So, you're flying Southwest, and the thought of open seating has you a little stressed about getting a good spot? Or perhaps you have specific needs that make boarding early a must? You've come to the right place! Pre-boarding on Southwest Airlines can be a game-changer for a smoother travel experience. While Southwest is famous for its open seating policy, they do have a structured boarding process that includes pre-boarding for those who truly need it.
Let's dive deep into how you can qualify for pre-boarding on Southwest Airlines, ensuring you're well-prepared for your next flight.
Understanding Southwest's Boarding Philosophy
Before we get into the specifics of pre-boarding, it's important to understand Southwest's unique boarding system. Unlike most airlines that assign seats, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served open seating basis. Your boarding position (A, B, or C, followed by a number 1-60) largely determines when you get on the plane and, therefore, your choice of seats. Pre-boarding, however, allows certain passengers to board before even the A group, offering a significant advantage.
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| How To Qualify For Pre Boarding On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Eligible? Identifying Your Need for Pre-Boarding
The very first step is to genuinely assess whether you qualify for pre-boarding. Southwest Airlines has specific guidelines for pre-boarding, and it's crucial to understand them. Pre-boarding is primarily reserved for passengers with disabilities who require a specific accommodation to board the aircraft or seat themselves. It's not for general convenience or to simply get a better seat.
Here are the key criteria that Southwest outlines for pre-boarding eligibility:
Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability: This is a primary reason for pre-boarding. If your disability necessitates a particular type of seat (e.g., aisle seat for easier access, a seat with more space, or a seat near a lavatory), you may qualify.
Customers with disabilities who need assistance boarding the aircraft: If you require physical assistance from Southwest personnel to get onto the plane or to your seat, pre-boarding is designed for you. This could include help with transfers from a wheelchair, or if you need extra time to navigate the aisle.
Customers with disabilities who need to stow an assistive device: If you are traveling with an assistive device that needs to be stowed in the cabin (e.g., a collapsible wheelchair, a portable oxygen concentrator), pre-boarding allows you the time and space to do so before the main rush.
Important Note: Southwest also offers "Family Boarding" for those traveling with children aged six years or younger. This is a separate process and occurs after the A group has boarded but before the B group. It's not the same as pre-boarding. We'll touch on this distinction later.
Step 2: Making the Request: Communicating Your Need to Southwest
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Once you've determined you meet the criteria for pre-boarding, the next step is to inform Southwest Airlines.
Sub-heading: At the Airport Ticket Counter or Departure Gate
The most common and recommended way to request pre-boarding is by speaking directly with a Southwest Customer Service Agent.
Locate a Southwest Customer Service Agent: As soon as you arrive at the airport, or at least 30-40 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure, make your way to the Southwest ticket counter or, if you're already past security, to your departure gate.
Clearly State Your Need: Politely inform the agent that you require pre-boarding due to a disability. Be prepared to briefly explain your specific need (e.g., "I need a specific seat to accommodate my mobility device," or "I need extra time to board due to a physical limitation").
Answer "Fact-Finding Questions": Southwest agents are trained to ask a few "fact-finding questions" to determine if you qualify. These questions are designed to understand your specific needs and ensure pre-boarding is genuinely necessary for your safe and comfortable travel. They are not permitted to ask for medical documentation or inquire about the nature of your disability itself.
Receive Your Pre-Boarding Pass: If you qualify, the agent will provide you with a new boarding pass clearly marked with "PRBD" (Pre-Board). This designation signals to the Operations Agent at the boarding gate that you are eligible for pre-boarding.
Sub-heading: Online or Via Phone (Pre-Notification, Not Qualification)
While you can notify Southwest of special assistance needs online or via phone when managing your reservation, this typically serves as a heads-up for general assistance (like wheelchair service at the airport) rather than a direct qualification for pre-boarding. The actual determination for pre-boarding eligibility and the issuance of a "PRBD" boarding pass will still happen at the airport with a Customer Service Agent. It's always best to speak with an agent in person at the airport to ensure your pre-boarding request is properly handled.
Step 3: The Boarding Process: What to Expect on Boarding Day
With your "PRBD" boarding pass in hand, here's what to anticipate on the day of your flight:
Arrive Early at the Gate: Even with pre-boarding, it's a good idea to arrive at your gate well before the scheduled boarding time. This gives you ample opportunity to speak with the gate agent and get settled.
Listen for the Pre-Boarding Call: The gate agent will typically make an announcement for pre-boarding before they call for the A group. Listen carefully for this announcement.
