Flying with family, especially young children, can be an adventure filled with excitement, but also potential stress. If you’re a Southwest Airlines flyer, you’re likely familiar with their unique boarding process. While it offers flexibility, it can also be a source of anxiety, particularly when ensuring your family sits together. The scramble to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight and the uncertainty of securing a favorable boarding position can add unnecessary pressure to your travel plans. The thought of being separated from your little ones on a flight is every parent’s concern.
Fortunately, Southwest Airlines stands out as a family-friendly airline, and their family boarding policy is a testament to this. Beyond their customer-centric policies like free checked baggage and no-fee flight changes, Southwest provides a significant advantage for families: family boarding. This guide will detail how Southwest Airlines family boarding works, addressing common questions to make your family travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Understanding Southwest Airlines Boarding
To fully grasp the benefits of family boarding, let’s first understand the standard Southwest Airlines boarding procedure. Unlike many airlines, Southwest doesn’t assign specific seats. Instead, they assign boarding positions, which are indicated by a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60).
Your boarding position is determined by several factors, including when you check in, your Rapid Rewards elite status, and whether you’ve purchased EarlyBird Check-In. Those who check in earlier, have elite status, or purchase EarlyBird Check-In generally receive better boarding positions, meaning they get to board earlier and have a wider selection of seats.
For those seeking an even earlier boarding opportunity, Southwest offers options such as achieving A-List status, purchasing a Business Select fare, or leveraging certain Southwest Airlines credit cards that provide complimentary upgraded boarding passes. These options can further enhance your boarding position and seat selection.
When Does Family Boarding Take Place on Southwest?
Consistency is key with Southwest’s boarding process; it’s the same on every flight. Once you understand the order, you’ll navigate boarding like a seasoned traveler. Family boarding is called immediately after the ‘A’ group has boarded, even if your assigned boarding position is in the B or C group. If you happen to receive an ‘A’ boarding pass, you should definitely board with the ‘A’ group as this is even earlier than family boarding.
Here’s the standard Southwest Airlines boarding sequence:
- Pre-boarding: This is for passengers who require special assistance, such as those with disabilities, needing help with boarding, or requiring extra time.
- A Group (A1-A60): Passengers holding ‘A’ boarding passes board in numerical order.
- Family Boarding: This is followed immediately by family boarding, along with A-List Preferred members who didn’t receive an ‘A’ boarding position, and active duty military personnel in uniform.
- B Group (B1-B60): Passengers with ‘B’ boarding passes board in numerical order.
- C Group (C1-C60): Finally, passengers with ‘C’ boarding passes board in numerical order.
How Southwest Family Boarding Actually Works
Southwest Airlines family boarding is designed to make traveling with young children easier. It occurs right after the ‘A’ group has boarded. Up to two adults traveling with a child aged 6 years or younger are eligible to board together during family boarding, regardless of their assigned boarding positions. This policy ensures that families can sit together and avoid the stress of being separated, especially important when traveling with little ones.
To take advantage of family boarding, no prior arrangements are needed beyond the standard flight check-in. Proceed with checking in for your flight as you normally would. If you happen to receive an ‘A’ boarding position, prioritize boarding with the ‘A’ group as it comes before family boarding. If you receive a ‘B’ or ‘C’ boarding position, simply wait to the side of the regular boarding lines near the gate entrance. You’ll typically notice other families waiting in this designated area. When the ‘A’ group boarding is complete, the gate agent will announce family boarding. At this point, regardless of your assigned boarding position, your family (up to 2 adults and children 6 and under) will be invited to board the aircraft.
Southwest Family Boarding: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the age limit for Southwest Family Boarding?
A: To qualify for Southwest Family Boarding, you must be traveling with a child who is 6 years old or younger. This age limit is strictly enforced to ensure the program serves its intended purpose of assisting families with young kids.
Q: Does Southwest Airlines offer pre-boarding for families?
A: Generally, no. Southwest Airlines does not offer standard pre-boarding for families. Family boarding is specifically positioned after the ‘A’ group, not before the general boarding process. Pre-boarding is reserved for passengers with disabilities or those needing special assistance. However, family boarding provides the opportunity to board before the B and C groups.
Q: How many adults can participate in family boarding with a young child?
A: Southwest Airlines policy allows for a maximum of two adults to participate in family boarding when traveling with a child aged 6 years or younger. Any additional adults in the traveling party will need to board according to their assigned boarding positions. This ensures efficient boarding while accommodating families with young children.
Q: Can I use family boarding if my child is 7 years old?
A: Officially, no. Eligibility for family boarding ends once your child turns 7. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that gate agents may sometimes be lenient. While it’s possible you might be allowed to board during family boarding with a 7-year-old, it’s not guaranteed and depends on the gate agent’s discretion. It’s important to be aware that if the gate agent questions your child’s age and requests verification, you may be required to board in your assigned position. Relying on family boarding with a child older than 6 is risky.
Q: Is Southwest Family Boarding available for families with autistic children?
A: Yes, family boarding is available if you are traveling with an autistic child who is 6 years old or younger. However, Southwest offers an even more beneficial option for families with autistic children, regardless of age. If your autistic child would benefit from having extra time to settle in and get comfortable on the plane, you can request pre-boarding. This pre-boarding designation allows you to board before all other passengers, providing a calmer and less rushed boarding experience. This is an excellent option for autistic children even if they are older than 6, as it prioritizes their comfort and well-being during the boarding process.
Q: What happens with A-List Preferred boarding and family?
A: If you have A-List Preferred status, you’ll likely receive an ‘A’ boarding position, which is even better than family boarding. In this case, you should board with the ‘A’ group. If, for some reason, an A-List Preferred member receives a ‘B’ or ‘C’ boarding position, they are still entitled to board after the ‘A’ group, along with family boarding and active duty military personnel. A-List Preferred status ensures priority boarding regardless of the initially assigned boarding position.
Southwest Airlines’ family boarding policy is a valuable perk for families traveling with young children. By understanding how it works, you can significantly reduce travel day stress and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable flying experience for your entire family.
Image Credit: Katie Seeman
