When 55 passengers board a single flight using wheelchairs, that’s tough not to notice. But when only 25 need assistance getting off the plane at their destination, it starts to look like 30 people requested assistance just to get priority board, plus maybe assistance through the security line at the airport.
And since this is a Southwest Airlines flights, wheelchair assistance means getting on board in front of those with an “A” boarding group – ahead of people who paid the highest fares and have the highest status. That means having first choice of seats on the aircraft.
A friend shares a not-uncommon sight from Puerto Rico:
55 "handicapped" during pre-boarding, including 25 wheel chairs
On his return flight, 15 used wheelchairs to board, only 1 to deboard pic.twitter.com/gHgIsnzsq7
— Bachman (@ElonBachman) February 19, 2023
Some unscrupulous people request wheelchair assistance at the airport when they don’t need it, using their ‘injury’ for a whole bunch of benefits:
- Early boarding gets them access to overhead bin space before other passengers, and avoids being forced to gate check bags.
- It also gets around basic economy restrictions at United which are enforced by boarding group, netting a free carry on bag.
- On Southwest they’d have their choice of seats on board.
- Plus help skipping security lines.
At the same time, some flights are going to have a lot more wheelchairs than others. Governor Ron DeSantis calls Florida “God’s waiting room” and travel in and out of South Florida at heavy leisure times is likely to see a lot of passenger assistance. The presence of wheelchairs alone doesn’t mean that someone is faking the need for service.
Moreover, more passengers getting assistance onto the aircraft than getting off doesn’t on its own mean that somebody is ‘faking it’. The long waits for assistance, making it difficult to get help, can mean choosing not to wait even when it would be better for someone to do so. Plus you’re going to want to get up and move around after sitting in a coach seat for the full flight.
Nonetheless a 15-to-1 ratio of passengers using wheelchairs to get onto a plane (and getting priority assistance) versus getting off (and having to wait for service) seems… suspicious?
Sometimes passengers even admit it. One man on TikTok shows how he fakes an injury to get priority screening from the TSA and then assistance through the airport.
And here’s a man who filmed himself pretending to have sprained his ankle at the Bodrum Airport. He saw huge lines and was worried he’d miss his flight, and wound up pushed in a wheelchair through the airport and to his seat. He was even given his own row on board so he could stretch out. After the flight – it was a miracle – he could walk!
Remember that wheelchair assistance can be both costly and in short supply, if you ask for wheelchair assistance when you don’t need it you’re taking away that help from someone else or making someone that does need it wait even longer. The head of London Heathrow airport even blamed problems there on passengers asking for wheelchair assistance when they don’t need it given the shortage of workers to help. That’s no ok.
As a A list on Southwest this is a huge problem on every flight.
So many people abuse this it is not even funny anymore.
I am happy when I get spot A-1 thru A-5 which means on most flights I am at least 15 to 30th to board. Southwest will say they cant do anything about it then my question to them is why is it always so bad on a SW flight vs.. a Delta or United?
This is why business travelers like me are getting away from SW because it does not pay to be loyal to them when they are not loyal to us.
Seems simple to me: no valid handicapped tag = no early boarding. End of discussion.
Had a pilot friend that used to do FL to YYZ flights and she called them the “miracle flights” as the number of people who used wheelchairs to get off was drastically reduced.
Make it a criminal offense and place those “fakers” on the no-fly list.
I believe the abuse stems from no need to have a Drs letter present and my understanding is that legally airlines can’t challenge you making it ripe for abuse
I think a letter should be mandatory from a licensed Dr in order to proceed
Get him on a do not fly list and that will certainly clean up his act!
@Dwondermeant – Pretty confident that if a doctors note becomes a requirement, you will be able to get one on-line from the same “docs” that authorize your dog as a service animal
Unfortunately, the law forbids the airline from doing anything about this. Like challenging dogs. Any question by the airline results in a bankrupting lawsuit in court.
I don’t have a good answer. Just stay away from SW like you would stay away from a ghetto neighborhood. The hassle of possibly getting caught up in a crossfire is too great for my comfort.
Simply board special assistance groups last-after everyone else is seated and out of the way.
“Jetway Jesus” has been known for performing miracles at the arrival end of flights. Pray to him on your next flight to RSW (also works for SRQ and PGD) and you shall walk again!
Horrible behavior, this will ultimately hurt those that need real assistance.
As a money maker airlines can see who then de-boarded without assistance and assess a $500 fraud fee! 🙂
This is the same crap as the service dog scam. Arrogant sense-of-entitlement pax. Maybe the next wheelchair faker needs to have an ankle stomped. Then they’ll be legit. I agree with a prior poster. Board all wheelchairs last.
Another reason Southwest Sucks.
it’s shameful enough that people do this, but to then post their experience is disgusting.
karma will catch up to these phonies — then they will REALLY need assistance!
@Rodney Harris – It is much worse on SW than AA/DL/UA due to the lack of assigned seats. Sure some use it to preboard the other flights (especially if in one of the last boarding groups) but not nearly as prevalent as on SW. only “reward” on others is overhead space or getting around BE restrictions and that likely isn’t worth the hassle (or not understood) for most people.
I have a simple solution for SW but may extend boarding. Let all the A group on first and then the “preboards” go before group B which is what they do, as I recall, for families traveling w small kids
SW has miracle cures at 30,000 feet. The passenger has to have a wheelchair to get on the plane but is able to jump to their feet and walk off. I see it on every flight. We’re fed up with this nonsense and are now staying away from SW
Handicapped tag works if you. Have a car. I don’t have a car so couldn’t get a tag.
I wonder if they tipped the person pushing their wheelchair
@AC and @Rodney Harris an even more elegant solution. SW could still pre board wheelchairs but require them to go all the way to the rear rows, since they will also be the last to leave.
For Southwest, there is a reasonably simple solution (and the other majors could also tweak this thought for their seating policy). Designate the last 10 rows (or however needed for that flight) for pre-boarding people needing assistance.
This would cut back on the number of people abusing the system AND allow for proper assistance and space de-planning without slowing down people with no disabilities. In all likelihood, airlines would turn planes faster, people needing assistance would receive better, and customers playing by the rules would not be penalized.
On One of my last SW flights, a passenger with a prosthetic leg received early boarding and sat in the emergency exit row. He removed the leg, and I pointed out to the flight attendant that the person should be moved from the exit row. After speaking with him, the flight attendant allowed him to stay, and I suggested he should not be there. The flight attendant responded that “”he assured me he would re-attach the leg and help with an emergency”. I suggested that might be difficult if the leg ended up 12 rows away. He was permitted to stay in the exit row.
America has gone nuts! I see all these comments and cannot avoid the word discrimination. There is a law that provides for equal opportunity to disabled people, that includes every right any non-disabled person enjoys in public transport, if you can’t afford a private jet you should behave accordingly – I’m looking at you entitled shitposters including article writer.
I travel annually with a family member who, due to a progressive health condition, can not take even one step unassisted. Southwest has taken great care to get her safely on and off the plane every time-one of the main reasons we only fly that airline. In turn, we try to be as prepared as possible when it is her turn to be loaded and unloaded. Asking on behalf of our family-please don’t ask for special assistance unless you truly need it. Also on behalf of our family-thanks to all those who make that special trip possible for our family member.
I frequently purchase the 1-15 spaces. Last to New Orleans. After wheel chairs I was probably 25 back. SW is very bad about this. I paid 80. Extra for the place in line. Lot of hood that did.
these people do NOT get to choose their seats…when you are allowed pre-board with a wheelchair on SW, the flight attendants will seat you in front of the plane, until there are no more wheelchair passengers…so, even if flight isnt full, as a wheelchair passenger, you stand a good chance of getting a middle seat in front of the plane..
the issue is…these people are going about this the wrong way…there is no need to create what we frequent flyers call the ‘miracle of southwest’…wheelchair bound getting on, no need for assistance getting off…
see…one just needs to go to the desk at the gate…and explain to the SW employee, that you have a medical condition; chances are they will not ask what that condition is, you do NOT need a doctors note (incontenance is always a good one…a slightly sprained ankle works too, just remember to limp away from the front desk when you are finished)…
the employee will give you a preboard pass; you can board with the wheelchair people, ahead of everyone else…and because the flight attendants did not help you on the plane, you are allowed to sit wherever you like…as long as you do not sit in an emergency window/door aisle
of course, there is such a simple way to resolve all of this…convince SW to issue actual seat assignments !!!
.
I never cease to be amazed at how effective Southwest is as a healthcare provider. The majority of these folks IMHO just run off the plane at the other end, obviously in remission.
I like AC’s answer. I have a simple solution for SW/WN. Let all the A group on first and then the “preboards” go before group B which is what they do, as I recall, for families traveling w small kids
@AP Schnibbe – you either have totally missed the point or are just being a troll. No one is complaining about people with legitimate disabilities using wheelchairs or preboarding. Unfortunately those that take advantage of this benefit are ruining it for those that need assistance and adversely impacting other passengers.
As a pwd who usually uses my walker up to the plane door this practice in the USA is amusing. In Canada they do have some discretion whether to allow you priority service or not (when not flying to the USA). It is also not as abused in other countries other than flights to Delhi. Was on one from YVR to DEL on a 787 and my walker was checked so I used a wheelchair. There were 40 of us. I was shocked. I was the only person in business though so they pre-preboarded me and everyone else had to board with their zone. Getting off in DEL we actually had a reverse Miracle which I have never seen – 59 requests for wheelchairs from the economy cabin – so 19 MORE people decided they needed a chariot! I guess it is the thing to do in DEL. Thank goodness they had a sign on a nice wheelchair for me as I had a short connection.
@ Gary — Maybe Soutwest should switch to assigned seating. That would help some with their unique situation. Still wouldn’t solve the broader issue.
Southwest’s complete lack of IT investment has really blown up in their face. I will continue to avoid this horrible airline like the plague. I would rather fly Spirit’s Big Front Seat.
@AP Schnibbe
Look at the photos. Most of the people are either old or fat. Neither of these “conditions” constitutes a handicap.
Further, even if they have trouble walking, and need a wheelchair, invariably they get up right away at the destination and delay everyone’s exit from the aircraft. Airports need to charge for wheelchair assistance and they need to be seated at the rear of the plane.
One more thing. Why to they get to jump the line at TSA? Give the person they are traveling with a card and let them stand in the security line. When that person reaches the TSA booth, their “handicapped” friend can join them there.
It’s funny how many “inflight miracles” happen mid air!! By the time the plane has landed, the individual can walk again..Eureka! Acts of God, literally, I guess.
@Ed,
The government enabled this behavior through the Air Carrier Access act forcing airlines to cater to anyone claiming disability with huge fines for asking any form of proof including even asking what the disability might be. Combine that with a huge portion of the population with no shame, willing to abuse the system to the detriment of those who truly need the services and this is what you get.
As a daughter of two people who actually need extra assistance to get through the airport this infuriates me. If you have ever knowingly taken advantage of a service you don’t need to cut the line then shame on you. You are a horrible and selfish person and need to take a good look at your life decisions.
Those people in wheelchairs would GLADLY give up their place at the front of the lone for the ability and energy to walk normally.
Stop being a self centered asshole and grow up.
It is people like you who will force airlines to stop offering this service or severely limit these benefits to disabled people. Someday you will find yourself in actual need of this type of support and it will no longer be offered because of people like you.
To those who claim people are basically honest…..
A doctor does sign your permit to get a handicap sticker on your vehicle so you may as well show it and they may as well requested. A lot of people does abuse the system..
I agree, I do have a handicap sticker, and I do travel with a doctor when I travel.. and I’ve seen many miracle people just get up and walk fast after they get out of their wheelchair it’s a joke,
Make the Wheelchair folks get on last. Problem solved.
I believe there are several issues in play here. First, airlines need to crack down on carry-ons. I’ve witnessed all too frequently young folks carry backpacks they could use on a Mt Everest expedition and others who have more than one carry-on. Next flight attendants need police folks placing their carry-on over rows before their seat. Southwest should board the handicaps with family boarding and there should be handicap rows. Anyone who needs a wheel chair should get a tag that identifies them and they should then deplane last.
Early January flight in AA from Dallas to Sarasota was the first time I had ever witnessed this.
Approx 30 people were preboarded because they requested assistance. Only 4 were in a wheelchair, and the rest did not need any assistance getting on the plane, no cane, etc. and walking just fine.
Most group 1s were confused by what was happening and started boarding after about 20 people had passed by walking just fine. Gate agent explained they were still doing preboards and everyone else still needed to wait. Noticing all the odd looks from everyone in line, he said these were all people who had requested assistance when booking their tickets.
At the end, 3 wheelchairs and everyone else walked off the plane just fine. As soon as the fasten belts lights went off, the preboards I recognized around me jumped up into the aisle to try to rush off the plane just like most other people on that flight.
First time I had ever seen anything like it, but I mostly fly outside the USA these days.
The solution is to require anyone requesting assistance to take assistance at both ends AND ensure wheelchair passengers are told to remain seated til everyone else deplanes. Anyone who genuinely needs assistance/moves slow generally does this anyways. And if you miraculously find yourself healed at your destination, you’re blacklisted.
I have health problems that cause me to use a wheelchair. Frequently when I fly the airline does not have a wheelchair and attendant when it’s time to deplane. Because flight attendants want to clean the plane and get it ready for the next cattle call they make me feel as though I’m causing a problem. I am able to get off the plane and up the jetway, but I’m not fast and that’s the end of the trip for me. If. I’ve got a connecting flight I’m stuck. Traveling via wheelchair is not easy. Had the folks who were allegedly faking the need for a wheelchair it’s too bad they didn’t take the time to get the full experience.
Flying southwest, I had boarding A1 for my boarding position after wheel chair passengers, families, etc. I paid more for my ticket but it is necessary if you need an aisle seat close to the lavatory.
I chose seat 1D and put my purse in the overhead rack. At the last minute a heavy set woman comes down the jetway in a wheelchair, gets out of the wheelchair and walks without assistance on the plane. Thinking she was going to take the empty seat in 2D, the flight attendant turns to me and says I have to move your seat to 1E in order to give it to the wheel chair passenger.
I did not make a scene and moved but I was very upset as was the passenger sitting in 1F, who complained to the attendant that it wasn’t right to make me move with an empty seat in 2D. The attendants response was that it is an FAA rule.
