Do you often find yourself looking at the bustling Southwest Airlines gate, wondering how some passengers seem to effortlessly glide onto the plane before everyone else? Perhaps you've seen the "Preboard" designation on a boarding pass and wished you knew the secret. Well, you're in luck! This comprehensive guide will unravel the mysteries of preboarding on Southwest Airlines, ensuring you're well-equipped for your next journey.
Understanding Southwest Airlines' Unique Boarding Process
Before we dive into preboarding, let's quickly recap Southwest's distinctive boarding system. Unlike many airlines with assigned seating, Southwest operates on an open seating policy. This means you choose your seat once you're on board. To manage the boarding process efficiently, Southwest uses a "boarding group" (A, B, or C) and "boarding position" (1-60) system. Your position is determined primarily by when you check in for your flight (which opens 24 hours prior to departure), with some exceptions for premium fares or elite status. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position, and thus, your choice of seats.
However, there are specific circumstances where passengers can board even before Group A begins. This is known as "preboarding" or "family boarding," and it's what we'll explore in detail.
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| How To Preboard On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Eligible for Preboarding? The Crucial First Question!
The very first thing you need to do is honestly assess if you meet Southwest's criteria for preboarding. This isn't a "first come, first served" perk; it's a specific accommodation for passengers who truly need it.
Southwest Airlines offers preboarding primarily to Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.
Do you require a specific seat due to a disability? This could be to accommodate a service animal, a medical device, or a particular physical need.
Do you need assistance boarding the aircraft? This applies if you require physical help to get from the gate to your seat, beyond what a general boarding queue allows.
Do you need to stow an assistive device? If you have a wheelchair, scooter, or other assistive device that needs to be stowed in the cabin or specifically handled by airline personnel, you may qualify.
It's important to note: If you simply need a little extra time to board or be seated but don't meet the above criteria, you may be able to board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. This is sometimes referred to as "Extra Time" (XT) boarding.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding vs. Preboarding
Many people confuse "preboarding" with "family boarding." While both allow earlier access, they are distinct:
Preboarding: As described above, this is for customers with disabilities who need specific accommodations.
Family Boarding: This is for families traveling with a child six years old or younger. Up to two adults accompanying the child(ren) can board during this time, which occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins. You do not need to arrange this beforehand; simply listen for the announcement at the gate.
Crucially, if you are simply traveling with young children and are not otherwise eligible for disability-related preboarding, you will participate in Family Boarding, not Preboarding.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
Step 2: How to Request Preboarding: At the Airport
Once you've determined you meet the eligibility for disability-related preboarding, the next step is to make your request at the airport. This cannot typically be done online or over the phone in advance for disability-related preboarding.
Sub-heading: Approaching a Southwest Customer Service Agent
Locate a Southwest Customer Service Agent: Upon arrival at the airport, head to either the ticket counter (before security) or, ideally, the departure gate counter for your specific flight.
Politely State Your Need: Approach an agent and explain that you require preboarding due to a disability. Be prepared to articulate why you need it, referencing one of the eligibility criteria (e.g., "I need a specific seat to accommodate my service animal," or "I require assistance boarding due to my mobility device").
Answer Qualifying Questions: The agent will ask you a few questions to determine if you qualify. These questions are designed to assess your legitimate need for preboarding and ensure the accommodation is appropriate. Be prepared to provide concise and clear answers.
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 is your official permission to preboard and alerts the Operations Agent at the boarding gate.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations During Request
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute: While you can request preboarding at the departure gate, it's always best to arrive at the airport with ample time. This allows for a smoother process and avoids any last-minute stress.
One Companion Rule: Generally, one travel companion may preboard with you. If you believe you need an exception to this (e.g., multiple caregivers), discuss your needs with the Customer Service Agent at the gate when making your request. They will evaluate your situation on a case-by-case basis.
Exit Row Restriction: If you preboard, you cannot occupy an exit seat. This is a safety regulation, as exit row passengers must be able to assist in an emergency evacuation.
Communicate Specific Seating Needs (if applicable): If you are preboarding because you need a specific seat (e.g., a bulkhead for a service animal, or a particular aisle seat for ease of access), speak with the Operations Agent at the gate after receiving your new PRBD boarding pass but before preboarding starts. This will allow them to help facilitate your seating upon boarding.
Step 3: The Boarding Process on Preboard: What to Expect at the Gate
With your PRBD boarding pass in hand, you're ready for the actual boarding process.
Sub-heading: Listening for the Preboard Announcement
Listen Carefully: At the gate, pay close attention to the boarding announcements. The gate agent will typically call for preboarding passengers before they call for Group A.
