Sitting with child on Southwest

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 10 yr old can't sit without you for a couple of hours??? This shouldn't be an issue.

I’m not the OP but it’s not about not sitting with me. It’s about sitting next to complete strangers in a somewhat confined space. Where else would you force an young child to sit a few inches from a stranger with no parent present? It’s asinine.

School buses. Kids all over the country do it every single day.
-not the pp you quoted.

guess I should have been more specific… strange adults. With no background checks.

Exactly what do you think will happen? They will also be surrounded by other adults. If you were sitting on a plane and saw a small child being harmed by a stranger, would you just mind your own business? Or would you speak up/intervene?

Who is going to see or hear something on a loud plane where people are squished together? See it at all, or see it with enough confidence that they'd make a stink on the plane when they dont even know the adult isnt the kid's parent? Plus once it's happening the harm has already started, even if the kid yells and stands up.

ES kids shouldn't be seated away from parents, and I'm actually surprised airlines even allow the potential for in-flight drama over it. I think flying an unaccompanied minor is kinda nuts too but at least there the airline takes charge of the kid. That's not what's happening in open seating.

When I was 10, I was in 5th grade which was middle school, not elementary school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 10 yr old can't sit without you for a couple of hours??? This shouldn't be an issue.

I’m not the OP but it’s not about not sitting with me. It’s about sitting next to complete strangers in a somewhat confined space. Where else would you force an young child to sit a few inches from a stranger with no parent present? It’s asinine.

School buses. Kids all over the country do it every single day.
-not the pp you quoted.

guess I should have been more specific… strange adults. With no background checks.

Exactly what do you think will happen? They will also be surrounded by other adults. If you were sitting on a plane and saw a small child being harmed by a stranger, would you just mind your own business? Or would you speak up/intervene?

Who is going to see or hear something on a loud plane where people are squished together? See it at all, or see it with enough confidence that they'd make a stink on the plane when they dont even know the adult isnt the kid's parent? Plus once it's happening the harm has already started, even if the kid yells and stands up.

ES kids shouldn't be seated away from parents, and I'm actually surprised airlines even allow the potential for in-flight drama over it. I think flying an unaccompanied minor is kinda nuts too but at least there the airline takes charge of the kid. That's not what's happening in open seating.

Yeah--squished together--so other people are there too. If your 13 year old is sitting in the middle seat and the guy in the window seat is lying on top of her trying to rape her, you really think the person in the aisle seat is just going to stare straight ahead pretending it's not happening?

Well, I put on a headphones and eye mask and get a gin and tonic so I don't have to deal with strangers kids who were too cheap to buy a seat near their kid. Not my job to watch your kid....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 10 yr old can't sit without you for a couple of hours??? This shouldn't be an issue.

I’m not the OP but it’s not about not sitting with me. It’s about sitting next to complete strangers in a somewhat confined space. Where else would you force an young child to sit a few inches from a stranger with no parent present? It’s asinine.

School buses. Kids all over the country do it every single day.
-not the pp you quoted.

guess I should have been more specific… strange adults. With no background checks.

Exactly what do you think will happen? They will also be surrounded by other adults. If you were sitting on a plane and saw a small child being harmed by a stranger, would you just mind your own business? Or would you speak up/intervene?

Who is going to see or hear something on a loud plane where people are squished together? See it at all, or see it with enough confidence that they'd make a stink on the plane when they dont even know the adult isnt the kid's parent? Plus once it's happening the harm has already started, even if the kid yells and stands up.

ES kids shouldn't be seated away from parents, and I'm actually surprised airlines even allow the potential for in-flight drama over it. I think flying an unaccompanied minor is kinda nuts too but at least there the airline takes charge of the kid. That's not what's happening in open seating.

When I was 10, I was in 5th grade which was middle school, not elementary school.

So you're not familiar with the school systems in the DMV? Kids go to middle school in 6th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 10 yr old can't sit without you for a couple of hours??? This shouldn't be an issue.

I’m not the OP but it’s not about not sitting with me. It’s about sitting next to complete strangers in a somewhat confined space. Where else would you force an young child to sit a few inches from a stranger with no parent present? It’s asinine.

Yup, and those strangers are gonna love it my when 10 year old starts reaching for the barf bag

I'm an adult and sometimes puke on planes. No big deal. I've been getting motion sickness since I was a baby. I haven't needed help after throwing up since I was like 4 or 5.

Well you are just so special and independent. Want an award? or better yet to sit next to my puking kid who needs help?

Why would a 13 year old need help puking?

So you're ok with them puking on you then? Good to know!

Your 13 year old doesn't know how to open a bag?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 10 yr old can't sit without you for a couple of hours??? This shouldn't be an issue.

I’m not the OP but it’s not about not sitting with me. It’s about sitting next to complete strangers in a somewhat confined space. Where else would you force an young child to sit a few inches from a stranger with no parent present? It’s asinine.