Upon arriving at our destination, not only did the wheel chair passenger not use the wheel chair to go to baggage claim but once outside the terminal and I was standing near the woman, her family member drove up, took her bag and put it in back of the suv….got back in his car and started to drive off, without the wheel chair person and all the while she’s running after the van yelling for him to stop, which he finally did. So much for FAA rules when you have deceitful people trying to beat the system at the expense of the honest people that would never do such a dishonest thing.
We haven’t flown SWA for several years because we like assigned seats in advance. We don’t see this problem of heavy utilization of wheel chairs on any other airline with seat assignment, although we occasionally see entire large families pre-boarding with the disabled person. Perhaps airlines could limit each disabled person to one additional traveling companion who will help them get to their seat and lift their luggage. Of course, the counter to that by cheaters would then be for two or more people in each family to claim a disability and bring aboard additional helpers. The criteria for bringing aboard additional passengers should be based on the needs of the disabled person and not just the circumstance that the whole family is going on holiday together.
There may also be a legitimate reason that there are more more pre-boards with chairs than appear at the end of the flight: At boarding, so much time is spent standing in lines and groups in order to board the plane. That’s in addition to the time it took to check in, clear security, and get to the gate. I’m not disabled (yet) but I find it more difficult to stand for 20 minutes than to walk for an hour. Just standing is hard on the lower back. At the end of a cramped flight most people, disabled or not, are itchy to get moving.
And this is why I no longer buy early bird on SWA…too many miracles jumping the line so even if I do get an A boarding group, I’m wayyyyyyy back anyway. Perhaps SWA will see that this is impacting their early bird sales and THEN they will do something about it.
There are times you end up needing a wheelchair though you aren’t handicapped.
Busted 4 ribs in Mozambique, then got a respiratory infection. Fun times.
I asked for assistance from Delta on my trip home from Joberg. They put me in a wheelchair. All I wanted was some help with carry on luggage but appreciated it.
I did deplane on my own when arriving in Birmingham. It’s a small airport and I could walk it without too much trouble. Still had trouble getting my luggage.
Anothers who’s busted ribs knows the pain
I see this all the time on Egypt Air flights to Cairo
There are frequently 30 folks in wheelchairs who then walk off the plane easily.
Floyd
Its on all the airlines-the 35,000 foot “cure” is also on American Airlines almost every flight. On a recent flight, 12 members of a family had “escort” Grandma to her seat. On another flight half of FC was on wheel chairs but only two needed them at the destination! Not even sure why as the destination gate was much further than the origin gate. I did ask one of the cured walking previously handicapped why he walked past his name plaque with an escort wheelchair–too long and too slow! Hummm.
want to add to my prior comment…maybe if SW put these people in the BACK of the plane…so they would then become the last ones to leave (if you have witnessed the ‘miracle’ then you know when it is time to disembark, these same people who no longer need a wheelchair still need an amazing amount of assistance getting their bags out of the overhead…)…in the back of the plane, they still would get that aid boarding; other passengers would be able too access seats (including front bulkhead seats)…those who paid extra for a low “A” seat, ie business travelers…would still get the benefit of choosing a seat of their choice from the first 15-20 rows of the plane…and maybe these ‘wheelchairs’.would think twice if they needed to sit and wait for the rest of the passengers to leave before they could get off themselves..
I flew from Tenerife to Madrid a couple months ago and Iberia gave priority boarding to people with kids. It was essentially the entire plane. I had paid for business class and was supposed to get priority boarding and finally said something once I’d waited for half the plane to board with kids and there was still a huge line of people with kids expecting priority boarding. It was ridiculous. Once i said something, they started boarding business class.
Interesting you should mention this. My husband and I were recently on a flight from PHX to MDW. SWA. I was astonished with the number of people that were wheeled up to the seating area, and I even mentioned it to my husband! I was equally mystified with my ignorance when I noticed a few of the people rise from the wheelchairs to get items out of their carry-on’s, walk to the garbage to throw away their wrappers, and then reseat in the wheelchairs, while waiting for the flight. This is such a disservice to the people that are really in need of early boarding, not to mention the A list and the upgraded fee some are paying to be in the A group. I love SWA, and hope they find a way to weed out the phony’s. Most handicapped people I know would rather be able to walk, but cannot.
I fly principally on American, and rarely on SW since the routes overlap. Just got back from Orlando last night on American, and there were the usual 2-3 pre-board parties on a 787 Dreamliner (though it was showing its age on the interior, sigh). So no problem there.
But that’s why I avoid Southwest like the plague, unless it’s a business-to-business connection, like the shuttle from Houston to DFW, which on most work week afternoons is a party bus, lol.
Or Southwest simply puts families and needs assistance parties after the paid upgrade people. That sounds fair.
I LOVE the suggestion that if you need assistance on, you are required to use it off, and have to wait. As someone else mentioned, that’s what I usually see on other Airlines because the people who really need assistance don’t mind taking more time *after* others get off.
As for the commentor who said that everyone is equal… Sounds like a bot- use your real name, like me and a few others on this thread.
One thing else. Not just the number of wheelchair people but they let Grandma on and her 52 relatives go with her.
Limit it to ONE relative can go with the person
To me, the worst part is the 55 passengers and their +1, +2, +3 taking up all the seats. Sure I understand some people do need assistance but the last legit Southwest flight I saw with that many wheelchairs was an Honor Flight.
Make people check in and what ever boarding number they get(example B36 ) THEM WHEEL THEM TO THE PLANS ENTRANCE I’m sure it would reduce those it’s a miracle flight
I am a wheelchair user every day 24/7, and I hate the fact that I have to be, but I really despise people who will use subterfuge to get what they think is a perk. We really don’t like having to board first and then be last off. It sometimes adds an hour to our sitting time in the aircraft and we rarely get to choose our seat. The staff try and put us where we can be helped in an emergency situation. I have waited at an airport over an hour to be taken to the gate because there was no one to help. Im assuming there were a lot of fakers who needed help. I guess we have a society of disrespectful schemers and that is not ok. While I am not mean spirited, if they ever found themselves in my position, it might just make them see the injustice and disrespect of their actions.
On a Southwest flight to PHX we saw about 30 wheelchairs waiting for early boarding. Another passenger that had taken that route before refered to it as a miracle flight. Sure enough, most of those passengers walked off of the plane to the luggage carousel.
I have a legitimate handicap with a parking placard that is registered to my license. I’ve pre-registered with every airline I fly with and submitted a copy of the paperwork.
Make them show medical proof just like docs for service animals.
There are always going to be people who will sharpshoot the system, and Southworst’s boarding system makes that work for them.
I have a great solution to end this fraud. These bloody people don’t realise that the only ones it hurts are the people who really need wheel chair assistance. This is so typical American though I must say. No one gives a toss about anyone else anymore.
My solution: The airline reserves the last 4-6 rows of he aircraft, way down the back, near the dunnies and the rear galley. It is compulsory the seats MUST be used by wheelchair people ( except for paid Business Class people ).
And all the “family” hangers-on can join them. Way down the back. Sure they can go on first, off you go, way down the back. Have a nice trip! By getting on first way down the back, they don’t block the aisles for the fair-dinkum people getting on the plane.
Then on landing, they have to sit there and wait for assistance before they are allowed off the aircraft. They come off the aircraft last once all other able-bodied, fair-dinkum people have disembarked.
Then we can see how many wheelchair people there really are. That’ll sort these frauds and their hangers-on in 5 minutes flat.
I hope you all realize there are people like me who are disabled, however I am not in a wheelchair. I know people look at me when I preboard but I’m not interested in being first on/first off. But I do need to be specifically seated. If you’ve never had to live with diarrhea running down your legs in public-be grateful. When it happens-it’s pretty unpleasant.
It’s amazing how many people miraculously get healed and can walk the moment the plane has the door open – in Las Vegas.
In my experience, I’d say 70-80% of the wheelchair folks are frauds.
The commentor “robbo” is onto something.. I’d second that plan.
I have noticed this going on for quite a while. Finally, someone has the gumption to say something about it. But will the airlines listen? We were on a flight to ORD>IAH, 25 wheelchairs. On that flight all those wheelchair people were up and going to the lavatories. Just another scam! Welcome to my country, land of the grifters!
I look healthy but I have a bladder disease and chronic pelvic pain. I do use a wheelchair because I can’t stand in long lines. I pay for the last row aisle seat so I can go to the bathroom. After I get to the gate I do walk to the bathroom and walk on the plane
Don’t judge everyone when you don’t know what we go through. I do have a medical emergency card I carry.
Displaying a physicians note or a legit, state issued handicapped placard is one way to weed out the phony, fake, frauds.
Well, what do you expect from SW flyers.
People flying LCC like SW have a special mindset: entitlement, disrespect, recklessness, …
That is the reason why I never have for 15 years and will never fly SW or any LCCs ever again.
If SW were providing seat assignments like any “normal” airline, then this would not be happening.
Unfortunately, modern society is rewarding entitled, reckless, liars, instead of punishing them.
We harvest the consequence of what society seeds by not punishing those people.
It’s only allowed to be termed “Miracle Flight” if they don’t need the wheelchairs at the plane’s destination.
I use wheelchair to board as I can’t walk uphill on ramps or long distance . When landing its almost mostly down hill which i@c easier. I have heart problems w&ich doesn’t show. So be kind you never know what a person is going thru
It’s very simple. As soon as the problem starts cutting into the airlines bottom line ie: affecting timely departures etc they will implement a similar policy as to what they did with support animals. Remember that fiasco. You will need a certified letter from a physician similar to what you are required to bring to the DMV when you apply for a handicap plate.
It’s irrelevant to this story that Ron DeSantis uses a clichéd phrase to describe citizens in the state of Florida. Alternative phrasing could be as simple as “Florida has been called ‘God’s waiting room’ for decades.” That phrase was going around before he was born. How does he relate to the story?
@CMorgan,
Due to the ACAA the AIRLINES LEGALLY CANT REFUSE, they can’t even ask what is the nature of their disability let alone question it. What you are suggesting is illegal!
The ablism in these comments (and somewhat in this post) are toxic.
My partner has wide hips and depending upon the gate area, if there no seats without armrests she might not be able to sit down. The last time this happened was in LAX terminal 5 and when I emailed the airports disability office they literally told us the next time we fly from that terminal to request a wheelchair, so she could have a place to sit in the gate area without bruising her hips.
On Southwest we board first (without a wheelchair) using their customer of size policy that gives her a free (we get a refund afterwards) second seat.
For airports it also could be the size of the airport terminal. If someone is flying into a smaller regional airport they might be able to make the walk on their own from curb to gate but at a larger hub airport that could be too far for their limited mobility, if standings hard for them a short walk from off the plane to the curb could be in their abilities but they might not be able to stand in a long security line.
I don’t see how this is even a debate… clearly it’s Southwest policy that is to blame. The boarding thing is just idiotic and therefore attracts idiotic boarding practices, such as this….
OMG, so much hostility here. My husband and I have both had injuries and have had to use WCs from time to time. He had a cracked pelvis, occurred during the trip and was on crutches. Just because you can stand up long enough to go to the restroom or get something out of your bag, doesn’t mean you can walk through the whole airport to your gate or go through the long line in security. Lighten up folks.
I TOTALLY understand these upset people seeing this practice being abused. I’m a rule follower and am appalled when folks try to game the system. However, about a year ago, I had a horrible flair up with sciatica pain. Nearly crumbled to the floor if I had to walk very far. I would have chosen/needed to use a wheelchair at the airport to get to the gate if I had flown during that time. However, if I had needed to use the restroom during the flight, hobbling down the aisle wouldn’t have meant that using a wheelchair at the airport was unnecessary. So, just because someone saw me miraculously hobbling to the planes toilet doesn’t necessarily mean that I didn’t need the wheelchair aid at the sprawling terminal. It just meant that wetting my pants was less appealing than having everyone else thinking I was gaming the system. Everything isn’t always as it seems.
Maybe showing a disabled car hang tag should be required as a start.
The idea of using the back does is terrible. We flew when one of my kids had a broken leg, with a cast above the knee. She needed the extra legroom of the front row for her leg. I know others need the extra legroom the front row affords as well. Also, because she used crutches to get on the plane, it was much easier to get into the front row. It would have been very hard to get down the narrow aisles to the back.
Jetway Jesus works miracles upon arrival at your destination.
Just because someone can walk a short distance (to the lavatory, or stand and get something out of luggage, or the trash can, etc.) doesn’t mean they aren’t disabled or don’t need a wheelchair! There are a lot of people on here making judgements they are not qualified to make, and all of them have their own different faults. None of us are perfect.
I’m sure there are some that are gaming the system, but you can not determine that by looks alone.
I can stand for a short few minutes, or walk from the planes door to my seat, but no way can I walk from the airport’s entrance to the gate, or stand in line from the gate down to the plane. I have congestive heart failure ( CHF) and a bad back. After walking 30-40 feet, or standing for 5 minutes, I am in severe pain and very short of breath. My wife and I both use assisted wheelchairs at the airport. Waiting at the gate, I will sometimes push her wheelchair the short distance to the restroom or store. That doesn’t mean that I don’t need help for longer distances or avoiding standing!
I have a son who uses a wheelchair. I wish so much he didn’t need it. Now I hear able bodied people are pretending to be wheelchair bound. What a shame and disgrace. If you’re late for your flight trying leaving early and giving yourselves extra time like we do.
This was quite common on Philippine Airlines flights out of LAX before the pandemic. Have also seen this in Toronto for Philippine Airlines. The majority are probably legitimate since most are seniors.
I have been seeing this years.
The ONLY fair thing is that if a wheelchair is needed to get onto a flight a wheelchair NEEDS to be used for deboarding..
NOTHING MORE…..
NOTHING LESS…………
It disheartens me to see so much judgement of handicapped people. My husband can walk very short distances. He has COPD and breathing becomes an issue. Not every handicap is visible. Hope you all never have to experience this.
I have extremely poor mobility roblems and avoid wheelchairs at the airport unless the distance is greater than I am able to walk however I do request priority boarding because I need to balance myself holding on to seats on both sides if the unfortunately many passengers are rude causing it very difficult by boarding ahead I actually make it easier for others and speed up the process.
@ Gary — I’ve given this a bit more thought, and while the wheelchair-fakers are being dishonest, the root cause is greed by the airline. The airline figured out how to make a kiling by selling A-whatever (aka, hot air), so people naturally seek a way out of paying, while getting the same or better benefit. It’s similar to the nauseating greed of Disney and the resulting parade of wheelchair-fakers. Greed is the root of the vast majority of our social ills.
