Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you tired of the Southwest Airlines boarding scramble? Do you dream of being one of the first on the plane, securing that perfect window or aisle seat, and having ample overhead bin space? Then you've come to the right place! Qualifying for preboarding on Southwest Airlines can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially if you have specific needs. Let's dive in and demystify the process.
How to Qualify for Preboarding on Southwest Airlines: Your Ultimate Guide
Southwest Airlines is famous for its open seating policy, which means no assigned seats. While this offers flexibility, it also means boarding position is key to getting your desired seat. Preboarding allows certain passengers to board before general boarding groups (A, B, and C) begin, giving them a significant advantage. It's important to understand that Southwest's preboarding is primarily for those who genuinely need assistance, not simply for a better seat if you don't have a qualifying need.
Step 1: Understand Who Qualifies for Preboarding – Are You Eligible?
This is the most crucial first step! Southwest Airlines has specific criteria for preboarding. It's not a free-for-all, and attempting to preboard without meeting the requirements can lead to delays and frustration for everyone.
Sub-heading: Eligibility Categories for Preboarding
Southwest Airlines offers preboarding to Customers with disabilities who:
Need a specific seat to accommodate a disability: This isn't about personal preference for a window seat, but rather a medical necessity for a particular type of seat (e.g., due to a cast, brace, or specific medical condition requiring more space or a particular seating configuration).
Need assistance boarding the aircraft: This could include individuals who require a wheelchair to get to the plane and transfer to their seat, or those who need physical assistance to navigate the aisle.
Need to stow an assistive device: If you're traveling with a personal wheelchair, scooter, crutches, or other assistive device that needs to be stowed in a specific manner or requires extra time to get on board, you may qualify.
It's important to note: Customers with disabilities who simply need a little extra time to board or be seated, but do not meet the above criteria, may board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. This is a separate designation often referred to as "extra time" (XT) boarding.
Step 2: How to Request Preboarding – Making Your Needs Known
Once you've determined you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to communicate your need to Southwest. You cannot simply walk up to the gate and expect to preboard.
Sub-heading: At the Airport is Key
The request for preboarding must be made at the airport. You won't be able to arrange this online or over the phone in advance.
Approach a Customer Service Agent: Upon arrival at the airport, head to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter or, if you've already checked in, directly to the departure gate counter.
State Your Need Clearly: Politely explain to the Customer Service Agent why you require preboarding, referencing the specific disability or need that qualifies you.
Answer "Fact-Finding Questions": The agent will ask you a few questions to determine if you qualify. These questions are designed to assess your genuine need for preboarding and ensure the policy is applied fairly. Be prepared to answer honestly and concisely.
Receive Your New Boarding Pass: If you qualify, the Customer Service Agent will issue you a new boarding pass specifically marked with "PRBD" (Preboard). This designation informs the Operations Agent at the boarding gate that you are authorized to preboard.
Remember: This is not a negotiation or a debate. The agents are following established airline policy.
Step 3: Understanding Your Companion's Role – Traveling with Support
Southwest Airlines understands that some individuals requiring preboarding may need assistance from a travel companion.
One Travel Companion: Generally, one travel companion may preboard with the qualifying individual. This companion is typically someone who will be assisting the preboarding passenger during the flight or immediately upon boarding.
Exceptions for More Companions: If you feel you need an exception for more than one travel companion to preboard, you must discuss your specific needs with a Customer Service Agent at the gate when you request preboarding. They will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis.
Other Family/Group Members: Any additional family members or individuals traveling with you who are not the designated companion will need to board with their assigned boarding group (A, B, or C).
Step 4: On Boarding Day – The Preboarding Process
Once you have your "PRBD" boarding pass, here's how the actual boarding process will unfold.
Arrive at the Gate Early: It's always a good idea to arrive at your gate well before the scheduled boarding time, especially if you require special assistance. This gives you ample time to speak with a Customer Service Agent and prepare.
Listen for the Preboarding Announcement: Before general boarding begins, the gate agent will make an announcement for preboarding. This is your cue to approach the boarding area.
Show Your "PRBD" Boarding Pass: When the preboarding call is made, present your "PRBD" marked boarding pass to the Operations Agent.
Communicate Specific Seating Needs (if applicable): If you are preboarding because you need a specific type of seat (e.g., a seat with an armrest that can be raised for easier transfer), speak with the Operations Agent after getting your new boarding pass but before preboarding starts. They can help facilitate this.
No Exit Row Seats: As a preboarding passenger, you cannot occupy an exit row seat. This is a federal aviation regulation to ensure that passengers in exit rows can assist with emergency evacuations.
Step 5: Alternative Boarding Options – If You Don't Qualify for Preboarding
If you don't meet the strict criteria for preboarding, don's despair! Southwest offers other options to improve your boarding experience:
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
For Families with Young Children: If you are traveling with a child six years old or younger, up to two adults may board during Family Boarding. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding. This is a fantastic option for families to secure seats together.
How it Works: Simply listen for the Family Boarding announcement at the gate. You and one other adult with a child aged six or under can then proceed to board.
Sub-heading: Extra Time (XT) Boarding
For Those Needing a Little More Time: If you have a disability but do not require a specific seat, boarding assistance, or device stowage, you might qualify for "extra time" boarding.
How to Get It: Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. If they determine you qualify, you'll receive a new boarding pass marked with "XT." This allows you to board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding
Purchase a Better Position: If you're looking for a better boarding position and don't qualify for preboarding or family boarding, you can sometimes purchase Upgraded Boarding. This allows you to get an A1-A15 boarding position, subject to availability.
When and Where to Purchase: This is typically available 24 hours before your flight's departure via the Southwest app or website, or at the gate. There's a fee for this service.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In
Automated Check-in: EarlyBird Check-In is a paid service that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, giving you an earlier boarding position than those who check in at the 24-hour mark.
Benefits: While it doesn't guarantee an "A" group boarding pass, it significantly increases your chances of getting a better position, allowing for an earlier seat selection.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fare
Guaranteed A1-A15: If you're willing to pay for it, a Business Select fare automatically comes with a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, along with other perks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Preboarding
How to know if I qualify for preboarding on Southwest Airlines?
You qualify for preboarding if you have a disability and need a specific seat to accommodate it, require assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.
How to request preboarding at the airport?
You must speak directly with a Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. They will ask questions to determine your eligibility.
How to get a preboarding pass?
If deemed eligible by a Customer Service Agent, you will receive a new boarding pass marked with "PRBD" (Preboard).
How to preboard with a companion?
Generally, one travel companion may preboard with the qualifying individual. Discuss any exceptions with the Customer Service Agent.
How to ensure my medical device gets stowed properly during preboarding?
Inform the Customer Service Agent at the gate when requesting preboarding, and then speak with the Operations Agent at the boarding area about your specific device and its stowage needs.
How to board if I need extra time but don't qualify for preboarding?
You can request "extra time" (XT) boarding from a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. This allows you to board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding.
How to preboard with young children on Southwest?
Families with children aged six or younger do not qualify for preboarding, but they can utilize Family Boarding, which occurs after the A group and before the B group.
How to avoid being denied preboarding?
Be honest and clear about your need for preboarding, ensuring it aligns with Southwest's stated eligibility criteria for disabilities and specific assistance.
How to understand the "PRBD" and "XT" designations on boarding passes?
"PRBD" indicates preboarding due to a disability requiring specific assistance, while "XT" indicates extra time needed to board for a disability, allowing boarding between A and B groups.
How to find more information on Southwest's boarding policies?
You can visit the official Southwest Airlines website's "Boarding Process" or "Accessible Travel Assistance" sections for the most up-to-date and detailed information.
