So, you're flying Southwest, and you're curious about getting on the plane a little earlier than everyone else? Perhaps you have special needs, are traveling with small children, or just want that prime overhead bin space. You've come to the right place! Southwest Airlines has a unique open seating policy, which means getting a good boarding position can make a huge difference in your travel experience.
Let's dive into the world of Southwest preboarding and how you can make it work for you.
Step 1: Understand What "Preboarding" Actually Means on Southwest
Before we get into the "how," let's clarify the "what." On Southwest, "preboarding" isn't just about getting on the plane before your A, B, or C group is called. It's a specific designation for passengers who require special assistance to board the aircraft. This is distinct from "Family Boarding" or having a high "A" boarding position.
Are you someone who needs extra time to get down the aisle?
Do you require a specific seat to accommodate a disability?
Are you traveling with an assistive device that needs to be stowed?
If you answered yes to any of these, then true preboarding might be for you. It's not simply for those who want to pick their favorite window seat without a fight!
Engage the User: So, before we go further, take a moment to honestly assess if your situation truly aligns with the spirit of Southwest's preboarding policy. This will help you navigate the process effectively!
Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility for Official Preboarding
Southwest has clear guidelines for who qualifies for preboarding. It's primarily for individuals with disabilities or specific needs.
Sub-heading: Eligibility Criteria for Disability-Related Preboarding
You may qualify for preboarding if you:
Need a specific seat to accommodate a disability.
Require assistance boarding the aircraft.
Need to stow an assistive device, such as a wheelchair, walker, or oxygen concentrator.
Important Note: If you simply need a little extra time to board or be seated but don't meet the above criteria, Southwest may allow you to board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. This is not preboarding, but rather an "extra time" (XT) designation.
Sub-heading: Preboarding for Unaccompanied Minors
Unaccompanied Minors (children traveling alone) will also preboard. This is handled directly by Southwest staff to ensure their safety and proper seating.
Step 3: How to Request Official Preboarding
If you believe you meet the criteria for preboarding due to a disability or special need, here's how to go about it:
Sub-heading: At the Airport - Your Best Bet
The most common and effective way to request preboarding is to speak directly with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport.
Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time before your flight's scheduled departure. Don't wait until the last minute.
Locate a Customer Service Agent: Head to the ticket counter or, ideally, the departure gate counter.
Explain Your Needs: Clearly articulate why you require preboarding based on the criteria mentioned in Step 2. Be prepared to answer "fact-finding questions" from the agent to determine your eligibility. They are there to help, but also to ensure the policy is used appropriately.
Receive Your New Boarding Pass: If you qualify, the agent will issue you a new boarding pass marked with PRBD (for preboard). This signals to the Operations Agent at boarding that you are approved to preboard.
One Companion: Generally, one travel companion may preboard with you. If you feel you need an exception to this (e.g., you have multiple caregivers), discuss your needs with the Customer Service Agent at the gate.
Specific Seat Needs: If your preboarding is due to needing a specific seat, it's advised to speak with the Operations Agent after getting your new boarding pass but before preboarding officially begins. This allows them to assist you in finding the most suitable seat.
Sub-heading: What About Online or Phone Requests?
While you can often advise Southwest of your special assistance needs in advance through your reservation online or by calling their special assistance line, the final determination and issuance of a preboard pass (PRBD) typically happens at the airport with a Customer Service Agent. Informing them beforehand can certainly help streamline the process when you arrive at the airport.
Step 4: Understanding Other Early Boarding Options (Not "Preboarding")
It's crucial to distinguish preboarding from other ways to get on the plane earlier on Southwest. Many travelers confuse these, leading to misunderstandings.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
This is a popular option for many families!
Who Qualifies? If you are traveling with a child six years old or younger, up to two adults accompanying that child may board during Family Boarding.
When Does it Happen? Family Boarding occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding.
No Prior Arrangement Needed: You don't need to arrange this beforehand. Simply listen for the announcement at the gate and line up when Family Boarding is called.
Purpose: This allows families with young children to find seats together, ensuring the child can sit next to at least one accompanying adult.
Sub-heading: Active Duty Military Boarding
Southwest offers a dedicated boarding window for active-duty military.
Who Qualifies? All active-duty members of the U.S. Military (with a valid military I.D.) who did not receive an "A" boarding group.