I think in a lot of cases of senior citizen aged folks – there might be some legitimacy to it. While I’m sure there are widespread abuses, I know my mom has a very difficult time walking and standing and has stopped traveling as a result. She will often tough it out though, so I could see a situation here where someone was trying to be strategic about what they can endure in a day. Also I’m guessing a wheelchair at destination isn’t as much a guarantee as picking one up at Departures?
The best way for SWA to solve this is to force the preboarders to sit in designated sections and then have them deplane last so that assistance may be given. Being forced to get off past will limit 99% of the phony’s.
In mid December, we returned from a cruise that ended in San Juan PR. As we walked through the airport to fly home, each gate had 15+ wheel chairs waiting to board! Not one or two gates, everyone! Guess a lot of elderly were visiting their kids in the states.
My husband has Parkinson’s. He does not need a wc unless the distance in the terminal is too far. He HATES looking disabled so often refuses assistance. But, he is very slow and often gets confused in large groups (ie boarding lines). We do request pre-boarding bc he needs extra time to walk, get seated, and get his stuff put up. Prior to requesting pre-board people in line behind us would get “disgusted” and irate over the time he needed. He has to live with this disability EVERY DAY.
Yes it’s a shame to pay for early bird boarding and the have to give up priority boarding to wheelchair passenger. One person suggested that all wheelchair passengers be seated at the rear of the plane . maybe you should have them sit in middle seats ONLY.
I like the “wide hips” comment. If you’ve ever been on a Carnival Cruise, a Midwestern Wal-Mart or the Las Vegas strip there are plenty of “wide hips disabilities”. They’re usually driving those rental scooters and smashing in to everything in sight.
So far the conversation seems centered around wheel chairs. Not all disabilities are evident or subject to the amateur second medical opinions of airline staff or bystanders. My husband is very fit and athletic. He detached his bicep muscle playing sports and the recovery from surgery will take up to 6 months. In the meantime, he can’t lift anything more than 5 pounds in the first three months and nothing above his head at all for six. That means I have to lift his rollaboard into the overhead bin. So far we have been booking seats (not on SWA) that get us group 1 boarding. So it hasn’t been a problem for us—yet. But if we get a flight where we’re in economy you can bet we are going to preboard so that I can find overhead space to get both bags near our seat because I will have to take them down again.
The disability is invisible to everyone else. We would simply look like two very fit people trying to game the system.
We typically fly UA, Delta, Alaska, and AA and see very few medical preboards. Maybe SWA is the truly miraculous airline and people seeking miracles tend to choose it. Perhaps SWA should install a bowl of holy water at the bottom of the ramp near the entrance to the plane.
@ All
LOOK UP THE AIR CARRIER ACCESS ACT to inform your commentary on here. This has nothing to do with the airlines beyond THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRING THEM TO PROVIDE THESE SERVICES TO WHOMEVER CLAIMS THEY NEED IT. It’s a disservice to people who genuinely are disabled and to rule following able bodied passengers. This is all the result of poorly written legislation that had good intentions which didn’t account for the extent people would abuse it (like almost all legislation)!
@inLA
Desiring to have your bags stowed near your seat is NOT a disability. You’re one of the scammers.
@CHRIS: If you read my comment, I’m not a scammer. We are intetioinally buying the group 1 (Biz or 1st) seats just so we go on early and store our bags without trying to maneuver up or downstream of the other passengers in the aisle. But if we are ever in econ then we will preboard because I have to put up and take down both bags, regardless of where there is an opening, without having to pass other passengers who are also in the aisle. It’s for everyone’s convenience and not just ours.
I ask for assistance if there’s a long walk to a gate because I have asthma & severe arthritis in my back & hips & knees. Yes I can walk but long distances are tricky. I prefer not to board before anyone else I just need assistance getting to the gate. No I’m not hooked up to oxygen but my knees give out & hips lock up.
This only happens on airlines that won’t assign you a seat. It’s one of the many reasons I’d never ever fly Southwest. If they won’t let me purchase a reserved seat, I’m not interested. The wheelchair weenies don’t exist on Delta. And, I get treated right.
This is an old tricks indians have been using for a very long time. When older parents or grandparents are traveling between India and USA by themselves, they are old by their children, young professionals, to USE the wheelchair facility. This way they don’t have to worry about finding the gates, immigration, baggage, etc etc. Everything is done for free.
Just a loop hole being used
Perhaps wheel chair could be a paid service?
Or
Just let it be. People are people and are going to be selfish and self-centered.
Amusement parks had a problem with this. They changed their policy and it worked great. You had to bring a doctors note saying you need the assistance. A wheelchair rental was no longer a guarantee. Yes, you could still rent them, but it wasn’t the automatic shortcut of the line anymore. You then got to bring 3 additional family members. The rest had to wait in the regular line.
If you are referring to WDW, a doctors note is not required….they ask basic questions and a diagnosis is not neccessary (hippa violation). I see a lot of misplaced judgement. Is IS possible that everyone of those wheelchair passengers needed priority seating….COPD, OBD, crones, artificial limbs that need more legroom….etc….you would need a wheelchair in the terminal….they also get off 1st because they need staff members to transport them in the terminal, and that takes time. You all should be counting your blessings instead of judging. Walk a mile in their shoes instead of assuming they are playing the system.
I won’t fly southwest ever again. Not only did the fakes get on first, one takes the isle seat and the other the window. That gets them the row to themselves in most cases. We paid an extra $725 to board early and ended up in the middle of the plane. I wrote to SW and no response. They don’t care. I’m disabled and willing to pay for the help but I won’t cheat to get it.
To be quite frank with you this aggrevates me. This is why I say we can never have nice things. Riddle me this. Think of these two situation; a bunch of impatient folks sitting in wheelchairs acting like some victim of pain, And people bringing their pets onboard a plane and calling them an emotional support so their pet get get a ride for free. What do they have in common? People dinging up and ruining the opportunity for those who really need these type of services to a point of the airlines taking action. This trend is going to end up putting these airlines on another point to charging another fee to cover the cost whether you are legit or not. Most of us absolutely hate waiting for gate agents or tsa to handle their business and let us through but it doesn’t mean finding these loopholes and screwing it up for those who have a legitimate problem…stop abusing the system people come on!
Wow. So many haters who do not know what they are talking about. I am amazed that there are those who want to punish people who need handicap services. I need a wheelchair to & from gate due to painful back issues. I can walk short distances— sometimes walking from baggage claim if short distance (other times you see the wheelchair to car service), walking to restroom in the gate area, and certainly when in the aircraft. I cannot stand in a line due to severe pain. While I am 82, I do not look frail or disabled and I would give anything not to need the wheelchair. Most of us also tip the airport worker who is pushing the wheelchair – – I tip $20 each time I am pushed. Perhaps there are a few who abuse the system, but most of us have legitimate needs & travel is very exhausting as a result.
May Karma bite the abusers in the ass one day.
This is why we cannot have nice things
Since they are checking ID they should look at the age factor. We seniors need our own section over 60s. Some do need assistance
When everyone requests a wheel chair then there will be no advantage to it. Encourage every passenger to request a chair. Maybe the airlines will become more careful about the situation presented-like your teacher was when you couldn’t make it to school and a dr;s note was required for an excused absence. If the airline responds to the challenge by raising the fare or imposing a handicapped fee-so wrong!
Right now obese persons can request a 2nd seat for free on Southwest-at least last I checked that was the policy. Those who cannot control their girth are awarded an unfair privilege while skinnies have to endure being cramped . Same thing with those who request handicapped status when they are not handicapped. Why should they be granted more privileges than anyone else?
For all you skeptics out there, I am also a healthy looking middle-aged person who requires wheelchair assistance anytime there is a long walk in the airport. I suffer from a neurological disease that hampers my ability to stand in line for long periods of time and on many occasions it is also very difficult for me to walk long distance. So, While I may look to the naked eye as a healthy person, my disability is something that I suffer from on a daily basis!!
. I often cannot drive a car nor do some of the basic things you all take for granted .
And while it’s true, a short walk to the bathroom is something that I usually can do, it’s those long agonizing walks in the airport and waiting time in the lines especially at security , which I am incapable of doing.
So please I beg of you , before you are quick to judge someone just based on their looks from the outside, many of us suffer from internal injuries or diseases that are never noticeable to the naked eye.
And yes I would much rather not be in my situation, requiring help anytime I fly, and have the freedom of walking around the airport like all you guys have. So please have a kind eye regarding our situation and I wish only the best of health for all of you out there.
(And by the way, I always try to apologize and thank those in front of me that I may have to cut ,in order to board first, to show my empathy that I must cut the line due to my physical disability.)
TSA checking ID anyone over 60 should have a section for wheelchair assistance. It’s hard to get around especially from one gate to another. Only limited time to get there
I use a wheel chair to get on any flight whether I have a seat assigned or not. Southwest is the best. I fly regularly and need the special treatment as I am 84 years young, have lack of ability to walk long distances. Just think, LaGuardia,Airport, Ft Lauderdale Airport. The distance from car drop off to gate is a long walk. Thank you Southwest for being patiently and understanding. I do use chair to get off and glad to provide a nice gratuity to pusher in each direction.
I worked at Miami International Airport over 40 years. Especially in south Florida , and flights to and from the northeast, lots of older people request wheelchairs and most do need it. But they’re not in the majority.
I have to disagree with ”Sam” above; the legitimate wheelchair requests are often outnumbered by the opportunists. I’ve met flights with 50 or more wheelchair requests on arrival. After the flight offloaded, we ended up using maybe 10 or 15 chairs.
It happens all the time, not unusual. Nothing you can do about it, if you question them at all they will scream harassment and ADA violation and then you have a bigger mess.
For many, the physical limitation is standing or slow walking, so it makes sense that some would need assistance getting on but not off. I’ve only recently started flying again after a 20 year break and I do everything I can to avoid getting into a painful situation that will ruin my trip. I’ve bought global entry, get there early, etc. But sometimes I need help and I absolutely hate needing it because I pushed my elderly mother in a Wheelchair for the last years of her life and I KNOW there are people worse off but I can’t help that my knees are bone on bone and some days are good and some are really bad.
My mother-in-law used to be one of those who boarded with a wheelchair but got off without one–completely legitimately. There were two factors at work:
1) It wasn’t so much the distance that mattered as the up time. Standing in the security line was the main reason she used a chair. She also had an issue with the security scanner–going through it unassisted was problematic and security would never permit someone to help her. (This was before the imaging scanners, she would have been completely unable to use them.)
2) There’s no plane to catch getting off. Having to stop and rest more than expected doesn’t translate into a missed flight.
There are a lot of people like her for whom the issue is too much, not possible/impossible. She tried to do as much as she could herself.
I do agree the whole thing is problematic but I don’t know a good solution. She had a handicap placard which would go a long way towards proving she was legit, but then there’s the time my wife was injured, riding in a chair saved her a lot of pain but it was a temporary situation, no handicap placard.
You will be judged by how you look. People will never understand your disability. Two weeks ago I was in a wheelchair after having a recent knee replacement. The comments were unbelievable . Passengers acted like I was deaf. No I am not young and strong, and I shouldn’t be walking. You cannot look at someone and determine if they are able to walk or know their pain level.
Not everyone in a wheelchair is a fraud.
You should check flights where there are a lot of Indian passengers. All Indian parents seems to be invalid when it comes to boarding. You should see them gallop to the immigration counters without any issues. Wheelchairs should be for people who genuinely deserve them and not be used as a matter of convenience.
Easy solution: If you pre-board, you must wait for everyone else to deplane before you leave your seat. All the fakers will lose much if the incentive. Problem solved.
The lack of empathy on here is quite sad. Y’all should be ashamed of yourselves. Not every disability is visible. Quite frankly it’s none of your damn business.
I’m almost 80 and would much rather sit with crying children than whiney seniors or scary people who have to have their dog with them. But the worst of all is semi drunks who are always loud, have bad breath, and are usually in the 21 to 50 age range
It amazes me how few people understand how disabilities work. Not everyone has a visible disability. Some people can’t stand for long time periods but can walk, others are the opposite. The amount of standing/walking required to get from the entrance of an airport to the gate is very different than the amount needed to leave. Not to mention differences in airport size, gate location, etc.
I’m not saying all of these people had legitimate needs for the wheelchair service, but be cognizant that people who look healthy or able-bodied, or only need accommodations in one leg of their trip, may very well need that wheelchair.
You forgot to mention that 1/2 of them bring their dog or 2 along making the staff have to deal with the passenger,their bags and their animals…
This is frustrating to see. My husband is a veteran and we travel with our own mobility chair. We need an extra few minutes to get him and the chair boarded. The crew allows us to board 1st so there’s space to maneuver. Then I have the fakers trying to pass us in pre boarding. I use to feel guilty for asking if our teens could boad with us 1. So they could help things go quicker and 2. So we could still sit by each other. That was until we experienced 10+ chairs on boarding and only us having a chair on arrival.
Seriously unreal.
This is Southwest fault, and the result of the cheap ways it operates. If it were to have assigned sitting, only people with legit needs would ask for additional assistance. There would be not much to gain from gaming the system.
This helps prove the abundance of people in America who claim hardship are assumed fakes until proven otherwise. Includes minorities and homeless. There is almost no legal way anymore to disprove a fake. Very pathetic.
Thankyou ACLU
Just stay home and start eating healthy! Why travel like a victim!
I’ve been on WN ‘Miracle Flights’. They have to be seen to be believed. That’s when a passenger has to be put on a wheelchair to board and deplane the flight. Then they are wheeled over to luggage pickup. When their bag comes up to them on the luggage ramp, they jump off the wheelchair, grab their bag, and walk out of the airport. A Miracle!
So to get wheelchair and priority boarding, you just have to say you need it? Is a doctors note not required?? I ask this because, my friend had knee surgery. She was weeks out post-op but was still in a brace and on crutches. We were going to a concert. She had to supply doctors note to give her access to a handicap area, which was safer no steps. It allowed for 1 person in her party to accompany her. The rest of our party had to wait in line and go to our purchased seats.
So I am not against anyone using the service, if needed. I do think there should be some regulating such as a doctors note. But just my opinion for all it’s worth.
I do use Southwest and travel at minimum once per month. I have seen an increase in preloading with wheelchairs. When I start getting pushed to the back half of the plane due to no seats available with my A boarding. I will then start giving my monthly money to another airline so I can guarantee a seat.