School buses. Kids all over the country do it every single day.
-not the pp you quoted.

guess I should have been more specific… strange adults. With no background checks.

Exactly what do you think will happen? They will also be surrounded by other adults. If you were sitting on a plane and saw a small child being harmed by a stranger, would you just mind your own business? Or would you speak up/intervene?

Who is going to see or hear something on a loud plane where people are squished together? See it at all, or see it with enough confidence that they'd make a stink on the plane when they dont even know the adult isnt the kid's parent? Plus once it's happening the harm has already started, even if the kid yells and stands up.

ES kids shouldn't be seated away from parents, and I'm actually surprised airlines even allow the potential for in-flight drama over it. I think flying an unaccompanied minor is kinda nuts too but at least there the airline takes charge of the kid. That's not what's happening in open seating.

When I was 10, I was in 5th grade which was middle school, not elementary school.

Are you the same special snowflake who has been a pro-puker since 4, traveled alone internationally at 13 and now was in middle school in 5th grade?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 10 yr old can't sit without you for a couple of hours??? This shouldn't be an issue.

I’m not the OP but it’s not about not sitting with me. It’s about sitting next to complete strangers in a somewhat confined space. Where else would you force an young child to sit a few inches from a stranger with no parent present? It’s asinine.

School buses. Kids all over the country do it every single day.
-not the pp you quoted.

guess I should have been more specific… strange adults. With no background checks.

Exactly what do you think will happen? They will also be surrounded by other adults. If you were sitting on a plane and saw a small child being harmed by a stranger, would you just mind your own business? Or would you speak up/intervene?

Who is going to see or hear something on a loud plane where people are squished together? See it at all, or see it with enough confidence that they'd make a stink on the plane when they dont even know the adult isnt the kid's parent? Plus once it's happening the harm has already started, even if the kid yells and stands up.

ES kids shouldn't be seated away from parents, and I'm actually surprised airlines even allow the potential for in-flight drama over it. I think flying an unaccompanied minor is kinda nuts too but at least there the airline takes charge of the kid. That's not what's happening in open seating.

Yeah--squished together--so other people are there too. If your 13 year old is sitting in the middle seat and the guy in the window seat is lying on top of her trying to rape her, you really think the person in the aisle seat is just going to stare straight ahead pretending it's not happening?

Well, I put on a headphones and eye mask and get a gin and tonic so I don't have to deal with strangers kids who were too cheap to buy a seat near their kid. Not my job to watch your kid....

I hope a kid pukes on on on your next flight

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 10 yr old can't sit without you for a couple of hours??? This shouldn't be an issue.

I’m not the OP but it’s not about not sitting with me. It’s about sitting next to complete strangers in a somewhat confined space. Where else would you force an young child to sit a few inches from a stranger with no parent present? It’s asinine.

Yup, and those strangers are gonna love it my when 10 year old starts reaching for the barf bag

I'm an adult and sometimes puke on planes. No big deal. I've been getting motion sickness since I was a baby. I haven't needed help after throwing up since I was like 4 or 5.

Well you are just so special and independent. Want an award? or better yet to sit next to my puking kid who needs help?

Why would a 13 year old need help puking?

So you're ok with them puking on you then? Good to know!

Your 13 year old doesn't know how to open a bag?

Comes on quick. I'm glad you're up for taking the chance though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 10 yr old can't sit without you for a couple of hours??? This shouldn't be an issue.

I’m not the OP but it’s not about not sitting with me. It’s about sitting next to complete strangers in a somewhat confined space. Where else would you force an young child to sit a few inches from a stranger with no parent present? It’s asinine.

School buses. Kids all over the country do it every single day.
-not the pp you quoted.

guess I should have been more specific… strange adults. With no background checks.

Exactly what do you think will happen? They will also be surrounded by other adults. If you were sitting on a plane and saw a small child being harmed by a stranger, would you just mind your own business? Or would you speak up/intervene?

Who is going to see or hear something on a loud plane where people are squished together? See it at all, or see it with enough confidence that they'd make a stink on the plane when they dont even know the adult isnt the kid's parent? Plus once it's happening the harm has already started, even if the kid yells and stands up.

ES kids shouldn't be seated away from parents, and I'm actually surprised airlines even allow the potential for in-flight drama over it. I think flying an unaccompanied minor is kinda nuts too but at least there the airline takes charge of the kid. That's not what's happening in open seating.

This is SUCH a weird flex...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The last flight they announced any MINOR could do family boarding. I don’t think you’ll have any problem. Set an alarm to check in right at 24 hours in advance to be absolutely sure.

Call me horrible, but I think it should be limited to small kids. The Southwest policy is seven and under. I would not normally care, but I've had three flights recently where I paid for early check-in and wound up in the B group. I don't think it's fair that people who paid to board earlier should have to defer to those who did not pay and who don't fit the criteria for family boarding.

