Some Customers with disabilities are able to preboard at the very beginning of the boarding process prior to general boarding. Preboarding is available for Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.

Southwest Airlines does not technically board "handicapped" passengers first; instead, they utilize a "Pre-boarding" group. According to Southwest's unique open-seating policy, passengers with disabilities who require a specific seat to accommodate their disability, or who need assistance boarding the aircraft, are invited to board before Group A. This includes those using wheelchairs, those with visual or hearing impairments, and those who need extra time to settle into their seats. To qualify for pre-boarding, you should speak with a gate agent upon arrival at the gate to have your boarding pass marked with the "PRBD" designation. It is important to note that while pre-boarding allows you to pick almost any seat on the plane, Federal Aviation Regulations prohibit pre-boarding passengers from sitting in the Emergency Exit Row. If you have a disability but do not require a specific seat or extra time, you may be asked to board during the "Extra Help" window between groups A and B instead.