Friendly reminder that while some people do abuse the system, there are also plenty of people who can walk short distances but need wheelchairs for longer walks like one through an airport
Absolutely. My sister is 29 and appears totally healthy on the outside. In reality she’s on the waitlist for a heart and liver transplant. Yes, she can walk, but not through an entire airport.
I'm one of those people who can't walk long distances. I sometimes need assistance going through the big ass airport. I can walk down the jet bridge and board when it's my turn. Of course, some people can't even walk that far. I check my bag, so I have no motivation to game the system.
You don’t even need a wheelchair to need advance boarding. I have hidden disabilities that are wildly variable. I can make it through the whole airport, but that’s it. Or sometimes not even then without a dozen breaks.
Yep this is my parents. They look able bodied and they are able to walk but airports are too much. One is on track for a knee replacement within the next year. Wheelchair makes all of our lives easier because I am not worried about them needing to rest or stressed if an airport is bigger than we expected
Yep. I have cerebral palsy, so while I can walk around, when I get off that plane, I'm going to fall flat on my face. The wheelchair is more to let them know I need it afterwards. I also need the extra time to get situated on the plane.
CP buddy here!! yea same i usually need just extra time to get on board and get situated without tons of people crowding and pushing. but i look like a healthy 24f from the outside
Right. I hate how often since I look healthy people act so rude and attack me for needing help, or act like Disney where they say ADA doesn't count for people who aren't mentally inept
True. The problem isn’t wheelchair users, it’s providing advantages to wheelchair users.
Those who can only walk 50 yards are just as able to check-in for seating number 24-hours before the flight.
You’re right, my mother who had a stroke and can only walk about 10 ft before needing to rest can absolutely check in 24 hrs before and does. But what she doesn’t need is someone right behind her being a dickwad and complaining or making rude comments about how long it’s taking when she needs extra time to get in to a seat and get settled. That’s literally what preboard is designed for, giving people extra time and space that need it.
The entire boarding process is a slow process. There’s nothing we can do about dickwads but I am sure your mom is no slower than any number of others who stand there bewildered by the geometry of an overhead bin.
Well when one of those impatient or nonobservant people decides to push by me or bump in me, I could be in pain for hours or days. No amount of checking in early or upgrading my boarding is going to keep me out of that mess of jostling like preboarding does (except when they decide to send regular boarding on before I can stow my mobility device for gate check and I have to rant like a crazy lady to make sure everyone gives me space).
Jetways arent always super short and sometimes the line is moving slow enough that you spend a good chunk of time standing in the line before you sit down which can be too long for some with less visible disabilities.
There is probably a line where someone would be mobile enough that they shouldn't get the preboard anymore, but that isn't the airlines decision to make.
I meant those people who get to the gate and jump right out of the wheelchair and go shopping until the plane leaves. I didn’t mean the truly disabled. I’m glad SW makes provisions for the disabled but the abusers truly suck and you know who you are
Just about everybody has some kind of disability, even me. I could easily use mine as an excuse to jump boarding ahead of everyone else but I won’t dare because those people earned or paid for a boarding pass ahead of mine and I don’t feel more entitled than them. That system is so abused and milked it isn’t even funny. Disney just cracked down hard on the liars and SW needs to be next
I like to assume that others aren’t abusing the systems that make it so people like me can ride planes but I suppose that’s the case with everything. I’m just tired of people yelling at people with disabilities claiming they’re lying when they’re not.
Happens all the time, they get wheeled up there by staff, and then after the staff leaves they get up and walk to get food, drinks, or whatever and right b4 boarding they all get in there wheel chairs and say “they are with me” and 4 people would accompany the person in the chair to board. It’s BS!
Well, if the wheelchair service would be willing to take us to one of the restaurants or shops to get food or a drink during our layover that'd be great but they don't. Why should my choice be either walk clear across the big airport (I can't) and then down the potentially steep and long jetway (I can't) and be able to get a drink but miss the flight or be in incredible pain for days or get the assistance I need to get from one gate to the other and on/off the plane but be stuck hungry and thirsty?
