"Special" passengers?
 

I overheard a pilot asking the gate agent how many special passengers were on the flight. Who are they? Air marshals? LEO authorized to carry inflight? Escorted deportees/prisoners? The number was 1, so it couldn't have been pre-boards or wheelchairs or anything like that on a full flight.

What airline and what route? Speculating, it could be:
* Airline executives
* VIPs above and beyond the top-level frequent fliers (Senators, United Global Services, etc.)
* Air marshals
* Deportees
* DYKWIAs ;)

"special" is often airline parlance for those who need particular assistance in boarding or deplaning, such as wheelchair passengers, or who might need special resources onboard, such as use of supplemental oxygen.

Generally any LEO who is armed or who is escorting custody defendants onboard is required to introduce him/herself to the captain and get the captain's OK to the law enforcement situation.

Specials can also refer to unaccompanied minors and any other passenger that needs assistance in boarding and deplaning.

You will likely hear the GA meeting your flight ask the FA how many specials as soon as they open the door.

Special pax can also be those that need O2, or support animals. None of it is relevant to other passengers.:D

Just the nosy ones like me . Thanks!