We've discussed preboarding so many times I'm surprised that there isn't a category of its own.
Under Federal law, The Air Carrier Access Act, if you self-identify as a person with a disability you preboard. That's the law. In fact, you can do acrobatics all the way to the gate, self-identify as an individual with a disability, preboard, then withdraw your claim. Since the claim does not renew for each subsequent flight, it must expire somewhere but the law is unclear.
Anyone who challenges your "disability" is leaving themselves open for legal action. That includes other passengers who harass or otherwise attempt to shame those who self-identify with a disability.
I would be in favor of an ID card or placard similar to parking in handicap zones if the law eventually goes there. However, that is not likely to happen anytime soon.
This is a unique situation with Southwest. Other airlines have assigned seating and you can preboard to your assigned seat. On Southwest, you preboard AND get the best choice of seats. That's a perfect storm. However, it is not the fault of those that preboard.
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