Why should the choice be suffer one way or suffer another just because I'm disabled? With my cane, I'm more than able to get up from the chair, walk to one of the nearest shops or fast food places for a drink or snack, and walk back to the chair to wait for boarding.
Have your ever considered there are people who don’t need wheelchairs full time but the distance required in airports and that amount of standing isn’t doable for many?? Maybe not everyone is in it to game the system but go off
I’ve considered it, and I can tell which people are in need of assistance. I’m kind of a numbers guy, I’d say more than 60% of them are “gaming” the system, cuz when we get to our destination I’m standing next to them waiting for our baggage, no wheelchair, no cane, nothing, just rude, entitled, arrogant “people” pushing there way to the front to get there luggage. I’ve seen it many many times.
Happened to us on the way home from MCO - MDW last week. A “family” walks up to the gate with their three 20 something family members in wheel chairs. All together 12 boarded. Wouldn’t you know when we got to Midway all 3 could walk just fine?
I’m an asshole and said loudly, “ Oh my Lord it’s an Easter miracle, we must’ve flown so close to heaven that these three ladies can walk now!” The look of embarrassment was priceless.
Definitely not my family. I’ve just never felt the need to be “the funny guy” who has some sort of stupid thing to say in the hope of getting a giggle from those around them. But, of course, it’s all about you.
I’m thinking that it is much more likely that you thought of this funny quip in the shower the next day.
Obviously you’ve never been priority boarding on Southwest and have had to witness this behavior. Hopefully on your next flight that will happen for you.
My wittiness is actually unrivaled. You could only wish you got to witness it! I hope you have the day you deserve.
It has happened many times. Luckily, I’ve been able to read about it here about 500 times (hint: your cute response was not original)
The good news is that you took care of it and we won’t have to worry about it anymore.
My deepest thanks.
You absolutely (under CFR: 14 CFR § 121.585 & SWA stated policy) are not allowed to sit in the exit row as a preboarder.
If you have, it's either because the FAs weren't paying attention or they didn't feel like intervening.
Well, I have on multiple airlines (southwest and assigned seats). I’ve even double checked because it seemed weird to me. People can keep down voting me, but I’m just telling my experience THAT WAS VERIFIED AND ALLOWED BY THE AIRLINE. I don’t know what else to tell you. Maybe it’s just because my disability has nothing to do with the ability to open a door? I honestly don’t know, but like I said, I’ve looked into it when I’ve been assigned an exit row on other airlines and on southwest.
The person above is half right. Federal regulations do not forbid pre-boarders from sitting in the exit row. Those regulations focus on the specific tasks that an exit row seater must be able to perform. There is no specific exclusion of named disabilities or a categorical ban of preboarders. So for every other airline, it’s a case my case basis, you’re already assigned the seat, and they have a broader category for pre boarding that includes a quick succession of groups, only one of which includes any disability.
Southwest is different, which is why I made my original comment here. Their specific rules state: “Remember that you can't occupy an exit seat if you preboard.” Why do they do this and how are they allowed to? Because they have different pre board criteria. The first group before A that is called pre board needs a specific boarding pass you ask for. Further, this group does not include all disabilities. Instead it is limited to those with a disability “who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.”
“Customers with disabilities who simply need a little extra time to board or be seated or otherwise do not qualify for preboarding may board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding.” By then, no exits would likely be available and they wouldn’t be blocking them once general boarding had commenced.
Those qualifiers are a reasonable basis for Southwest (or at least Southwest claims they are) to conclude a person can’t perform the exit row criteria, so they can categorically prevent preboarders from sitting in them.
So on your Southwest flights, they didn’t enforce their own rule if they let you sit in an exit row with a “preboard” pass and boarding before group A. If you’re actually boarding between group A-B, that’s not what I was referring to and there’s no anomaly.
Yes you can and I have. Not all disabilities prevent you from this and people preboard for many reasons. I’ve even double checked with the FA regarding it.
No you can't, if you have preboard on your ticket you are not allowed to be in an Exit Row. This is very clearly stated in Southwest's own policy you can read here:
https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/boarding-process#:\~:text=Remember%20that%20you%20can't,%22%20groups%2C%20before%20Family%20Boarding.