I think any child still in elementary school should qualify. It's rare there are SO many children on one flight that this is a huge burden. So IMHO, it should be 11 and under. Or I guess 12, depending on if you use 5th or 6th as the cut off age.

My oldest is 8, and she would not be happy if we were separated. Of course I'd pay if I had to to ensure it.

Have you ever flown to MCO? LOL. But I get what you are saying

We just flew SW to MCO over spring break. Plane was basically full before the Bs even boarded. It was a sold out flight and there was no C group

[Anonymous]

Pretend to be disabled and pre-board like every other lying jerk who flies Southwest. It’s free and no one asks any questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pretend to be disabled and pre-board like every other lying jerk who flies Southwest. It’s free and no one asks any questions.

I've been flying SW a lot recently and was wondering how all these people got pre-boarding! No visible disability and they walked onto the plane no problem. I also saw one individual in a wheelchair but they were brining 5-6 family members with them. It was really out of control. What's the point of the number system if so many people cut the line.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 10 yr old can't sit without you for a couple of hours??? This shouldn't be an issue.

I’m not the OP but it’s not about not sitting with me. It’s about sitting next to complete strangers in a somewhat confined space. Where else would you force an young child to sit a few inches from a stranger with no parent present? It’s asinine.

School buses. Kids all over the country do it every single day.
-not the pp you quoted.

guess I should have been more specific… strange adults. With no background checks.

Exactly what do you think will happen? They will also be surrounded by other adults. If you were sitting on a plane and saw a small child being harmed by a stranger, would you just mind your own business? Or would you speak up/intervene?

Who is going to see or hear something on a loud plane where people are squished together? See it at all, or see it with enough confidence that they'd make a stink on the plane when they dont even know the adult isnt the kid's parent? Plus once it's happening the harm has already started, even if the kid yells and stands up.

ES kids shouldn't be seated away from parents, and I'm actually surprised airlines even allow the potential for in-flight drama over it. I think flying an unaccompanied minor is kinda nuts too but at least there the airline takes charge of the kid. That's not what's happening in open seating.

When I was 10, I was in 5th grade which was middle school, not elementary school.

So you're not familiar with the school systems in the DMV? Kids go to middle school in 6th grade.

Not everyone is in the DMV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 10 yr old can't sit without you for a couple of hours??? This shouldn't be an issue.

I’m not the OP but it’s not about not sitting with me. It’s about sitting next to complete strangers in a somewhat confined space. Where else would you force an young child to sit a few inches from a stranger with no parent present? It’s asinine.

School buses. Kids all over the country do it every single day.
-not the pp you quoted.

guess I should have been more specific… strange adults. With no background checks.

Exactly what do you think will happen? They will also be surrounded by other adults. If you were sitting on a plane and saw a small child being harmed by a stranger, would you just mind your own business? Or would you speak up/intervene?

Who is going to see or hear something on a loud plane where people are squished together? See it at all, or see it with enough confidence that they'd make a stink on the plane when they dont even know the adult isnt the kid's parent? Plus once it's happening the harm has already started, even if the kid yells and stands up.

ES kids shouldn't be seated away from parents, and I'm actually surprised airlines even allow the potential for in-flight drama over it. I think flying an unaccompanied minor is kinda nuts too but at least there the airline takes charge of the kid. That's not what's happening in open seating.

When I was 10, I was in 5th grade which was middle school, not elementary school.

So you're not familiar with the school systems in the DMV? Kids go to middle school in 6th grade.

Not everyone is in the DMV.

Welcome to D.C. Urban moms and dads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, thanks! It sounds like I can choose to spend money to upgrade boarding if I don't get a good boarding group upon check-in? If so, that's what I'll do.

I know SW has many fans, but to me it's so needlessly inconvenient not to assign seats.

Maybe should verify that with the airline before you bank on it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The last flight they announced any MINOR could do family boarding. I don’t think you’ll have any problem. Set an alarm to check in right at 24 hours in advance to be absolutely sure.

Call me horrible, but I think it should be limited to small kids. The Southwest policy is seven and under. I would not normally care, but I've had three flights recently where I paid for early check-in and wound up in the B group. I don't think it's fair that people who paid to board earlier should have to defer to those who did not pay and who don't fit the criteria for family boarding.

I think any child still in elementary school should qualify. It's rare there are SO many children on one flight that this is a huge burden. So IMHO, it should be 11 and under. Or I guess 12, depending on if you use 5th or 6th as the cut off age.

My oldest is 8, and she would not be happy if we were separated. Of course I'd pay if I had to to ensure it.

Have you ever flown to MCO? LOL. But I get what you are saying

We just flew SW to MCO over spring break. Plane was basically full before the Bs even boarded. It was a sold out flight and there was no C group

I did too & paid for the early bird and we were still deep in the Bs after a billion families did family boarding. Most seemed to have kids younger than my 8 year old (my youngest - which is why I paid). We did manage to get the last seats together.

I follow the technical rules esp when my kids’ DOB is known to the airline. LOL.