Anyone flown Southwest Airlines

[D L and K's Mom]

I booked our trip Buffalo to Orlando non-stop. I called and told them about DS and how he really needs front row or for one of our party to sit in front of him and behind him so if he rocks he is not bothering anyone but us. They lady said it was noted (I admit is...I called back a day later just to make sure and indeed it was) They also made a note that his wheelchair will be put under the plane and he can walk on the plane as long as it is a short distance. I am worried because I heard that SW does not let you pre-board. well, you pre-board but you can only call 24 hours in advance to get seat assignemts? We will be in the parks!!! I just can't see DS in the middle of the plane with people who are not with us next to him....anyone worked with SW. I will call again tomorrow and see what they say. I am very happy to have a non stop flight. It saves so much hassle!!!!

 

[BillSears]

I use a wheelchair and have flown SWA many times. There are no assigned seats. Checking in 24 hours in advance does not assign a seat to you it just assigns a boarding number. Also they will have you preboard if you use a wheelchair. Make sure the person at the luggage check in counter knows you are requestiong preboarding and that you will gate check your wheelchair. Also make sure the people at the gate know you need to gate check your wheelchair and that you need preboarding. Personally I tell just about every SWA employee I see to make sure that the right person knows what's needed. Explain to them your situation and that the front row would work out best for you. I don't think they'll move any current passengers who might be in those seats if the flight is a connecting flight but if the seats are empty you should be able to sit there.

I always arrive at the gate early, usually I'm there before the gate agents are at the gate. Then I make sure I check in with the gate agents as soon as they open. Once that's done I go right to the preboarding line and I've always been the first one in line there. Once preboarding starts I'm first on the plane and sit right in the front row. My standard adult wheelchair is actually small enough to weheel it right up to the front row of the seats since SWA doesn't have a first class section and therefore I don't need to use an aisle chair.

SWA is actually my airline of choice when flying to Orlando. They've always treated me well. (knock on wood)

 

[LauraVV]

I am worried because I heard that SW does not let you pre-board. well, you pre-board but you can only call 24 hours in advance to get seat assignemts?

We have had the best luck with Southwest. We don't tell them we need bulkhead in advance. We check in online and then again when we get there the day of the flight we go to the desk and tell them we need to preboard. They give us a ticket (at some airports) or just let us go to the front of the line. We always preboard. We have a daughter with a w/c (although she walks quite well) and I have a scooter. There are also 2 service animals in our family. SW has been better than most at making flights easier.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Southwest does pre-board those who need it (people with disabilities and families with very small children). I wouldn't worry too much. In fact, there was one day when I was accidentally very late so couldn't pre-board and they still saved me a first row seat (I use a wheelchair and can walk enough to board to the first row, but not past that).

I hope your trip goes well!

 

[disneydeb]

theve changed the way they pre board! i just flew in march, disabilities go first, then gold class, then its section A numbers 1-5, 5-10, 10-15,then people with children, then section B numbers 1-5, 5-10, 10-15, they are not as accomidating with children as they use to be unless a child is flying alone!

 

[Forevryoung]

I LOVE southwest because of their customer service- seriously, stay nice, stay calm (in case there is a twitch in the plans) and they will work it out with a smile on their face.

I have met some of the most amazing southwest employees in my many flights with them (20-25). The last time we almost missed the flight (stupid airport issues) and they held the plane for me and my DBF for a few minutes. Then they rearranged 2 people's seats so DBF could sit in an aisle seat (he has a bad knee). They REALLY didn't have to do that.

 

[thop529]

I only fly SWA. You won't have any problems. I always tell them to please make sure they handle my chair like it is a new born baby. They are wonderful with it. The supervisor at the Columbus Ohio airport knows my chair inside and out I have flown with them so many times.

As far as boarding. You will board first, and should have no problems.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Phewww what a relief. We had a very very bad time with an airline I will not name but begins with a D and ends with ELTA!!!! hee hee We are excited to have a non-stop flight for this trip!!! I am a little worried about the return trip and checking in as we will be at POR. I just need to have DH with DS and we have a DD who is 4 she will need to be with a grownup. DD who is 16 can sit by herself with her ipod and be happy....Thanks for all the info!

 

[Forevryoung]

Phewww what a relief. We had a very very bad time with an airline I will not name but begins with a D and ends with ELTA!!!! hee hee We are excited to have a non-stop flight for this trip!!! I am a little worried about the return trip and checking in as we will be at POR. I just need to have DH with DS and we have a DD who is 4 she will need to be with a grownup. DD who is 16 can sit by herself with her ipod and be happy....Thanks for all the info!

POR, Guest relations at any park, or a nice relative/friend can do it for you (with the confirmation number). You can print out the boarding passes at the airport with the original number/letter on them.

Just a tip!

 

[shovan]

I just wanted to agree with everyone else on SW!! Always courteous, helpful, treat DH with respect! They do a great job handling people with disabilities.

The front desk at the Beach Club has handled getting our boarding passes for us on the return flight.