Getting a 13 Year Old 'a glimpse' at Southwest Cockpit and Other ?

[Anonymous]

My brother is bringing my 13 year old nephew to visit our family this Friday: it's my nephew's first flight ever and it's across country. They're traveling on Southwest and we are all super excited -- we relocated earlier this year and I miss my family deeply and honestly never expected they'd be able to visit.

I'd like for my nephew to be able to get a glimpse of the cockpit. United allowed my daughter to do this when she and I flew out to our new home. Although she'd flown before, she'd never had that opportunity and she loved it (the flight attendant suggested it and it was a nice way to help get her mind off why we were in the air -- he didn't realize the situation so only later did he know just how much it meant).

Is the best way for my nephew to have this opportunity simply to ask the flight attendant or is there a way I can 'surprise' him by having the attendant invite him up front? I'm trying to make the trip as special as possible so I'd prefer the latter.

Also, although they have Early Bird fares so should hopefully be able to sit together, is there any other advice any one has for helping ensure that my brother and his son can have adjacent seats? I realize 13 is "old" and I know he'll be just fine, but my brother also has flown infrequently (and never on SW) and I want to ease the questions and concerns as much as possible.

My nephew doesn't mind being the center of attention and is so enthusiastic and sweet that I'm starting to think all those stories about 13 year olds and sullen attitudes are myths . Seriously, part of why I'm doing all I can to make this special is that he is so very grateful.

TIA -- for all kinds of reasons, I'm trying to make this trip as phenomenal as possible, starting with the transportation, and since my own experience with Southwest is limited, I'm eager for any advice or suggestions for a first-time flyer on what is, in his mind, the trip of a lifetime.

[Anonymous]

You're completely overthinking this. If he's never flown, then the mere flight will be special and exciting enough.

[Anonymous]

They'll be able to sit together.

They'll be able to see the cockpit if they ask.

Relax. They'll enjoy the flight.

[Anonymous]

Thanks -- didn't mean to come across as anxious or overthinking -- just excited and grateful.

[Anonymous]

You sound anxious. Relax.

[Anonymous]

If they ask the flight attendant it should be fine. Advise them to get some snacks in the airport for the plane.
Enjoy their visit!