The solution is extremely easy- the airlines just need to enforce if you get on with one, you get off with one! No ifs ands or butts. It’s all due to safety of the passenger. This issue goes way in about 5 minutes.
I have an easy solution. Wheel chair users are the last to be escorted from the plane.
Seat them all in the back of the plane. That will stop the fakers.
For the last five years both my knees have been bone on bone and yes I have used the wheelchair assistance at the airports. I have now had both knees replaced and look forward to not having to use that assistance any longer. I used to get all kinds of looks from people that didn’t think I was worthy of that assistance and it always made me feel even worse. I now have a card to show at the TSA check in so that they know I have two titanium knees now which will cause me to take longer to go through security which will slow the line down some but I am so excited to be able to walk myself to the gate and onto the planes again.
Handicap spaces make sense in parking lots…not so much on airplanes. Why not have the slow and sickly (or the families with children) get on last, not first?
As many have pointed out already, there are people who can’t handle the extensive walking or standing in line at the airport. My daughter, thanks to long-covid, is now one of them. It’s a crapshoot whether or not she can handle a 30 minute trip to the grocery store or the mall on a given day, let alone walking and standing in line for up to 2 hours. Every six months, we have to fly across the country for medical appointments and she gets a few nasty looks and a lot of curious glances. To most people, she looks like a healthy teenager, but she’s just good at hiding her pain. We tried one flight without the wheelchair assist (before we knew it was available) and it was brutal for both of us. Sometimes she doesn’t need a chair on exiting the flight; like when we are on a layover and the connecting flight is at a nearby gate or the time we met up with her friend and their flight came in an hour after our flight (but the walk to baggage claim that time was hard and she had to stop and rest a few times along the way). Just be careful not to judge, because you have no idea what a particular person is dealing with.
Jetway Jesus as we like to say. Heals many passengers that were wheeled in so they can walk out after they land.
As an A list member with southwest this is actually disgusting to see, if you need a wheel chair no problem but those that are using this to scam need to be stopped. We pay extra for boarding first and if the wheel chairs Need assistance they should get it but how about putting them behind the A listers that have paid their money to be able to board first. They can go right after, they will still receive assistance, they will still get on the plane just not first. Problem solved
Used to fly between JFK and Lagos, Nigeria. Always watched 30+ wheelchairs in pre-boarding. Almost all walked off at the destination. We called it the angel flight as miracles occurred on every trip.
How about if those using a wheelchair have them wait in line at TSA and boarding if they can walk a short distance, they can walk a short distance from the boarding gate to the plane aswell they can wait in line at TSA and go through security like everybody else does just sit in your chair
Pre boarders should be limited to the last rows. If there’s 2, last row, if there’s 30, last 5 rows…. problem solved
In the airline industry, we refer to this as the Jetway Miracle, when all the passengers have left the plane, yet there are 5 wheelchair attendants standing there, waiting for the 5 passengers who ordered a wheelchair for their flight, but who somehow no longer needed assistance once the plane door was opened. (Meanwhile, a legitimately impaired person is waiting for a wheelchair at another gate.)
Ppl bare no shame especially when this type on behavior .That is why I carry my paperwork…they gone feel some type of way when disabled paperwork is requested…it is a crime and shame no nonsense people.do this.
Ragebait. LOL
This is why I avoid flying att all costs. The last time I flew was for a death and I didn’t have time to drive to the funeral. I need a wheelchair to board and depart. I have had 80 surgeries. I am only 63 so people see my face and assume I should be able bodied.
I have to deal with pat downs because I am unable to lift my arms up for the scanner. The last time I flew the agent almost ripped my Ostomy Bag off and insisted that I explain WHY I needed it in front of everyone! I always end up waiting for a wheelchair to leave the plane. Last time the pilot was the last to leave and I was STILL waiting!
It’s time to make it easier for those who are really disabled and stop the people who clearly aren’t.
I have copd and i need a wheel chair assistance and i truly do appreciate the service. If i did not have copd and pulmonary arterial hypertension i surely would not ask. Last flight i was on thinking i could walk to claim baggage i had bronchitis and the lady sitting next to me requested i have help because i could barely breathe when we landed as i was scared to ask. Thank God for her because as i would of passed out because i could not breathe.
I thought this only occurred in two places Hawaii and The Philippines? I guess Puerto Rico is #3.
Yes I get a wheelchair because I cannot stand in one place for an hour because of back issues. I would not mind if I boarded last. What is the point of going first? I am already sitting. Southwest cattle call excepted….
Another reason why I do not fly!!! I used to love flying, but that changed in 2001. I will not deal with all of the rules to fly now.
Please.
Who are these Frequent Fliers that are in wheelchairs each week? If you are immobile, then maybe flying is not the frequent habit for you?
Yes. ADA has a ton of access at Hospitals and Recovery Centers.
But- come on?!
Require a DMV disabled placard for early boarding
Charge extra for wheelchair support and for emotional animals. It will stop the abuse, you will see less people requesting wheelchair support or they stupid animals. It you are that’s messed up that you need a animal to comfort you stay home with your animal. Yes I don’t care if you like my comment.
Maybe in order to board early in a wheelchair, a person needs a letter from a doctor?
They need to stop this wheelchair thing unless you really need it. People are incredibly selfish and disrespectful these days.
To me in general have those that need wheel chair assistance show proof with a medical certificate with expiration date and no need for their whole family to go with them only only family member should be enough.
And it’s true when it’s time to leave the plane they are the first ones standing
A miracle I can walk look no assistance,mainly you see all airlines accepting this practice
Travelers let’s start filming this people the minute you see them getting off their cars.
I have one thing to say to the people who use a wheelchair to jump ahead of others to get on an airplane. If you can walk on two legs every day, be grateful and be mindful of disabled people who have to rely on a wheelchair to get around every day for the rest of their lives.
I blame the airlines for allowing this to happen and
I have a disability and you shouldn’t degrade someone’s disability, unless you walk in their shoes,So keep your opinions to yourself.
Obviously for the future you will need to show a valid Dr. issued Handicap certificate to avail wheelchair service . How should it be otherwise ?
The last time I flew I requested assistance at my connection and it never came so I had to limp to the next gate as quickly as I could. It burns me that they were likely helping someone like this, instead.
I noticed this years back, I used to visit Florida and the return flight was always full of “people with assistance” but when we landed no wheelchairs were on site… we even have a name for it… the miracle flight… the joke in our family was that always was the safest flight because god was there flying with us healing all these people
Someone might look okay to you but might not be able to stand for a long time or walk a long distance. Elderly/ Seniors should be considered. A reseasonable and right minded person cannot fake this l guess.
Sometimes you have the ability to walk but not for long distances. I do have a handicap sticker that I carry with me . I try to walk when I reach my destination. The wait is too long for pick up . The pain is unbearable .
My wife at age 73 can walk short distances but has trouble standing for long periods and walks with a limp. She has a handicapped placard authorized by her doctor. I realize that there is a shortage of wheelchair assistants and gladly volunteer to push my wife in the chair. I am 74 and in better shape. We almost missed a flight connection in Las Vegas airport due to the long distance we had to traverse at the airport. I found an unoccupied wheelchair and got to the gate just in time. We now request a wheelchair whenever we have to fly. Be mindful that not all disabilities are apparent to the eye.
I’m a frequent traveler on ISP to Florida flights, whenever I travel I call those flights “miracle flights” because 10 to 20 need wheelchairs to get on board, and only 5 to 10 need them at their destination. Finally glad someone noticed this.
It burns me up when I see people abusing handicap parking and wheelchairs when the truly needy pepple need them. ‘Karma knows everyone’s address and sooner or later it will come knocking on your door’. Someday they may need that wheelchair or handicap spot.
Indian old ladies doing this for years when they fly to India
The problem here in the US is that you cannot deny anyone who asks for a wheelchair. The ADA will fine you. You are not really allowed to ask about their disability only how can we assist you? I blame the laws that allow it to happen.
As a mother of a disabled son and former cust service for Southwest I’ve seen this from both sides. Both people with temporary disabilities and permanent get placards for their cars or could if they applied. If airlines required these it could alleviate some of the problem.Of course there would be exceptions ie children and truly wheelchair users with own chair but without placard.
I have a child who had 9 knee surgeries in the last 6 years, including 2 bone/cartilage transplants. He looks completely healthy but needs extra time to board and a spot where he can stretch his legs often. We get dirty looks all the time pre-boarding. We also skip the wheelchair getting off so he can stretch out his legs unless he is having trouble bending his knees. The fact that someone used a wheelchair when they arrived but not when they got off doesn’t mean they’re faking.
The rule should be “if you get on by wheelchair, you must wait to get off by one”! Blame it on liability for the Airline!
Well that service is now ruined. I am just too old and slow and I get lost easily. That doesn’t qualify for a Dr note. I stopped flying after lost over an hour in Dallas.
That is horrible!!!! I have used a wheelchair due to a legit foot surgery/injury and felt bad I was using a wheelchair in the airport. My son-in-law is in an electric wheelchair the rest of his life and needs legit assistance and struggles to get safely on an airplane. Those that fake the injury to get ahead of lines and then laugh and joke about getting by with it is just aweful and the most selfish act!
As we become more and more of an ‘entitlement’ society; even the losers gets trophy; less and less possess a moral compass. In the old days, parasites like these posers would be dealt a harsh ‘lesson’. May Karma have God punish them with a REAL disability, then they would understand what disrespect this thrusts onto those that really need the help.
As a gate agent this pissed me off that we were so short staffed with wheelchair pushers but then tiktok were showing “hacks” how to beat security lines. It got to the point people might miss their plane because of having to wait for a wheelchair.
Being short staffed is the airlines fault but people are such asses for taking up resources that people need because they don’t want to get to the airport early.
We can’t deny people preboarding at the gate if they say they need assistance because many do have an invisible disability. I’m less annoyed with the boarding early but the taking a wheelchair when you don’t need it just to stroke the ego that you tricked(or so you think) us airline employees is a douche move.
The problem here are the incentive structures put in place by the airports and airlines
Sure, these people are playing the system, but the system encourage it through false scarcity and aggressive monetization of basic amenities
On a recent flight to Baltimore, I watched a woman walk over to a wheelchair n sit down. She was able to get priority, along with the 3 other people with her. At BWI she walked off the plane n they were all laughing. I had just had foot surgery but decided there were others needing assistance so I did my own thing. Elders deserve help more often than others. But I really believe that a doctors note should be given to people so it’s not taken advantage of.
Also to add the needing a wheelchair on but not off could have to do something with not being able to stand for very long. My mom needs a wheelchair through the airport as it is hard for her to walk.
But just because a person needs it one way doesn’t mean they need on the other.
I find on international flights people are more likely to scam and even heard people admit they only had one to get through customs and that to their connecting flight quicker. Stupid influencers love filming themselves getting away with their clever “travel hacks.”
You’ve got parking passes for cars to use the handicap parking space, why not a pass for wheelchair assistance at airports?
I wont feel bad for asking for a wheel chair to my gate. I could not put off my trip. I was in good health when I agreed to go to my destination. I thought I could go through the process. I had a carry on bag that included BP machine and a back.pack filled with my meds. I didnt think that i would physically make it to my gate. The person pushed me to my gate. I wasnt out of breath or w worst. I sat down and waited to be boarded. Short distances were not too bad. I took so long to get down to the exit that the family member who was waiting for me called my husband. I didnt look good. While away I regained my health and stamina. When I left I was weak and felt bad. I stunned a family member when I walked out of the security areas. It was the best 4 weeks of my life. I didnt realize that the smell in the house was from a short in a ceiling fan. That’s what made me ill. It was replaced while I was away but the odor lasted for a while. I know that I made the right decision.
I didnt realize that folks were doing stuff like this when they were not ill or needed assistance.
Perhaps those needing assistance bring their own wheelchair? I recently travelled with my disabled husband for a funeral. We were unable to bring his powerchair due to lack of car rental options at our destination. This, we brought his manual chair with us. The travel portion of the trip was so stressful, me trying to push his wheelchair, carry the OSA medical equipment bags PLUS tow our luggage from the car to the check-in desk where we were finally able to get assistance.
Yep, we call them “miracle” flights. Your “disability” is miraculous healed in flight. It’s sickening that some people are that callous and self -centered.
People are so ignorant about certain medical conditions. For example, I have early onset Parkinson’s disease. I look fine on the outside but, my body in the inside makes my body very weak,unbalanced, and I have freezing. Freezing makes my body stop moving, and amongst many other Parkinson’s issues. This being said please don’t judge people unless you have been in their shoes. Trust me the embarrassment of being young and In a wheelchair is not worth the advantage.
This is so sad! I am a disabled veteran and I use this service. Although, I also have to say MCO airport is the worse and customer support is nasty!
I am fine to show proof of my ♿ if it HELPS the system.
I have 2 artificial hips, an artificial knee, lymphedema in the left leg. I have never asked for a wheelchair. I do not have a handicapped parking sticker. Anyone who has ever faked it to get wheelchair access, the world will get even with them, one day.
As an airline agent I see this every day. It seems most frequently abused by people traveling to and from India. They have no problem dragging 2 50 pound bags into the terminal but then the female passenger needs a wheelchair. Also had a husband get upset because he was not allowed to board with his wife because they were traveling basic economy fare.
I once saw someone being pushed in a wheelchair thru security and once they got thru, hopped out of the chair and ran to their gate.
Ha, watch that show for years as a pilot. The flight attendants referred to it as the “Everyday Miracle”. Miracle that somehow these poor, crippled souls were suddenly able to leap out of their seats at the arrival gate and run off of the plane.
This article is ignorant. There are people who have medical conditions such as; many neurological disorders that they may look fine on the outside but, are physically hurting in the inside. Therefore, when you look at someone in a wheelchair that looks fine don’t assume they’re trying to trick the system.
All flights to PR have this issue. One time in Orlando the gate attendant said, if you can walk, get yourself out of the chair, cause it will take me an hour by myself to get you down to the plane. Many of the passenger helped get everyone onboard.
But flying to PR has several other crazy things, no order to get off the plane as well.
I recently had to fly: 2 weeks post knee replacement and needed wheelchair assistance. I waited over an hour after we landed to get a wheelchair off the plane. This was only to be pushed to the top of the jet bridge and stuck in another line of people waiting for assistance. There was plenty of Jetway Jesus healing people who suddenly got up and were able to walk after experiencing the long wait and seeing the lines. I luckily had my 12 year old son with me who quickly learned how to push a wheelchair. Otherwise, I might still be sitting in ATL.