When Does it Happen? They are invited to board between the "A" and "B" groups, alongside Family Boarding.
What if I have an "A" group pass? If you're active duty military and already have an "A" boarding pass (A1-A60), you should board with your assigned "A" group position. You don't need to wait for the military boarding call.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In (Paid Options)
These are ways to purchase an earlier boarding position, but they are not preboarding.
Upgraded Boarding: Available for purchase within 24 hours of departure (at the gate or through the app/website), this can get you an A1-A15 boarding position. Costs vary.
EarlyBird Check-In: This service automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, generally assigning you an earlier boarding position than if you waited for the standard 24-hour check-in. It does not guarantee an A group position, but it significantly improves your chances.
Sub-heading: A-List and A-List Preferred Status
Southwest's frequent flyer program offers elite status that comes with priority boarding.
A-List & A-List Preferred Benefits: Members and everyone on their reservation automatically receive an earlier boarding position. Your boarding position is typically reserved 36 hours prior to the flight.
Still Need to Check-In: While your position is reserved, you and your companions still need to check in within 24 hours of departure to retrieve your boarding passes.
Step 5: On the Day of Travel - The Boarding Process
Now that you know the options, here's how it all plays out at the gate.
Arrive at the Gate: Be at your gate well before boarding begins. This is especially important if you are requesting preboarding.
Listen for Announcements: Southwest gate agents are very clear with their boarding announcements.
They will first call for official preboarding (for those with PRBD passes due to disability/special needs). This happens before the A group.
Then, they will call for A1-A30, followed by A31-A60.
Next, they will announce Family Boarding (for families with children aged 6 or younger) and Active Duty Military who did not receive an A boarding pass.
Finally, they will proceed with the B group, and then the C group.
Line Up Appropriately: Southwest uses numbered poles to help passengers line up in their assigned positions within their group.
If you have a PRBD pass, present it when preboarding is called.
If you are part of Family Boarding or Active Duty Military, wait for that specific announcement.
If you have a standard A, B, or C boarding pass, find your designated place in line.
Board the Aircraft: Once your group is called and you've found your spot, proceed to board the aircraft and select an available seat.
Remember: Southwest does not have assigned seating, so once you're on the plane, any open seat is yours!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to get preboard on Southwest Airlines if I have a disability?
You must speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate on the day of travel. They will assess your needs and issue a PRBD (preboard) pass if you qualify, allowing you to board before the "A" group.
How to get early boarding on Southwest Airlines with young children?
If you are traveling with a child aged six years old or younger, you can utilize "Family Boarding," which occurs after the "A" group and before the "B" group. No prior arrangement is needed; just listen for the announcement at the gate.
How to improve my boarding position on Southwest Airlines if I don't qualify for preboarding?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In (checks you in automatically 36 hours before departure) or Upgraded Boarding (secures an A1-A15 spot within 24 hours of flight), or achieve A-List/A-List Preferred status through frequent travel.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines if I am active duty military?
Active duty military members with a valid ID who did not receive an "A" boarding pass can board between the "A" and "B" groups, alongside Family Boarding.
How to know if I qualify for Southwest preboarding?
You qualify if you need a specific seat for a disability, require assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. If you just need extra time, you might qualify to board between A and B, but this is not full preboarding.
How to request special assistance for boarding on Southwest Airlines in advance?
While final preboard passes are issued at the airport, you can advise Southwest of your special assistance needs in advance by managing your reservation online or calling their special assistance line. This can help streamline the process at the airport.
How to use a Southwest credit card to get better boarding?
Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like Upgraded Boarding credits or EarlyBird Check-In, which can help you secure an earlier boarding position. Check your specific card's benefits for details.
How to ensure my family sits together on a Southwest flight?
Utilize Family Boarding if you have children aged six or younger. For older children or mixed groups, aiming for an earlier boarding position through EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding, or A-List status increases your chances of finding multiple seats together in Southwest's open seating environment.
How to find my boarding group and position on Southwest Airlines?
Your unique group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be displayed on your boarding pass after you check in for your flight (which you can do up to 24 hours before departure).
How to get extra time to board a Southwest flight if I don't need full preboarding?
Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. If you simply need a little extra time to board or be seated due to a disability, they may give you a boarding pass marked with "XT," allowing you to board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding.
