Preboarding airplane?

[keishashadow]

hi, relied on all your helpful info before, have a question again.

DS has fielbergs ds in foot, supposed to limit walking. He has a transport wc, used it last Dec. Let DH & DS talk me into not bringing it last June (think they both regretted it but, would never admit it - let's just say we curtailed our activity).

For Oct. trip probably will leave it @ home again (sigh) and rent one if he has a bad day or 2.

We do take the handicapped parking placard we have, don't use it @ resort (since we use valet anyway) but, do @ parks to shorten the walking a bit.

Question as to "proper" airline procedure. When using wc, we would drop it @ gate of plane but, not preboard. We were always able to checkin early enough to secure a seat near the front of plane to avoid awkward walk to the rear. What do you feel designates/is evidence of "disabled" pre-boarding?

We're flying back on SW (for 1st time). I'm reading other threads as to preboarding stories (families holding seats for large groups, etc.). Doesn't seem fair to me.

 

[Paticake]

Just get a note from your Dr .Then the gate agent will give you a medical preboard sleeve. We are traveling with my niece in Oct. and that is what SW told us to do. Her medical condition is not outwardly noticable.

 

[Earstou]

I think if your son uses a wheelchair at times, and has trouble walking, that is enough cause to use disabled preboarding.
Once you reach your gate area, go up to the counter and ask for preboarding. Sometimes they will give you a "blue sleeve" that shows you are preboarding (it's a blue plastic sleeve that could possibly hold your ticket). I flew SW in July, and had a blue sleeve at one airport, at the next the counter person told me he would remember me when it came time to preboard. In the past, I've also had them make a note on my ticket instead of using a blue sleeve. It's very easy and I've never used a doctor's note!

 

[SueM in MN]

You don't need a doctor's note to preboard (legally, according to the ADA, they can't make you prove there is a disability). Usually, having a wheelchair to gate check is a reason to allow you to preboard. We have never flown SW, but I have read their page about travel with disabilities a number of times. It's not clear what they mean by a 'specific seating need to accomidate their disability,' but the gate agent should be able to help you.

 

[keishashadow]

thanks for the advice probably won't need the consideration on the flight down but, quite possibly on the way back home.

 

[dj2]

We do take the handicapped parking placard we have, don't use it @ resort (since we use valet anyway) but, do @ parks to shorten the walking a bit.

OT a bit, but wanted to mention that having the hangtag will, i think, make valet parking free. also, i've heard that in some lots, using the main lot/tram might actually be less walking than using the w/c lot. i think you can ask an attendant to be allowed to park close to a tram stop.