Southwest Airlines Wheelchair Assistance – How to request Wheelchair?

Southwest Airlines is a well-known airline that prioritizes the safety and comfort of its passengers, especially those with special needs. Sometimes air travel becomes hectic and stressful for differently-abled passengers, but Southwest considers this and provides premium special services for them, including wheelchair assistance. If you are also looking for a smooth travel, then Southwest Airlines is a wonderful option, and you can book wheelchair assistance through +1‑855‑234‑4654 or the airline’s official website (www.southwestairlines.com). The staff or team of the airline is well-trained and assists at every needed time. With the help of this guide, you will get to know everything about Southwest Airlines Wheelchair Assistance, its types, how to request it, its benefits, and much more.

How to request Wheelchair Assistance on Southwest Airlines?

Booking special assistance, especially wheelchair assistance, has become easier with Southwest Airlines. The assistance can be booked in various ways, like online, at the airport, through a call center, or more. Here’s detailed information about the ways through which you can book your Southwest Airlines Wheelchair Assistance.

Online Booking

Online Booking has eased the hustle of the passengers, as now they can book assistance from anywhere, anytime. Here’s more about online booking, as the Wheelchair Assistance Southwest Airlines can be booked before flight reservation and after reservation. You can follow the steps given below.

During Flight Reservations

• Begin with logging in or creating your account on the Southwest Airlines official Website (www.southwestairlines.com).
• Navigate to the booking section, fill out the necessary details, and complete the booking process.
• At the time of booking the tickets, go to the Passengers and Payment Info Page. 
• Look for the Special Assistance option and fill out the necessary details. Also, save the details and recheck all the information.
• Lastly, proceed to confirm the flight reservation and submit the form. 

After Flight Reservation

If you have already made your flight reservations and forgot about booking wheelchair assistance, or any emergency has come up, then follow these steps to request assistance.

• Log in to the airline’s official website and look for the flight option on the home screen of the site.
• Visit the passenger and payment info page and select the Manage Reservation option.
• Enter the confirmation number and first and last name, and click on the search button. 
• The “Special Assistance’ link will be found under the passenger’s name. 
• Fill up the necessary details and update the information in the booking, and submit it. 

Through the Mobile App

You can also book a flight and special assistance through the Southwest Airlines Mobile App. Here’s how you can do that. 

• On the Airlines mobile app, you will find a tab referring to “Passenger”, click on the link, and request special assistance through it.
• Navigate to the edit pencil icon beside your name if you have already booked the flight.
• But if not, then firstly book the flight by filling out the reservation form and submitting it by paying the fee. 
• Now, select the Special Assistance option and request the assistance by providing the details, and confirm it. 

Through Call or Chat

If not through online or through a mobile app, then you can book assistance by directly calling the personnel of the airline or by chatting.

• Through the customer care number of Southwest Airlines, which is +1‑855‑234‑4654, you can have a direct conversation with the personnel of the airline who will book wheelchair assistance for you over the call only 
• You can also have an immediate chat with the airline’s personnel through text or through the chat option, which is available at the airline’s official website. Have a seamless conversation with the personnel of the airline and book your preferred assistance. 

Booking at the Airport

In case of emergency, or if you have forgotten to book assistance, you can book assistance at the airport. 

• Firstly, arrive at the airport early, at least 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure. 
• Upon arriving at the airport, you can ask for wheelchair assistance at the airport counters.
• Identify yourself to any of the Southwest employees, and they will provide you with the needed assistance. 

Apart from the prior notification and request for Southwest Airlines Wheelchair Assistance, you must also fill out the offline form after arriving at the airport to complete the assistance request process.

Additional Special Assistance Services Provided by Southwest Airlines

Apart from Wheelchair Assistance, Southwest Airlines provides various kinds of assistance for the seamless travel experience of the passengers. Below is the detailed description of Southwest Airlines Special Assistance Services. 

Disability-related Assistance

Southwest Airlines provides escort and navigation assistance to passengers with special needs, from the airport curb to and from gates. Upon arriving at the Southwest Airlines Terminal, passengers should inform a Southwest Employee of their specific needs. The onboard flight attendants provide individual safety briefings upon request and can assist with carry-on items, mobility aids, and certain in-flight tasks.

For passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing fo them alternate communication methods are available to ensure equal access to travel information. However, custodial care is not provided, so travelers requiring such support should be accompanied by a ticketed caregiver. A safety assistant is required if a passenger cannot understand safety instructions, has dual vision and hearing impairments, or has a severe mobility impairment. Moreover, Special Assistance requests can be submitted when managing reservations online, while partner airline policies may vary in real-time. 