Proceed to the Gate: When "Preboard" is announced, proceed to the boarding area. There will usually be a designated spot or an agent directing preboarders.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
Sub-heading: Presenting Your PRBD Boarding Pass
Show Your Pass: As you approach the gate agent to board, present your boarding pass clearly displaying the PRBD designation. The Operations Agent will recognize this and allow you to board.
Boarding with Your Companion: If you are traveling with a companion who is also preboarding with you, ensure they are with you and that the gate agent is aware.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Seat
Take Your Time: Once on board, take the necessary time to find a seat that accommodates your needs. Remember, Southwest has open seating.
Utilize Overhead Bins: If you have an assistive device that needs to be stowed in the overhead bin, the flight attendants will assist you with this.
Step 4: After Boarding: Settling In and Flight Assistance
Even after you've found your seat, Southwest Airlines aims to provide assistance throughout your journey if needed.
Sub-heading: In-Flight Assistance Upon Request
Safety Briefing: Upon request, flight attendants will conduct an individual safety briefing once onboard and prior to departure.
Carryon and Mobility Aid Assistance: Flight attendants can help you lift and retrieve carryon items and stow mobility aids if you make them aware that your need for assistance is due to a disability.
Food Package Identification/Opening: If you need help identifying or opening food packages due to a disability, simply inform a flight attendant.
Moving Around the Cabin: Flight attendants can assist you in moving throughout the cabin and to or from the lavatory (but not with services inside the lavatory).
Alternate Communication: For passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing, flight attendants will establish alternate methods of communication upon request.
Additional Considerations & Tips:
Advance Notice is Not Required for Preboarding: While you can inform Southwest in advance about certain disability-related needs (like wheelchair assistance), you generally don't need to notify them in advance for preboarding itself. The eligibility determination and PRBD boarding pass issuance occur at the airport.
A-List and Business Select Do Not Equal Preboarding: While A-List members and Business Select fares offer earlier boarding positions (A1-A15 for Business Select, and automatic check-in at 36 hours for A-List), these do not inherently grant preboarding privileges. Preboarding is solely based on disability-related needs.
Be Prepared to Explain Your Need: Southwest agents are trained to assess preboarding requests. Be ready to clearly and concisely explain why you need to preboard based on their criteria.
Courtesy and Patience: The airport environment can be stressful. Approaching agents with courtesy and patience will always lead to a smoother experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
How to get an earlier boarding position on Southwest if I don't qualify for preboarding?
You can get an earlier boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In (which automatically checks you in 36 hours prior), buying a Business Select fare, or being an A-List or A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards member.
How to check in for a Southwest Airlines flight?
You can check in for your Southwest Airlines flight online via Southwest.com or the Southwest app starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure time, or at the airport via a self-service kiosk or ticket counter.
How to use Southwest's Family Boarding?
If you are traveling with a child aged six or younger, you can use Family Boarding. Simply listen for the gate announcement for "Family Boarding" (which occurs after Group A has boarded and before Group B begins) and proceed to the gate with your child and up to two accompanying adults.
How to know if I need preboarding or just extra time to board on Southwest?
You need preboarding if you require a specific seat due to a disability, need assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. If you only need a little more time to board or be seated, but don't have these specific needs, you might qualify for "Extra Time" boarding (XT), which occurs after Group A and before Family Boarding.
How to get wheelchair assistance at the airport with Southwest?
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
You can request wheelchair assistance upon arrival at the airport by identifying your need to a Southwest Employee at the curb, ticket counter, or gate. You can also indicate your need when managing your reservation online, though this is primarily for notification, not a guarantee of immediate assistance at a specific time.
How to ensure my companion can preboard with me on Southwest?
One travel companion is generally allowed to preboard with you if you qualify for disability-related preboarding. Inform the Customer Service Agent at the gate when you request preboarding that your companion will be joining you.
How to find out my Southwest boarding group and position?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be assigned to you when you check in for your flight and will be printed on your boarding pass.
How to change my seat after preboarding on Southwest?
Once you have preboarded and are on the aircraft, Southwest operates on an open seating policy. You can choose any available seat that meets your needs. If you require assistance with seating, speak with a Flight Attendant.
How to get a new boarding pass if I qualify for preboarding?
A Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate will issue you a new boarding pass marked with "PRBD" once they have determined you qualify for preboarding.
How to board with a service animal on Southwest?
If you are traveling with a trained service animal, you may qualify for preboarding to ensure you can secure a seat that accommodates both you and your animal. You should request preboarding at the gate and explain your need.
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