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.