What exactly is different about Southwest?

Question

I was told you don't actually get a seat reserved and have to show up really early for your flight. Is that true? If so, how early must I show up?

I would be traveling with an 8 year old and I REALLY REALLY don't want to get "bumped" or whatever they call it.

Also, if you have any other advise to make the Southwest situation more bearable, that would be great. The flight would be to Orlando, FL. in September.

Answer 1

Try to be first for the best seats.

Answer 2

I hate Southwest. I much prefer the security of picking my seat and being assured of where I'll be beforehand. Especially with a child, who wants to jockey to make sure you have seats next to each other. I haven't flown Southwest in ages because it's too stressful with everyone waiting to pounce on the line, elbowing each other out of the way to be the first in. It is so not worth it.

Answer 3

YOu don't get bumped.  It's just there's not assigned seating numbers.  Everyone with a ticket gets on the plane and they board in groups so you can sit wherever you want.

Answer 4

I have the same fear about southwest. I'm flying to vegas later this summer and its about a 6hr flight so I REALLY have to get a comfortable seat. I just know you check in 24 hours before your flight and you get to the airport a.s.a.p. to get in line for your group.

Answer 5

Some of the things that are being said are misconceptions that have changed over the past year. There are no assigned seats, so you can choose who you want to sit next to.

As long as you have a ticketless or e-ticket, you can check in online 24 hours before departure. You want to check in as close to that time as possible to ensure a good spot in line. You will be assigned a boarding group (A B or C) and a position in line. When you get to the gate you will see how it works. You don't have to camp out in line, your spot is reserved for you. You want to make sure you get to the airport 1-1 1/2 hours before your flight, and get to the gate at least 1/2 hour before the scheduled departure time.

The first people to board are preboarding passengers; those who have a disability and require a particular seat, unaccompanied minors, and sometimes you will see "deadheading" crew members. They need to preboard because they are traveling for work and need to ensure they have all of their luggage with them. After the preboards are done, group A is called. After group A is family boarding, which is parents traveling with kids 4 and younger. Then group B, then group C.

Even if you don't get an A, if you are in at least the first half of B you should have no problems sitting together. If you get onboard and can't find seats, check with your flight attendants and they can solicit other passengers to rearrange themselves for you. That's another good reason to get to the gate on time: if the flight is full and you are last on, it will be a lot more difficult to get seated together. So just make sure you check in early, get to the airport and gate with plenty of time, and RELAX!