pre boarding rules (2024)

FAQs

What disabilities qualify for preboarding? ›

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.

All U.S. carriers and gate agents should aware of the preboarding rules, but if you have a disability such that you need extra time or assistance to board, have self-identified this need at the gate (ideally ~30 minutes or more before boarding) and are denied the opportunity to preboard (or preboarding occurs after ...

It is important to know that by law, a gate agent is not allowed to ask you why you need to pre-board, you simply need to identify yourself as someone who needs additional time or assistance to board.

Preboarding is available prior to general boarding 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.

Can the air carrier require me to provide proof of my disability? An air carrier must not require any kind of proof as a condition for the provision of transportation, except in some very limited circ*mstances.

Many accommodations are federally mandated by laws such as the Air Carrier Access Act, which requires that airlines offer assistance to those with mobility issues, visual or hearing impairments, or other disabilities.

People with disabilities, including diabetes, are always allowed to preboard flights.

If I have a disability, am I allowed to board the airplane before passengers without disabilities? Yes. 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.

In some instances, including where an employee suffers from a stress-related disability involving the fear of flying, employers may in fact be required by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) or corresponding state laws to consider an employee's reasonable request for accommodation, such as telecommuting or ...

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.

Who gets denied boarding? ›

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'.

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

Preboarding

Southwest allows people with specific seating needs to accommodate their disability, who need boarding help, extra time or who need help stowing an assistive device to board first. To join that group, request preboarding from a Southwest customer service agent at the ticket desk or departure gate.

The duration differs. Depending on the new employee's current situation, it can be anything from 1 day to multiple months or even longer. Often at least 3 months, but it differs per organization and role. A strong preboarding process can boost new hire retention by up to 82% and minimize non-starters.

TSA PreCheck® is an expedited screening program that makes risk assessments about passengers prior to their arrival at an airport checkpoint. TSA PreCheck® enhances aviation security and provides a better travel experience.

Airlines must allow a passenger with a disability who self-identifies at the gate as needing additional time or assistance to board, stow accessibility equipment, or be seated, the opportunity to board before all other passengers.

If you need additional time or assistance to board the aircraft, consider requesting to pre-board. Airlines must allow passengers with disabilities the opportunity to pre-board who self-identify at the gate as requiring additional time or assistance to be seated or stow accessibility equipment.

If I have a disability, am I allowed to board the airplane before passengers without disabilities? Yes. 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.

You do not have to disclose the disability nor discuss it in any way. Simply "self identify" and you will be permitted to preboard.