Can Family Board Together on Southwest: What Are Southwest Family Boarding Rules?

Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the United States, known for its affordable fares, excellent customer service, and unique boarding policy. Unlike most other airlines, Southwest Airlines does not assign seats to its passengers. Instead, passengers are assigned boarding groups and positions based on when they check in for their flight. One question that often arises among families traveling on Southwest Airlines is whether they can board together. In this blog, we will explore that what are Southwest airlines family boarding rules to help families better understand how they can board together and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

Understanding Southwest Boarding Groups

Before we delve into the family boarding rules, it's important to understand how Southwest Airlines' boarding groups work. Southwest has three boarding groups - A, B, and C, with each group having 60 positions. Passengers are assigned a boarding group and position based on when they check in for their flight. For example, if you check in for your flight exactly 24 hours before departure, you will likely be assigned an A boarding group and a low position number, giving you a better chance of choosing your preferred seat.

What Are Southwest Family Boarding Rules?

Southwest Airlines has specific family boarding rules that allow families with young children to board together after the A group but before the B group. According to Southwest's policy, a family is defined as a parent, guardian, or any accompanying individual who is at least 18 years old and traveling with a child who is six years old or younger. The policy allows the family to board together after the A group but before the B group.

However, it's important to note that the family boarding policy does not guarantee that families will be able to sit together on the flight. Since Southwest does not assign seats, passengers are free to choose any available seat when they board the plane. Therefore, families should try to check in early and secure a good boarding position to increase their chances of sitting together.

Tips for Families Traveling on Southwest

Here are some tips for families traveling on Southwest Airlines to ensure a smooth and stress-free boarding experience:

Check-in Early: Since Southwest assigns boarding groups and positions based on when passengers check in, families should try to check in as early as possible to secure a good boarding position. Southwest allows online check-in 24 hours before departure, so make sure to set a reminder to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight.

Arrive Early: Arriving early at the airport will give your family plenty of time to go through security and find your gate. It will also give you a better chance of finding space for your carry-on luggage in the overhead bins.

Use the Family Boarding Policy: If you are traveling with young children, take advantage of Southwest's family boarding policy. Wait until the A group has boarded, then proceed to the gate with your family to board between the A and B groups.

Consider Upgrading to EarlyBird Check-In: If you want to guarantee an A boarding group position, consider upgrading to EarlyBird Check-In. For a fee of $15-$25 per person each way, EarlyBird Check-In will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight, giving you a better chance of securing an A boarding group position.

Be Flexible: Since Southwest does not assign seats, families may not be able to sit together on the flight. Be prepared to split up if necessary and try to be flexible with seating arrangements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Southwest Airlines' family boarding policy allows families with young children to board together after the A group but before the B group. However, it's important to remember that this policy does not guarantee that families will be able to sit together on the flight. Families should try to

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