[punkydoodles]

Don't know who's idea it was to get rid of family pre-boarding, but it's clear that said person has never traveled with a small child! I used to luv SW but refuse to fly with them anymore - I'd rather give my money to the oil companies and drive 12 hrs to visit my parents. Pre-boarding families is beneficial to both the families and the other passengers. By letting families on first, they have time to get the children situated (not to mention even able to sit together in the first place!!) Carry ons stored, and be seated by the time the remaining passenger board. This way, a long line of people are waiting, impatiently, while a stressed out mom deals with her kiddos. Now when I fly with my children, I have to fold down the stroller with people waiting behind me (the stroller which SW can't seem to understand is to be GATE CHECKED!!) then I have to wait in the isles with 2 kids under the age of two while all the A group finishes getting situated. Then I find a seat towards the back where all 3 of us can actually sit TOGETHER. I try to hurry and settle so other passengers are waiting. Getting off is just as bad. Because of the new pre-board rules I am now in the back of the plane (because I wanted my family to sit TOGETHER!) So we must wait, again, with 2 kids under 2, which people lolly-gag off the flight. Had we pre-boarded we would have been in the front. Easy on. Easy off. Everyone is happy. I really wish Southwest would rethink this policy - it's by far the dummest thing I'v ever heard (yup, even dumber than charging for luggage!!)

-sarah-