Trained Service Dog

Southwest Airlines allows furry friends on the flight, only fully trained service dogs that help passengers with special needs. Only dogs are allowed as service animals, and emotional support animals, therapy animals, or other service animals in training are allowed as pets, and that too under the pet policy. If travelling with a service dog, then it should always be harnessed properly and must be well-behaved. In case the dog behaves aggressively, it might not be allowed on board. 

For service animal travel, the passenger should present a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form at the ticket counter or gate of the airport on the day of travel. It is advised to check in at the airport with a Southwest Agent. The passengers can make their dogs sit at their feet or on their lap, but not on the seat. Pet relief areas are also available at the airport for pets’ comfort and convenience, which can be used before or after the flight.

Traveling with Medication

Southwest Airlines advises its passengers to keep all their medications in their carry-on bag or personal item. At the airport, you can bring needles and syringes through security if they are packed. If you want to use a needle or syringe during the flight, then you should inform the airline or flight attendant in advance because Southwest planes do not have a refrigerator for medicine. 

Also, the flight attendants can offer over-the-counter medicine, but cannot administer any medication. So if needed, then travel with a caregiver. If you are keeping your medications in your luggage, inform the customer service agent or Skycap. It is also to be noted that medication needed for disability is not counted in the bag limit if packed separately from the personal items. If your carry-on must be checked due to limited space, remove your medication first.

Travelling with a Wheelchair or Mobility Aid

Southwest Airlines allows you to bring your wheelchair to ensure a smooth travel experience. The airline will take care of your manual or battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid at the time of travel. The dimensions of the cargo door are 48” wide x 35” high, so the mobility device should not be more than 500 pounds, otherwise, it will not be accepted. 

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) takes care of you, so if you can’t walk or stand unassisted, then inform he personnel. At checkpoints, walkers, canes, and other devices are x-rayed or hand-inspected, while wheelchairs and scooters, including seat cushions and attached pouches, must be screened. It is also to be noted that TSA Cares offers extra screening help. Let Southwest know in advance if you’re bringing a wheelchair by managing your reservation or calling 1-800-435-9792. 

Flying with a portable oxygen concentrator

Portable Oxygen concentrator is available for Customers with disabilities from the airport curb to and from gates. You can also use a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) on your flight if it’s an approved model, is battery-operated, and you bring fully charged batteries to last at least 150% of the flight time. It is recommended to bring at least an extra battery, while the non-approved POCs can be transported but not used onboard. If you’re not using the POC during the flight, but it appears oxygen may be needed, you may be asked for medical documentation.

At the airport, check in with a Customer Service Agent to verify your POC and receive a boarding pass indicator. Before boarding, an Operations Agent will confirm your device and battery details. During the flight, FAA rules require POC users to sit by the window and avoid emergency exit rows. Your POC must fit under the seat in front of you. We recommend requesting preboarding to secure a suitable seat. You can note the POC use when managing your reservation online.

Cognitive and developmental disability accommodations

Southwest Airlines offers assistance for Customers with cognitive or developmental disabilities, including escort and navigation help between gates for connecting flights. If you or a loved one needs this support, please notify a Southwest Employee or Skycap as soon as you arrive. The person needing assistance must self-identify at each stage of travel, at check-in, during connections, and upon arrival. 

Upon request, the airline introduces you to a Flight Attendant who explains your needs, informs you whether to deplane, and helps you get to your next gate if you have a connection. Southwest does not provide custodial care or continuous supervision, nor can they escort you to a specific person or verify their identity. If constant support is needed, please travel with a ticketed caregiver. If a passenger cannot follow safety instructions or communicate during emergencies due to a disability, a safety assistant is required. You can request help in advance by managing your reservation online.

Southwest Airlines 2025 Updates

On June 05, 2025, Southwest Airlines celebrated the grand opening of its extended cargo facility at the Denver International Airport (DEN). The airline marked a milestone and continued its commitment towards expansion and growth. Approximately 30,000 square feet of warehouse space brought a new level of Hospitality to Southwest Airlines’ Denver area Cargo with twice the amount of cooler space than before. Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports for Southwest Airlines, with more than 300 flights daily during the busy and peak season, which goes to more than 90 places across North America. With the opening of the additional cargo space, Southwest Cargo customers can easily and quickly ship their products to and from the Denver Area with great services from the reliable and friendly Southwest Cargo team. 

Earlier, on May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines initiated its new baggage policy, which was previously announced in March. From May 28, for flight reservations and changes, or updates in booking, the passengers may have to pay for checked bags, with some exceptions. The Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select customers will still receive two free checked bags, while the A-list Members and some other selected customers will get one free checked bag. However, passengers with a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card will have the fee for their first checked bag credited back. This policy marks a change from the airline’s long-standing policy of offering two checked bags to all passengers. 

Mostly Asked Questions