Escort and navigation assistance is available for Customers with disabilities from the airport curb to and from gates and between gates for connecting flights. If you or a loved one needs this assistance, please let an Employee or Skycap know as soon as you arrive. Keep in mind that those requiring assistance will need to self-identify at all points of travel (upon arrival to the airport, onboard the aircraft, during any connections, and upon arrival at their destination).  

We will also provide the following assistance upon request: introduce you to our Flight Attendant and explain your needs to them, tell you if you need to deplane at your destination or if you need to remain onboard at an intermediate city, and help get you from your arrival gate to your departure gate if your itinerary has a connection. 

We do not provide custodial care or a personal escort to remain with you, and we will not escort you to a specific party or check that party's identification. If you require personal or continuous assistance, you should travel with a ticketed caregiver or personal care attendant. 

When considering air travel, consider the possibility of flight delays, diversions, or any other flight irregularities. Have a plan of action for any health, sensory, dietary, or other needs in case a flight does not depart or arrive as scheduled. Customers with cognitive or developmental disabilities must be able to follow Crew Members' instructions.  

Customers are required to travel with a safety assistant in the following scenarios:

• When the Passenger has a cognitive or developmental disability so severe that they are unable to comprehend or respond to safety related instructions.
• When the Passenger has both a severe hearing and vision impairment and is unable to establish a means of communication with Southwest personnel sufficient to receive the safety briefing.
• When the Passenger has a mobility impairment so severe that the passenger is unable to physically assist in their own evacuation during an emergency.

You can tell us in advance if you'll need assistance by managing your reservation online.

Traveling on an itinerary involving a partner airline? Keep in mind that the partner airline may have different guidelines for requesting assistance.