Separated on SW flight?

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I don't know whether or not this applies to OP, but if a child has ADHD, or other disability, such as being on the autism spectrum, I would think this would qualify the family to pre-board, as defined above.

Specifically, a child's disability could result in the seating need to sit next to a caregiver.

Eh..the thing is though pre-board isn't designed so a caregiver can sit next to the individual they are assisting (though they may be allowed to sit with the person they are assisting it isn't why they designed pre-board). It's to allow the individual extra time to board the plan. I think you're thinking this would be a way to circumvent purchasing EBCI...that's not the intent of preboard at all.

With respects to flying needs to impact flying. As SWA says (that I previously pasted in) "is available for Customers who have specific seating needs to accommodate a disability, and/or need assistance in boarding the aircraft, and/or need to stow an assistive device." Most times it's someone in a wheelchair that you would see pre-board.

 

[Allison]

Early Bird check in! Not early boarding!!

I think the point was also to emphasize it isn't ECBI or EBIC. It is EBCI.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Eh..the thing is though pre-board isn't designed so a caregiver can sit next to the individual they are assisting (though they may be allowed to sit with the person they are assisting it isn't why they designed pre-board). It's to allow the individual extra time to board the plan. I think you're thinking this would be a way to circumvent purchasing EBCI...that's not the intent of preboard at all.

With respects to flying needs to impact flying. As SWA says (that I previously pasted in) "is available for Customers who have specific seating needs to accommodate a disability, and/or need assistance in boarding the aircraft, and/or need to stow an assistive device." Most times it's someone in a wheelchair that you would see pre-board.

There are three reasons to pre-board.
1. Specific seating needs to accommodate a disability
2. Need assistance in boarding the aircraft
3. Need to stow an assistive device

By separating them with "and/or" it means having one of these needs (or more) is sufficient to qualify for pre-boarding.

I am specifically referring to #1 above only. ADHD and autism spectrum do qualify as disabilities. Southwest does not define "seating needs." This is purposely vague. Seating with a caregiver, in some instances, would constitute a seating need. There are numerous disabilities that require sitting with a caregiver (not just the ones I specified).

And, yes, anyone who qualifies for pre-boarding under this policy has no need to purchase EBCI. Whether it be someone with a child, or adults of any age. It is not "a way to circumvent purchasing EBCI," as you phrased it. It is actually Southwest following federal law, as in the ADA.

 

[SingingMom]

I've never flown SW because it's too confusing. LOL
We always fly JetBlue. I'm an anxious person, but have pushed myself to overcome my flight anxiety. That being said, I KNOW what makes me comfortable and uncomfortable, so I plan accordingly. I want an aisle, I want to sit in front of the plane, but not first row, and if my DH or DD are with me, I want to sit next to them. So..... I pay extra for that. My decision. My choice.

The thing that makes me crazy are the people who just ASSUME I SHOULD move my seat to accommodate their situation. I have had this happen NUMEROUS times. And, not even, "oh, do you think you might consider moving so my .....can sit with me?" I've been TOLD I should move so they could be together, etc. This last flight I said, "I'm sorry, but I need the aisle." The woman complained loudly - and wouldn't let it go, so I said, very calmly, "I really need the aisle, that's why I pay extra for this seat ahead of time" and she had the gall to say, "NO, you pay for the SPACE - this middle seat is the SAME extra space."

(it was a family of 6 - two parents, two youngsters, two teenagers - adult & youngster each were at window & middle, two teenagers were at window & middle - so NO ONE was sitting alone. Not my responsibility to have to explain my phobias to her! )

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

There are three reasons to pre-board.
1. Specific seating needs to accommodate a disability
2. Need assistance in boarding the aircraft
3. Need to stow an assistive device

By separating them with "and/or" it means having one of these needs (or more) is sufficient to qualify for pre-boarding.

I am specifically referring to #1 above only. ADHD and autism spectrum do qualify as disabilities. Southwest does not define "seating needs." This is purposely vague. Seating with a caregiver, in some instances, would constitute a seating need. There are numerous disabilities that require sitting with a caregiver (not just the ones I specified).

And, yes, anyone who qualifies for pre-boarding under this policy has no need to purchase EBCI. Whether it be someone with a child, or adults of any age. It is not "a way to circumvent purchasing EBCI," as you phrased it. It is actually Southwest following federal law, as in the ADA.

