Pre-Boarding Southwest Qyestion

[mainelyj]

I have actual tickets for my family. Because of this we are unable to check in via online 24 hours before inorder to assure our A boarding passes. The airport is 2 hours away, so no chance in checking in this way either. My 14 year old has asthma and it has been acting up. If I have a doctor's note when I check in the just prior to our flight, will Southwest honor this an either give us a pre-board pass or atleast an A boarding pass?

thanks.

 

[TDC Nala]

I am trying to figure out why you would need to preboard for asthma.

 

[kty1]

Maybe you could give Southwest a call and ask them directly. I know last year my Mom had tickets on SWA & had to go to the airport to get her seat assignments, but like you said that is not an option for you. I hope they go to seat assignments soon--which is why we're driving the 1.5 hour trip to Jet Blue @ JFK. I would like to think that the airline would be understanding in your situation-- if not ask to speak to a manager & explain your situation. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[zurgswife]

I am trying to figure out why you would need to preboard for asthma.

I'm also curious why asthma; even if you are having problems would be a need to preboard.

I have seen people checkin a the airport in Philadelphia no less and get A's and B's so all is not lost.

 

[pearlieq]

I am trying to figure out why you would need to preboard for asthma.

Me too.

 

[mainelyj]

His asthma has been acting up alot. I just want to be close by in case he needs his inhaler. Especially with the lack of ventilation on the plane, it could cause a problem. He is old enough to sit by himself, but I do not want to be 20 rows back and him panic being by himself. We are a family of four. All four of us do not need to sit together, but my son and atleast 1 adult need to be together.

I will not be 1 to have our whole family preboard, unlike many others who have 1 child and a "numerous" amount of family members that go with the "1" child. Those of you who have flown Southwest and have seen this scene, know exactly what I am talking about.

I have learned my lesson to not acuse people for their reasons for special treatment. Several years ago, my son had an appendectomy less than 12 hours after we landed in Orlando. For the rest of our trip, he used a wheel chair (thanks so much for the Disney resort we stayed at - they lent us one for free). We heard many comments about "why does he need a wheel chair". My husband would always speak up and say - he just had major surgery..... Despite this, people appeared to not believe us and not even appologize for their comments.

I think I will get a doctor's not just in case. I will be carrying his portable nebulizer too.

Thanks for your help.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Preboarding is for passengers who need extra time or special assistance to board.

Is there any way for you to contact Southwest and try to get your paper tickets converted to e-tickets? Then you'd be able to check in online.

Otherwise, I'd say get to the airport early and wait at the front of whichever line your boarding passes indicate. Even with "C" passes, going directly to the rear of the plane should enable you to find two seats together.

Note that there's plenty of ventilation on planes. Is there a reason he can't deal with the inhaler on his own, if you can't get seats together?

 

[dudspizza]

If you are unable to convert to an e-ticket so you can check in online, then you need to get to the airport VERY early to get the highest BP you can. We wanted exit row seats our last trip and checked in at the airport exactly 4 hours ahead of time (when you are allowed to check bags). We got our exit rows and everything worked fine. We then went over to a local mall for a couple of hours, dropped our car at the park-n-fly and then went to the airport with our carry-ons and BP's in hand.

Good luck.

Duds

 

[Kitzer]

Just get to the airport early and no matter what your boarding assignment (A,B, or C), if you're first in line, its highly unlikely that you wouldn't be able to find at least two seats together. You'll be ok.