For most airlines, pre-boarding is for any passenger who requires additional assistance, in any capacity. Pre-boards are the first to get on the plane, and on some airlines, the first to choose seats. Those with medical conditions, and especially those carrying a medical bag, pre-boarding is something you should incorporate into all your flying travels.
I talk more about the importance of pre-boarding here. This post is about the pre-boarding procedures, since it is different for each airline, and I’ll break down how to get it for each major airline.
The following are the pre-board procedures for major airlines, both domestically in the US and while traveling abroad:
Delta
Delta does not make you get a pre-board pass, however, they are not well educated on medical bags. So to be safe, I always check in with the Delta gate and let them know I will be pre-boarding with a medical bag. This way they know I have a 3rd bag, and that I will be joining the pre-board group.
Southwest
Southwest is the most complicated for pre-boarding. Southwest requires that at check in, or at the gate itself, that you request a pre-board boarding pass. This cannot be done beforehand and needs to be done at the airport. At the check in or gate, you simply state that you need to pre-board for medical reasons and need a specific seat, and show your ID. They cannot ask specifics of why you need to pre-board, but this covers enough to be able to pre-board on Southwest. They will reprint your boarding pass with pre-board on it, and you are good to pre-board when it is called.
American
American does not make you get a pre-board pass. They do allow you to call their customer service line and have pre-board put on your pass electronically, if you were to run into any issues. The number to call is 800-433-7300, and ask to speak to a representative about adding pre-board to your pass.
United
United does not make you get a pre-board pass, they allow you to walk on when the pre-board group is called.
JetBlue
JetBlue does not make you get a pre-board pass, they allow you to walk on when the pre-board group is called.
Spirit
Spirit does not make you get a pre-board pass, they allow you to walk on when the pre-board group is called. The airline suggests that if you wish for assistance, to let the agent at the county know, and they can assist you. This is usually helpful if you are traveling alone and need help with your bag.
It is important to know that by law, a gate agent is not allowed to ask you why you need to pre-board, you simply need to identify yourself as someone who needs additional time or assistance to board.