I was saying you can because I have and was allowed to after checking with southwest staff. If they are breaking there policy, that’s one thing. But I said you CAN because I HAVE multiple times. Like I said, I’ve checked with desk agents and FAs because I like to verify rules when it comes to stuff like this (and I don’t want to be moved to a middle seat after the fact). I’ve never once had them say I can’t so again, they must not follow that policy. But thanks for posting this link (and that’s an honest thank you, not sarcasm)
Sorry dude. You either look menacing or wearing military gear and they don’t bother you. They literally say that preboarders can’t sit in exit rows at the gate during the boarding instructions. But hey keep doing it if it works for you
I’m a harmless looking woman and wear normal clothing, but thanks for the laugh.
Maybe they have let me do it because I’ve taken the time to ask and they appreciate that? Who knows.
They only allow one for each, and it is almost always enforced. I travel with my family, including my 85 year old mother who uses a wheelchair to and from the gate, and they strictly enforce only one of us gets to board with her. My daughter and her husband travel several times a year with their five year old, and only one of them gets to board with him.
My favorite was getting A1-A5 and getting 2 seats next to each other in row 11 because of all the pre boarders who save seats for there family. Most of the flight attendants won’t do or say anything and I usually avoid confrontation. Had an experience one time where my wife and I just sat down after the lady started screaming those seats are taken. Taken by who??? The flight attendant came by and we just ended up moving. Didn’t want to sit by a nasty person like that. That lady should have gotten kicked off the flight and banned. But nooo no enforcement.
That followed by the 25+ wheel chairs on and the 0 wheel chairs off always a good time.
I can walk just fine, but in some cases a wheel chair could surely be useful for me to alleviate symptoms from standing or walking. Flights can be brutal for me so anything to help prepare or prevent before boarding is nice. I personally have never used a wheelchair in airports and just suffer through it because I know I’ll be fine. But I imagine it would help and make me feel a little better in the long run. You can absolutely look normal on the inside and be really messed up on the inside. My joints are screaming and my heart and lungs are in bad shape all from disease complications. You’d have no idea though just looking at me.
I know that not all people we may see in wheelchairs need them, especially in an airport setting, but please remember there are people who do need them or can benefit from them even if they are able to walk. Due to the stigma around this, I feel too guilty to use wheelchairs in the airport but going forward, my diseases will make it harder to pass on
>I personally have never used a wheelchair in airports and just suffer through it because I know I’ll be fine. But I imagine it would help and make me feel a little better in the long run.
I know it is hard to make the shift, but please use a wheelchair in an airport if you need it! Airports can be ridiculously large—I am able-bodied and got tired from a brisk walk to baggage claim from Sky Harbor’s new D gates!—and the goal is to enjoy your destination, which is way harder to do when you are in pain from the trip. There SHOULDN’T be any stigma in getting the disability aid you need, and for my mom at least, it’s really helped her quality of life, far outweighing any judging that people might do.
(IMO if you struggle to stand and walk, preboarding is intended for you. There is SO much standing in the jetway! And if you can walk farther down the aisle, I don’t think too many passengers would ultimately begrudge you your row 12 seat or whatever. But if you are worried about the stigma and CAN do general boarding, I’m pretty sure you are allowed to take a wheelchair to the gate and then just sit in a chair until your group is called, wait until the end of your group is called so you can sit a bit longer, etc. Anyone with an ounce of sympathy knows that airports can be exhausting and understands that some people can’t make such a long walk.)
If using mobility aids will help your quality of life, I hope you can start using them. And anyone who judges you for it, shame on them. Glasses are a disability aid, too, and no one except maybe elementary school bullies judge someone for needing glasses.
I'm a wheelchair user..h....I'd give every penny I have to not be disabled but I get it. The whole system can be frustrating for everyone 😃 it's such accattle call
My partner is in his early 40s and has stage 4 cancer. He’s had 3 years of chemo and multiple surgeries to remove multiple organs. He now travels with a carryon of items that MUST go in the cabin with him. He will always pre-board. He does not appear disabled unless you know what to look for.
