What is the Southwest boarding etiquette in this situation?

[BrerGnat]

We are traveling to California tomorrow!

We booked our flight on SW using points, and because of that, we have 4 separate confirmation numbers for me, DH, DS8, and DS6.

When I checked in this morning, because I couldn't do ALL of them at the exact same time, we were given B05 (me), B16 (DH), B24 (DS8) and B29 (DS6).

Obviously, I cannot let the boys stand in their rightful place in line alone, as they are both special needs kids.

So, in this situation, is it acceptable to have one child wait with me and one with DH? I would like to try to secure a row of 3 for the boys and I, with DH in the row across. We are planning to let them share use of a tablet for watching movies and so getting a row of 3 is fairly important here, as is having DH close by.

Or, should we attempt to do family boarding all together between A and B groups due to our son's Autism?

[Claudielou]

Ask to board early. Under the circumstances you should be able to get the blue (I think it's blue) early boarding pass.

[Dopey's Girl]

Ask to board early. Under the circumstances you should be able to get the blue (I think it's blue) early boarding pass.

I agree...I just flew back from Icot15 on SW. There was a family with a little boy with autism and that is just what they did. The gate agent was really sweet to them. Just explain your situation, and I'm sure they will be more than happy to help you out!

Have fun. I'm so jealous that everyone has Disneyland plans. I really need to get back there!

[PirateLover]

I would definitely go for the family boarding. If for some reason they don't allow (which would surprise me) just take the boys with you in the higher spot. Sometimes other passengers will double check numbers and are very orderly but not all the time. They are your kids,. If someone wants to give you a hard time for wanting to have them with you in line, tough nougies!

[cer]

Just to make you feel better, even if you all had to line up with the highest boarding number of your party, I am fairly confident that you will not have any problems finding the seating arrangement you are hoping for.

We have had instances where we were in the high B's and low C's and still had no problems getting seated together.

Have a great trip!

[arbie_c]

I agree with the PP on asking for the early boarding card. I'm sure they will understand the situation and be very helpful. Have a great trip!

[Mickey'sGirl]

They specifically address Developmental Disabilities on their website, so you should get pre-boarded.

According to the Southwest Website:

Customers with Cognitive & Developmental Disabilities


Upon arrival at the airport please inform a Southwest Airlines Agent or Skycap at your first point of contact, either at the Skycap podium or ticket counter, if you need assistance within the airport. If assistance is needed during boarding or onboard the aircraft, please notify our Employees at the departure gate, and, if applicable, one of our Flight Attendants when you board the aircraft. When considering air travel as an option for an individual with a cognitive or development disability, please consider the possibility of flight delays, diversions, or any other flight irregularities. Although we will provide assistance to any Customer with a disability, we will not provide a personal escort to remain with the Customer for the duration of the irregularity. If a Customer requires personal or continuous assistance, he/she should travel with an attendant.
Services Provided

• Offer preboarding
• Introduce the Customer to our Flight Attendant and make the Flight Attendant aware of the Customer's special needs
• Advise the Customer that he/she needs to deplane at his/her destination or that he/she needs to remain onboard at a stopover city. We cannot, however, guarantee that he/she won't deplane at an intermediate stop if he/she does so without our knowledge.
• Assist the Customer from his/her arrival gate to his/her departure gate if his/her itinerary involves a connection. However, the Customer must identify him/herself as having requested assistance when he/she arrives at the airport.
• Expect the Customer to follow our Crew Members' instructions for his or her own Safety as well as the Safety of others.

Services Not Provided

• Provide custodial care or stay with the Customer on the aircraft or in the gate area prior to departure or during a layover.
• Escort the Customer to a specific party or check said party's identification.

[BrerGnat]

Okay, I think I will ask for the pre boarding special needs card. I also want to try to get seats close to the front of the plane, as we have a very tight connection in Chicago and I don't want to be stressed about making it.

Thanks everyone!

[Mousefever]

This is definitely a time when I would have done Early Bird if I were in your situation! The peace of mind would have been totally worth the extra money. I agree that you should be able to board during "family boarding" between A and B.

Amy