Full disclosure here: I am legitimately disabled due to arthritis and COPD, and I am not faking it when I use wheelchair service. Often when I get to my destination I end up having to walk using my wheelchair as a brace to lean on, because with a minimum of 5 or 6 handicapped travelers it’s inevitable that there won’t bw enough helpers to push us. Also inevitably I never end up going in the first group. That means essentially that those of us left behind have to wait for the first group to get all the way out to passenger pickup before they come back to pick up the rest of us. That can take up to 40 minutes or more. Meanwhile your ride provider has to circle the airport endlessly while waiting for you to get out to where you can be.picked up. On my last trip they sent a vehicle to pick up the disabled. The gate person directed me to get on it, but before I could even make it there several very spry old people literally sprinTed past me, each carrying two suitcase and lept onto the cart. I was told there would be another cart soon, or someone to push my chair, but after about 30 minutes I realized I had been forgotten. The airlines could help this by both asking for people to provide a doctor’s proof that they need the service, and hiring a lot more people who’s only job is offering assistance to the disabled.
I can walk, but not long distances. I will always wait for a porter to assist my sister (78 yrs), my husband (84 yrs) and myself (75 yrs) all incapable of the long trek to and from the gates. We will offer to walk thru the TSA check machines to free up the wheelchair line for those that cannot walk. If we seem to be capable of walking, please come walk in our shoes. One last thing, if you’re faking to be handicapped, don’t forget the wonderful porters that are pushing sometimes 2 chairs at the same time to so called needy passengers.
I was once recovering from a broken foot and because of how far it was from sidewalk to gate at the departure airport(BKK), I requested assistance. The airline then denied my exit row seat I paid for(ok, but at least give me my money back). What really pissed me off though was no wheelchair showed up at the arrival airport where I was transferring to another flight. I managed to walk, but then the airline didn’t even let me board first!
You need documentation to get a handicap parking permit. Why not the same thing for an airport wheelchair?
It is sad to see such a degradation of morality/integrity in our society. This behavior makes things worse for those who truly are disabled and need assistance. So many people don’t care about what is right anymore; they only care about themselves and gaining an advantage. Did their parents raise them this way? Really pathetic.
I recently flew home from Manchester, NH and saw several people pushing their airline wheelchairs from shop to shop in the terminal.
However, when our boarding call was made, they hopped in their wheelchairs and pitifully made their way to the gate. There were at least 25 “disabled” people who got on before we did…and we had A2 and A3. Every single “disabled” boarder were in the very front rows. Makes one go “hmmmmm”.
I am truly unable to WALK with out assistance. It makes me so upset that I can’t get handicapped parking due to all the fakers out there. Not to mention flying.. I once missed my connection due to not enough airport personnel.
I need a walker, a wheel chair to get to the gate. On board, I use a cane to get to bathroom. Use WC when I get off plane as well. Little girl asked her dad why I was allowed ahead of them at airport. Walker on my lap as I rode in WC. I am a terrible fall risk with bad arthritis as well. His response to his daughter mad me angry. “She is just a cheater.” What a horrible thing to say and teach her daughter. Most people are kind. Especially the transporters!!!
I’m loving all these lengthy multi-paragraph comments attempting to convince the rest of us that they’re not the scammers. Its almost…….unbelievable.
We’re talking about walking 80 feet down a jetway and then maybe another 30-40 more to your seat. There are probably ONLY 3 or 4 people per flight who are legitimately unable to do that. The rest are scammers.
This sounds exactly like the average entitled selfish republican. I would bet my life savings that over 85% of them were republican.
A valid verification form a hospital showing you need a wheelchair should be shown. I am disabled, I walk with a cane,I can show a valid verification. The airlines dhould start asking for a valid verification. Especially after people were seen walking on 2 feet to exit the plane. Nothing against handicapped people, but what you did was wrong and disrespectful.
One exception to these comments, being in a WC does not exempt or make it easier/quicker to go thru TSA screening.Sometimes the opposite with hand wanding,Pat downs required.I had an instance where my middle aged son had to get out of his chair(he couldn’t stand unaided) and I couldn’t assist him.pretty upsetting for him.
I need wheelchair assistance every time I fly. I have an invisible foot disease that does not allow me to walk past 50 feet and, or stand up for over a few minutes at a time. I hate the looks I get from other travelers and feel guilty for having to use a wheelchair. It actually ends up costing me extra money as I always tip the employee that pushes me, 5-10 at the departure airport and the arrival spot. So not everyone is a scammer. I’m all for having to show proof of my disability if needed.
So many people are so quick and easy to get offended on this thread. If you have a disability, that requires a wheelchair, then you are NOT the person being talked about. We’re specifically talking about those who are pretending to have a disability and carelessly destroying the opportunities for you all. I didn’t think us, trying to defend YOUR needs would anger you all so much…dang..
Comparing 30 to 25 is not a “15 to 1 ratio”. Most journalists seem to have some basic misunderstandings of how numbers work. That’s why they are journalists. They know words, but not numbers.
Not everyone is faking. For those who are not this post was not aimed at you. But there are those who do fake for the very reasons mentioned above. On one flight I worked we had 35 wheel chairs to board. It takes up precious time to get everyone on board. This particular flight had an issue which resulted in everyone having to deplane to take another aircraft. Only two of the 35 passengers needing assistance stayed to wait for assistance off of the plane. Everyone else walked off AND walked to the new gate with no extra assistance. But when it came time to re-board the flight they needed assistance again! Needless to say the only ones assisted were the two passengers who actually needed it. We definitely live in an “all about me” society. It’s sad.
You’re shooting the messenger. There is an obvious problem while there are legitimate people in need. How about a $1000.00 fine for people gaming the system. Need more time to board, then you need more time to deplane. New plan… First In, Last Out. You leave before early, get a fine. Modify as required.
It’s not the airlines fault. It’s people taking advantage of the ADA law in which all airlines are governed by.
I’m a 69-year-old boomer… Yes a Boomer! And here is my issue. Just two weeks ago I went to Florida with my son and his family. He had a wheelchair take me to the gate, but I gimped down the ramp, with my cane, holding on to the railing. We also went to Universal Studios, and he rented a scooter for me because there is no way I could go from 8:45 a.m. till 9:30 p.m. on my own two worthless legs! Then when we left Florida, they gave me a wheelchair ride to the gate, but this attendant wanted to give me a ride all the way to the entrance of the plane, even though I really didn’t need it. I definitely did not want to use either and being a stubborn German / Austrian, I have been fighting it for the last 5 years. But this year was different. Yes I was embarrassed, and humiliated, but it turned out I really, really needed it. I’ve had 20 plus knee surgeries, three shoulder surgeries, one back surgery, and now just a year ago, I ripped tendon that attaches your ankle to your leg,! And it’s still doesn’t work that great. Plus I have RA especially in my feet, along with a beautiful gift of neuropathy. Basically I’m a mess! And I couldn’t have gone walking for a mile in the airport and made it to the plane at all. And walking for miles and miles in Universal Studios would never have happened. I would have missed everything my grandchildren got to do. I know people hate me for using those tools, but damn it I earned it, and I’m in pain 24/7 and I can barely walk around the house because now I’ve been having dizzy spells on top of it. So I apologize to everyone if I’m in your way. And I have to say I am glad that they board me first, and here’s the reason why. When you’re already having mobility issues, people bump into you so hard that they can knock me over, and I’m not kidding. People are rude and they don’t care when they see you walking with a cane they walk right into you. And that says nothing about all the little kids running around, and coming up behind you, and plowing right into you. They don’t do it on purpose, but it still happens. My grandson who is 2 years old, can sometimes sneak up on me from behind and just about blows me off my feet unintentionally. And that scares me because here’s the deal once I’ve fallen there’s no way I can get back up under my own power. So all of you complaining about why would I would board first, unless you’re willing to help me get up from falling or tripping., Please keep that reason in mind. Not everyone is the same and from the outside except for my cane, I don’t look mobility disabled. If I were to board last can you imagine me trying to get down the aisleway, bumping into every one of you, because I’m not steady on my feet. I would be like a drunken sailor hitting every chair, every person who’s elbow is in the aisle, anybody who has anything remotely sticking, out like a foot I would trip over. Wouldn’t that be nice? Would you help me get down the aisle if you saw that? Doubtful…
If the airline told wheelchair users that seating for them is designated to the back of the aircraft only I wonder how many would get up and wait there tern like the rest of us!
Once, I’d paid for “early bird” check-in and it didn’t process – I ended up with a “C” boarding card when I checked in. I complained at the desk and the employee said this happens sometimes and immediately marked my card for pre-boarding with the disabled passengers. I took the early boarding, but felt uncomfortable boarding with folks who needed it when I didn’t. ANYWAY, just wanted to say that Southwest may be adding to the problem. Not with people faking a need for wheelchairs, but by handing out pre-boarding when they need to resolve a problem.
I’m 59 and have 5 herniated discs plus a fractured coxis, if you see me you wouldn’t think I’m unable to walk long distances or stand for to long. Don’t be to fast to judge people. I acknowledge those who fake just to get ahead and it’s terrible, but I only request a shell chair when I know I’m going to have a long path at airports .
They should board them first but seat them towards the rear of the plane and be last ones off so they don’t hold up other passengers who are in a hurry as info my wife needs a wheel chair because of limited walking distance
Airlines can also push the wheelchair assistance beyond when it’s necessary. I just called one for disability assistance and they really wanted me to get one and I had to insist that it wasn’t necessary.
It’s a problem with the booking process. There really isn’t a website option between needing no assistance and needing a wheelchair. You can call and ask but lots of people probably don’t want to bother calling and sitting on hold so they just click wheelchair instead of calling and explaining the level of assistance they need.
How absolutely offensive this article is!! You have no idea why people use wheelchairs at airports!! And you didn’t even bother to find out!
I am disabled and use a wheelchair at the airport. I have M.S. and cannot stand for more than a few minutes without my legs giving out. Have you ever been on a plane and waited to board? You can stand forever! I also suffered from a Spinal fluid leak that left me unable to pull, push or lift luggage. I have traveled the country for spinal surgeries and spinal procedures. I have at times taken a wheelchair to get on a flight, but not deplaned, as someone is there with my wheelchair. I have also flown to get surgery or a blood patch, but needed one getting on the return flight! I am young and look perfectly healthy if you were to look at me! I am sure there are some questioning me as if I really need one, and ya know know what I say… I wouldn’t wish this life on anyone. I have been suicidal over my debilitating pain and health. If they want to question me… go right ahead! Maybe one day they will be in my position and will understand. I can only hope!
Dear Mathjunkie: the 15 to 1 ratio would be correct on Bachman’s cited return flight; you may be good at math but not at reading comprehension. Or not: as to your math for the outbound, you should be comparing 55, not 30, to 25.
You’re welcome.
I think it might help if people had their handicap plaque with them or an official Doctors note.
I had a broken ankle and I had a cane. I was put in a wheelchair and forgotten about. I said,I can use my cane and was told. Rules are if they see crutches or a cane they must get a wheelchair. Once in the chair,with my suitcase underneath,I needed help. I couldn’t leave the chair to use the restroom alone or someone would steal my luggage. I was better off with my cane and carry on luggage.
Please don’t blame the ADA laws. The fault lands solely at the feet of the people who abuse the use of wheelchair services at airports.
USA has become a place where everyone is a grifter, hustler, scammer, or a cretin. Country in massive decline.
This is offensive. I have Parkinson’s Disorder and medications help me with mobility. Sometimes the medications don’t work. I am in my 50’s and look perfectly normal and healthy one moment and can experience balance control and movement problems the next
I might not need the wheelchair one moment and the circumstances might change the next. Are you telling me that I have to worry about the judgement of clueless passengers who have no awareness of the neurological ailment that I suffer from?
Bottom line these are ‘miracle’ flights that occur all the time. Anyone in need of assistance getting on should have to wait for assistance getting off.
I have seen this faking. First time I saw it I did not understand it. Just odd. But then I noticed a pattern. Shame on fraudsters.
There is the risk that the miracle flight phenomenon will continue to worsen. SWA and other airlines would do well to solve this before they lose their regular customers. Requiring all wheelchair passengers to check any bag over 5 lb is one possible deterrent.
My comments are not for those who have true need because I absolutely know the need exists! But Southwest Airlines has a significantly higher proportion of preboarders than any other airline and the numbers keep growing every Southwest flight I take. People you would NEVER see preboarding on another airline. It’s offensive and disrespectful to those who have a true need AND those who pay additional for priority boarding. It has everything to do with Southwests open seating policy.
Sadly I’m one that does need wheelchair assistance and those folks who don’t need it are just taking away from those who don’t
Not only at the airlines but in every other functions like parking in handicapped spot with no decal. Being able to get a riding cart at the grocery store as I have sat waiting for one for an hour just to be able to purchase groceries
So Shame on those who are not handicapped using this as an easy out
I would love to just walk on to the plane or park further away or just get around a store without needing assistance
You just don’t know the struggle to do simple everyday things you once were able to do
I feel compelled to address the back of the plane thing. How much time do you think it would take to get 51 people with motor disabilities to the back of the bus … oh I mean to the back of the plane? And by all means slap a label around my neck to make sure everyone knows I know that if I fall again, I may be a paraplegic. Then I won’t need a sign. We are willing to let criminals walk free so a free man won’t be imprisoned but we want the folks that need some extra help to prove they need a wheelchair. If you want to fine people for abusing a system they don’t need, who is going to investigate? I smell lawsuits. Chances are some of the folks that didn’t game the system walked of of the plane when they shouldn’t have because of the chaos. Let me take a final moment to praise the folks that help with the wheelchairs. My experience
has been positive. It is wonderful to still see kindness in the world.
We used to take my aunt with us and she was first to board, but had to wait to leave the plane – wheelchairs are waiting in the jetway for able passengers to hurry by. There is no reason to punish all handicapped for the few fakers, just Adjust the system somehow to identify those in real need of early boarding.
My wife uses a wheelchair and I also fly alone for business. So I have seen both sides. When flying with my wife, we use assistance arriving and departing the aircraft; we try our best to sit at the back of the aircraft and be the last off of the aircraft, thus not holding up other passengers whom may have connecting flights. We just feel that this is common courtesy and respect to others.
