What qualifies you to preboard a flight?

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.



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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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At the check in or gate, you simply state that you need to pre-board for medical reasons and need a specific seat, and show your ID. They cannot ask specifics of why you need to pre-board, but this covers enough to be able to pre-board on Southwest.

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EarlyBird Check-In Customers will have their boarding positions reserved beginning 36 hours prior to their flight's scheduled local departure time. Boarding passes can be accessed beginning 24 hours prior to the flight's scheduled local departure time.

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The most common reason for denied boarding is overbooking. This is when airlines sell more tickets than there are seats on the aircraft. The reason for this common practice is so-called 'no-shows'.

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This includes for reasons of health, safety or security, or inadequate travel documentation. So, for example, it is reasonable for an airline to deny boarding if the passenger does not have a valid passport or, where required, the correct paperwork to prove a negative covid test.

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When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note).

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Most flights start boarding 30 - 50 minutes before scheduled departure, but the exact time depends on your destination and plane. Boarding ends 15 minutes before departure. If you're not on board, we may reassign your seat to another passenger. You will not be allowed to board once the doors close.

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How to board a plane: steps and tips for success
  1. Step 1: Reconfirm your flight 24 hours in advance online. ...
  2. Step 2: Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. ...
  3. Step 3: Drop your bags off or wait in line if you need extra help. ...
  4. Step 4: Keep your I.D. ...
  5. Step 5: Go through TSA screening procedures.


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