Yeah I'm not going to get into a big discussion here on what you're talking about. Just know that the policy isn't in place so you (general you) can circumvent buying EBCI because your child had ADHD or is on the autism spectrum. I think you understand that...well maybe you don't. Besides I don't know why disability even got brought up (it is the DIS I guess to do that) but when I was talking about policy I was explaining the boarding procedures of SWA in comparison to Delta for purposes of stress concerns (which vary person to person) NOT to get into a disability discussion on "what if the OP has a child with a disability".

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Yeah I'm not going to get into a big discussion here on what you're talking about. Just know that the policy isn't in place so you (general you) can circumvent buying EBCI because your child had ADHD or is on the autism spectrum. I think you understand that...well maybe you don't. Besides I don't know why disability even got brought up (it is the DIS I guess to do that) but when I was talking about policy I was explaining the boarding procedures of SWA in comparison to Delta for purposes of stress concerns (which vary person to person) NOT to get into a disability discussion on "what if the OP has a child with a disability".

In regards to how this came up; OP's original post describing her children suggested these issues may be relevant to her. I don't know one way or another, but it was possible. And, then when you posted the quote of the policies, my brain connected the two. I therefore thought it may have been relevant to the OP.

The policy is in place for anyone who has a disability. Period. Nothing to do with how someone "can circumvent EBCI." And, it is not your place (general your) to question the nature of a person's disability, or what a service company (including Southwest) does to accommodate that person's disability.

To anyone who thinks this might apply directly to them, you can call and ask Southwest how they would accommodate a particular disability.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

Prior to choosing an airline people need to inform themselves on policies and all costs. It is all there on website of airline. If unsure call airline and request clarification. Figure all costs into the ticket-- baggage fees, seat assignments, EBCI, etc only then purchase your tickets. IF IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIT WITH YOUR CHILDREN PAY EXTRA FOR SEAT ASSIGNMENTS OR EBCI ON SOUTHWEST. DONT'T EXPECT OTHERS TO MOVE FOR YOU ESPECIALLY IF THEY PAID.

Know they may not have family boarding. Know it might be limited to just the correct age child and one adult.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

In regards to how this came up; OP's original post describing her children suggested these issues may be relevant to her. I don't know one way or another, but it was possible. And, then when you posted the quote of the policies, my brain connected the two. I therefore thought it may have been relevant to the OP.

The policy is in place for anyone who has a disability. Period. Nothing to do with how someone "can circumvent EBCI." And, it is not your place (general your) to question the nature of a person's disability, or what a service company (including Southwest) does to accommodate that person's disability.

To anyone who thinks this might apply directly to them, you can call and ask Southwest how they would accommodate a particular disability.

You said "Specifically, a child's disability could result in the seating need to sit next to a caregiver." And followed it up with "And, yes, anyone who qualifies for pre-boarding under this policy has no need to purchase EBCI." So actually you made it sound exactly like you were trying to circumvent EBCI because by pre-boarding the OP and her child could sit together and no extra fee paid.

With SWA you need to go up to the gate agent and discuss your situation with them and get Pre-board documentation. And this is exactly why I don't want to get into a discussion over disabilities. You're trying to fit a square into a circle hole. It would be far better to suggest people speak with the gate agent regarding their specific situation rather than say "hey if you have a child with ADHD you should be able to skip everything and just go for pre-board"..generic in this situation is better than trying to go very specific in thinking of all the ways one might qualify for pre-board. It would be in the best interest of a person to actually speak to a gate agent themselves on if their situation qualifies for pre-board than say "someone on the DIS said I should qualify if my child has ADHD or autism..so yeah you need to let me pre-board I don't need to buy EBCI, etc". And by no means is this meant as an offense towards you it's just I think you're trying to go deep on something that probably shouldn't be taken down the rabbit hole on the DIS.

 

[NotUrsula]

I'm the one who first brought up the blue-sleeve option, the disability pre-board. I mentioned it because the OP said that her son "would panic" if he wasn't seated with one of his parents. Now, for some people, "panic" might mean sitting in a seat trying desperately not to cry and breathing a bit hard, while for others it might mean screaming and using fists to flail at everything within reach. We don't know what panic means for the OP's son. However, if he is actually likely to get so agitated that he could cause a serious disruption to other passengers, or God forbid, the flight crew, then yes, it makes sense to invoke the ACAA and ask for a blue sleeve. I wouldn't suggest it lightly, but in certain severe cases it is the best option for the comfort and safety of everyone on the flight.

