Flying Southwest Airlines is known for its unique open seating policy. Unlike other airlines, you don't get an assigned seat when you book; instead, your boarding position determines when you get on the plane and thus, your choice of seat. This makes preboarding a highly sought-after perk for those who need it, as it allows you to board before the general "A" group, securing your preferred seating and overhead bin space.
But how exactly do you navigate the Southwest system to get that coveted preboard status? Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you understand and secure Southwest Airlines preboard.
Your Ultimate Guide to Southwest Airlines Preboard: Securing Your Spot Early
Welcome, fellow traveler! Are you looking to make your Southwest flight experience smoother and more comfortable by boarding earlier? You've come to the right place. Let's start by figuring out if preboarding is the right option for you.
Step 1: Understand Who Qualifies for Preboard
First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that Southwest's preboarding is primarily for passengers with specific needs, not just for those who want an earlier boarding position for convenience. Misusing this system can cause delays and inconvenience for truly qualifying individuals.
Southwest Airlines officially states that preboarding is available for:
Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.
Unaccompanied Minors (ages 5-11) will preboard with an employee.
Important Distinction: Preboard vs. Family Boarding vs. EarlyBird Check-In/Upgraded Boarding
It's vital not to confuse "preboard" with other options for earlier boarding:
Family Boarding: This allows up to two adults traveling with a child aged six years old or younger to board between the "A" and "B" groups. This is not preboarding, but it does offer an earlier opportunity to secure seats together.
EarlyBird Check-In: This is a paid service that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, typically securing an earlier boarding position within the A or early B group. It does not guarantee preboard status.
Upgraded Boarding: Available for purchase at the gate (if available), this allows you to buy into an A1-A15 boarding position. Again, this is not preboarding, but a way to get a top-tier boarding spot.
A-List/A-List Preferred Status: These elite Rapid Rewards members and those on their reservation receive priority boarding with automatically assigned earlier boarding positions, often in the A group. This is a loyalty benefit, not preboarding based on special needs.
Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility for Preboard Based on Need
If you believe you qualify for preboard due to a disability or specific need, here's how to assess your situation:
Sub-heading: Disability-Related Preboarding
Southwest's policy for disability-related preboarding is for those who:
Require a specific seat to accommodate their disability (e.g., needing an aisle seat for easier lavatory access, or a window seat for a service animal).
Need assistance boarding the aircraft (e.g., using a wheelchair, needing extra time to move down the aisle).
Need to stow an assistive device (e.g., a collapsible wheelchair, a portable oxygen concentrator).
It's not intended for those who simply want more legroom or an ideal seat for comfort if it's not directly related to a disability. If you just need a little extra time to board or be seated, but don't require a specific seat or assistance, you may qualify to board between the "A" and "B" groups (similar to Family Boarding), which is designated with an "XT" on your boarding pass, rather than "PRBD" for preboard. Discuss your needs clearly with a Customer Service Agent.
Sub-heading: Unaccompanied Minors
Children aged 5-11 traveling alone are automatically eligible for preboarding. This is handled by Southwest staff, who will escort the child onto the aircraft before general boarding.
Step 3: Requesting Preboard at the Airport
This is where the rubber meets the road. Southwest does not allow preboard requests in advance online or over the phone (except for unaccompanied minors, which is handled during booking). You must make your request in person at the airport.
Sub-heading: At the Ticket Counter (Recommended)
Arrival: Upon arriving at the airport, head directly to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
Speak to an Agent: Inform the Customer Service Agent that you require preboarding due to a disability. Be prepared to answer questions about your specific needs. You are not required to disclose your medical condition, but you should be able to articulate why you need the accommodation. For instance, you can state you require an aisle seat for easier access, or extra time to navigate the plane due to a mobility issue.
Verification and New Boarding Pass: The agent will assess your eligibility. If you qualify, they will issue you a new boarding pass marked with "PRBD". This is your official preboard authorization.
Sub-heading: At the Departure Gate Counter
Approach the Agent: If you didn't request preboard at the ticket counter, you can do so at your departure gate. Approach the Southwest Customer Service Agent at the podium.
