Do disabled passengers get on plane first?

If you self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs additional time or assistance to board the airplane, the airline must allow you to board the airplane before other passengers.



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Preboarding is available for Customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability and/or need assistance in boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device. Customers who are traveling with assistance and emotional support animals qualify for preboarding.

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Priority pre-boarding is available for those who have specific seating needs to accommodate their disability, who need assistance in boarding the aircraft, or who need assistance stowing any devices.

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Also, keep in mind that wheelchair users exit the aircraft last. The deplaning process can easily take 25 minutes or more, so when booking a connecting flight, always allow ample time.

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If you cannot walk, they'll need to organize assistance and an aisle chair for your convenience. On the day of travel, present yourself to the gate agent and remind him/her that you will require preboarding assistance and use of the aisle chair.

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Skip the queues If you have a disability, you can ask to skip the queue at security as part of your Special Assistance. Alternatively, you can pay a small fee to use priority or 'fast track' security lanes at many airports. It's often cheaper to book this in advance by contacting the airport.

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Airlines are also required to provide passengers with disabilities many types of assistance, including wheelchair or other guided assistance to board, deplane, or connect to another flight; seating accommodation assistance that meets passengers' disability-related needs; and assistance with the loading and stowing of ...

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Download and complete a Notification Card to be provided to the TSA officer who will be conducting your screening. The Notification Card is intended to describe your health condition, disability or medical device to the TSA officer in a discreet manner, helping to ensure your privacy.

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The Air Carrier Access Act requires airlines to let travelers with disabilities board “before all other passengers, including first-class passengers, elite-level passengers, members of the military, and passengers with small children.” However, that's where government mandates for boarding both begin and end.

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Priority boarding for passengers with disabilities, assistive devices or emotional support animals. Passengers with “status” like Executive Platinum, Gold, Silver, Premier Access, Club, etc. Passengers behind exist rows (some airlines only, like Alaska) Passengers with upgraded seating like “More space” fares.

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Preboarding is available for Customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability and/or need assistance in boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device. Customers who are traveling with assistance and emotional support animals qualify for preboarding.

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Seniors do not get priority boarding on Southwest. There is priority boarding for customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability or who need assistance in boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device.

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However, there are other ways to get priority boarding and ensure you get a preferred seat on a Southwest flight.
  1. Purchase EarlyBird Check-In.
  2. Purchase Upgraded Boarding.
  3. Book the right fare class.
  4. Carry select Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
  5. Reach elite status with Southwest.
  6. Travel as a family.


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4. Don't forget to tip. Thank a wheelchair attendant with $3 to $5, or more if he or she helps with luggage or spends extra time with you. For an electric cart, tip $2 to $3.

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There are no big wheels to push so you will need a flight attendant to push you. There is at least one accessible bathroom onboard which is big enough to fit the aisle chair in. Flight attendants can help you transfer if you need it. They'll appreciate it if you do not ask for assistance while they are serving meals.

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Travelers with disabilities with TSA PreCheck® on their boarding passes will receive TSA PreCheck® on-person screening when screened in a standard lane for any reason.

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Generally, airline personnel may not ask what specific disability the person has, but they can ask questions regarding the person's ability to perform specific air travel-related functions, such as boarding, deplaning or walking through the airport.

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