I've said it on this board many times before, and I'll say it again: I actually PREFER SWA's seating situation when traveling with young children, because SWA puts me in charge of where I sit. I've never been separated from my kids on SWA, but I have on legacy carriers -- several times. Legacy carriers can change your seat assignment any time they want to, and you have no real recourse, because if you read the Contract of Carriage carefully, you will see that even if you pay for a seat assignment, the airline is NOT obligated to guarantee that you get that seat. Make a stink and they will simply hand back your seat assignment fee and invite to you to sit down and be glad that you are not being ejected from the flight.

One more note: SWA isn't perfect; they have issues just as other airlines do. I'm currently in a dispute with them over stranding me in a situation where I have evidence that they knew ahead of time that it would happen, and could have prevented it easily, but I was stonewalled by a gate agent. Crap happens, and yes, I feel I'm entitled to some compensation over that. Overall, however, I find SWA's policies to be much more consumer-friendly than that of most other domestic US carriers.

 

[mom18]

I'm confused. You have a situation where your children would not be happy to sit alone and you don't buy ECBI? Why?
This is a perfect case where ECBI would ease your worries.

As explained in other posts, its not that I don't want to purchase it, it was that I was unsure if I truly needed to or not, as I know it is only a "check in". I did not purchase it when I purchased the tickets because from all that I have heard, it does not mean if I buy, I get an assigned seat next to my party. Now, I just want to know, from some experts here, if I should go back and purchase, (double checking).

If I ever had a situation like OP where it was make or break we would pay for it without question. And probably attempt to pay for early boarding once we arrive. Or even check the totals of all that and make sure one of the legacy airlines where you pick seats isn't cheaper.

Thats the thing. It will not "make or break" our trip. The question was if I should purchase or not. I checked other airlines for months for this very reason(seat assignments). I have always in the past flown with Jet Blue. However, all other airlines happened to be significantly more expensive than SW. My children have only been on a plane once, so, yes, Id rather pick my seats, but the price difference with SW means my bit of research about the topic, and possibly spending the extra $ for the EBCI, then Im ok with that!

And to the posters who don't like family boarding - I get it. But, like someone else said, you are not buying the right to board early, you are buying the ability to not have to check in. You could buy a more expensive ticket to guarantee you spots 1-15 on the flight. You choose not to. Family boarding in a southwest policy, like it or not. And, for the airline, it clearly makes sense because the airline is doing well and rarely do I see delays due to families requesting seats together. Whatever happened to having empathy and compassion. It's hard enough to travel with kids. If you are not traveling with them, you really can sit by yourself, and likely won't even if you have a B boarding pass.

Thank you!

I don't know whether or not this applies to OP, but if a child has ADHD, or other disability, such as being on the autism spectrum, I would think this would qualify the family to pre-board, as defined above.

Specifically, a child's disability could result in the seating need to sit next to a caregiver.

In regards to how this came up; OP's original post describing her children suggested these issues may be relevant to her. I don't know one way or another, but it was possible. And, then when you posted the quote of the policies, my brain connected the two. I therefore thought it may have been relevant to the OP.

The policy is in place for anyone who has a disability. Period. Nothing to do with how someone "can circumvent EBCI." And, it is not your place (general your) to question the nature of a person's disability, or what a service company (including Southwest) does to accommodate that person's disability.

To anyone who thinks this might apply directly to them, you can call and ask Southwest how they would accommodate a particular disability.

Although I believe my child would qualify for pre-board,(saw those policies before booking) I wanted to try and avoid that route if possible. However, this is why i only mentioned "anxiety", and not disability, to try and prevent all that side of the issue!!

 

[mom18]

I'm the one who first brought up the blue-sleeve option, the disability pre-board. I mentioned it because the OP said that her son "would panic" if he wasn't seated with one of his parents. Now, for some people, "panic" might mean sitting in a seat trying desperately not to cry and breathing a bit hard, while for others it might mean screaming and using fists to flail at everything within reach. We don't know what panic means for the OP's son. However, if he is actually likely to get so agitated that he could cause a serious disruption to other passengers, or God forbid, the flight crew, then yes, it makes sense to invoke the ADA and ask for a blue sleeve. I wouldn't suggest it lightly, but in certain severe cases it is the best option for the comfort and safety of everyone on the flight.

I've said it on this board many times before, and I'll say it again: I actually PREFER SWA's seating situation when traveling with young children, because SWA puts me in charge of where I sit. I've never been separated from my kids on SWA, but I have on legacy carriers -- several times. Legacy carriers can change your seat assignment any time they want to, and you have no real recourse, because if you read the Contract of Carriage carefully, you will see that even if you pay for a seat assignment, the airline is NOT obligated to guarantee that you get that seat. Make a stink and they will simply hand back your seat assignment fee and invite to you to sit down and be glad that you are not being ejected from the flight.

