Originally Posted by FFSFO

Wow. I was actually googling the requirements for Delta's pre-boarding for those with disabilities to see if I needed to check with the gate agent or get a special ticket when I came across this thread. I realize it's old, but a lot of these comments are pathetic and some of you should really be ashamed of yourselves.

First of all, flying with children. It's difficult. Even if you don't have a stroller or an infant in your lap or a carseat. A toddler who can walk and talk just fine probably still needs some extra time getting situated in their seat and getting their snacks and entertainment and all that ready to go- especially if a stranger is going to be sitting in a seat adjacent to them, or in the window seat when you have the middle and aisle. An older child may have disabilities or difficulties that you can't see and needs extra time to situate themselves. Both parents boarding with the child isn't going to hurt you, so I don't see what the big deal is.

Secondly, not all disabilities are able to be seen, and it's illegal to ask someone what their disability is. So with Southwest's policy, or AA's policy... if a completely able bodied person wants to pre-board, all they need to do is go up and say "I am disabled and need a special ticket." It HAS to be given to them. There is no way around that. You can't ask what someone's disability is. Furthermore, just because you can't see someone's disability doesn't mean they don't have one. Some people have mental disabilities that may require them to board early and become comfortable with their surroundings, familiarize themselves with the exits, get to know the flight attendants, become comfortable with sitting on the plane, etc. The guy with the tennis racquets someone mentioned earlier? Maybe he was BSing, or maybe he was on he way back from a tournament in which he was injured. And again, just because you can't see someone's injury doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

I am disabled, but I'll be traveling with a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. I can't afford to check my bag. It's painful, but I try to get through it so I can get on the plane and make sure I'm comfortable in my seat, and not trying to do all of that while I'm surrounded by other passengers who are bumping into me or trying to get by me to get to their own seat.

Are there people who abuse the system? Of course. Does it affect you? I can't imagine how it would aside from maybe having to gate check your bag if the plane runs out of overhead space. I've never seen a flight with pre-boarding experience a delay- let alone a significant one- due to people boarding earlier than everyone else. Get over yourselves. You have no idea what other people are going through.