Does Southwest Airlines have a Pregnancy Policy?

Expecting mothers need to take extra care when they are travelling. And more so when it is a busy area like an airport. But no worries, Southwest Airlines pregnant policy, may not disappoint you. Pregnant women may get a priority boarding. Here is how the policy will consider you for the perks.

• Pregnant women up to 38th week of pregnancy are considered fit for flying.
• You must consult your physician before booking a flight.

Priority boarding is usually meant for business class passengers or those who have paid for it. Pregnant women will have to request assistance boarding if they want to board first. Our Flyostudio blog will give you further insight into how Southwest policy on pregnant passengers works practically.

Do pregnant women get priority boarding on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines doesn’t differentiate between pregnant women and other passengers. The order of boarding will depend on whether you have checked in earlier. A1 to A15 groups will board first. Priority boarding is included in the tickets of Business class passengers. You may also buy pre-boarding. But Southwest can help pregnant women board before ‘B’ group boarding starts. They will be allowed to board after ‘A’ group boarding is finished. An assistance boarding must be requested to board before the 'B' group boarding starts. Here is how Southwest Airlines policy on pregnant passengers will work.

If you can convince the customer service agent at the ticket or departure gate counter that you need priority boarding, a boarding pass with ‘PRBD’ will be issued. With this boarding pass, one companion will be able to pre-board along with you.

You may get a boarding pass marked with ‘XT’ in case you need more time to board.

At present, Southwest Airlines follows an open seating policy. But expecting women with ‘PRBD’ on the ticket may not be able to pick a seat of their choice. For details or assistance, you may visit or contact Flyostudio.

Do you need to tell Southwest that you are pregnant?

Southwest pregnancy rules don’t require you to provide any document. But to qualify for the perks, the airline crew must be convinced. For clarity, you will be asked questions. The customer service agent of Southwest at the ticket or departure gate counter will have to comply with a request for assistance boarding. Here is how the agent can help you.

• Give you a boarding pass with ‘PRBD’ - With this boarding pass you will be able to get priority boarding.
• A boarding pass with ‘XT’ - Pregnant women may not be agile. With ‘XT’ on the boarding pass, they will be given extra time to board.

Are there rules for pregnant women on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines follows rules meant for pregnant women. Pregnant women do not qualify technically. Because only disabled people are eligible for priority boarding. But since an expecting mother’s movement is compromised, they may be considered for assistance boarding. According to Southwest pregnancy rules, women in the 38th week of pregnancy should avoid flying. In any case, they must get themselves examined and certified by a doctor. However, Southwest doesn’t deem it necessary for them to provide documents. Here are a few more rules you must know.

• Emergency Exit Row seats cannot be picked - Because these seats are meant for physically agile passengers, pregnant women are not allowed to occupy these seats.
• Pre-boarding or extra time boarding will be at the discretion of the customer service agent - You will have to satisfy the agent that you genuinely need a pre-boarding or extra time.

Can you get all the Southwest perks of pregnant woman?

On Southwest flying while pregnant policy doesn’t automatically qualify you for all the perks a pregnant woman gets. Most probably, you will be cross-questioned by the agent present at the departure gate. Based on your situation and how convincing your replies are, the agent may let you avail the perks of pregnant woman. You may have to pay for priority boarding if you really need it. Here are a few things to remember about Southwest pregnancy policy.  

• Flying late in a pregnancy - Expecting mothers who have already entered the 38th week of pregnancy are discouraged from taking a flight.
• Assistance Boarding - Pre-boarding or extra time boarding may be allowed only if you qualify for assistance boarding.
• Get a pre-flight consultation - You must consult a doctor who can certify whether you are fit for flying.
• Pregnant women may not occupy emergency exit row seats - Since expecting mothers are not physically fit, these seats will have to be vacated for those who meet the criteria.

There are a lot of precautions that expecting mothers must take if they want to take a flight. That’s why Southwest recommends they get expert advice before travelling. You may visit or contact Flyostudio for assistance or details.