Southwest Airlines is committed to providing a travel environment where every passenger, regardless of ability or medical need, is treated with dignity and care. We provide a wide array of compliant services, including mobility assistance, pre-boarding protocols, and medical accommodations. The following guide details everything you need to know about these options, providing the clarity and best practices necessary to ensure your travel plans proceed without interruption.
What Is Southwest Airlines Traveler Assistance?
Southwest Airlines traveler assistance encompasses a dedicated suite of services for passengers requiring extra support to navigate their journey. This assistance is not limited to a single moment; rather, it is integrated into every stage of the travel experience offering continuity of care from pre-flight preparation and airport check-in to the flight itself and arrival at the final destination.
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| Credit to: Southwest Airlines |
Traveler assistance is available for passengers with:
Mobility impairments
Temporary or permanent disabilities
Visual, hearing, or cognitive impairments
Medical conditions requiring travel accommodations
Trained service animals
Elderly travelers needing extra help
To ensure a seamless experience, Southwest encourages passengers to proactively communicate their specific requirements. identifying these needs allows our staff to prepare and deliver the most appropriate support at every stage of the journey.
Mobility Assistance and Wheelchair Services
Airport Wheelchair Assistance
Southwest provides complimentary wheelchair assistance from:
Ticket counter to gate
Gate to aircraft
Aircraft to baggage claim
Between connecting flights
Passengers can request wheelchair assistance for long distances, ramps, stairs, or crowded terminals.
Onboard Aisle Wheelchairs
Every Southwest aircraft is equipped with an onboard aisle wheelchair. This allows passengers with limited mobility to:
Transfer from the aircraft door to their seat
Access the lavatory when feasible
Flight attendants are trained to assist with safe transfers while respecting passenger independence.
Personal Mobility Devices
Southwest accepts personal mobility aids at no extra cost, including:
Manual wheelchairs
Power wheelchairs
Mobility scooters
Walkers and canes
These devices receive priority handling and may be checked at the gate or ticket counter.
Pre-Boarding and Priority Boarding Assistance
Eligibility for pre-boarding is extended to any passenger who requires specialized assistance or a slower pace during the boarding process. This service ensures you can enter the cabin and get settled before general boarding commences, helping to maintain both your comfort and the efficiency of the flight's departure.
Pre-boarding benefits include:
Extra time to reach seats
Stress-free stowing of medical or assistive devices
Early seating access for comfort and safety
Passengers do not need to disclose medical details simply informing the gate agent of the need for assistance is sufficient.
Service Animal Travel Assistance
Trained Service Animals
Southwest Airlines welcomes trained service animals in the cabin at no additional cost, recognizing the vital role they play in our passengers' independence. To qualify for travel, the animal must be specifically trained to perform tasks that directly mitigate the effects of a passenger’s disability, ensuring both safety and accessibility throughout the flight.
Common service animal roles include:
Guiding passengers with vision loss
Assisting with mobility and balance
Alerting to medical conditions
Service animals must remain under the handler’s control at all times and fit safely within the passenger’s foot space or lap.
Emotional Support Animals
It is important to note that Southwest Airlines distinguishes between trained service animals and emotional support animals. Under our current policies, emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals and are instead subject to standard pet travel guidelines rather than specialized traveler assistance accommodations.
Medical Assistance and Special Health Accommodations
Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)
Passengers are welcome to bring FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) for use during their flight. To ensure a smooth boarding process, Southwest recommends notifying the airline prior to travel; this allows our team to verify equipment compatibility and confirm that your seating assignment accommodates the device's requirements.
Medical Devices
Southwest accommodates passengers traveling with medical equipment such as:
CPAP machines
Insulin pumps
Mobility braces
Prosthetics
These items do not count toward carry-on limits when used for medical purposes.
In-Flight Medical Support
While our flight attendants are highly trained to support passenger safety and comfort, they are prohibited by regulation from administering medication or providing clinical medical treatment. We kindly ask that passengers travel prepared with all necessary medical supplies and clear instructions for their personal care during the flight.
Assistance for Sensory and Cognitive Disabilities
Southwest provides effective communication support for passengers with:
Hearing impairments
Vision impairments
Autism spectrum conditions
Anxiety or cognitive disabilities
Assistance may include:
Clear verbal communication
Help understanding boarding procedures
Extra time and guidance during transitions
Calm, supportive interaction from trained staff
Passengers are encouraged to request accommodations discreetly at any point in their journey.
How to Request Southwest Airlines Traveler Assistance
Before Booking
Passengers can contact Southwest customer support to note assistance needs on their reservation, including:
Wheelchair service
Pre-boarding
Service animal travel
Medical device accommodations
During Booking
Travelers booking online or by phone can select assistance options during the reservation process.
At the Airport
Passengers may request assistance at:
Ticket counters
Customer service desks
Boarding gates
Southwest staff will coordinate support through security, boarding, and connections.
Tips for a Smooth Assisted Travel Experience
Arrive early to allow time for assistance coordination
Clearly communicate your needs to staff
Label mobility devices and equipment
Carry documentation for service animals and medical devices
Request pre-boarding if additional time is needed
Planning ahead improves efficiency and comfort throughout the journey.
Southwest Airlines Accessibility Commitment
It encompasses taking care of everything that a traveler using Southwest Airlines requires to reflect all areas within the travel commitment of the airline. The airline trains its employees continuously to support any passenger with diverse needs and adjusts its policies to keep up with changing standards in accessibility.
With this, Southwest ensures that air travel becomes accessible, respectful, and manageable for each and every passenger.
Final Thoughts
Here's the support services from Southwest Airlines for travelers. It helps to eliminate barriers, reduce stress, and promotes independence for travelers needing extra assistance. This covers both requirements for wheelchair assistance or travel with a service animal or requires accommodations from medical conditions: Southwest Airlines brings consistent, systematic help from the time of check-in until the Virgin's arrival.
Information about rights and available services will allow travel simply, comfortably, and confidently knowing help is always available.
