How To Board A Family On Southwest?

Southwest Airlines offers Family Boarding for families traveling with children six years old or younger. This process occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. Families can board in Group A, typically in three sections: A1-15, A15-30, and A30-60. After Group A, families traveling with children under six can board.

Family boarding is available for up to two accompanying adults when traveling with at least one child who is six years old or younger. If traveling with children older than six, customers can purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded. Family boarding is limited to two parents and their children as long as one is six years old or younger. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or anyone else traveling with them will also be allowed to board.

Open seating is available on Southwest-operated flights. Family boarding occurs immediately after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group has boarded. To join that group, customers must request preboarding from a Southwest customer service agent at the ticket desk or departure gate. Southwest employees will be happy to assist you.

To be eligible for Family Boarding, customers must request preboarding from a Southwest customer service agent at the ticket desk or departure gate. Southwest offers Family Boarding after the A group but before the B group, for up to two adults traveling with children six and younger.

In summary, Southwest Airlines offers Family Boarding for families traveling with children six years old or younger, offering open seating and allowing up to two adults to board during Family Boarding. Customers can also purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded to secure a good boarding position.

How To Designate Companion On Southwest?

To designate your Companion online for the Southwest Companion Pass, first log into your Rapid Rewards® account at Southwest. com and click on "My Account." If eligible, locate the "Choose Your Companion" section where you can click on "Enter Companion Info" to follow the provided instructions. Earning qualifying points through your Rapid Rewards Credit Card enables you to enjoy complimentary flights with a designated friend or family member.

Initially, you can designate your Companion online after earning your pass, but if you wish to change your Companion later, you must call Southwest at 800-435-9792. You can book unlimited flights and enjoy the perks of this exclusive benefit by successfully earning and designating your Companion Pass. If you need assistance, you can reach out via phone or social media. Steps to designate your Companion include logging into your account, selecting "Enter Companion Info," and following the instructions provided. The Companion Pass allows you to travel virtually free with a chosen partner, making it a valuable option for those who frequently fly Southwest Airlines.

Who Is Eligible For Southwest Priority Boarding?

If traveling as a family with a child aged 6 or younger, you're eligible for Southwest Airlines’ priority boarding, referred to as Family Boarding. This allows one or two adults to board after the A group and before the B group, provided both parents hold boarding positions in groups B or C. Priority boarding is also available to passengers with Business Select fares, A-List and A-List Preferred members, or EarlyBird purchasers. Specific categories of passengers, such as those needing assistance or specific seating, can qualify for additional boarding privileges.

For the best boarding position, it's recommended to check-in online exactly 24 hours before the flight. Southwest utilizes an open seating policy with three groups (A, B, C), organizing passengers by their check-in time. A-List and A-List Preferred members receive advanced boarding privileges for themselves and all listed on their reservation, based on their frequent travel status. A-List members benefit significantly, including priority boarding and additional perks such as same-day changes and inflight bonuses.

To qualify for A-List status, one must fly 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35, 000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. Preboarding is also available for customers with disabilities. Thus, loyalty and specific family configurations enhance the priority boarding experience with Southwest Airlines.

What Qualifies For Southwest Family Boarding?

Family Boarding on Southwest Airlines allows up to two adults traveling with a child aged six or younger to board after the "A" group and before the "B" group. This ensures families can sit together, as ample open seats should be available. It's recommended to utilize this option for ease when flying with young children. Southwest also provides preboarding for passengers requiring additional assistance or specific seating arrangements due to disabilities; interested travelers must request this from a customer service agent, who will assess eligibility.

This article covers details about the boarding process, offering insights into priority boarding options, including family and military boarding, in accordance with federal regulations. To qualify for Family Boarding, the primary requirement is traveling with a child within the specified age range.

By checking in 24 hours prior to the flight, families can secure an "A" boarding position, potentially avoiding the need for Family Boarding. Despite Southwest’s clear policy regarding eligibility, there may be some ambiguity about whether older siblings can join family boarding. Nonetheless, the overarching aim of Family Boarding is to facilitate a smoother travel experience for families with young children.

What Disabilities Qualify For Preboarding On Southwest?

Preboarding is available for customers with disabilities prior to general boarding, allowing those who need specific seating accommodations, assistance boarding, or stowing assistive devices to board first. This service aims to support individuals with various disabilities, including mobility issues and those requiring assistance due to cognitive or developmental challenges. Southwest Airlines treats pregnancy as a temporary disability, enabling pregnant travelers to preboard if they need specific seating for related reasons.

Federal law permits individuals to self-declare their disabilities for eligibility without the need for proof. Qualifying passengers include those with physical disabilities, mobility aids, or conditions requiring assistance. Preboarding also accommodates individuals with intellectual impairments necessitating aid during boarding, deplaning, or emergency situations. For customers with severe cognitive disabilities who may struggle with safety instructions, advance boarding can be essential.

Additionally, those traveling with a disabled person can preboard if indicated on their ticket. Information regarding disability-related travel assistance is available, ensuring support for journey planning. If someone needs specific accommodations due to a disability, they should communicate their requirements directly to the airline. In cases where a disabled boarding pass is not issued, Southwest allows passengers to pay for guaranteed "A" boarding positions.

How Do Southwest Boarding Groups Work?

