierairlines.com

Inexpensive flights, new planes, Direct TV, great flight crews, and assigned seats, voila! Problem solved!

Happy flying!