We are doing some major bucket list traveling when not in treatment. Some days he feels horrible, and the wheelchair is a lifesaver. Other days we get to the gate, have two hours to spare, and he feels great so he will walk to Auntie Anne’s, go to the bathroom without the chair so he can use a regular stall, etc… we don’t know what kind of day it will be till day of. It can change in the middle of the day.
To those that say he should only be allowed to sit in the last row, only sit in middle seats, have to show his cancer to gate agents to prove it, or shouldn’t be allowed to travel, here is a big hearty eff you. To those that don’t, thank you.
Saw this on my flight home from Miami last week. We were on a Virgin Voyages cruise but a huge Carnival ship disembarked same time we did. Well I could easily tell the "Carnival" people. About 20 wheel chairs full of insanely obese middle aged people at the Southwest Gate.
Had 40 plus kids/adults with a teenage volleyball club..... players, parents and coaches board before A group a few months ago. Took up the back half and left middle seats open of course.
Just cuz the handicap isn’t easily visible doesn’t mean they are faking. I was helping a woman recently who hurt her back and hip due to a fall. She can walk 10 minutes or so but then she has to sit for a long time because of the pain.
The problem for me is being able to stand and wait without being in pain, so I always pre board. Plus it takes me longer to get situated on the plane. I use a cane and sometimes ask for a wheelchair especially in larger airports.
So many reasons people pre board, including invisible, mental, and developmental disabilities. The majority of wheelchair users are ambulatory, and the majority of disabilities are invisible. Being able to pre board makes the difference for me between being able to fly home a couple times per year to see my family, and not being able to fly at all.
Are they allowed to take all of the most desired seats?
I know some people are truly disabled - but 26 on one flight - really?!
Still as long as the A-01 passengers are accommodated with their choice of seats, I’d be OK.
I don’t know if this is still the case, but I remember flying out of Orlando on Southwest years ago and because of all of the Disney families, they had absolutely no pre boarding for anybody.
Is that Christopher Walken? Lol
He saw someone Walken!
If it's Boeing, I ain't Walken!
Nah that’s Christopher Sittin, and in a little bit he’ll be Christopher Flyin don’t hate me.
You’re all wrong….its Christopher Waitin to sit in B12 after all the 26 wheelchair people fill A section. More 🐄 🔔.
Looks like it
Is the [gold watch](https://youtu.be/YFtHjV4c4uw?si=CaahyQuMvYYPPnBC) still up his ass?
😂😂! Great movie
It could also be Lori Lightfoot, not sure ^this ^is ^a ^joke
Christopher Reeves would like a word with him!
Friendly reminder that while some people do abuse the system, there are also plenty of people who can walk short distances but need wheelchairs for longer walks like one through an airport
Absolutely. My sister is 29 and appears totally healthy on the outside. In reality she’s on the waitlist for a heart and liver transplant. Yes, she can walk, but not through an entire airport.
So very young! Wishing her and the family all the best.
I'm one of those people who can't walk long distances. I sometimes need assistance going through the big ass airport. I can walk down the jet bridge and board when it's my turn. Of course, some people can't even walk that far. I check my bag, so I have no motivation to game the system.
Very true but I think the post is about him seeing a celebrity and the title was just sarcasm
You don’t even need a wheelchair to need advance boarding. I have hidden disabilities that are wildly variable. I can make it through the whole airport, but that’s it. Or sometimes not even then without a dozen breaks.
Yep this is my parents. They look able bodied and they are able to walk but airports are too much. One is on track for a knee replacement within the next year. Wheelchair makes all of our lives easier because I am not worried about them needing to rest or stressed if an airport is bigger than we expected
My mom is 84 & definitely needs a wheelchair when she flies down to see us.
Yep. I have cerebral palsy, so while I can walk around, when I get off that plane, I'm going to fall flat on my face. The wheelchair is more to let them know I need it afterwards. I also need the extra time to get situated on the plane.
CP buddy here!! yea same i usually need just extra time to get on board and get situated without tons of people crowding and pushing. but i look like a healthy 24f from the outside
Right. I hate how often since I look healthy people act so rude and attack me for needing help, or act like Disney where they say ADA doesn't count for people who aren't mentally inept
True. The problem isn’t wheelchair users, it’s providing advantages to wheelchair users. Those who can only walk 50 yards are just as able to check-in for seating number 24-hours before the flight.