I have the same issue with Southwest. I paid extra for business class and to be able to board first since I get sick in the back. I understand that in this politically correct world you can’t question the assistance need but if you need it, you should need it boarding and offloading. Maybe rear seating is the answer or showing your passes. Still prefer Southwest to all other airlines.
Yes. The people in wheelchairs need assistance. When the plane lands, half of the get up and walk off. SouthWest Airlines is known for this, Allegiant you get on with a wheelchair, you get off last. That’s the way Allegiant deals with it. For those who need assistance, that’s fine, but many fake it.
Seating people with disabilities in the rear of the plane is ridiculous. Navigating those narrow aisles is problematic. Add low vision to that mix and it’s even more complicated. Maybe if we have a disability parking plate or something on an ID? If a recent injury, something from a doctor? It’s embarrassing how many people try to shame my daughter and me while I escort her during pre-board. I’m always tempted to pull up the back of her shirt and show the huge scars on her back from the surgeries. And those are just on the back. Sigh.
I travel through Southwest Airlines twice a year for the last four years. I have seen it all when it comes to ADA scams. There are obvious legit cases to which there are no dought legitimate cases. I witness during one trip from BWI to Hobby in Houston one guy about my age and his adult son. I had watched both from the time they got off the park in ride bus all the way to the gate. Both could walk just fine. In fact the older guy carried his own luggage into the airport, lifted his luggage onto the weight counter with no assistance. However when I ran into these two again the older guy was in a wheel chair to which his son tagged along. They both took opposite front row seats from one snother They both layed their legs across all three seats. However the younger 20 something was told later because it was a packed flight that he had to move his legs so that other people had a seat. The older guy got away with his excuse. Once at Hobby they both were the first up, standing and out the door. Jesus must had heeled this guy during the flight. To make matters worst the two had the same car rental location. On the bus to the rental location the older guy grabbed his heavy suit case and he and his son jumped off one stop ahead of the rental car location only to sprint to be first in line for their rental. I see this all the time including handicap parking. Anyone can get a quack to sign off on their handicap license tag these days. The real travesty are those who truly need it and end up being held back or denied a parking space. Everybody are lovers of themselves today. This is certainly abuse!!!!!
Simple solutions: (1) charge them for that service, if they didn’t reserve it prior to getting to the airport; (2) make them wait to deboard last and require them to use wheelchairs all the way out to baggage claim, including having to wait for a chair if necessary. Someone with the need for a chair will be used to that requirement.
There should be a fine for those faking it. My Mom is severely disabled and if she wasn’t able to get a wheelchair because someone was being selfish I’d loose my temper. For truly disabled people it’s not about ALL the perks; it’s about 2: 1) Knowing you can get a seat that bear suits your needs. 2) Knowing no one is going to run into you causing further injury and/or pain. People are obviously rude and selfish (this article is just sprinkles on the cake), they tend to just run into disabled people without thought or care. It’s tasteless and disgusting. I feel the airlines should be able to decline service to obvious fakers and everyone getting off that plane showing clear signs of being able-bodied need to leave with a huge fine!
People needing a wheelchair should be required to show their Parking Placard/I.D card that will have their name and Placard number on it. I know because I have one. Maybe have the actual placard with them as well.
I’m 77 years old and request assistance to the gate and from gate to gate when changing planes. Why? Because I cannot walk that far hauling my carry on. The airlines or airports should provide those shuttle carts to the elderly capable walking from the waiting area down the range at without assistance.
If you need help boarding or a wheelchair you should be forced to board and get off the plane after all the capable customers I was stuck behind the silver club a full row of six woman that needed wheelchairs coming back from San Juan one with a brace on while the pilots told the passengers that needed help or wheelchairs to wait as to not delay those trying to make connections the silver club took 25 mins to get off and created a wheelchair clusterfuck on the ramp and we’re trying to give me a listen here sonny get off my lawn kinda talk…..and it’s like ma’am you’re the problem
This has been going on with Southwest for years. And based on my observations over hundreds of Southwest flights I’d guess maybe 1 out of 10 people pre-boarding wait for assistance deplaning.
I call these flights ‘Miracle Flights’.
I’m 71 years old with Multiple Sclerosis. I just returned from a week visit to Arizona. I used a wheelchair but only after going through the checkpoints. Getting around the airports is very long and difficult. I can handle going thru the checkpoints on some trips. Early on in my diagnosis, I couldn’t & used wheelchairs from curbside to curbside. It just depends for me. However, if there are people out there using it fraudulently, shame on them. It’s setup for a reason & not to benefit the unempathic characters of this society!
I request a wheel chair at airport terminals. I can’t walk the distance of the terminal. I develop rapid heart beat and difficulty breathing. I can however walk short distances without the wheelchair. I always feel ridiculous getting up and walking to the restroom. But I can absolutely not walk the distance of the terminal.
People with Legit ailments should not get so mad at our comments. But SWA is the worst, especially when I pay for Business Select and have to wait behind these scammers, who do not wait for their wheelchairs once we land. Perhaps pre-boarders should be given a plastic card to give to the wheel chair pushers at the end of the flight. That way flight attendants would know how many wheelchairs are needed once we land. These Pre-boarders must sit until all others de-plane and then get their wheelchair. That would deter the scammers.
I saw the same issue in my flight to Las Vegas. I asked Southwest desk why so many wheelchairs. You don’t have to prove an injury so people abuse it. Flight landed not 1 of at least 25 people who requested chairs to get in the flight waited for one. It is a big problem with Southwest and it is sad that healthy people abuse this. They should thank God they don’t need a wheelchair.
I saw the same issue in my flight to Las Vegas. I asked Southwest desk why so many wheelchairs. You don’t have to prove an injury so people abuse it. Flight landed not 1 of at least 25 people who requested chairs to get in the flight waited for one. It is a big problem with Southwest and it is sad that healthy people abuse this. They should thank God they don’t need a wheelchair.
Wheel chairs to the back of the plane!! ALL LUGAGE to be checked in at ticket counter, would help !! People that check all luggage might think twice, especially those that use this disability to take more luggage than allowed to!! And this would alleviate storage space in over head!!!!!
Two words: seat assignment
I fly southwest when it meets my needs. I also use a mobility scooter which gets gate checked at the plane so I only have to walk on and off the plane. I also pay for early bird boarding even though I don’t have to I normally sit in the middle of the plane and I am one of the last to exit the plane where my problem starts is from the curb to the plane and then from plane to curb I can’t walk that distance without pain. I take my scooter with me and it is a pain in the rear it’s not as easy as you think when you own the wheelchair or scooter I hope those of you that are so petty to complain about people who need this help never really find out what it is like to need this help. There are some airlines that charge you if you need assistance and that is more than the price of your ticket in most cases like frontier airlines charges for the assistance starting at $25 from curb to gate and then another $25 from gate to the curb plus you have to pay to check your device that is another $100 because it’s luggage and if you need anything else you get charged for that to so go ahead and complain that you didn’t get the seat you wanted at least you on on the plane
I have to use a wheelchair in places like Denver to get to my destination because I cannot walk that far due to a legitimate back injury. I do not use one to get on the plane though
This so disgusting! I have many back and nerve issues , which I do use this service when the day is a painful one and terminal is far for walking even with my combo seat/cane. Even so I have the need for the service, it is pretty embarrassing to have someone pushing you on a wheelchair and embarrassing cutting the security line. I don’t think you should be able to cut but it does make sense, so the person assisting you can get back to assist someone else and not be waiting in long line. All needing assistance also need to wait in their seat until all disembark. There have been times that no one shows up with a chair to disembark. You pick your seat, prior to checking in, so not sure about getting a better seat. I once paid extra for extra leg room for when my leg cramps, but upon checking in, they said only able body could use that seat because it was a emergency area, makes sense, however I did not get another extra room seat, I was assigned a regular cramped seat. So you try to just rotate sides while seating and get up to stretch. I wish there was a way to accurately call out the fakers, but guess airlines don’t want the risk of being wrong and being sued.
Yes, some people take advantage. But, the airlines must assume some fault as they overbook causing people to be uncomfortable and infuriated that they have to pay extra for better seating.
Go back to assigned seating. At least the passenger know where they are going to seat! South West had good idea until things have changed and SW didn’t keep up. Like their outdated computer system.
Airlines need to come up with a plan to correct this. As they are start with the bogus service animals. Have a hold on their CC and if they use the wheelchair getting off they are not charged. Sit them in the back. Check their bags at no charge so they will not be i. a hurry to run off…. We need to keep complaining to airlines to stop this abuse. If they really need it i’m for them.
Shame to you hypocrites that use a service not actually needed. I use a rollator walker for short distances but sometimes require a wheelchair for longer distances. Just because I have limited mobility I do not expect priority boarding. I will wait my turn.
I will behave maturely and respectfully to airport staff and passengers because I was taught manners and behaving well show class not crass. The self entitled culture needs to realize they are a part of the world and society they live in – not the center of it. Grow Up.
It’s the scumbag scammers who then post themselves being scumbags, who should be barred from early boarding.
Not everyone is faking…….baby boomers are now 60 to 70…..my dad is 89 he had heart surgery so he needs a wheelchair. My mom is 84 chronic leg pain she needs one. I just had a major back surgery. I would need one. Where we would just use one for dad now we need 3. Sorry but not sorry…do your job hire more help
I am a 78 year old female I Travel Southwest Airlines out of Philadelphia I have had 2 hip replacements and for arthriscopic knee surgeries it is impossible for me to walk from the front door of the airport to southwest gates which are at the end of the terminals. I ask for a wheelchair to take me frequently . Once I am at the gate and have set for a while I am able to walk onto the plane usually holding on to the rail and carrying my carry on bag as there is nothing wrong with my arms. When getting off the plane in Palm Beach, I am usually able to walk front door as the airport is very small but I have also asked for a wheelchair there at times depending on my pain level. The last time I flew Southwest, I had to wait in my wheelchair for well over an hour, at which point the airline personnel asked people to get up out of their wheelchairs and walk if possible on board As I listened to everyone who had been standing waiting complaining about all of us miracle people arising from our wheelchairs and walking on board with our canes or without them. It was most embarrassing and I felt very uncomfortable But was able to do that because I had set for an hour waiting to board the plane myself. People need to mind their own business and wait and not make judgments. Just because I Look healthy does not mean that I do not have a problem.
Easy fix, just charge for wheelchair use. Suddenly there will be a drop in demand.
[redacted -gl] I have a medical condition that makes me gain weight and a leg injury that makes it difficult to lose. I don’t preboard or use a wheelchair but your comments about being squished are rude. Not all of us are heavy by choice.
I wish everyone writing about disabled people was forced to live a full month with a disability. I needed a wheelchair for 4 months, then a walker for 3 months and will always occasionally need a cane after a bad accident over a year ago. I use priority boarding because I cannot stand for long periods and I need to have special scans for my internal and external medical hardware. I can, however, board and deboard a plane — albeit slowly and with assistance. It’s entirely plausible that 55 people were attracted to a specific disabled friendly cruise or destination and that some of them, like me, can handle some but not all of travel unassisted. Ultimately, here’s the question: what hurts society more: a slower loading of one plane so everyone can get on safely or faster loading that harm’s and/or humiliates 30 people for not being “disabled enough”?
This article will do nothing to solve the problem. Alot of people who read it will remember it and they will believe they have the ability to spot the “fakers” then they will aim their frustration and passive aggressive or openly aggressive behavior at disabled passengers. This article is so irresponsible and should be taken down. And of course it is the airlines fault. If they weren’t allowed to constantly overbook their flights then people those who may be able to forego the wheelchair would tough it out but nightmare experiences have taught them not to risk it.
I travel frequently and have noticed this scam with increasing regularity. They need to charge for the wheelchair and the employee assistance. Suddenly… no problem.
I have Parkinson’s. I’ve fallen twice on the jetway — once going up and once going down. Hand carry items fell all over me. The Southwest suits came running to help. Are you OK? Are you all right? Code for are you going to sue us? I use a wheelchair because of poor balance. Yes, I can get up and walk, but stumbles are unpredictable. The airports should thank me for preventing a lawsuit..
How about assisting WITHOUT providing priority? Yes, help someone get to the gate by giving a ride in a wheelchair. Then yes, help them get on the plane WHEN IT IS ACTUALLY THEIR TURN to board (as determined by the usual criteria used for all other passengers- such as booking date, boarding group numbers related to check-in time, fare paid, etc.)
Everyone feels that their medical issue is worse than the next person. Handicap parking,priority boarding, etc. If you’re in that bad of health call the damn morgue!
We have talked About this alot. Either charge a fee for the wheelchair or after they board, they need to stay seated until all passengers are off then bring those wheelchair people off. I bet that works to cut down the problem.
I agree, charge for the wheelchair service. It is an extra service after all.
What a sleazy country we have become. My uncle’s and step-father saw combat in WW2 to keep America free if fascism. My Mother worked at North American building the B-25 medium bomber. I’m so glad they are not here to see what a bunch of whiners Americans have become…they sacrificed some of the best years of their lives just so people could cheat because they were going to be inconvenienced a little bit.
If you take an injury remember karma. My mom, in the last years of her life, had to use a wheelchair at all times. She could barely walk because she had stage 4 breast cancer that later went to her brain. It caused Neuro damage to the entire right side of her body. Our family trips to Disney are what made her the most happy. Makes me sick to know people fake their injury. Trust me, even with brain damage, my mom would say how embarrassed she was to be in a wheelchair. Unable to walk or go to a regular bathroom. This was a woman who years before broke her back horseback riding. It was at the T10 region. She got up, limped a few feet to the ranch, got into our SUV and laid sideways 48 miles to the nearest ER!
I’ve flown 10 segments on SW since my injury, 4/2019. The first two segments all I remember is a transfer chair, wheelchair and I almost was dropped during a transfer. I was being flown home after a critical illness kept me in the hospital (out of state) for close to three months. Second trip was work related and I had a DME bag filled with DME stuff (ortho equip and meds) and got questioned by the ticketing agent (not cool – HIPPA, etc.) and was ashamed to explain something I didn’t have to. And I didn’t know that my wife could help me with board/de-boarding process at the time. I’m embarrassed about my injury and being different.
Segment seven was changing planes in PHX and while waiting in the isle to get off and find segment eight to get home, the passenger in front of me stepped back to push people behind him (me) out of the way so his able bodied travel companion could stand in the isle also. The passenger, male, had stepped on my foot (the foot that is still attached to my leg – but I’ve lost approx 85 % of use/function from toes to hip socket). I was trapped and couldn’t move. Asked nicely, twice, to please stop stepping on my foot – second time he turned around and muttered something that included a “no”. That was when the passenger’s lower back met my foreman. Mr Passenger then moved, involuntarily. That was the moment I learned to start advocating for myself. I would have no problem showing my handicap placard or anything else verifiable to qualify for Priority boarding. Just make the process standard and measurable. And introduce penalties if trying to scam.
