Mar 18
Despite clearly explaining a medical need related to a severe peanut allergy, I was denied pre-boarding on Southwest, mocked by a gate attendant, and ultimately forced to pay extra for safe seating—only to have my concerns dismissed by the airline.

Passenger Forced to Pay to Accommodate Severe Peanut Allergy on Southwest.

4/28/2024

When I approached the Southwest gate attendant to explain my medical need to wipe down my seat due to my allergy, I was treated with complete disrespect. I was told that unless I paid, I could not board early because it was not my assigned boarding group.

I explained that this was for a medical reason and that I have a severe peanut allergy, requiring me to preboard for my safety. The gate attendant more or less mocked me and said that unless I upgraded my boarding group, I would not be allowed to board early.

I later reached out to Southwest Airlines directly about the issue. They responded by saying that I had not properly explained my needs to the employee. My concerns were dismissed, and they refused to compensate me for the additional fee I paid to board early