SW and autism question

[Aiko]

I wasn't sure if I should post this on the transportation board or here but thought I'd try here first.
Does anyone know if autism counts as a medical preboard reason for Southwest?

[AJKMOM]

A few years ago, we flew to San Diego, and we did pre-board with our autistic son. I think it's for "disabilities, handicaps" not necessarily medical.

[BillSears]

I'm not certain but I believe it's just like a GAC in that it's needs based not diagnosis based. If your child needs to board early due to autism then explain that as you check in and you should be allowed to board early.

[KPeveler]

i was allowed to preboard once because i have trouble walking and my first flight was delayed. this meant that i was going to have to run to get through the airport to make my second flight, and i cannot run. they let me preboard so i could sit at the very front of the plane, thereby saving maybe 10 minutes of waiting to deboard...

i think you should speak to the person at the check in or the gate, and southwest is usually good about allowing preboards

[Lives4Disney]

I don't believe SWA can even ask WHY you need to preboard. No explanation necessary. You can just speak to the gate agent about a blue preboarding pass/sleeve. It has never been an issue for us - we fly SWA a lot.

happy travels,

Lives4Disney :)

[irish_trip_mom]

We had no problems last year boarding early with our two ASD sons. However, do note that on our return in Orlando, we were at the end of the HUGE preboarding line (disabilities, those with children, etc.) Just ask at the gate and they'll give you the blue folder for preboarding.

[pinkpixey]

definately yes. We always preboard with our autistic DS and you don't have to give a reason other than a "medical condition".

[Aiko]

Thank you, I was hoping we'd be able to because I know he's going to be both nervous and excited and hopefully that won't lead to a melt down.
One other question, will they allow the whole family to preboard (4 of us) or just one parent and DS?

[pinkpixey]

We have always preboarded together as a family with no problems. That way you can all sit together and avoid the stampede for seats (not good for a kid on the spectrum). We often get unfriendly looks from the other passengers waiting in the "stampede" line because none of us appears handicapped. You have to grow thick skin and learn to ignore it.

[Lives4Disney]

We have always preboarded together as a family with no problems. That way you can all sit together and avoid the stampede for seats (not good for a kid on the spectrum). We often get unfriendly looks from the other passengers waiting in the "stampede" line because none of us appears handicapped. You have to grow thick skin and learn to ignore it.

Same here.:thumbsup2 We have a family of 5. We always make sure we have A boarding passes, too, just in case because there may be a stickler sometime somewhere that insists only 1 person boarding with DD11. (DD11 is legally blind and usually uses her white cane, but if she doesn't have it or it's folded up I totally understand about the invisible disability issue and other people giving looks)

Don't worry, though. You'll never see those people again. Do what will work out best for your son and family.

Lives4Disney:)

[cymomtx]

No matter what airline, I always go to the gate agent and tell them that my DS16 and DD11 are Aspie and we WILL be preboarding. We do get looks but it helps so much getting them settled on the plane ahead of time.

[Poohnatic]

I've only flown once on SW with my Aspie and I asked for the pre board. Not a problem.

Suzanne