Planning air travel when you require wheelchair assistance can feel like a daunting task, but with Southwest Airlines, it's a straightforward process designed to ensure your comfort and safety. They are committed to making air travel accessible for everyone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of securing wheelchair assistance with Southwest, from booking to landing.
Your Journey to Seamless Travel: Getting Wheelchair Assistance at Southwest Airlines
Step 1: Engaging with Your Travel Needs – The First Connection!
Before you even think about booking, take a moment to consider your specific needs. Do you require assistance from the moment you arrive at the curb? Will you need help navigating connecting flights? Do you have your own wheelchair, and if so, what are its dimensions and battery type?
Understanding your requirements is the first and most crucial step. It allows you to communicate effectively with Southwest Airlines and ensures they can provide the most suitable assistance. Think about the following:
Level of Assistance: Do you need help from the curb to the gate, gate to the plane, or both?
Mobility Device: Are you bringing your own manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, or will you need an airline-provided wheelchair?
Connecting Flights: If you have layovers, will you need assistance between gates?
Special Considerations: Are there any other medical or accessibility needs they should be aware of?
Once you have a clear picture, you're ready to move on to the next step!
Step 2: Notifying Southwest Airlines of Your Needs
Southwest Airlines strongly recommends notifying them of your wheelchair assistance needs as early as possible. While you can request assistance at the airport, advance notification ensures a smoother and more efficient experience.
Sub-heading A: During Online Booking
When booking your flight on Southwest.com, look for the "Special Assistance" link or section during the passenger and payment information stage.
Click on this link, and you'll typically find options to indicate your need for wheelchair assistance. Select the appropriate choices that match your requirements.
An italicized "i" information link may also be available, providing more details about Southwest's disability assistance policies.
Sub-heading B: For Existing Reservations
If you've already booked your flight, don't worry! You can easily update your reservation.
Go to the Southwest Airlines homepage and click on the "FLIGHT | HOTEL | CAR | VACATIONS" link.
Select "Manage Reservations."
Under your name, you should find the "Special Assistance" link. Click on it to update your information and add your wheelchair assistance request.
Sub-heading C: By Phone – The Personal Touch
For a more personalized approach or if you have complex needs, calling Southwest Airlines directly is an excellent option. Their customer service agents are trained to handle special travel requests.
You can reach Southwest Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). For TTY, call 1-800-533-1305.
Be prepared to provide your flight details and clearly explain the type of wheelchair assistance you require. This is especially important if you're bringing your own wheelchair with specific dimensions or battery types.
Important Note for International Flights: While the general process is similar, if your itinerary involves a partner airline for international travel, be aware that the partner airline may have different guidelines for requesting wheelchair assistance. It's wise to contact them directly as well.
Step 3: Preparing for Your Travel Day
Preparation is key to a stress-free travel day.
Sub-heading A: Confirming Your Request
While you've already made your request, it's a good practice to reconfirm your wheelchair assistance request a day or two before your flight. You can do this by calling Southwest Customer Service again. This ensures that the ground staff at the airport are fully prepared for your arrival.
Sub-heading B: Arriving at the Airport
Arrive at the airport with ample time. Southwest recommends arriving early, especially if you require wheelchair assistance, as this allows for a relaxed check-in and security screening process.
When you arrive at the airport, identify yourself and the assistance you require to a Southwest Employee or Skycap at the curb or inside the terminal. Don't hesitate to ask for help!
Curbside Check-in: While available at some airports, it's not universal or always available during all hours. If you don't see an employee at the curb, proceed inside the airport to request assistance.
Sub-heading C: Security Screening with Mobility Aids
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for security screening. Inform the TSA officer if you cannot walk or stand unassisted.
Walkers, Crutches, Canes, and other Mobility Aids: These items must undergo X-ray screening or be hand-inspected if they cannot fit through the X-ray.
Wheelchairs and Scooters: These must also be screened, including seat cushions and any non-removable pouches.
TSA Cares: The TSA has a program called TSA Cares which provides additional assistance for travelers with disabilities. You can visit the TSA website for more details or call their helpline in advance for specific guidance.
Step 4: At the Gate and Boarding the Aircraft
Southwest Airlines has specific procedures in place to ensure a comfortable boarding experience for passengers needing wheelchair assistance.
