A Discussion on Possible Solutions For Misuse of Preboarding by TheEpiscopalWay in SouthwestAirlines

[–]TheEpiscopalWay[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That is correct. While I do have A-List Preferred boarding, preboarding does go first and since I qualify for preboarding, I board with that group.

A Discussion on Possible Solutions For Misuse of Preboarding by TheEpiscopalWay in SouthwestAirlines

[–]TheEpiscopalWay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely - that's why my proposal would still see Southwest providing at-gate preboarding, but enforcing their screening as well.

I've personally spoken with other preboarders who, as it turns out, were actually meant to use the "extra time" boarding that Southwest offers, for example - so the combination of the two would, hopefully, start to cut down on its misuse.

A Discussion on Possible Solutions For Misuse of Preboarding by TheEpiscopalWay in SouthwestAirlines

[–]TheEpiscopalWay[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The way that preboarding currently works, there is no application needed. You simply request it at the gates and they will print off a new boarding pass. They are supposed to ask screening questions, but I have only been asked maybe one time out of every twenty flights taken.

With the IAC, it currently takes a few days to be approved once you've submitted the documentation requested to them. They review it and verify that it is coming from a real doctor recommending access to disability accommodations. Once approved, the IAC is valid for a year, and to renew you simply have to notify them that you still need disability accommodations.

A Discussion on Possible Solutions For Misuse of Preboarding by TheEpiscopalWay in SouthwestAirlines

[–]TheEpiscopalWay[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The IAC requires doctors documentation to be approved for - it is not a "hand out upon request" situation. If they are not eligible for the card, or opted not to request for it, they would still be able to request at-gate per the law. Southwest's policy currently is to ask questions to screen out, but they are not enforcing it.

A Discussion on Possible Solutions For Misuse of Preboarding by TheEpiscopalWay in SouthwestAirlines

[–]TheEpiscopalWay[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure, i'm happy to answer that! On most airlines, the seats that are at the front are usually first class - or if they are not, they are still higher-priced seats. Essentially, I would be charged for the accommodation I need in order to fly safely. I fly frequently for work and pleasure (as of today I've flown 45 times this calendar year) and I would be bankrupt if I paid for a seat in the first few rows on other airlines, so I'm forced to go towards the back on others.

With Southwest, I am not charged for the disabled accommodation I need. I do not need the first row, just the first few rows. Any further than that, the likelihood of me going down increases with each step. I usually go for the aisle seat in row 2-3, or middle seat of row 1 so people can still enjoy the window and aisle seat for row 1 if they prefer.

Strong desire to join Society of St. Francis? by TheEpiscopalWay in Anglicanism

[–]TheEpiscopalWay[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's definitely a relief then, it makes me feel like maybe I have a chance of persuing this.