Airplane Boarding (A First World Problem)

I am 75 and although I could get away with sneaking in first by using a wheelchair for advanced boarding, I would not unless I really couldn’t get onto the plane without help. 

Recently, I have noticed the increasing number of wheelchair passengers, especially on Southwest, some of whom I believe could easily do without. 

I also have noticed the increasing number of family boarders.  I have sympathy for them because for many years I schlepped kids onto planes.  I once had a crying child who had a nightmare on a transatlantic overnight flight, and people were very courteous while I tried to awaken her.

 I have some suggestions that I am relaying to SWA.

 First, with respect to wheelchair passengers:   I realize they need to be seated in front and before the other passengers.  On the other hand, if one needs a wheelchair and gets on first, SWA should wait until all passengers have exited before allowing them to exit.  Being at the back of the plane for the rest of us is very tiresome, especially if it takes 10-15 minutes to get off.

 Second, with respect to families:  I understand they need to be seated together, but if they get preboarding or special boarding, let them sit at the back so they don’t hog the best seats.

 I recently paid $25 extra for preboarding to no avail because I was still in the B group.  I had to await wheelchair people and families, as well as A group preferred people.

 To quote Rodney King:  “Can’t we all get along?”