Traveling with Southwest Airlines and curious about pre-boarding? You're in the right place! Southwest's unique open-seating policy means getting a good spot on the plane can be a bit of a strategic game. Pre-boarding is a valuable benefit for those who qualify, allowing you to board before the general boarding groups and secure the seat that best meets your needs. Let's dive into how you can qualify for this perk.
How Do You Qualify for Pre-Boarding on Southwest Airlines? Your Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest Airlines offers pre-boarding primarily to passengers with specific needs that require extra time or assistance. It's not a perk you can typically purchase, unlike Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In. Instead, it's an accommodation designed to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for those who need it most.
 |
| How Do You Qualify For Pre Boarding On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for Pre-Boarding – Are You a Candidate?
This is the most crucial step! Southwest's pre-boarding policy is quite specific. They offer pre-boarding to Customers with disabilities who fall into one of the following categories:
-
Need a specific seat to accommodate a disability: This could be for a variety of reasons, such as needing extra legroom due to a medical condition, requiring a seat with an accessible armrest, or needing to be close to the lavatory.
-
Need assistance boarding the aircraft: This applies if you require physical assistance to get from the jet bridge onto the plane and into your seat. This often involves wheelchair assistance, but could also be for those with significant mobility limitations.
-
Need to stow an assistive device: If you are traveling with an assistive device, such as a collapsible wheelchair, scooter, or other medical equipment that needs to be stowed in the cabin, you may qualify for pre-boarding to ensure proper storage.
It's important to note: If you simply need a little extra time to board or be seated but don't meet the above criteria, Southwest has a separate boarding option for you! You may be able to board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. This is denoted by an "XT" on your boarding pass. While not full pre-boarding, it still gives you a head start.
Step 2: Communicate Your Need to a Southwest Representative – The Key Interaction
Once you've determined you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to inform Southwest Airlines. This cannot be done online or through the mobile app for pre-boarding.
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
Sub-heading: At the Airport Ticket Counter
-
Option 1: The Ticket Counter: When you arrive at the airport, head to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Inform the Customer Service Agent that you require pre-boarding due to a disability. They are trained to ask "fact-finding questions" to determine if you qualify. While this might feel a bit intrusive, it's part of their process to ensure the integrity of the pre-boarding system. Be prepared to explain why you need pre-boarding (e.g., "I need a specific seat because I have a back injury and require a seat that allows me to extend my legs," or "I use a personal mobility device that needs to be stowed onboard").
Sub-heading: At the Departure Gate
-
Option 2: The Departure Gate: If you've already checked in or are arriving closer to your boarding time, you can also speak to a Customer Service Agent at your departure gate. Again, be ready to explain your specific needs.
Step 3: Receive Your New Boarding Pass – Your Pre-Boarding Credential
If the Customer Service Agent determines you qualify for pre-boarding, they will provide you with a new boarding pass marked with "PRBD" (Pre-Board). This "PRBD" designation is crucial as it signals to the Operations Agent at the boarding gate that you are authorized to pre-board.
-
Important consideration: If you are pre-boarding because you need a specific seat (e.g., a bulkhead seat for legroom), it's highly recommended to speak with the Operations Agent after you get your "PRBD" boarding pass but before pre-boarding actually begins. This allows them to assist you in finding a suitable seat once onboard.
Step 4: Understanding Pre-Boarding Companions – Traveling Together
Southwest understands that sometimes, those who qualify for pre-boarding need assistance from a travel companion.
-
One Travel Companion Allowed: Generally, one travel companion may pre-board with you. This is to ensure you have the necessary support during the boarding process and once you're on the aircraft.
-
Exceptions for Additional Companions: If you feel you need more than one travel companion to pre-board with you due to extraordinary circumstances related to your disability, you should discuss your needs with a Customer Service Agent at the gate when you request pre-boarding. They will assess your situation.
Step 5: Boarding the Aircraft – Enjoying Your Head Start
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
When the pre-boarding announcement is made, typically before the "A" group, you and your qualified companion (if applicable) will be invited to board the aircraft. This allows you to get settled, stow your assistive devices, and find the most suitable seat before the general boarding process begins.
-
Seat Restrictions: It's important to remember that you cannot occupy an exit row seat if you pre-board. Exit row seats have specific requirements for passengers who can assist in an emergency, and pre-boarding is intended for those who need assistance, not necessarily those who can provide it in an emergency.
Related FAQ Questions
How to request pre-boarding on Southwest Airlines?
You request pre-boarding by speaking to a Customer Service Agent at the airport ticket counter or at your departure gate on the day of travel.
How to qualify for pre-boarding due to a medical condition on Southwest?
You qualify for pre-boarding due to a medical condition if it requires you to have a specific seat to accommodate the disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device.
How to get a pre-boarding pass from Southwest Airlines?
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
If you qualify, a Southwest Customer Service Agent will issue you a new boarding pass marked with "PRBD" at the ticket counter or gate.
How to pre-board with a service animal on Southwest Airlines?
If you are traveling with a fully trained service dog, you will present a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form at the ticket counter or gate. This generally allows you to pre-board.
How to pre-board with a child with a disability on Southwest Airlines?
If a child has a disability that meets the criteria for pre-boarding (needs a specific seat, boarding assistance, or assistive device stowage), they and one accompanying adult may pre-board. Speak to a Customer Service Agent.
How to handle a wheelchair for pre-boarding on Southwest Airlines?
If you are using a wheelchair, inform the Customer Service Agent. They will arrange for wheelchair assistance, and you will typically qualify for pre-boarding to ensure proper stowage of your device and assistance getting to your seat.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to pre-board if I just need extra time to board Southwest Airlines?
If you only need a little extra time to board but don't meet the specific pre-boarding criteria, you can request to board between the "A" and "B" groups (before Family Boarding). A Customer Service Agent can provide you with an "XT" boarding pass.
How to verify pre-boarding eligibility before my flight on Southwest Airlines?
Pre-boarding eligibility is typically determined on the day of travel by a Customer Service Agent at the airport. You cannot pre-verify it online in advance.
How to pre-board with a companion on Southwest Airlines?
One travel companion is generally permitted to pre-board with the qualified individual. If more are needed due to extraordinary circumstances, discuss this with the gate agent.
How to ensure a specific seat when pre-boarding on Southwest Airlines?
After receiving your "PRBD" boarding pass, speak with the Operations Agent at the gate before pre-boarding begins to let them know your specific seat requirement and they can assist you in finding one once onboard.
 |