One more note: SWA isn't perfect; they have issues just as other airlines do. I'm currently in a dispute with them over stranding me in a situation where I have evidence that they knew ahead of time that it would happen, and could have prevented it easily, but I was stonewalled by a gate agent. Crap happens, and yes, I feel I'm entitled to some compensation over that. Overall, however, I find SWA's policies to be much more consumer-friendly than that of most other domestic US carriers.

Thank you for some solid advice and experience! Appreciated!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm the one who first brought up the blue-sleeve option, the disability pre-board. I mentioned it because the OP said that her son "would panic" if he wasn't seated with one of his parents. Now, for some people, "panic" might mean sitting in a seat trying desperately not to cry and breathing a bit hard, while for others it might mean screaming and using fists to flail at everything within reach. We don't know what panic means for the OP's son. However, if he is actually likely to get so agitated that he could cause a serious disruption to other passengers, or God forbid, the flight crew, then yes, it makes sense to invoke the ADA and ask for a blue sleeve. I wouldn't suggest it lightly, but in certain severe cases it is the best option for the comfort and safety of everyone on the flight.

I've said it on this board many times before, and I'll say it again: I actually PREFER SWA's seating situation when traveling with young children, because SWA puts me in charge of where I sit. I've never been separated from my kids on SWA, but I have on legacy carriers -- several times. Legacy carriers can change your seat assignment any time they want to, and you have no real recourse, because if you read the Contract of Carriage carefully, you will see that even if you pay for a seat assignment, the airline is NOT obligated to guarantee that you get that seat. Make a stink and they will simply hand back your seat assignment fee and invite to you to sit down and be glad that you are not being ejected from the flight.

One more note: SWA isn't perfect; they have issues just as other airlines do. I'm currently in a dispute with them over stranding me in a situation where I have evidence that they knew ahead of time that it would happen, and could have prevented it easily, but I was stonewalled by a gate agent. Crap happens, and yes, I feel I'm entitled to some compensation over that. Overall, however, I find SWA's policies to be much more consumer-friendly than that of most other domestic US carriers.

I think my issue was the poster was tying in my comment related only to boarding procedures with regards to SWA being confusing and stressful to another poster and I was using Delta's as an example which has a bunch of groups boarding before even main cabin. So when I said I don't know how it got brought up that's what I was meaning. Not brought up in the thread but more meaning how did my talking about Delta's boarding order to another poster and listing in my post SWA's pre-board launch into "well if your child has ADHD or autism..etc." especially when listing SWA pre-boarding procedure wasn't even the point of my post.

And I do appreciate you mentioning you don't suggest it lightly. It tends to go down a certain route when it gets discussed on the Boards anyways.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

As explained in other posts, its not that I don't want to purchase it, it was that I was unsure if I truly needed to or not, as I know it is only a "check in". I did not purchase it when I purchased the tickets because from all that I have heard, it does not mean if I buy, I get an assigned seat next to my party. Now, I just want to know, from some experts here, if I should go back and purchase, (double checking).

Thats the thing. It will not "make or break" our trip. The question was if I should purchase or not. I checked other airlines for months for this very reason(seat assignments). I have always in the past flown with Jet Blue. However, all other airlines happened to be significantly more expensive than SW. My children have only been on a plane once, so, yes, Id rather pick my seats, but the price difference with SW means my bit of research about the topic, and possibly spending the extra $ for the EBCI, then Im ok with that!

Although I believe my child would qualify for pre-board,(saw those policies before booking) I wanted to try and avoid that route if possible. However, this is why i only mentioned "anxiety", and not disability, to try and prevent all that side of the issue!!

You might consider calling SWA and discussing your actual issues. If you do believe you might qualify for pre-board (which reading your comments it appears you thought that might be the case all along) that would be the route to go. You said you read SWA's policies so you would know that you need to talk to the gate agent to explain your situation and receive Pre-Board Documentation. When you first posed the question it was about being separated and wanting to have seats together. That is an EBCI discussion and thus it evolved that way.

I guess I'm more confused now about what your questions are. On the one hand you say it's not that you don't want to purchase EBCI it's that you didn't know if you were going to need it. But on the other hand you think your child would qualify for pre-boarding but you wanted to avoid that if possible. Why not use pre-board if your child truly needs it and would qualify for it? Was the concern on purchasing EBCI because you didn't know if it was more recommended from other SWA passengers or that you didn't know if you needed to purchase it if you could qualify for pre-board?