Southwest Airlines utilizes an open seating policy, dividing passengers into three boarding groups: A, B, and C, each with assigned positions numbering from 1 to 60. Upon checking in for a flight, travelers receive a boarding group and position based on their check-in time. For instance, someone with the position A1 boards first, followed by A2, and so forth, until A60 is called. The boarding process begins with preboarding for individuals with disabilities, followed by group A, then family boarding, which allows families with children six and younger to board after group A and before group B.

Passengers in groups B and C wait their turn and board numerically within their respective groups. Once on board, passengers can select any available seat. The airline is also planning to reward elite members and those purchasing higher fare types with better boarding positions in the future. Importantly, every boarding position is printed on the boarding pass, guiding the boarding sequence. Southwest’s approach differs from traditional airlines that assign seats, as it encourages passengers to choose their preferred seating upon boarding based on availability. This unique boarding system can enhance the experience for families and individuals alike while maintaining efficiency during the boarding process.

Do Southwest Companions Board With You?

Upon check-in, you and your Companion receive sequential boarding positions unless you purchased a Business Select® fare or added your Companion after being assigned a position. Companions of A-List, A-List Preferred, and Companion Pass holders now board together on the same reservation. The Companion Pass allows you to choose one person to fly with you free of airline charges (excluding taxes and fees from $5. 60 one way) whenever you purchase or redeem points for a flight.

You can manage your Companion through the Southwest app by checking in from your account. While typically your Companion will have the next boarding position, complications may arise if not properly checked in timely or due to the system's regulations. Priority boarding for companions of elite members has been available since March 2020, allowing easier boarding alongside the elite member without needing separate upgrades for early boarding. Although Southwest Airlines does not offer seat assignments, the boarding pass number determines boarding order.

For seamless travel, ensure your Companion checks in on time, especially if they do not hold any status. You can utilize your Companion Pass for travel to any destination served by Southwest, provided tickets are available.

What Is The Sneaky Trick To Get Priority Boarding On Southwest?

If you don't want to pay for EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding, or higher-tier tickets, you can obtain free priority boarding by frequently flying with Southwest Airlines. Loyalty can be rewarding, as regular passengers may qualify for priority boarding through A-List or A-List Preferred Club memberships. These memberships provide enhanced boarding privileges and special treatment. Southwest's boarding process operates on a mix of first-come-first-served and paid options, making it crucial to understand how to secure a favorable position.

Two effective methods to board early include checking in precisely 24 hours before departure and holding elite status. Additionally, EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in earlier than most, which can improve your boarding position. Rapid Rewards members with elite status gain priority boarding within specific slots, ensuring a good selection of seats. Moreover, those with disabilities or requiring assistance are also prioritized.

To enhance your chances, consider using a Southwest credit card, which may offer complimentary upgraded boarding. Ultimately, understanding the boarding strategies and leveraging available memberships can significantly improve your travel experience with Southwest Airlines.

How Do I Sit With My Kids On Southwest?

Southwest Airlines provides specific boarding policies for families traveling with children. Families with at least one child aged 6 years or younger can utilize Family Boarding, which takes place after the "A" group and before the "B" group boards. Up to two adults accompanying such a child can board early, facilitating the chance for children to sit next to an adult. If all children are older than 6 years, travelers may opt for EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding when purchasing tickets.

For children aged 7 to 13, boarding occurs as per their assigned ticket group, with staff assisting in seating arrangements when possible. Importantly, no advanced seat selection is allowed, which may present challenges in ensuring families sit together. However, Southwest aims to accommodate families by making every effort to seat children next to at least one accompanying adult at no cost when assistance is requested. There's no requirement for children to be in car seats on Southwest flights.

Families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the boarding process while traveling with infants or children under 2. Overall, with a bit of preparation and understanding of policies, flying as a family on Southwest can be a pleasant experience.

How Do I Boarding A Southwest Flight?

When your boarding group is called for a Southwest Airlines flight, find your assigned spot in line and board the aircraft in numerical order. Southwest has an open seating policy, allowing you to choose any available seat once onboard. To prepare for your flight, check in online or through the mobile app, with online check-in starting 24 hours before departure. If you opted for EarlyBird Check-In®, your boarding position will be saved for you. Boarding takes place in three groups: A, B, and C, with positions numbered 1-60+.

The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be, so aim to check in right at the 24-hour mark. Once all passengers are checked in, boarding will typically start 30 minutes before departure. If you have questions about your flight, mobile boarding passes, or seat specifications, visit the Southwest website or app for further information. Remember, there are no traditional seat assignments; boarding is based on your designated group and position instead.

Who Qualifies For Priority Boarding On Southwest Airlines?

If traveling with children aged 6 and under, individuals with disabilities, or those needing help, you can board early on Southwest Airlines. Otherwise, boarding positions are assigned during check-in, with earlier check-ins improving your boarding rank. Qualifying preboarders receive a new pass marked with PRBD, indicating to the Operations Agent that they can preboard. Note that preboarders cannot sit in exit rows, but one companion may preboard with you.

Southwest's priority boarding options include EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding, which allow earlier access. A-List members gain priority boarding and other benefits after completing 20 qualifying one-way flights or accruing 35, 000 tier qualifying points annually. Family boarding is available for families traveling with a child aged 6 or younger. A-List Preferred Members have additional advantages for flying 40 qualifying one-way flights or earning 70, 000 tier qualifying points.

Elite members and customers purchasing higher fare types receive better boarding positions. Priority Lane and Express Lane expedite check-in for Business Select, Anytime, A-List, and A-List Preferred members. Free priority boarding is available for frequent Southwest flyers who do not pay for premium options.