How Do I Add Special Assistance To Southwest?

It's way too easy to add last-minute assistance to your already booked flight. One just has to get in touch with the airline officials. The airlines can help you with various types of assistance, such as boarding assistance, wheelchair support, service animals, last-minute changes, and more. However, if you are not aware of the many options, read this blog for a better understanding before booking your flight with Southwest Airlines.

The process of booking assistance is as mentioned below:

Through Online

One can make or add assistance just by going to the online airline website, clicking on the Add Special Assistance, either in the mobile app or on the website. If you booked online and have a Rapid Rewards account or confirmation number, you can log in and modify your booking through these steps:-

• Go to “Manage Reservations.”
• Enter your booking confirmation number and the passenger's last name.
• Look for the special assistance section and make necessary updates

Phone Call

If you wish to connect through a phone call, 1-808-900-8120(OTA), then go to the official website of the airlines and visit the Contact Us page. Locate the phone number for your region to make the call; however, after selecting the language, you might have to wait for some time for your turn.

For hearing-impaired passengers, Southwest Airlines Special Assistance also offers a TTY line at 1-808-900-8120(OTA); however, it is advisable to request at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight to make sure that all the arrangements are good to go with.

Visit Airport

• After you have reached the airport, you can directly ask for special assistance; there are airline staff members (ground staff ) to help you out with your movements. They might or might not charge you anything.
• If you need assistance, like a wheelchair, then you will be provided with one from the curbside or ticketing counter to your gate.
• If you are a disabled person- has a problem with mobility, then Southwest Airlines offers a preboarding facility; for this, one has to notify the agent at the departure gate only.
• A family member or companion can accompany you through security with a gate pass (ask at the ticket counter).

What are the types of Special Assistance Southwest Airlines offers?

Wheelchair Services- Southwest Airlines Wheelchair Assistance, starting from the curb to the gate and from the gate to the aircraft seat. One can also request help at the destination airport. Just make sure that you have informed the authorities.

Service Animals- The airlines enables trained service animals to fly but with their owners only in the cabin with no additional costings. The emotional support of the animals are not permitted. Documents has to be submitted, so here its best to review the service animal policy before heading for a trip.

Preboarding- In this the passengers with disabilities who needs specific seats or some additional time to board can preboard ahead of the general booking. One can ask the gate agent for a preboarding authorization slip.

Assistance for Vision or Hearing Impairments– Notify the staff if you have a vision or hearing impairment. Agents can ensure you receive verbal updates, gate assistance, or personalized boarding announcements.

Travelling With a Companion

When you need to have constant care during your flight, Southwest airlines recommends or requires for a personal care assistance to travel with you. Here, the assistant has to also purchase their own ticket, and they can receive preboarding and all other accommodations to help provide necessary support during the journey.

Also on the day of your flight, its important to arrive on time that is early–typically at least 90 minutes prior to departure of your flight. Keep in mind that one has to go to the check-in counter and inform a Southwest agent of your requirement for special assistance throughout your journey, even if you have already applied for it in advance. As this will help the staff members to be prepared beforehand to help you from check-in to boarding as well.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines is one of the most chosen airlines. So, whether you are traveling for a short distance or a long distance, the airline is always ready to help you with assistance. Pre-boarding, mobility device, or need in-flight medical equipment, or any other particular assistance that one needs. The motto here is to plan ahead, speak with the customer support, and take advantage of the associated services of Southwest Airlines that they offer. All the types of assistance are well explained in this blog post to help you in understanding the policy and services that a specially-abled person, a senior citizen, and a sick person can receive.