Pre Boarding
May 16, 2023 | 6:07 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Long Island
Programs: Southwest Airlines, Marriot
Posts: 239
Pre Boarding
I really need to shoot a documentary on the SWA pre board circus and its miraculous healing abilities. What other airline do you need a wheelchair to board and become a Olympic sprinter at the destination.?
May 16, 2023 | 6:48 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,178
The "pre-board" and "service dog" thing is out of control.
And really no good answers.
And really no good answers.
May 17, 2023 | 7:56 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,178
May 17, 2023 | 11:51 am
#7
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: WN F9 HA UA AA IHG HH MR
Posts: 3,305
WN makes that distinction. Medical Preboards, which include specific seating needs, board prior to A1. eXtra Time "preboards" board after A-60.
May 18, 2023 | 2:39 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 30
This is the single dumbest thing SW does. Make them sit in the back and no one will preboard unless they absolutely need to. No other airline has 10 people in wheelchairs, 15 families, and and 5 random people with "medical issues" that get to board before everyone on every flight. A30 might as well be C at this point.
Board these people first if you must but put them in the last 10 rows.
Board these people first if you must but put them in the last 10 rows.
May 18, 2023 | 6:35 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: WN F9 HA UA AA IHG HH MR
Posts: 3,305
This is the single dumbest thing SW does. Make them sit in the back and no one will preboard unless they absolutely need to. No other airline has 10 people in wheelchairs, 15 families, and and 5 random people with "medical issues" that get to board before everyone on every flight. A30 might as well be C at this point. Board these people first if you must but put them in the last 10 rows.
On flights where advance seat assignments are not offered, you must provide seating accommodations under this section by allowing passengers to board the aircraft before other passengers, including other preboarded passengers, so that the individuals needing seating accommodations can select seats that best meet their needs.
May 18, 2023 | 6:48 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 30
Then put them in the back of the plane. Remove the "benefit" and watch how few people actually use this service. And the ones that still truly need it will have a far better time on their flight without being marginalized by entitled people.
May 20, 2023 | 1:43 pm
#14
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: KUSA
Programs: Whatever AMEX Plat comes with... I buy on price.. Spirit Big Front Seat, want First/buy First
Posts: 1,623
When I was an airline station manager, I took part in a wheelchair/disabled passengers task force at a major airport. Per the statistics from Open Doors Organization itself (advocacy for disabled travelers), EIGHTY PERCENT of people who use a wheelchair in the airport do not require one for their daily life.
May 21, 2023 | 5:30 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four. Now near Beverly Hills 90210
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 4,108
I've seen the exact opposite occur on international flights where there is a long walk to customs. I came off a Turkish flight at IAD that had 45 wheelchairs waiting (I counted... they were all the way up the jetway and down the sterile corridor).
When I was an airline station manager, I took part in a wheelchair/disabled passengers task force at a major airport. Per the statistics from Open Doors Organization itself (advocacy for disabled travelers), EIGHTY PERCENT of people who use a wheelchair in the airport do not require one for their daily life.
When I was an airline station manager, I took part in a wheelchair/disabled passengers task force at a major airport. Per the statistics from Open Doors Organization itself (advocacy for disabled travelers), EIGHTY PERCENT of people who use a wheelchair in the airport do not require one for their daily life.
You'll get old one day and maybe not be amazed at what older folks can and cannot do.