Originally Posted by
Global_Hi_Flyer
1) Many legacies set aside blocks of seats for gate assignment just to deal with the "family of 4-6" issue. No guarantee, but it does somewhat improve the odds. And yes, I've seen the issue crop up, but at least it (usually) can be dealt with at the gate prior to boarding, rather than standing in the aisle of the aircraft. (At least the family knows what to expect when they board, and can plan accordingly).
2) Which brings me to my second comment on this subject: I'd rather not see a delay on-board while a FA deals with kindly asking other passengers to accomodate the family or while the family stands in the aisle trying to figure out how to divide group up so they can control the kids. I do note that many restaurants set aside larger tables for larger groups and tend not to seat parties of two at a six-top when the place is crowded and there's a line waiting.
So, my biggest negative on the family issue is the possibility of delays
We have not heard if WN "sets aside" the last few rows (or somewhere) for families who board after the A BPs. I guess not or we would have heard that. But if WN boards families after the A BPs and only have 60 As and only a few wheelchairs, there should be ample empty rows for families. Especially true if they reduce the A BPs by the number of thru passengers.
Also there is no reason why a child of 9 or over cannot set in a nearby row by themself.
And the issues of seats will always come up when a family with very young kids arrives at the Gate 10 min before flight time - and others are already on board or in the jetway getting on.