Flying Southwest to Orlando (1st time)- questions about wheelchair boarding

[slindzy]

Thank you for this thread. I was also wondering about SW's policy. I called today and they confirmed they will have wc assistance for us and that because we have 2 children traveling with us that all 4 of us will be allowe to pre-board.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

One thing I've done in the past to try to prevent losing parts is everything that comes off the wheelchair other than the cushion, which I sit on during the flight, (foot plates, headrest, armrests, etc.) goes into a laundry or garbage bag and comes in the cabin with me. I can't get charged for extra baggage as long as everything in the bag is medical supplies and that way I know all the peripherals are with me and not going to get lost in the hold. Personally, I wouldn't want to try to put my entire chair in a bag, but I also have an adult-sized rigid chair. Also, if my chair is in a bag, the baggage crew can't roll it anywhere (which is substantially easier than carrying it).

 

[seashoreCM]

If you have a problem with an airline employee denying you what would be considered a "reasonable accommodation" under the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA), such as pre-boarding because you need extra time to be seated, ask for the Conflict Resolution Officer (CRO). Every airline has to have one; CROs are specifically for dealing with ACAA-related issues.

By the way, preboarding because you need extra time is for the airline's benefit as opposed to yours. You do not need to hustle and get all sweaty. Unlike right of way at an intersection, extra time to board is just quietly used or taken, as opposed to given or proffered. Kindly at least give the airline gate agent the choice to arrange the boarding order to his liking by asking to preboard.

Able bodied persons including business travelers and elite frequent fliers can help out the boarding process and reduce the chances of others (handicapped, etc.) preboarding in front of them by hustling and getting out of the aisles quickly, themselves.