Southwest - Boarding Question

[Halle]

I haven't flown Southwest in two years, perhaps they changed that policy since I've flown.

They haven't changed that policy as of May 2018.

 

[bumbershoot]

We flew out of MCO today on SW. Had A45/46. Preboards were a few in wheelchair. We got 2nd and 3rd row aisle seats.

There were lots of families but honestly it didn't look like the ones with older kids tried to family board.

Since you were onboard before family boarding you wouldn’t have noticed families using family boarding.

 

[goofy4tink]

A few years back, flying from Orlando to Michigan in May, there were more than 20 wheelchair pre-boards. I stopped counting at 20. It was a sea of those little flags. I'm guessing it was mostly snowbirds flying back home. Funny thing though, when we landed and they would have had to wait for all of those wheelchairs to disembark, most of them walked off.

Ah yes.....one of those 'miracle flights'!!! Usually the flight attendants make sure they stay seated. Drives me nuts!!!!

 

[Allison]

Since you were onboard before family boarding you wouldn’t have noticed families using family boarding.

You can absolutely notice. Perhaps you have not paid attention. I almost always have A boarding and can see the families using family boarding because they are lined up in a different line.

 

[extreme8]

<Snip>...Funny thing though, when we landed and they would have had to wait for all of those wheelchairs to disembark, most of them walked off.

The infamous Southwest "Miracle Flights".
It's uplifting to see all those folks regain the ability to walk after just a few hours in the air.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

Since you were onboard before family boarding you wouldn’t have noticed families using family boarding.

I will say I could see them

I could see families lined up as I was towards the end of As. They were already lining up when preboards going on. Maybe 6 or so families.

 

[nkereina]

We see a lot of wheelchair pre-boards when flying to Orlando. It always appears to be a mix of elderly traveling with family to go to Disney (or one of the Orlando attractions), or elderly returning home to Florida after visiting family here in upstate NY. Usually 8-10 wheelchair pre-boards. However, these folks are not permitted to sit in the exit row so we can usually get at least exit rows when boarding behind the pre-boards.