 

[AmberK24]

@mom18 I'm glad you got your questions answered! At the end, keep in mind that there have to be about 150 other passengers on board that refuse to move as well to not allow you to sit with your child. I'm a regular SW traveler & have often been asked to give up my seat so that a family could sit together, and when asked nicely, done so. Additionally, I also regularly travel with a group of 4-8 adults and most people will volunteer to move to let us still sit together...no kids involved. Have faith in humanity that it will all work out that you & your son can sit together, while you husband can sit with your daughter...maybe not all 4 together, and likely not in front of the plane, but most decent human beings would rather allow you to sit with your child than to be stubborn and sit with an upset kid for an entire flight.

 

[Gracie09]

There are three reasons to pre-board.
1. Specific seating needs to accommodate a disability
2. Need assistance in boarding the aircraft
3. Need to stow an assistive device

By separating them with "and/or" it means having one of these needs (or more) is sufficient to qualify for pre-boarding.

I am specifically referring to #1 above only. ADHD and autism spectrum do qualify as disabilities. Southwest does not define "seating needs." This is purposely vague. Seating with a caregiver, in some instances, would constitute a seating need. There are numerous disabilities that require sitting with a caregiver (not just the ones I specified).

And, yes, anyone who qualifies for pre-boarding under this policy has no need to purchase EBCI. Whether it be someone with a child, or adults of any age. It is not "a way to circumvent purchasing EBCI," as you phrased it. It is actually Southwest following federal law, as in the ADA.

The ada does not apply to aircraft

 

[Disneylover99]

I love SW! It's not confusing at all.

We bought EBCI when the kids were small and qualified for family boarding, we buy it now that the kids are older and we will continue to buy it. No checking in 24 hours in advance. No stress. Easy Peasy. I should be happy that people don't want to spend the extra money on it. It makes travelling for me that much easier. I really don't understand why people debate it and stress over it. Just buy it if you worry.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I've never flown SW because it's too confusing. LOL
We always fly JetBlue. I'm an anxious person, but have pushed myself to overcome my flight anxiety. That being said, I KNOW what makes me comfortable and uncomfortable, so I plan accordingly. I want an aisle, I want to sit in front of the plane, but not first row, and if my DH or DD are with me, I want to sit next to them. So..... I pay extra for that. My decision. My choice.

The thing that makes me crazy are the people who just ASSUME I SHOULD move my seat to accommodate their situation. I have had this happen NUMEROUS times. And, not even, "oh, do you think you might consider moving so my .....can sit with me?" I've been TOLD I should move so they could be together, etc. This last flight I said, "I'm sorry, but I need the aisle." The woman complained loudly - and wouldn't let it go, so I said, very calmly, "I really need the aisle, that's why I pay extra for this seat ahead of time" and she had the gall to say, "NO, you pay for the SPACE - this middle seat is the SAME extra space."

(it was a family of 6 - two parents, two youngsters, two teenagers - adult & youngster each were at window & middle, two teenagers were at window & middle - so NO ONE was sitting alone. Not my responsibility to have to explain my phobias to her! )

Good for you. Next time the "brat" tries something like this reach up and hit the FA call button. Let them explain the seating rules to the "entitled"

Prior to choosing an airline people need to inform themselves on policies and all costs. It is all there on website of airline. If unsure call airline and request clarification. Figure all costs into the ticket-- baggage fees, seat assignments, EBCI, etc only then purchase your tickets. IF IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIT WITH YOUR CHILDREN PAY EXTRA FOR SEAT ASSIGNMENTS OR EBCI ON SOUTHWEST. DONT'T EXPECT OTHERS TO MOVE FOR YOU ESPECIALLY IF THEY PAID.

Know they may not have family boarding. Know it might be limited to just the correct age child and one adult.

AMEN! The airline is NOT raising your child, you are. No, they don't have to do whatever you want.

[

@mom18 I'm glad you got your questions answered! At the end, keep in mind that there have to be about 150 other passengers on board that refuse to move as well to not allow you to sit with your child. I'm a regular SW traveler & have often been asked to give up my seat so that a family could sit together, and when asked nicely, done so. Additionally, I also regularly travel with a group of 4-8 adults and most people will volunteer to move to let us still sit together...no kids involved. Have faith in humanity that it will all work out that you & your son can sit together, while you husband can sit with your daughter...maybe not all 4 together, and likely not in front of the plane, but most decent human beings would rather allow you to sit with your child than to be stubborn and sit with an upset kid for an entire flight.