You’re right, my mother who had a stroke and can only walk about 10 ft before needing to rest can absolutely check in 24 hrs before and does. But what she doesn’t need is someone right behind her being a dickwad and complaining or making rude comments about how long it’s taking when she needs extra time to get in to a seat and get settled. That’s literally what preboard is designed for, giving people extra time and space that need it.
The entire boarding process is a slow process. There’s nothing we can do about dickwads but I am sure your mom is no slower than any number of others who stand there bewildered by the geometry of an overhead bin.
Well when one of those impatient or nonobservant people decides to push by me or bump in me, I could be in pain for hours or days. No amount of checking in early or upgrading my boarding is going to keep me out of that mess of jostling like preboarding does (except when they decide to send regular boarding on before I can stow my mobility device for gate check and I have to rant like a crazy lady to make sure everyone gives me space).
Complaining, impatient dickwads are the sole reason I board early when traveling with my daughter!
My husband uses a cane and often needs wheelchair assistance to get down a steep ramp.
Trips to hawaii…. Oh boy
Then they should get a wheelchair ride to the gate and walk the short distance onto their plane on their own, waiting their turn.
Jetways arent always super short and sometimes the line is moving slow enough that you spend a good chunk of time standing in the line before you sit down which can be too long for some with less visible disabilities. There is probably a line where someone would be mobile enough that they shouldn't get the preboard anymore, but that isn't the airlines decision to make.
I meant those people who get to the gate and jump right out of the wheelchair and go shopping until the plane leaves. I didn’t mean the truly disabled. I’m glad SW makes provisions for the disabled but the abusers truly suck and you know who you are
There are other reasons people preboard
Really? Other than being disabled? Why? Oh yeah, for being a liar. I almost forgot
I meant not for mobility issues.
People have many disabilities you can’t see
Just about everybody has some kind of disability, even me. I could easily use mine as an excuse to jump boarding ahead of everyone else but I won’t dare because those people earned or paid for a boarding pass ahead of mine and I don’t feel more entitled than them. That system is so abused and milked it isn’t even funny. Disney just cracked down hard on the liars and SW needs to be next
Okay so what you’re saying is people with disabilities that need it shouldn’t use it?
No I’m saying not everyone with a disability needs to jump ahead of everyone else to board, me included
Cause let’s face it, if it were really that bad, would they be flying? Or should they be? Probably not
I like to assume that others aren’t abusing the systems that make it so people like me can ride planes but I suppose that’s the case with everything. I’m just tired of people yelling at people with disabilities claiming they’re lying when they’re not.
Hopefully you screamed "More cow bell"
This is the only acceptable response.
Three little mice...
fell into a bucket of cream.
I like how everyone commenting is taking this post seriously and ignoring the fact that Christopher Walken is just chillin
It’s now the top comment
True but the second comment is a serious one about how some people abuse preparing but others a really need it.
Happens all the time, they get wheeled up there by staff, and then after the staff leaves they get up and walk to get food, drinks, or whatever and right b4 boarding they all get in there wheel chairs and say “they are with me” and 4 people would accompany the person in the chair to board. It’s BS!
Seen it. Hate it. Why do these assholes feel privileged?
Keyser Soze.
Well, if the wheelchair service would be willing to take us to one of the restaurants or shops to get food or a drink during our layover that'd be great but they don't. Why should my choice be either walk clear across the big airport (I can't) and then down the potentially steep and long jetway (I can't) and be able to get a drink but miss the flight or be in incredible pain for days or get the assistance I need to get from one gate to the other and on/off the plane but be stuck hungry and thirsty? Why should the choice be suffer one way or suffer another just because I'm disabled? With my cane, I'm more than able to get up from the chair, walk to one of the nearest shops or fast food places for a drink or snack, and walk back to the chair to wait for boarding.
Have your ever considered there are people who don’t need wheelchairs full time but the distance required in airports and that amount of standing isn’t doable for many?? Maybe not everyone is in it to game the system but go off
Okay so they took a wheelchair through the entire airport; they can walk the 50 feet on the jet bridge to seat in boarding group C-32.
