SWA rumor of new Accessibility boarding

[OurBigTrip]

In the post I quoted you indicated that you didn't read the OP as saying they would be directed to the back of the plane. That is all I was responding to, as the OP was clear. I wasn't commenting on whether I believe the OP is correct.

I also doubt SW would require disabled people sit at the back of the plane - it would a bit too reminiscent of Montgomery Alabama and challenged immediately I would imagine.

I really have no desire to argue with you and your endless “but what ifs”

Have a nice day.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Southwest would not be forcing disabled people to the back of the plane. All passengers are entitled to buy early access/seats/whatever. But they could very well say that if you want to pre-board (without paying), you are only allowed to take “less desirable” seats as a way to reduce the abuse in the system that already exists. I don’t know if the magic number is row 6, row 9, or somewhere behind the exits at the wings, but Southwest certainly knows a) how many people board early and b) what portion of wheelchairs do not get used on the way out.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I could see them making the front rows the enhanced class that you pay more for and having those that need more time take the regular priced seats after those rose, unless they paid for the higher-class seat. Unless every seat is assigned and then it would be to whatever seat you purchased.

It always strikes me as funny when I get off the plane and only a fraction of the parties that needed more time and assistance to board are long gone without any assistance once the plane lands. You can usually tell who did it to get seats in the front together with it paying for early bird.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I really have no desire to argue with you and your endless “but what ifs”

Have a nice day.

I didn't say any what ifs in my response to you - I actually agreed with your doubt.

Enjoy your weekend.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Southwest would not be forcing disabled people to the back of the plane. All passengers are entitled to buy early access/seats/whatever. But they could very well say that if you want to pre-board (without paying), you are only allowed to take “less desirable” seats as a way to reduce the abuse in the system that already exists. I don’t know if the magic number is row 6, row 9, or somewhere behind the exits at the wings, but Southwest certainly knows a) how many people board early and b) what portion of wheelchairs do not get used on the way out.

I'm not sure what wheelchairs have to do with it. Medical preboarding serves more than just those in wheelchairs.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Southwest would not be forcing disabled people to the back of the plane. All passengers are entitled to buy early access/seats/whatever. But they could very well say that if you want to pre-board (without paying), you are only allowed to take “less desirable” seats as a way to reduce the abuse in the system that already exists. I don’t know if the magic number is row 6, row 9, or somewhere behind the exits at the wings, but Southwest certainly knows a) how many people board early and b) what portion of wheelchairs do not get used on the way out.

These days I wish that you need to have proof of your disability for things like this and DAS because at least then you would not get the abusers and those that do have a legitimate reason would be accommodated.
Like you need proof from your Dr to get a handicap sign for your car.

 

[FreeTime]

I don’t see only the first 8 rows being available for prepurchase seat assignment. That is only 16 aisle and 16 window. I would not want the privilege to purchase a middle seat. Making me still take the gamble with open seating doesn’t make sense in their model, to me.

I could see them allowing you to purchase any seat selection at checkout or opting into open seating. All of those with selected seats board first. Then, open seaters Can pick what is left. This would not address the preboard challenge though. There could be so many pre-purchased seats that it would be difficult for pre-borders to go after them. I suppose you could select it at Check out whether you will need assistance boarding. And then there you know how many pre-board seats that did not book a seat need to be reserved and those get set aside Whether they were paid for or not.

Of course, we would eventually be back to where we are today because people would not want to pay for their seat so more and more people would pick pre-board knowing one would be reserved.

No reason for them not to follow the simple model of other airlines and let everyone pick their seat and preboarders go to the seat they purchased.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I'm not sure what wheelchairs have to do with it. Medical preboarding serves more than just those in wheelchairs.

Totally. But if SW is trying to eliminate the incentive to pre-board just to secure a better seat/overhead space, then they need a way to make it so that pre-boarders can’t also get off quickly. So if you need mobility assistance then you have to wait for your wheelchair, but if you don’t, then you have to wait because there are 100 guests getting off before you.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I too wish airlines and WDW would take a doc note for disability, but they can't. DH and I go to the back of the plane so we do not inconvenience others on the way out since we greatly appreciate the chance to board early.

I have said this many times before that it is not always what you think. Our local airport is very small and we park in the garage almost in front of the door to the terminal in H/A parking. I use my cane and it is painful, but it is doable to get to check in. At MCO I use a wheelchair because it is too far to walk. At WDW and even DS I rent a $53/day ECV.

People, please do not be so quick to judge. It is not always a "miracle". I hope nobody ever has to experience disability. It is not a choice.

 

[SueM in MN]

I guess it's all just rumors until Southwest announces more details in September.