Explain Your Need: Clearly state your need for preboarding and why you qualify (as outlined in Step 2).
Receive New Boarding Pass: Similar to the ticket counter, if approved, you'll receive a new boarding pass with "PRBD".
Key Considerations When Requesting:
Be Clear and Concise: Explain why you need preboarding. Focus on the functional need (e.g., "I need to preboard to ensure I can get an aisle seat to easily access the lavatory throughout the flight due to a medical condition," or "I need extra time to board and stow my mobility aid.").
One Companion Allowed: If you are preboarding due to a disability, one travel companion may preboard with you. If you feel you need an exception to this (e.g., two caregivers are necessary), discuss it with the Customer Service Agent at the gate.
Exit Row Restriction: If you preboard, you cannot occupy an exit row seat. This is a safety regulation, as exit row passengers must be able to assist in an emergency.
Early Arrival: Arrive at the airport and your gate with ample time to make your request and go through the process without feeling rushed.
Step 4: Boarding the Aircraft
Once you have your "PRBD" boarding pass, the process at the gate is straightforward:
Listen for the Announcement: The gate agent will typically call for preboarding passengers before they begin boarding the "A" group (usually A1-A60).
Present Your Boarding Pass: When called, proceed to the boarding lane and present your "PRBD" boarding pass to the Operations Agent.
Board and Find Your Seat: You will then be allowed to board the aircraft and select any available seat that meets your needs (excluding exit rows). If you specifically requested preboard for a certain type of seat, like an aisle, you can secure it at this point.
Variety of Styling in Action!
Let's emphasize some crucial points with different styling:
Preboarding is a privilege for those with legitimate needs, not a general convenience perk.
Always be honest and transparent about your reason for preboarding.
A polite and clear explanation of your functional need goes a long way.
Remember the "PRBD" on your boarding pass is your golden ticket!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about Southwest Airlines boarding and preboarding, with quick answers:
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest if I don't qualify for preboard?
You can get a better boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In (which automatically checks you in 36 hours prior), purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate (if available), or by having A-List or A-List Preferred status.
How to utilize Family Boarding on Southwest Airlines?
If you're traveling with a child aged six years old or younger, up to two accompanying adults can board during Family Boarding, which takes place after the "A" group and before the "B" group. Just listen for the announcement at the gate.
How to check in for a Southwest flight to get a good boarding position?
Check in precisely 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time via the Southwest website or mobile app. The earlier you check in after the 24-hour mark, the better your boarding position will generally be.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest Airlines?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during your initial booking on Southwest.com, through the Southwest app, or by calling their reservations line, up to 36 hours before your flight.
How to tell if I have an A-List or A-List Preferred status with Southwest?
You can check your Rapid Rewards account status on the Southwest Airlines website or app. Your membership level will be clearly displayed.
How to know if my purchased fare includes priority boarding on Southwest?
Southwest's Business Select fares include an A1-A15 boarding position. Other fare types (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime) do not automatically include priority boarding.
How to request wheelchair assistance with Southwest Airlines?
You can request wheelchair assistance when booking your flight online, by calling Southwest Reservations, or by speaking to a Customer Service Agent at the airport. This is separate from preboarding, though those needing wheelchair assistance may also qualify for preboarding.
How to bring a service animal on a Southwest flight and preboard?
Inform Southwest when booking that you are traveling with a service animal. If your service animal requires a specific seat accommodation that necessitates preboarding, you would follow the preboarding request process at the airport, clearly stating your need.
How to handle a situation where I believe I should preboard but am denied?
Politely explain your specific need again to the Customer Service Agent. If you still feel your needs are not being met, you can ask to speak with a Supervisor. You can also refer to the Department of Transportation's Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights if necessary.
How to know if a flight is eligible for EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding?
Eligibility for EarlyBird Check-In is generally displayed during the booking process. Upgraded Boarding availability is determined at the gate on the day of travel and is subject to availability.