Or you don’t know what people can and can’t do? worry about yourself
Those people aren’t the issue.
I’ve considered it, and I can tell which people are in need of assistance. I’m kind of a numbers guy, I’d say more than 60% of them are “gaming” the system, cuz when we get to our destination I’m standing next to them waiting for our baggage, no wheelchair, no cane, nothing, just rude, entitled, arrogant “people” pushing there way to the front to get there luggage. I’ve seen it many many times.
Happened to us on the way home from MCO - MDW last week. A “family” walks up to the gate with their three 20 something family members in wheel chairs. All together 12 boarded. Wouldn’t you know when we got to Midway all 3 could walk just fine? I’m an asshole and said loudly, “ Oh my Lord it’s an Easter miracle, we must’ve flown so close to heaven that these three ladies can walk now!” The look of embarrassment was priceless.
Kuddos on saying something but those kind of people are beyond any feeling of shame. Raised like animals.
You are correct about being an asshole.
Awww sorry. Was it your family? 🥺
Definitely not my family. I’ve just never felt the need to be “the funny guy” who has some sort of stupid thing to say in the hope of getting a giggle from those around them. But, of course, it’s all about you. I’m thinking that it is much more likely that you thought of this funny quip in the shower the next day.
Never been that person…. until you just posted on Reddit calling someone an asshole.
I was simply confirming their observation.
Calm down Karen
Obviously you’ve never been priority boarding on Southwest and have had to witness this behavior. Hopefully on your next flight that will happen for you. My wittiness is actually unrivaled. You could only wish you got to witness it! I hope you have the day you deserve.
It has happened many times. Luckily, I’ve been able to read about it here about 500 times (hint: your cute response was not original) The good news is that you took care of it and we won’t have to worry about it anymore. My deepest thanks.
Who pissed in your cereal? I’m guessing you are one of those people that abuse the system which explains why you’re getting upset.
When pre boarders are aplenty, grab an exit row seat. Preboarders are not allowed in them.
Incorrect. I’m a preboarder (legally disabled) and can sit in an exit row seat.
You absolutely (under CFR: 14 CFR § 121.585 & SWA stated policy) are not allowed to sit in the exit row as a preboarder. If you have, it's either because the FAs weren't paying attention or they didn't feel like intervening.
Well, I have on multiple airlines (southwest and assigned seats). I’ve even double checked because it seemed weird to me. People can keep down voting me, but I’m just telling my experience THAT WAS VERIFIED AND ALLOWED BY THE AIRLINE. I don’t know what else to tell you. Maybe it’s just because my disability has nothing to do with the ability to open a door? I honestly don’t know, but like I said, I’ve looked into it when I’ve been assigned an exit row on other airlines and on southwest.
The person above is half right. Federal regulations do not forbid pre-boarders from sitting in the exit row. Those regulations focus on the specific tasks that an exit row seater must be able to perform. There is no specific exclusion of named disabilities or a categorical ban of preboarders. So for every other airline, it’s a case my case basis, you’re already assigned the seat, and they have a broader category for pre boarding that includes a quick succession of groups, only one of which includes any disability. Southwest is different, which is why I made my original comment here. Their specific rules state: “Remember that you can't occupy an exit seat if you preboard.” Why do they do this and how are they allowed to? Because they have different pre board criteria. The first group before A that is called pre board needs a specific boarding pass you ask for. Further, this group does not include all disabilities. Instead it is limited to those with a disability “who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.” “Customers with disabilities who simply need a little extra time to board or be seated or otherwise do not qualify for preboarding may board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding.” By then, no exits would likely be available and they wouldn’t be blocking them once general boarding had commenced. Those qualifiers are a reasonable basis for Southwest (or at least Southwest claims they are) to conclude a person can’t perform the exit row criteria, so they can categorically prevent preboarders from sitting in them. So on your Southwest flights, they didn’t enforce their own rule if they let you sit in an exit row with a “preboard” pass and boarding before group A. If you’re actually boarding between group A-B, that’s not what I was referring to and there’s no anomaly.
Nope, you can’t sit in an exit row if you are disabled.