Sub-heading A: Preboarding
Southwest uses an open-seating model, and preboarding is often granted to those who need extra time or help boarding the plane. This allows you to select a seat that best suits your needs.
Notify the Customer Service Agent at the gate that you require preboarding due to wheelchair assistance. They will arrange for you to board before general boarding begins.
This is a significant advantage for ensuring you have adequate space and time to settle in comfortably.
Sub-heading B: Onboard the Aircraft
Once onboard, Flight Attendants will provide an individual safety briefing upon request.
They will also assist you with:
Lifting and retrieving carry-on items.
Stowing mobility aids (if they fit in the cabin's designated storage areas).
Identifying and opening food packages if you make them aware of your disability-related need for assistance.
Helping you move throughout the cabin and to or from the lavatory (note: they do not assist with services inside the lavatory).
Wheelchair Storage: Southwest aircraft are equipped with a designated wheelchair storage compartment that can accommodate at least one standard-size, adult collapsible wheelchair on a first-come, first-served basis. Wheelchairs are given priority for this st
orage. If the compartment is full or your device cannot be accommodated in the cabin, it will be checked.
Step 5: Connecting Flights and Arrival at Your Destination
Your assistance doesn't end when you land!
Sub-heading A: Connecting Flights
If you have connecting flights, ensure you inform a Southwest Employee at your connecting airport that you require assistance between gates. They will arrange for a wheelchair and assistance to get you to your next departure gate.
Don't hesitate to ask for help navigating the airport, especially in larger terminals.
Sub-heading B: Upon Arrival
When you land at your final destination, identify yourself to a Southwest Employee or Flight Attendant to receive assistance from the aircraft to the baggage claim area or your chosen pickup point.
Retrieving Your Mobility Device: If your wheelchair or mobility aid was checked, you can typically choose to have it returned to you at the gate (jet bridge) or at baggage claim. Be sure to inform an employee of your preference when checking your device or upon arrival.
Related FAQ Questions
How to request wheelchair assistance online with Southwest Airlines?
You can request wheelchair assistance during the online booking process under the "Special Assistance" section, or for existing reservations, by managing your trip online and clicking the "Special Assistance" link under your name.
How to notify Southwest Airlines about bringing my own wheelchair?
You can notify Southwest about bringing your own wheelchair when booking online through the "Special Assistance" section, or by calling their customer service line at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
How to ensure my power wheelchair is accepted by Southwest Airlines?
Inform Southwest Airlines of your power wheelchair's dimensions, weight, and battery type (watt-hours) in advance. They have specific size and weight limits (e.g., devices exceeding 500 pounds are not accepted, battery size limits apply). You may need to complete a Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Information Form.
How to get help with connecting flights for wheelchair users on Southwest?
Upon arrival at your connecting airport, identify yourself to a Southwest Employee and request assistance for your connecting flight. They will provide wheelchair service between gates.
How to preboard with a wheelchair on Southwest Airlines?
Inform the Customer Service Agent at your departure gate that you require preboarding due to your need for wheelchair assistance. They will arrange for you to board before general boarding begins.
How to handle security screening with a wheelchair at Southwest Airlines?
Inform the TSA officer that you use a wheelchair. Your wheelchair will be screened (either by X-ray or hand-inspection). You can also contact TSA Cares for additional assistance.
How to get my checked wheelchair back at the gate upon arrival?
When checking your wheelchair, inform the Southwest Employee that you prefer to have your device returned to you at the jet bridge upon arrival. Reconfirm this preference with a Flight Attendant or station employee at the gate when you land.
How to contact Southwest Airlines for special assistance?
You can contact Southwest Airlines for special assistance by calling their main customer service line at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). For TTY, call 1-800-533-1305.
How to deal with wheelchair damage or delay on Southwest Airlines?
If your wheelchair is damaged or delayed, report it immediately to a Southwest Employee at the airport. Document the issue and contact Southwest Customer Service to seek resolution.
How to bring a service animal with wheelchair assistance on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines accepts trained service dogs. You will need to present a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form at the ticket counter or gate. Emotional support animals are generally treated as pets and must adhere to pet policy.