I am planning to send for my parents soon. If I order their tickets online would they have to choose their seats last? My dad is considered disabled (he has heart problems) so my sister said he'd get to go on first.... is this true?
2007-11-12 02:10:31 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Air Travel
and if this is true, what type of proof would he need, if any, to establish that?
2007-11-12 02:14:04 · update #1
Any disability is enough to let your father preboard. The gate agent may ask if he needs any extra assistance or a specific seating need, but he will not be turned away. It would be a good idea to 1) check them in online 24 hours before departure to ensure they have boarding passes, and 2) make sure they get to the airport with plenty of time. TSA can be a hassle if it's a busy day and they won't need any added stress. They will need to stop at the gate podium for a preboard authorization, and don't have to worry about standing in line until it's time to board. It's 100% open seating, so they don't have to sit together if they don't want to :o)
2007-11-12 10:26:47 · answer #1 · answered by ciaobella 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Does your Dad have any documentation, even just a note from a doctor? Even if he doesn't, I'll bet a chat with the gate agent would be all he needs to get on in the first group, they're pretty good about stuff like that.
Other than passengers requiring assistance, Southwest is all "open seating". First come, first serve, so you don't get to choose your seat. When you print or obtain your boarding pass, you'll be in Group A, B or C. Group A boards first, B second, etc. Try to print the boarding pass as soon as you can (24 hours prior), and you'll at least be in Group A.
2007-11-12 02:33:13 · answer #2 · answered by westside 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just heart problems might not be enough to get "special boarding assitance" or priority with Southwest-- some gate agents would wave them right through, some wouldn't. If you do choose to fly Southwest, have your parents do an online checkin 24 hours before their flight--- and it should be right at the 24-hour mark, because even 10 minutes after that and they're 60th in line. The sooner you check in and print your boarding pass, the closer to the front of the line you go!
2007-11-12 05:25:44 · answer #3 · answered by dcgirl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Southwest does not assign seats, they give out boarding cards, then call for the number range for boarding. I would speak to Southwest via telephone to discuss his disability and find out what their procedures are for getting him a special boarding pass. Don't wait for them to get to the airport and try to sort it out on the day of their flight.
2007-11-12 11:58:31 · answer #4 · answered by hr4me 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, Southwest boards persons with special circumstances first.
2007-11-12 02:13:02 · answer #5 · answered by Tikva 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
to get a good seat on Southwest airlines, you have to camp out overnight, moo like a cow when the gate opens, then listen to stupid jokes from the flight crew.
Or you could fly on a full-service airline, and have fun.
2007-11-12 05:16:54 · answer #6 · answered by Mr Smart 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