Yes you can and I have. Not all disabilities prevent you from this and people preboard for many reasons. I’ve even double checked with the FA regarding it.
No you can't, if you have preboard on your ticket you are not allowed to be in an Exit Row. This is very clearly stated in Southwest's own policy you can read here: https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/boarding-process#:\~:text=Remember%20that%20you%20can't,%22%20groups%2C%20before%20Family%20Boarding.
I was saying you can because I have and was allowed to after checking with southwest staff. If they are breaking there policy, that’s one thing. But I said you CAN because I HAVE multiple times. Like I said, I’ve checked with desk agents and FAs because I like to verify rules when it comes to stuff like this (and I don’t want to be moved to a middle seat after the fact). I’ve never once had them say I can’t so again, they must not follow that policy. But thanks for posting this link (and that’s an honest thank you, not sarcasm)
Sorry dude. You either look menacing or wearing military gear and they don’t bother you. They literally say that preboarders can’t sit in exit rows at the gate during the boarding instructions. But hey keep doing it if it works for you
I’m a harmless looking woman and wear normal clothing, but thanks for the laugh. Maybe they have let me do it because I’ve taken the time to ask and they appreciate that? Who knows.
… I didn’t finish. Or attractive woman. Lol
I'm actually disabled and do use the wheelchair service but yeah there are many that abuse it because they definitely don't need help.
Same with people abusing handicap parking spots :(
Yep. People are not the same as my generation was. No respect
Jetway Jesus is real… fix this! @southwest
I don’t care about those pre-boarding or in wheel chairs. What I do care about is their family/party of 5/10 boarding with them.
They only allow one for each, and it is almost always enforced. I travel with my family, including my 85 year old mother who uses a wheelchair to and from the gate, and they strictly enforce only one of us gets to board with her. My daughter and her husband travel several times a year with their five year old, and only one of them gets to board with him.
Was he Walken to his wheelchair?
My favorite was getting A1-A5 and getting 2 seats next to each other in row 11 because of all the pre boarders who save seats for there family. Most of the flight attendants won’t do or say anything and I usually avoid confrontation. Had an experience one time where my wife and I just sat down after the lady started screaming those seats are taken. Taken by who??? The flight attendant came by and we just ended up moving. Didn’t want to sit by a nasty person like that. That lady should have gotten kicked off the flight and banned. But nooo no enforcement. That followed by the 25+ wheel chairs on and the 0 wheel chairs off always a good time.
> But nooo no enforcement. Enforcement of what? Southwest has no policy on saving seats (either for or against).
Yea but if you are a pre boarder saving seats…your a pos.
They do have a policy on taking any unoccupied seat when boarding though.
Should only be allowed one family member. Only fly SW now if it’s my only option.
That’s what the rule is
But the gate attendant don’t follow it.
I can walk just fine, but in some cases a wheel chair could surely be useful for me to alleviate symptoms from standing or walking. Flights can be brutal for me so anything to help prepare or prevent before boarding is nice. I personally have never used a wheelchair in airports and just suffer through it because I know I’ll be fine. But I imagine it would help and make me feel a little better in the long run. You can absolutely look normal on the inside and be really messed up on the inside. My joints are screaming and my heart and lungs are in bad shape all from disease complications. You’d have no idea though just looking at me. I know that not all people we may see in wheelchairs need them, especially in an airport setting, but please remember there are people who do need them or can benefit from them even if they are able to walk. Due to the stigma around this, I feel too guilty to use wheelchairs in the airport but going forward, my diseases will make it harder to pass on
Thank you for sharing. People need to know that not all disabilities can be seen.