Line Up and Present Your Pass: When pre-boarding is called, proceed to the boarding lane and present your "PRBD" boarding pass to the Operations Agent.
One Travel Companion May Pre-Board: Southwest generally allows one travel companion to pre-board with the eligible passenger. If you need more than one companion due to specific needs related to your disability, you'll need to discuss this with the Customer Service Agent at the gate when you request pre-boarding. Any additional companions will need to board with their assigned boarding group.
Selecting Your Seat: Once on board, you can select any available seat, keeping in mind that passengers who pre-board are not permitted to occupy exit row seats. If you pre-boarded because you need a specific seat, you should speak with the Operations Agent before pre-boarding begins to ensure your seating needs can be accommodated.
Stowing Assistive Devices: If you have an assistive device that needs to be stowed, the flight attendants will assist you with this once you are on board.
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
Step 4: Understanding the Nuances: Key Considerations and Tips
Honesty is Key: Southwest relies on the integrity of passengers when it comes to pre-boarding requests. Misrepresenting your need for pre-boarding can lead to delays for genuinely in-need passengers and potentially cause issues with airline personnel.
"Extra Time" Boarding: If you have a disability but do not meet the strict criteria for pre-boarding (i.e., you don't need a specific seat, assistance boarding, or to stow an assistive device, but simply need a little extra time to board or get seated), you may be able to board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. You'll still need to speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate, and they may give you a new boarding pass marked with "XT" for "extra time."
Families with Young Children: As mentioned, if you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, Southwest offers "Family Boarding." Up to two adults traveling with the child can board after the "A" group and before the "B" group. This is a separate process from disability-related pre-boarding.
No Guarantees on Specific Seat Types: While pre-boarding allows you early access, Southwest does not guarantee a specific seat type (e.g., window vs. aisle). However, with early access, you have the best chance of selecting the seat that best meets your needs.
Consider Other Boarding Options: If you don't qualify for pre-boarding or extra time boarding but still want an earlier boarding position, consider these options:
EarlyBird Check-In: This paid add-on automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, typically securing a better boarding position.
Upgraded Boarding: For a fee, you can purchase an A1-A15 boarding position within 24 hours of your flight, either online or at the gate (if available).
Southwest A-List/A-List Preferred Status: Frequent flyers with elite status automatically receive earlier boarding positions.
Business Select Fares: These higher-tier fares typically include A1-A15 boarding positions.
By understanding these steps and considerations, you can navigate Southwest's boarding process with confidence and ensure a more comfortable journey, especially if you have specific needs that necessitate pre-boarding.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Southwest pre-boarding and their quick answers:
How to request pre-boarding on Southwest Airlines?
You can request pre-boarding by speaking with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport ticket counter or at your departure gate before your flight.
How to qualify for pre-boarding on Southwest Airlines for a disability?
You qualify for pre-boarding if you have a disability and need a specific seat, assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
How to pre-board with a companion on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest generally allows one travel companion to pre-board with the eligible passenger. Discuss any exceptions for more companions with the gate agent.
How to differentiate between pre-boarding and family boarding on Southwest?
Pre-boarding is for passengers with disabilities who meet specific criteria, while Family Boarding is for up to two adults traveling with a child aged six or younger. Pre-boarding occurs first, then the A group, then Family Boarding.
How to get "extra time" boarding on Southwest if I don't qualify for pre-boarding?
If you have a disability but only need a little extra time to board (not full pre-boarding), speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport; they may issue you an "XT" boarding pass allowing you to board between the A and B groups.
How to know if I've been approved for pre-boarding on Southwest?
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
If approved, you will receive a new boarding pass clearly marked with "PRBD" (Pre-Board).
How to find my pre-boarding group at the gate?
Listen for the gate agent's announcement for pre-boarding, which will happen before the A group is called.
How to ensure I get a specific seat if I pre-board on Southwest?
While pre-boarding gives you early access, it doesn't guarantee a specific seat type. However, with early access, you have the best chance to select the seat that meets your needs. Speak with the Operations Agent before boarding if you have specific seating requirements due to your disability.
How to avoid issues when requesting pre-boarding on Southwest?
Be honest about your needs, arrive early at the gate, and clearly communicate your specific requirements to the Southwest Customer Service Agent.
How to board with a service animal if I need pre-boarding on Southwest?
Passengers traveling with a service animal and who meet the pre-boarding criteria for a disability can pre-board with their service animal. Ensure your service animal meets Southwest's requirements.
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