I am disabled I have a rare disease that causes a very painful plus arthritis brittle bones I look normal I have had even airport employees ask can you walk a little. Yes but I used all my ability getting to the gate to get the wheelchair. I have had people fall on me while in wheelchair drop their luggage on me too.
I find people who think I am faking to be really inconsiderate this article does not help I travel with letter from my Dr to prove my disability and need of assistance. We should not have to pay more. All disabilities are not visible to the untrained eye
These people are a waste of oxygen, those of us that are paralyzed truly need the help that you are tying up with your self centered childish behavior.
Been saying this for years, I truly believe there should be seat assignments. That would cut the problem down by more than half.
I’ve been watching this problem for years. I love Southwest as a former (retired) employee but I’d rather take another flight or another means of transportation than having to go through all that mess.
We all know there are people who take advantage of every situation. These are the same people that misuse food stamps, SS benefits, unemployment, and covid relief. Seriously, 55 people on 1 flight that need wheelchair assistance! Shame!
Believe me I walk when I can even if I am hurting horribly due to people’s opinions. After 3 kidney transplants, many other major surgeries, damages to bone structure due to all the meds for rejection and a rare blood disoder,I still try to do it on my own because of people’s judgemental attitudes. I know show people fake. But like other gentleman said karma will come back to bite the fakers and she a biatch.
I use a wheelchair I have MS I do NOT look handicap I have a wheelchair meet me at the gate at the end of the flight but I choose to walk off the plane because they hot the bumps sooo hard wheelchair they pull the wheel chair back up it’s painful
Remember that some families would hire a person in wheelchair in Florida at Disney world to be able to get to the front of the line at all the attractions. Disney finally banned this type of activity. It’s pretty sad when a small number of people screw it up for the people with real disabilities
Jet bridge Jesus miracles.
At Thanksgiving, my mom needed a wheelchair curb to plane to curb (with a gate to gate transfer in Atlanta of all places). She had a walker that was gate checked. For the final leg of the trip, when we landed it was taking a while for a wheelchair to come because they didn’t have one readily available that fits on the planes. They asked my mom if she could walk off the plane, then a wheelchair could meet her on the ramp. Well, she could walk with the walker so her walker was brought on, she got up and walked off the plane to the wheelchair. So just because she could walk somewhat, doesn’t mean she could walk the whole thing. Plus, you all seem to think that only wheelchairs get priority boarding. It’s *anyone* who needs extra time boarding – so those with canes, walkers, crutches, boots, casts, balance issues, low eyesight, etc. can board early. Therefore your accusation have nothing to do with actual mobility. It is also illegal to ask for proof of a disability, or to discriminate by putting people in the back of charging them more. Frontier is asking for a lawsuit if they are actually charging for ADA accommodations as someone else stated.
I had major surgery on my ankle, when I book my flight I check the assistance box, but I get there early and walk to the gate. My ankle do swell up on me, but I rather take my time and walk to the gate.
I do know other people may need than me. I have a handicap decal for my car, but my ankle will never be the same.
So don’t just think because a person may look healthy, don’t mean they don’t have elements.
Practice common decency!
They give you a wheelchair no matter what kind of assistance you need. I sometimes travel with a friend who is blind and they are always pressuring her to use a wheelchair. Plus she needs more help getting to her seat on the plane than getting off. And the flight attendants have to give her a special safety talk about how many seats to count to the safety exit etc.
I am a stage 4 breast cancer patient with metastasis to bone- and I do not look sick- when I travel- I get so many dirty looks but because of my bone cancer- I can’t walk long distances- so I do the wheel chair- – I have a number to skip security check (precheck #) and I have a card from DMV (handicap plate card) – so don’t need the wheelchair to skip a line- but to get to a plane
As a disabled Veteran managing stroke and hip fracture surgery recovery, I’ve been forced to swallow my pride and requested wheelchair assistance along with havingTSA Precheck. Agree that even though we are privileged to board first, I’m just fine with deplaning last. Wheelchair to luggage check helps sooo much. Anyone boarding first due to a supposed disability with or without wheelchair assistance should deplane last. (For safety reasons). LOL! As for wheelchair assistance requested “at the airport”, I think there should be a charge. Substantial. Any true disabled person is going to make damn sure that wheelchair request is on the ticket order. Oh yeah! Southwest. Your public is talking. Join the conversation.
Why not have travelers who require a wheelchair for assistance because of a disability, show a letter from their family physician, or a official government issued disability ID card?
I’m 53 years old and have had a knee replacement, back and neck surgery. I also have a spinal cord stimulator to help reduce my pain. Sadly, it’s really hard for me to walk to and from the gates. Not all disabilities can be seen and people have no idea what others go through nor the troubles they have. I hate taking the wheelchairs but I have too and I know others look at me as if I’m taking advantage of the wheelchair services, but I assure you I am not. I would much rather be able to walk through the airport than have all this pain along with the disabilities I have. The only flights I’ve seen with a bunch of wheelchairs waiting is to Las Vegas. I agree that this article shouldn’t even be up here because it is going to make others see us people with actual disabilities seem like we’re just using the system to get priority boarding. I’ll be more than happy to pay a fee to have the wheelchair assistance. I’ve waited over 30 minutes to get to baggage claim. My mother is 75 years old. She has A-fib, low blood pressure and has a horrible time walking and I suppose she shouldn’t use the wheelchair service either?? That’s what this article is doing. It’s going to make it very difficult to get the wheelchair service for us people that actually need it. I guess I could always show my disability card that goes with my license plate to everyone like I did when I first started using the wheelchair service cause I didn’t want anyone to think I was trying to fake it.
This is the type of article that will cause nothing but problems for disabled people! You now have raised an awareness of something that is probably happening in small measure but will cause all the nosies out there to think is happening everywhere! As a disabled person who looks normal on the outside I get plenty of stares when I take the wheelchair thru the airport. That doesn’t mean that I don’t need to have it. You have just greatly increased the judgment that people like me will have to put up with. It’s humiliating enough to have to be wheeled through the airport without people passing judgment as to whether or not you need it. There will always be some people who break the rules for their own benefit but that doesn’t mean that everybody is doing it. I don’t always take a wheelchair off the plane simply because I don’t have a time limit to get to my transportation nor do I have a long period of time to stand in line, plus I’ve just rested on the flight so temporarily I might be feeling slightly better at the end of a flight. That does not mean that I did not need a wheelchair to get to the flight! I know multiple other people in the same exact situation as myself so I imagine there are many many more. Now we’re all going to get a lot more dirty looks and snide comments so thanks a lot!
Relatively easy fix. Have to show handicap placard and associated identification card issued with placard to get wheelchair. Or, for a price, issue a separate handicap identification card similar to TSA precheck, which would be referenced when reservations are made and further referenced on boarding pass.
I am a breast cancer survivor, 74 years of age, but look like I am age 50 or younger. I am blonde, take care of my body. I’m fortunate to come from great genes and have great skin. Unfortunately, I have lost a breast to cancer.
Due to my age, I have also lost cartilage in my hip joints & right knee. But, regardless , I have never let theses issues keep me down. I stay as active as possible. Depending on the weather & my daily pain level , I do, occasionally, use a cane or walker. Chemo & radiation have, obviously, not been kind; I have neuropathy in my feet & hands.
I appear very healthy, but inside, that is not the case. When traveling, it is difficult to navigate an airport, especially when the boarding gates are a long distance from ticketing or the TSA areas, also when connecting flights are terminals apart. Therefore, I do require wheelchair assist to board & exit a plane. I am able to walk down the aisle of a plane & use the restroom. Other than SWA, all of the seats I have purchased on United or American, have always been in rows 24 or farther back. I do not require special seating & don’t require an upgrade.
I appreciate the attendants who assist me and I tip them well. Minimum $10 to $15, each way. A flight that requires 2 plane changes can cost me an extra $40 to $60, just to get to my destination and the same amount to return home. So, for those who have paid to upgrade their seat, the wheelchair assist costs me as well. I realize not all wheelchair assist persons receive a gratuity, but I do my part and then some. Shame on those who do not tip! The wheelchair attendant provides an extra service, they deserve a little extra!
Since I do not fit the perceived appearance of what most people determine a disabled person should look like, ie. missing a foot, leg, arm, using crutches because of a foot or leg cast, wrinkled appearance, hunched over & drooling, I receive dirty looks, rude & unkind comments and often huffs of disgust from passers by.
So, for those who contend that a healthy LOOKING person does not appear to need a wheelchair, it’s none of your business and you don’t know a thing about me. For those who fake it, are dishonest and take advantage of the service, you are deplorable & extremely narcissistic!
I apologize to those who feel their time, patience and travel objective are more important than anyone else’s. I, personally, am very self-conscience that I need to use a wheelchair, because I am fully aware of the negative doubt reflected my way when in the chair. To you disgruntled individuals, I wish you continued good health and hope you never require this type of assistance.
It happens all the time on trips from NY and Boston to Fla. All airlines; old people are the worst, one of the many reasons they get so little respect.
And I’m in my 70’s. These people were jerks when they were young. They just got old.
Joanne Boss I agree . I have bilateral vocal cord paralysis which makes distance walking difficult. I also fly southwest to Chicago. From checkin to the gate is very difficult for me. However Tampa airport is an easy walk. So I guess I am one of those miracles. Of course there are fakers – but what is the percentage?
And now that you’ve posted this finding don’t you think that even more than 30 will try to do this going forward?
And so it begins. Human beings ALWAYS have to ruin things for other human beings! Now the airports/airlines need to start requiring handicap documentation from anyone requesting assistance…ruining it for people who actually need assistance through the airport and on the plane. SMH
Most are scammers (please overweight people you know you can walk, just laziness!) I just shake my head when I fly, always more and more wheelchairs. I agree an extra charge will alleviate some of this.
I travel from New England to southwest Florida on Southwest frequently. I would say that the majority of people utilizing wheelchairs do need them. There are definitely people working the system though. However, what really angers me are the people who claim they need to pre board. These are not people in wheelchairs. All you have to do to pre board is to tell the agent you need to do so – no questions asked. The amount of these types of pre boarders has increased dramatically. I’ve seen upwards of 30-40 people doing this. Really irks me when I pay top dollar to be in the A group.
All you Karen’s stop being so noisy and judgmental!! People have unseen disabilities. People with disabilities please do not give a rats behind about these ignorant Karen’s ( Guy and girl Karen’s) opinions. They don’t do anything but put negatively around them. Don’t except that negativeity. You have a right to have dignity and to your rights. It is ok if you need assistance. Disabilities can happen to anyone. I am very patient with anyone with a disability. I am greatful that I do not have a mobile disability and more then happy to help thoes if they need it. Please don’t feel bad about your disabilities.
What’s stopping Southwest from banning people who openly fake a disability?
This issue would go away as soon as people who needed assistance getting on the plant l plane were made to wait while everyone deplanes at the destination so they can have assistance deplaning.
This is why I don’t travel anymore. U am disabled. I use a cane or walker on really good days around my home, but a powerchair when I have to go out. 4 back surgeries, 9+ other operations, and other various injuries from falls make it necessary. However, if you saw me just standing, I look fine. At 6′ 2″+ and 250, I just look like the athlete I was with a “Dad bod” tummy for good measure. Clothes hide the scars. I have had people scream at me when I shop but don’t use my chair because it is such a pain to load. We went to the store the other day and a 20 something kid parked in the last HC spot JUMPED out of his car and jogged to the store in a drizzle. Yes, he had a placard, but it obviously wasn’t his. This needs to stop. When we asked the store manager about it, he said, “Call the cops”, and walked away. We called the Police, and were told, “It’s private property, so we don’t issue citations”. Someone needs to step up (pun intended) and fix this.
Handicapped service should NOT be charged extra for.
It is a service provided for a classified group of people that is protected by law. That makes it different from a service that is an upgrade or privilege for people without disabilities. Having a disability is painful and limiting. If you are not the one with the disability, then you are not in a position to judge or determine their needs. Where is your humanity?
People with disabilities should not have to pay for wheelchair service, and having a seat near the front of the plane is a necessity as walking on and off the plane is very difficult without the use of a walker, instead holding onto the flight attendants hand.
Furthermore, balancing by holding onto their hand requires more strength and balance than using a walker, and leaves me exhausted, sore and worn out. It takes days to recover. I can walk only short distances with a walker and require the wheelchair for longer distances. And yes, people with disabilities have a need to fly too.
This is rea;;y terrible. I need wheelchair access because of my conditions and for the first time in three years, I waited a fairly long time in getting assistance and boarding a plane. I was waiting with mostly seniors. When we landed at our destination, half the seniors were able to walk out of the airport on their own.
Something needs to be done about this like providing medical documentation before getting assistance.
My dad needed help with a chair when he was undergoing treatment for advanced stage cancer(he passed soon after), my (late) husband needed the chair when traveling the last few years of his life due to heart problems and emphysema, my now husband needs a chair when a long walk is necessary due to neuropathy, disc replacement and fusion surgery, I have occasionally needed a chair when my bad knee flares up. I don’t fly SW, I pay for very good seating and tip those who help get us to the plane. I have even (when I am not having a flare up) pushed my husbands chair myself when needed such as when we get off the plane and no person is available to help us. It can be difficult but we manage. Not everyone is so lucky to have someone there to help. I have found that other passengers sometimes help me get the chair up the gangway as it is uphill getting off the plane. I appreciate the help. I understand that there will be fakers, we are not! I hate the comments that sometimes get said when one or both of us need chairs. I would rather use my cane in pain and do my best than hear all that crap. Unfortunately, my husband can’t just make do with a cane or Walker. He also has COPD so there is that. We are both in our late 60’s. Please people, quit being judge mental, be grateful that you don’t need the help. For those who feel that we should have to pay extra for help, need to ‘Prove’ our need ( this is an Ada no no)!! Again, be grateful! We have the Handicapped Car Placard that we had to show proof of need to obtain from the doctor. That is sufficient. I used to make sure to carry it on our travels, but then that meant we had to get a ride to and from the airport because we could not use the handicapped parking without the placard. How would that help? Some don’t use a placard because they have a handicap plate attached to the car, how would that work? Think about your judgements before commenting on these posts that only serve to stir up trouble.