The articles I've read haven't given any details at all regarding what the upgraded/upcharge seats will be or where they will be. I've also read conflicting rumors about whether all seats will be pre assigned or just those passengers paid extra for.
The rumor about forcing guests with disabilities to sit in the last 8 rows and wait until everyone else gets off is definitely a rumor.
No matter what they do, they still need to comply with the Air Carrier Act.
Regarding seating of passengers with disabilities, it says (my bold):

• Airlines may not keep anyone out of a specific seat on the basis of disability, or require anyone to sit in a particular seat on the basis of disability, except to comply with FAA or foreign-government safety requirements. FAA's rule on exit row seating says that airlines may place in exit rows only persons who can perform a series of functions necessary in an emergency evacuation.

 

[jo-jo]

Totally. But if SW is trying to eliminate the incentive to pre-board just to secure a better seat/overhead space, then they need a way to make it so that pre-boarders can’t also get off quickly. So if you need mobility assistance then you have to wait for your wheelchair, but if you don’t, then you have to wait because there are 100 guests getting off before you.

As long as SW makes sure the wheelchair waits. I have to wait for DH’s rollator to be unloaded anyway. Whenever we get off there are usually 6-8 wheelchairs waiting.

 

[keishashadow]

I’m sure the OP simply intended to share what she was told. As for reliability… I guess flight attendants may be in the same category as WDW bus drivers.

Have to laugh, I immediately thot of the old bus driver/boat captain bit

I'm just sharing what the FA stated to a group of us chatting about the upcoming changes

She came back when somebody (who came on with a rollator that had to be checked despite her very strong objections) was loudly complaining. They found her a seat in our section (ahead of exit row) not in direct front. She appeared to want to sit closer to front of plane

Not sure why that individual was coming on so late in boarding process in first place. She didn't preboard, maybe didn't know it was offered or running really late.

They did offer to have a special, narrow sort of WC at destination wherein they could wheel her off???

No idea how that resolved, as they insisted she sit in seat and wait to deplane after other guests. Said they couldn't clog up the exit area. They only had a few WC at the ready. She wasn't only one sitting and waiting for one, including their personal ones

I remember one specific airline, think it was AirTran?, that instructed pre boards who needed WC to wait until all others disembarked

The way the FA phrased her words, I wasn't the only one who took it as preboards would be steered to back of plane. Personally, don't see how that would pass muster.

Supposedly, further details are forthcoming in a month or so. Hope they find an equitable solution

 

[Marrila]

I seriously doubt Southwest will "punish" pre boarders with very back of the plane seating and enforced waits for exiting. Those folks often have connections too.
Assigned seats for all will solve a lot of the problems.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I seriously doubt Southwest will "punish" pre boarders with very back of the plane seating and enforced waits for exiting. Those folks often have connections too.
Assigned seats for all will solve a lot of the problems.

Agreed

 

[OurBigTrip]

I seriously doubt Southwest will "punish" pre boarders with very back of the plane seating and enforced waits for exiting. Those folks often have connections too.
Assigned seats for all will solve a lot of the problems.

Agree, but that’s not their business mod right now.

 

[keishashadow]

I seriously doubt Southwest will "punish" pre boarders with very back of the plane seating and enforced waits for exiting. Those folks often have connections too.
Assigned seats for all will solve a lot of the problems.

I can see SWA wanting to keep
Jetway open

I know people love to comment on the people who jump up after a flight "miraculously able to hustle off plane". In my mind that's a case of a few bad apples

Bigger issue, seeing people congregate outside jetway entrance. because there is a lack of WC readily available, they have to wait there or try to hobble up to the terminal hoping an empty chair is at the gate.

Thats absolutely unacceptable. IMO a liability & safety hazard to have a passenger deplane without a guaranteed chair & escort (if requested) waiting for them. I'd think the FAs should verify that availability before they exit the plane.

Perhaps, in the interest of better safe than sorry, the intent will be to request pre boards who do need a chair; wait until last to deplane. Regardless of where they are seated on the plane. That way they could fill up the available WC as they do arrive, waiting comfortably seated.

Or not, they do strive to turn over the plans quickly. There really is no simple solution that will satisfy all of SWA's customers. They need to tread very lightly

 

[gottalovepluto]

I say nope. Making disabled people sit in the back if they want to use wc boarding ain’t gonna fly.

 

[keishashadow]

I say nope. Making disabled people sit in the back if they want to use wc boarding ain’t gonna fly.

Pun intended?

Think you are correct tho, would be bad publicity for them.

Conversely, think they need to address that aspect with as much care as they are giving the preassigned seat option

 

[SueM in MN]

Pun intended?

Think you are correct tho, would be bad publicity for them.

Conversely, think they need to address that aspect with as much care as they are giving the preassigned seat option

It would not only be bad publicity, but also against the law to force people with disabilities to sit in one area

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Does the law require medical pre-boarding, or is that merely a courtesy like family boarding? Because if it is not required, then couldn’t SW also move “pre-boarding” to later in the queue, which would also effectively devalue it vs other options?

FWIW some of the “children under 2” were taller than I am on my last United flight. By the time we got on probably 1/3 of the plane was already on board. To put that into perspective, I have enough status on United that we board before general boarding.