On Southwest, how does it work now to get seats together with kids?

[Anonymous]

We haven’t flown since before the pandemic and before kid number 3. Southwest always had the A, B, C group seating and families boarded after group A. Does it still work like that?

We will be traveling with three kids under 10 but also with three adults, so we would really only need three sets of two seats together (and our oldest would probably be okay if he was seated alone as long as he could see one of us). Can I buy any ticket and just use family boarding to sit together?

In looking at flights, it seems like all the other airlines let you pick your seats with an Economy fare, but I am worried that flight delays or plane changes will leave us scattered and at least with Southwest, I think we could be sure to sit in pairs.

[Anonymous]

Pay for early boarding. Don’t be cheap

[Anonymous]

With 3 adults I wouldn’t worry about it.

[Anonymous]

Yes it still works the same as before, don’t listen to the poster that says you need to pay. We were on four southwest flights over spring break this year and family boarding was great for all of them, and some had a lot of families. I personally always prefer this with kids - if someone doesn’t want to be near kids on a plane they can see their options and choose otherwise rather than randomly choosing an assigned seat next to someone who is super cranky or trying to work. Usually the kind flexible people sit near you with kids/a baby (though sounds like your kids may be older).

[Anonymous]

You can use the family boarding to sit together. You can all board with family boarding after Group A.

People are protective of their seats on Southwest, though. I was late to board once. (My four year old started walking away from security while they were checking my bag, and I ran after her. Since I ran and left my bag, I had to go through additional security).
Once we got on the flight, people would not change seats so my daughter and I could sit together. We ended up taking middle seats where we could see each other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pay for early boarding. Don’t be cheap

Can you pay for early boarding on Southwest? In the past, you couldn’t do that.

[Anonymous]

https://www.southwest.com/help/day-of-travel/boarding-process

You'll get family boarding if your kid in 6 or under, and you'll board in between group A and B. I think you, your spouse and all 3 kids would likely all board together. But they might make the kids over age 6 board later with one of the adults.

[Anonymous]

Don ' t be cheap and then expect others to move for you. Pay to be in Group A

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.southwest.com/help/day-of-travel/boarding-process

You'll get family boarding if your kid in 6 or under, and you'll board in between group A and B. I think you, your spouse and all 3 kids would likely all board together. But they might make the kids over age 6 board later with one of the adults.

When we flew Southwest last week, they announced that family boarding was for families with children 13 and under. I think they must have expanded it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don ' t be cheap and then expect others to move for you. Pay to be in Group A

But, would we really have to ask people to move? My recollection from prepandemic flying was that after the A group, there were still plenty of seats together toward the back of the plane.

The kids can easily sit in a middle seat. I would just like it to be a middle seat next to one adult they know.

I read the policy and it says that  »up to two adults can board with a child under 7 . » We have one child under 7 and then two over seven but under 10. I’m asking people with recent experience, will they let our whole family board together after the A group. If so, we’re good and there is no reason to worry about being in the A group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don ' t be cheap and then expect others to move for you. Pay to be in Group A

But, would we really have to ask people to move? My recollection from prepandemic flying was that after the A group, there were still plenty of seats together toward the back of the plane.

The kids can easily sit in a middle seat. I would just like it to be a middle seat next to one adult they know.

I read the policy and it says that  »up to two adults can board with a child under 7 . » We have one child under 7 and then two over seven but under 10. I’m asking people with recent experience, will they let our whole family board together after the A group. If so, we’re good and there is no reason to worry about being in the A group.

I really think it depends on the airport and who's working that day. Policy is policy, but sometimes they make allowances, but you shouldn't expect it.

[Anonymous]

Pay the extra $15 per ticket to get early check in. You'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don ' t be cheap and then expect others to move for you. Pay to be in Group A

But, would we really have to ask people to move? My recollection from prepandemic flying was that after the A group, there were still plenty of seats together toward the back of the plane.

The kids can easily sit in a middle seat. I would just like it to be a middle seat next to one adult they know.

I read the policy and it says that  »up to two adults can board with a child under 7 . » We have one child under 7 and then two over seven but under 10. I’m asking people with recent experience, will they let our whole family board together after the A group. If so, we’re good and there is no reason to worry about being in the A group.

I really think it depends on the airport and who's working that day. Policy is policy, but sometimes they make allowances, but you shouldn't expect it.

We flew recently with 3 kids: 7, 9 and 12 and were invited to do family boarding for all 5 of us. It's not a hard and fast rule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pay the extra $15 per ticket to get early check in. You'll be fine.

Or 1 adult in your group pays the extra fee and hope that 1 person can successfully spread out abd "reserve" a row for you and the others until you get on the plane.
If you sorta go towards the wing, you can pull this off (usually) bc most of the A group fill the front immediately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pay the extra $15 per ticket to get early check in. You'll be fine.

+1. Why not at least do this for 4 seats for the 2 adults and 2 kids over 6? It makes me so mad when people don’t pay and then expect to be accommodated.