Nice is a KEY statement. Trust me when someone gets on and does their "we are entitled act" my back goes up and you and your child can just take different seats. And don't dare try the "he's going to act out" game I see on here a lot. If you do, I will still refuse to move. (Past experience has taught me the child is generally less of a PIA then the parent acting like a child LOL!)

 

[Maggie'sMom]

The ada does not apply to aircraft

No, but the Air Carriers Access Act does. That requires airlines to provide reasonable accommodations to passengers.

My DD has autism. We almost exclusively fly SW. I usually purchase EBCI for our return flights and anytime I can't check in right at the 24 hour mark for our departing flights because I don't feel right asking for early boarding when there is an option that allows me to ensure my daughter and I can sit together. Once I did have to request pre-board due to disability. For this particular trip, I made the flight reservations with no trouble, but the website crashed when I was trying to purchase the EBCI for our return flight. It was late at night and I meant to purchase EBCI the next day. Well, I forgot that I was unable to complete the EBCI purchase and was convinced I had it. We were on a cruise and I just about had a panic attack when we got to the airport, printed our boarding passes and found we were in the C boarding group. I went to the gate agent, explained the situation, and was given the pre-board pass. But I won't make a practice of that because I would want to sit next to my daughter even if she didn't have autism and I can do that with EBCI.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

No, but the Air Carriers Access Act does. That requires airlines to provide reasonable accommodations to passengers.

My DD has autism. We almost exclusively fly SW. I usually purchase EBCI for our return flights and anytime I can't check in right at the 24 hour mark for our departing flights because I don't feel right asking for early boarding when there is an option that allows me to ensure my daughter and I can sit together. Once I did have to request pre-board due to disability. For this particular trip, I made the flight reservations with no trouble, but the website crashed when I was trying to purchase the EBCI for our return flight. It was late at night and I meant to purchase EBCI the next day. Well, I forgot that I was unable to complete the EBCI purchase and was convinced I had it. We were on a cruise and I just about had a panic attack when we got to the airport, printed our boarding passes and found we were in the C boarding group. I went to the gate agent, explained the situation, and was given the pre-board pass. But I won't make a practice of that because I would want to sit next to my daughter even if she didn't have autism and I can do that with EBCI.

Correct the ADA doesn't cross over into air transportation but the Air Carriers Access Act does.

"Under the Act, air carriers are prohibited from discriminating against air passengers with disabilities -- whether mental, physical, or both. Discrimination occurs when people are treated unfairly because of their disabilities. Air carriers have a duty to provide reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities. This means that carriers generally must accommodate individuals with disabilities unless it creates a safety or health risk to others or causes undue hardship" (thus why you see situations where families are kicked off flights or unable to board if an individual they are traveling with can be considered a safety risk at the time).

Relevant to the discussion at hand the Act "Air carriers must provide disabled passengers with boarding assistance if needed." But the caveat is if needed. I've been on plenty of SWA flights where a child/individual with Down's Syndrome, what appeared to be autistic (or on the spectrum-not trying to assume which is why I said appeared), etc did not pre-board. They boarded with the assigned boarding position. The ones I tend to see always pre-board are those who are in wheelchairs (which as far as disabilities are concerned the discussion isn't just relevent to those of cognitive it's also physical-even temporary disability like broken bones) as usually it requires more time down the jetway and depending on the situation significantly more time to get into the seat.

Your approach to EBCI and pre-board is sorta why I was confused with the OP as far as initial and later discussion.

 

[Kaytie]

You said "Specifically, a child's disability could result in the seating need to sit next to a caregiver." And followed it up with "And, yes, anyone who qualifies for pre-boarding under this policy has no need to purchase EBCI." So actually you made it sound exactly like you were trying to circumvent EBCI because by pre-boarding the OP and her child could sit together and no extra fee paid.

What you quote is clear to me, and it can be verified by searching the Southwest website. The person you quote cant be responsible for what a reader infers.

You're trying to fit a square into a circle hole.

It would be far better to suggest people speak with the gate agent regarding their specific situation rather than say "hey if you have a child with ADHD you should be able to skip everything and just go for pre-board".

Southwest.com is clear that if a passenger with a disability needs assistance from a caregiver for/during/following preboarding, the companion may also preboard.