Goodness what’s with the people who aren’t regular commenters claiming this is about people who don’t “look” like they should be disabled being shamed.
It’s about people who claim to need assistance to get on, and then walk away unhindered on arrival, when the incentives are gone. No idea what a scammer looks like.
Fact is there are scammers, and this is about calling them out so they don’t harm those who really need it.
It’s getting out of control on Southwest. I paid extra to upgrade, got seat A 2 and 30 preboards went before me. A man just walked up to a empty wheelchair and sat there, I could clearly see group C on his ticket, then he and all the others walk off the plane.
This is an easy fix….especially for southwest.
I to have witnessed numerous individuals walking through airports with no problem in their gait or physical limitations, and yet they boarded with wheelchair assistance. It could be that some flights effectuate a miracle cure, but doubtf.
I strongly believe there is a need for assistance in some cases and the remedy is quite simple for a carrier like Southwest. Those needing assistance , and remember their traveling partners as well, should be boarded first and assisted to the seats toward the rear area of the plane. That way they can equally be assisted off the plane more easily once the other passengers have exited. This would solve the fraudster crap and more importantly get those that really need assistance the help they require to disembark. I know for a fact Southwest has lost former patrons due to the alarming increase in the actions of those that feign needing assistance to board early.
A sprained ankle is not a disability, so if the airlines are giving that service to a passenger, they need to limit it to a wheelchair ride to the terminal and leave them there, taking the wheelchair away. The person can walk and have their normal boarding and seat place. It would be good to have a card from the doctor or hospital to identify us as disabled, and the time frame (a person with a broken leg is a temporary disability). This is something not provided yet. Using handicapped services when not handicapped is a crime. Find a way to punish those persons, NOT the real handicapped persons. It is a $250 fine for parking in a handicapped space, and the car can be towed.
Comments saying to charge for the handicapped services is ridiculous, backward thinking. This world has gotten crazy in their thinking that the solution to problems iis to punish the innocent for the actions of the guilty. Handicapped people will still need the service, therefore paying for it if it is charged. It might deter some of the guilty persons, but not all. Deal with the problem, which is the guilty persons. Fine them and ban them. This is where a card identifying us as handicapped would be helpful. Besides the physical and mental struggles, it is expensive to be handicapped. It typically limits our monthly income, and though some may be able to continue working and earning a decent income, many and perhaps most cannot.
a JC and others saying handicapped should sit in back…..It is difficult to walk onto the plane, and walking to the back would be completely unreasonable. It is difficult enough to walk onto the plane. I have flown Southwest, United and American. All times, I was boarded in the first group and sat near the front. All times, I was the last to get off the plane, having to wait for the wheelchair assistance and my walker and sometimes my personal wheelchair too, that I had brought with me to be obtained from the gate check. Once, I had a seat that had extra leg room, which is needed with my condition. Being cramped and not able to move my legs is not good, though I had regular seats on the other flights. They were short flights, but it was still very tiring and challenging. Even waiting while sitting in a wheelchair is tiring. You can’t imagine the energy it takes to do even such basic things.
Oh come on, you’ll be a boomer someday too. What happened to common curiosity? This younger generation are disrespectful and rude. Next time you see a person in a wheelchair lend a hand and ask if you can do anything for them. Everyone will board and unboard…have patience, better yet don’t fly.
There is a simple solution…for those with TRUE handicap get a Dr’s note or a card (for those with long-term disability)! We have the blue cards for cars why not have something that you show at check in?! Having assigned seating at the back of the plane is cruel for those of us that can barely get to a seat at the front!!
I know of a family that doesn’t require a wheel chair but use them just to get borded quicker… not fair for the ones that need them !
I would be glad to trade good legs and a way to walk without using my two wheeler. And assistance with wheelchair when I my wife and I travel. She is 83 and I’m 77. It’s a damn shame these lazy inconsiderate people fake injuries or just assume people will be generous enough to give them the assistance to that they do not need. One of these days I hope these people will have to pay for their inconsiderate laziness by having to use these things as we handicap people do
They will only hurt it for those of us that need it. I’m a double leg amputee, and the last time I flew received fantastic attention. I don’t like needing help and would love to be able to walk normally. I can walk short distances on prosthetics but airports are big and would be way too much. That last flight was from Peoria to Chicago. And once at O’Hara the pushed me all the way from the plane and helped me get into a taxi. It was SO appreciated.
I saw this first hand in traveling between Albuquerque and California. A lady walked up to the podium, from outside the TSA checkpoint, ordered a wheelchair, they brought the chair, she sat down in it and was wheeled onto the plane after asking the attendant to allow her to get up and walk and he could carry her carry on items in the wheel chair. He said he couldn’t do that, so she sat back dowm in the chair. Meanwhile i’m standing in line after paying extra for business class after having one hip replaced (most recent), the need to have the other replaced due to arthritis and hip deteriation, I got angry because I saw right through the stunt and the atendents still had to put that woman on before I could board in position A1. I thought…Unbelievable, unfair, because I too could have used my hip as an excuse to use a wheelchair and get early boarding instead of paying extra for business class. We’ll see how it goes this time as I travel.
Southwest Airlines Allows Handicapped on First and off First…
Some makes it to baggage claim faster than Non Disabled People…Walking Off the Plane…
Correct Policy to Deals with Dishonest People.
Can’t have it both ways…
Priority and “A” means Nothing .
Pay to watch them get ahead of You (not fair)
Limited When purchasing Tickets and Over Flows Need to Purchase (2) Seats…
I’m tired of this Bad Behavior…
Get A Doctors Permit and let the Airlines deal with it not Us…
No you can not Move My Armrest…I paid for this Space.
You have kids
Pay for Priority Boarding…No you can not have my Seat I paid $40 Extra for it…
Selfish People!
Get a Airline that Works for Your Situation….
I’m “70” can’t lift carry on over my head… So should I bring My Carry On to have someone else do it…
No!
Check that Crap In!
People are just Self Entitlement and Don’t Give a Care for
No-one Except “Themselves and Theirs …
Enjoy Your Flight!
At the age of 81and with a hip replacement and stenosis of the lower back was the 1st time I REQUESTED a wheelchair. The long walks down the corridors was no longer doable.
we refer to the Baltimore to Ft Myers Southwest flights as the miracle cure flights. Everyone needs a wheelchair getting on but can sprint to luggage getting off. sad reflection on our society in general
People who fake injuries to get through the airport make me sick! There are people who really need help, who cannot walk far, or at all, through the airport and on the plane. The selfish fakers make people in general, have less compassion and tolerance for the ones who really need it. Our society has gotten so sad, SMH.
Hello friends,
My husband and I travelled internationally 3 times in the last 6 moths for family commitments. Father is 104 and sick, passed away. Then other post passing ceremonies. I am 74 and husband 78. I have vertigo and husband has walking issues. He has a restricted walking distance of 300 ft. Carries a handicap ♿️ plate for parking. Outwardly we are healthy. We started requesting assistance starting last year. We had to wait for 45 min to 60 min to get assistance. Got tired of waiting and to avoid staring looks, we started walking slowly towards the destination. We have paid for every little thing to make our travel hazzle free.
I have noticed the same thing like 20 to 30 wheel chairperson at the gate and gets embarrassed. Once we requested just one wheel chair for my husband and the assistance guy was running with my husband in the chair. I had to run behind the wheel chair in Paris.
I like the idea of having a handicapped sticker number from the DOT to request wheel chair assistance.
Once we got kicked out for sitting in a chair for handicapped. We sat there because there were no other seats available and was enduring crucial leg pain after walking long distance at the air port. Outwardly we look young and able.
Defanitely something needs to be done world wide with airlines.
We are reaching the times everybody predicted ” More oldies than we can handle “. We need more assistance with everything!
@Mary – good thinking. Or some sort of advance documentation like the airlines and feds now require for service animals. The changes for service animals seems to have really cut down on the scammers, maybe somethign similar can help this situation.
I’m in SE Asia this winter flying low cost carrier AirAsia between countries while sporting a broken foot and walking cast. Only 4 wheelchairs are allowed to be reserved each flight, it needs to be done at least 4 hours in advance and the cost is $15 per flight.
I have often said, people who require assistance to get ON the plane, should be required to wait for assistance to get OFF. Anyone w a true need wouldn’t be insulted as they have to wait anyway and those who used it just to pre-broad would be inconvenienced and might decide waiting to get on is worth not having to wait to get off.
So true. We pay xtra and you have people take advantage and claim they need wheelchairs just to move ahead. I have a co worker that said she does it just so she don’t have to wait and told me I should do the same. I would never. These people that need wheel chairs should be first on and last off!!! My daughter is 40 and has back issues, was dizzy and her 3 year old was crying for her to pick her up. She was traveling alone..and thought she was gona pass out but still wouldn’t get a wheel chair. And getting off she waited until everyone got off first. This world we live in is insane. Selfish people. Remember ….CARMA is a bitch!
I am mostly fine but am mentally ill. I have a lot of problems figuring out things and with high anxiety at airports. I’m not so disabled that I can’t fly by myself but I am to go through the whole procedure. If everything goes with no problems I might be okay but I never know when it’s going to b a bad day or not. I don’t know if there is going to b problems with the flight. I don’t know if I will also b having physical problems besides. I’ve had two knee replacements back surgeries and other chronic physical ailments. On a great day I might b able to do it by myself but I never know how I will b and I don’t know what’s going to happen with the flight. I’ve missed my flight and had to b up in a hotel for a few hours and I could barely handle it. Couldn’t sleep trying to get back to the airport was too much for me. It was a horrible, horrible experience. People with severe mental illness ie. people who are disabled because of it don’t always look like they are mentally ill. Sometimes we need the extra help too. There is a category for extra help on southwest for the mentally ill too. U don’t want to see me have a manic or nervous breakdown during my airport experience believe me. People like me need help too. U can’t see it when looking at me.
My husband is (noticeably) handicapped. In order to fly, he has to use wheelchair transportation through the airport. The last.time we flew together getring a wheelchair at.Chicago O’Hare was next to impossible and we barely made our flight. I would absolutely LOVE it if the airlines insisted.on a handicapped ‘ID’. But even with that, there still will be lazy, inconsiderate, self-entitled people who will abuse the system.
My parents did not raise me to take advantage of others. I do not understand how the dishonest “wheelchair fakers” can be so selfish and inconsiderate. I also don’t understand why the airlines put up with this, you have to be loosing passengers to other airlines. Can airlines require a card or note from the passenger’s health care provider stating the passenger needs a wheelchair? Can it be made part of purchasing a ticket?
If the passenger says he needs a wheelchair, can it be verified with a phone call? This would not cost anymore than an attendant wheeling a “faker” all over the airport. If you have verification for service animals there should be a way to protect the truly handicapped. If you park in a handicap space, you are suppose to have a visible permit.
Is this a sign of changing times or a change in early childhood discipline ? I think the latter. Maybe, when these child-like people grow up and actually require a wheelchair that is non-available, they will remember their selfish acts of depriving others that have a true need.
I will admit I am not a frequent-flyer or handicapped, but news like this really makes my blood boil.
The passenger Who didn’t use the assistance on the return should be billed for the abuse and to send a message that it’s not acceptable and he/she wouldn’t try that’s again.
Simply board the “A” group first. I have seen this. Sorry for the real folks who actually need it.
Oh my Lord! I just started doing this because I am 77 years old and could no longer find myself standing in long lines or walking long distances through the terminal. It took me a very long time to realize that I needed help and my sister told me about wheelchair assistance. Now, after just a couple times I’m being faced with scrutiny for my age and inability after all these years. Give us a break!!!
Worse is when they have three or more family members that get on with them ahead of everyone else!
They should have something from the dr. Saying they need assistance. Too many people just think of they are a senior citizen they are entitled to be chauffeured. Ive seen way too many healthy people getting up and walking just fine after getting out of the airport. Also, peopke on wheel chairs are allowed to bring company with them and those people board earlier with them. They are not doing anything to help their person…because the airline is doing that. Makes no sense to me. What’s fair is fair… it should be a fair process if you are paying a hell of a lot more money to board the same plane.
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For the 30 people who didn’t need assistance getting off, they should be barred from flying Southwest for a year.
My 2 year old son is disabled we use his stroller as a wheel chair. I have avoided flights this far. There is so much unknown as a parent. I would like to be seated together and keep him in his stroller where he feels most safe and secure. Making parents pay more to sit next to children should be illegal. I am not made of money.
On a flight from Columbia to Florida about 30 elderly in wheelchairs boarded, they needed assistance. As a former aircrew member I’m concerned about what happens in an emergency and how they’ll evacuate the plane. Unnecessarily dangerous.
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It isn’t fair…for years people tell me that they fake Injuries just to get on the plane 1st and to get off 1st and they’re out of the airport before I am there should be some kind of Protocol. Otherwise this will continue to get Messier and Messier the airlines need to make a change
How do hearing and vision impared people get help….SW airline I board as preboard, as I’ve missed gate changes, and missed flights because I can’t hear, and no solution to fix, brain tumor, can’t hear at all…., I don’t need a wheelchair, and fly SW because I can board early…other airlines, don’t know if I’d get on flight….
I have arthritis and am overweight and I cannot walk through the airport so I get a wheelchair. However, I am capable and do leave the wheelchair at the gate and board where I am assigned on Sw.
I’m not surprised that Heathrow was specifically mentioned in this article. I once broke my ankle on vacation and flew home from Heathrow. My traveling companion went in search of a wheelchair and was told that they were all in use. I was using some very uncomfortable crutches and had to stand in line at the the ticket counter and make my way through security to my very distant gate on my own. My traveling companions were burdened with my carry on bags as well as their own. This was back in 2008, so I think the problem was that Heathrow didn’t have enough wheelchairs, not that able people were using them.
We should docx those that use the airport wheelchairs for their own benefit.. Perhaps we should start a non profit organization called Stop Airport Wheelchair Abuse. Some thing like the Poverty Law Center.
I traveled from Frankfort Airport to DIA last fall and needed wheelchair assistance due to a knee surgery. Those assistants were great especially the German young man and the Hispanic young woman. It restored my faith in our youngsters. So carring and aware of the pitfalls to get thru the security posts. Why don’t the CEOs of these airlines do their management jobs and hire more staff to assist all passengers and create more available flights. The staff and passengers are the victims, not the cause of our system.
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