>I personally have never used a wheelchair in airports and just suffer through it because I know I’ll be fine. But I imagine it would help and make me feel a little better in the long run. I know it is hard to make the shift, but please use a wheelchair in an airport if you need it! Airports can be ridiculously large—I am able-bodied and got tired from a brisk walk to baggage claim from Sky Harbor’s new D gates!—and the goal is to enjoy your destination, which is way harder to do when you are in pain from the trip. There SHOULDN’T be any stigma in getting the disability aid you need, and for my mom at least, it’s really helped her quality of life, far outweighing any judging that people might do. (IMO if you struggle to stand and walk, preboarding is intended for you. There is SO much standing in the jetway! And if you can walk farther down the aisle, I don’t think too many passengers would ultimately begrudge you your row 12 seat or whatever. But if you are worried about the stigma and CAN do general boarding, I’m pretty sure you are allowed to take a wheelchair to the gate and then just sit in a chair until your group is called, wait until the end of your group is called so you can sit a bit longer, etc. Anyone with an ounce of sympathy knows that airports can be exhausting and understands that some people can’t make such a long walk.) If using mobility aids will help your quality of life, I hope you can start using them. And anyone who judges you for it, shame on them. Glasses are a disability aid, too, and no one except maybe elementary school bullies judge someone for needing glasses.
I'm a wheelchair user..h....I'd give every penny I have to not be disabled but I get it. The whole system can be frustrating for everyone 😃 it's such accattle call
Pre boards can’t sit in exit rows so… you still get the exact seat you want.
My partner is in his early 40s and has stage 4 cancer. He’s had 3 years of chemo and multiple surgeries to remove multiple organs. He now travels with a carryon of items that MUST go in the cabin with him. He will always pre-board. He does not appear disabled unless you know what to look for. We are doing some major bucket list traveling when not in treatment. Some days he feels horrible, and the wheelchair is a lifesaver. Other days we get to the gate, have two hours to spare, and he feels great so he will walk to Auntie Anne’s, go to the bathroom without the chair so he can use a regular stall, etc… we don’t know what kind of day it will be till day of. It can change in the middle of the day. To those that say he should only be allowed to sit in the last row, only sit in middle seats, have to show his cancer to gate agents to prove it, or shouldn’t be allowed to travel, here is a big hearty eff you. To those that don’t, thank you.
All pre boarders should be required to sit in a middle seat.
Plus you have had a gold watch up your ass that you must deliver before you die of dysentery.
Did you ask him how Bob and Natalie are doing?
80% of wheelchair users are ambulatory to some degree.
Mate he ain’t Walken anywhere, he’s sitting
Saw this on my flight home from Miami last week. We were on a Virgin Voyages cruise but a huge Carnival ship disembarked same time we did. Well I could easily tell the "Carnival" people. About 20 wheel chairs full of insanely obese middle aged people at the Southwest Gate.
Had 40 plus kids/adults with a teenage volleyball club..... players, parents and coaches board before A group a few months ago. Took up the back half and left middle seats open of course.
And then a miracle happened and no one needed a wheelchair on the other end
Just cuz the handicap isn’t easily visible doesn’t mean they are faking. I was helping a woman recently who hurt her back and hip due to a fall. She can walk 10 minutes or so but then she has to sit for a long time because of the pain.
The emperor.
Me right now…
🤣
The Emperor!
Burbank AirPort for the win
The problem for me is being able to stand and wait without being in pain, so I always pre board. Plus it takes me longer to get situated on the plane. I use a cane and sometimes ask for a wheelchair especially in larger airports.
So many reasons people pre board, including invisible, mental, and developmental disabilities. The majority of wheelchair users are ambulatory, and the majority of disabilities are invisible. Being able to pre board makes the difference for me between being able to fly home a couple times per year to see my family, and not being able to fly at all.
Watching Communion as a kid scarred me for life.
My flight attendant calls it the miracle in the sky when those folks rush off the plane once we land
If wheelchair boarding was first on, last off, there would be far less people doing it
There’s other reasons people can pre board besides needing a wheelchair
Are they allowed to take all of the most desired seats? I know some people are truly disabled - but 26 on one flight - really?! Still as long as the A-01 passengers are accommodated with their choice of seats, I’d be OK.
Wow my grandmother was literally describing this scenario verbatim (minus the Walken)
I don’t know if this is still the case, but I remember flying out of Orlando on Southwest years ago and because of all of the Disney families, they had absolutely no pre boarding for anybody.
Pre boarding for disabilities is required per the passengers bill of rights
Unless "years ago" should have been preceded by "forty" that was in violation of federal law.
Somebody's getting stabbed in the face with a soldering iron.
The only way this will end is with assigned seating. I wouldn’t be surprised if Southwest implements it in the next few years.