PRE BOARD NONSENSE

[ffflyer]

If the ever growing line of pre-borders and seat savers bothers you that much, fly an airline that lets you reserve your seat when you buy your ticket.  

For me, I don’t like SWAs free for all seating policy. I look at all other options before booking SWA. But SWA is usually the most convenient and lowest costs choice. 

I try to ignore the fiasco as far as I can and remind myself that, as the FAs sometimes announce, all seats arrive at the same time. 

[spacecoastbill]

And the pre boards there are not quite a numerous as the ones on SWA, but they are there too.

[sixstringsent]

Here's the dilemma with what you're proposing - to have to have a wheelchair in order to preboard.

I have PTSD from my time in the military spent in Iraq. I have requested preboard for a few years now because it eases my triggers and anxiety to be able to get in my seat and not to be surrounded by people. I do this at the recommendation of my doctor, and have never had a problem except maybe a few a-holes who stare. Not bothered by it.

The problem with your suggestion is that all injuries aren't physical, nor do they necessitate the need for a wheelchair. I hate that your wife went through that, but it's all the more reason to not paint with a broad brush.

[spacecoastbill]

And all those that need a wheelchair on boarding magically no longer need them on arrival thanks to jetway Jesus.

[parpitt1]

Occasionally, I roll my eyes at what I call the healing effects of a SW flight, magically those with special needs to be pre boarded can sprint off the plane from the front of the plane upon arrival, like Lazarus rising from the dead, Hallelujah!

But then I take deep breath and move on, since Generally, I check bags anyway due the nature of my work 

[sixstringsent]

Ever consider that there are disabilities that aren't physical in nature? Hmm. Arrogant, much?

[spacecoastbill]

Thats very true.    But those gaming the system are far more numerous on SWA because of the lack of assigned seating.  Especially going to LAS or MCO.

[sixstringsent]

Tell you what, I HOPE that you say something when I request a pre-board. You can be pissy about those who take advantage of the system all you like, but it doesn't change that there are some of us (and most of those who preboard fall into this category) who genuinely need a preboard. That's not a Southwest policy, it's federal law. You sound like a super snotty person, so inconvenienced by preboarders that you have to be a Karen and say something. It's sad, really. You're EXACTLY the type of traveler that most people hate to have to interact with, just walking around like you're owed a red carpet because you spent x number of dollars. So yeah...PLEASE say something to those asking for a preboard, so that you can ruin their day and humiliate them. Sad. 

[SWFlyer007]

I've used preboard after I had surgery on a broken wrist and my jaw wired shut.  I didn't ask for it, but the nice lady who I checked my bags in with suggested I present it to the lady at the counter where you board.  I'm still conflicted by the fact I did ask, and received a preboard, but that's now water under the bridge.  But here is the point, maybe some of them are getting preboard by the suggestion of somebody else as I did.  I agree all disabilities are physical, and I've come around to bite my lip and try not to even see who is preboarding.  I'm A-List, I get a seat in the first 10 rows 95% of the time, it's all good.  Honestly, I just think the spike in disgruntled passengers on this forum is due to the pandemic, in terms of just being isolated, cooped up, and loss of the normal everyday things we were used to doing.  As things progress back to normal, less need for, "I want my alcohol, Why aren't people wearing masks, why aren't FA enforcing, as so on.  We can just go back to the petty stuff about how a flight was delayed, a notice of change of flight time, only a few mean FA who got snotty,.......it's coming folks, just be patient. 

[NicoleAshley]

Hi everyone. This thread has gotten heated, and I want to take a moment and encourage everyone to refresh themselves on our Community User Guidelines. We want all Members to feel comfortable sharing thoughts and ideas here, and we ask that you follow the Golden Rule and treat other Community Members the way you would like to be treated. Keep your tone positive and your comments constructive.Thank you.