While traveling with Southwest Airlines, accessibility and comfort stay a top priority for passengers with mobility challenges. Southwest Airlines wheelchair assistance is a necessary service. Southwest Airlines is always keen to ensure that each passenger spends a comfortable time while flying. From offering wheelchair services or assistance while boarding the airplane, Southwest Airlines is ready to cater for the needs of its clients. Read this blog post to find out more on wheelchair assistance and how you can apply for the same.
Southwest Wheelchair Assistance Program
A service provided by the airlines for passengers with mobility issues. This service helps simplify airport navigation and plane boarding and gives them a comfortable travel experience without trouble. The airline offers various kinds of assistance.
What does the Southwest Airlines Wheelchair Assistance Policy say?
Here’s a brief information about what’s mentioned in the Southwest Airlines wheelchair policy.
- Southwest Airlines offers wheelchairs for old-age passengers, passengers with mobility issues, and those with locomotor disabilities.
- If 10 or more passengers require a wheelchair from your group, you need to give prior information to Southwest Airlines.
- Passengers who have requested wheelchair assistance should reach the airport two hours before departure.
- The form can be filled out online or offline.
- Passengers need to fill out a form and show it to the customer service agent at the gate counter.
- Passengers are required to complete their identification with a Southwest employee for the Assistance.
- If the passengers have connecting flights, they will be escorted in between the flights.
- Upgrading the seat will not cause any changes in the mobility assistance policy.
- It is possible to store a standard-size collapsible wheelchair in the cabin. However, it will be stored in the plane’s compartment.
How to Request Wheelchair Assistance on Southwest Airlines?
Any passenger can apply for Southwest Airlines Wheelchair Assistance requests through their mobile phones or laptops. However, it’s not important to apply for wheelchair assistance in advance. You can also apply for the same at the airport too. Below are the steps to apply for wheelchair assistance with Southwest Airlines:-
Apply for it during the Wheelchair Assistance Flight Reservation
- Visit their Southwest official website.
- Make your reservation.
- When you reach the “Passenger & Payment” step, go for the “Special Assistance” link.
- Then, continue with your reservation process.
Add Assistance to your booked flight
- Go to the official website and click on ‘Manage Flight Reservation.’
- Then, go to the next page.
- Click on “Special Assistance” under that passenger’s name.
- Then, fill in all the necessary details.
Contact the airline for Assistance
You may dial Southwest Airlines’ official contact number and speak to the agent. Request wheelchair assistance from them and provide them with the necessary details.
Mobility Aid Passenger’s Security Check
Any passenger who requires special assistance with Southwest Airlines must follow guidelines before going for the security checks at the airport. Security checks are flexible for disabled individuals.
- Notify the Transportation Security Administration of your disability before the screening.
- Show your medical certificates or TSA notification card to the security personnel for verification.
- You will be required to raise your arms above your head for about 7 seconds for a full check.
- If the process is too complicated for your condition, you can notify the officer to follow another procedure.
- If you cannot walk through the Screening technology, you may request a pat down from an officer of your gender in a private area with an accompanying companion.
- The TSA at Southwest will scan your walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility aids using an X-ray machine.
- Security officers will also screen the seat cushions, non-removable containers, or trash bags.
What disabilities qualify for pre-boarding with Southwest Airlines?
Passengers must contact Southwest Airlines to reserve wheelchair handicap assistance for those with mobility aid. Apart from wheelchairs, the airlines also provide crutches or walkers for those with limitations or disabilities that affect their walking ability. In addition, passengers traveling with children under six years or with disability are eligible for pre-boarding. This service makes sure that they board early and settle in their seats safely and comfortably.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines Wheelchair Assistance Program provides some key services, including the availability of a wheelchair, priority boarding, and in-flight support. These services can be ordered online or at the airport. This way, one can ensure a smooth trip from check-in to arrival. Moreover, the TSA has flexible security procedures that allow passengers with special needs to navigate the security process. Southwest ensures that all passengers, whether with disabilities or mobility impairments, can travel safely and confidently.
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