In the U.S., no airline accommodates more wheelchair passengers than Southwest. If you’re in a wheelchair, you board first. And the earlier you board, the more seats you get to choose from. Wheelchair passengers just aren’t supposed to sit in an exit row. Most of these people ‘require’ assistance boarding, but walk off on their own at the end of the flight – fully healed!
Seriously @SouthwestAir? There are more than 25 pre-boarders on my LAS-AUS flight. Just because you get a C on your boarding group shouldn’t mean you can cut the line. pic.twitter.com/ni0RGVPdq4
— Steve Stauning (@SteveStauning) November 15, 2025
That’s going to end January 26th with assigned seating. But Southwest isn’t the only airline with a wheelchair problem, and seat choice isn’t the only reason people request assistance they don’t need.
There are up to 120 wheelchair requests per international flight on Air India. 90 wheelchairs are common. In fact, data suggests that 30% of Air India passengers flying to the U.S. and U.K. request wheelchairs.
Data from early 2025 shows that nearly 30% of passengers booking Air India flights to USA from India requested wheelchair assistance. On February 19, for instance, Air India’s nonstop Delhi to Chicago flight had 99 wheelchair bookings for almost one-third of the passengers on board. On March 20, the airline had to cater to a whopping 90 wheelchair service requests for passengers scheduled to travel on the Delhi-Newark flight. Precisely, Air India alone processes over 100,000 wheelchair requests every month from passengers, domestic and international.
Air India says 30% of passengers on India-US flights ask for wheelchairs.
Most are able bodied travelers scamming the priority boarding system.
Real disabled passengers get left short.
— Bruce (@bruce_barrett) November 15, 2025
The big prize here isn’t boarding – it’s skipping every line: Priority at check-in, security, and departure immigration (something U.S.-origin flights don’t have). It also often means help at baggage claim, too. And since ground staff are under pressure to get passengers through quickly, and move on to assisting the next passenger, they routinely cut to the front of lines. That’s the “hack.”
For an India–US economy passenger that turns 2-hour check-in lines into 5 minutes, cut to the front of security and immigration, and someone pushes you to the remote gate so you don’t have a long walk. Things are so bad that India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation now formally allows airlines to charge able-bodied passengers for wheelchair service.
While I haven’t been happy with a lot of the changes that Southwest Airlines has rolled out – like devalued Rapid Rewards points, expiring travel credits, and checked bag fees, we’ll certainly see fewer passengers faking disabilities. I like that today seats aren’t assigned months in advance, so last minute bookers like me still have a shot of a decent seat. But I don’t like queuing half an hour in advance of the flight.
Reducing Jetbridge Jesus flights is a positive side to the tradeoff. That doesn’t just promote fairness, it stops hogging wheelchairs and staff time pushing those chairs to make them more available for those that really need the assistance.
But it doesn’t end the practice, and we see it across all airlines (just not as frequently as we do with Air India!) because it gets you:
- Guaranteed bin space near your seat. For many once-a-year travellers with big carry-ons, “my bag is right above me” feels like a huge win.
- The whole entourage boarding with the wheelchair, so 3–6 family members board early too. They can get kids settled, claim overheads for multiple bags, and rearrange seats before the cabin fills.
- Avoid standing in a packed jetbridge.
- No long walking distances in the airport.
Requesting wheelchairs remains about converting the airport day into a half-baked VIP meet-and-assist product for free. And we’re not likely to see rules in the U.S. like in India allowing airlines to charge passengers who don’t actually need it.
That change is probably gonna surprise a few yokels who don’t realize it’s no longer effective… February 2026: ‘Wait, so I boarded early, but I can’t pick seat 1A? 36B?! What was even the point of lying about being handicapped?!’
The lame shall walk again- at the end of the flight!
(musical note emojis)
“Don’t care if it rains or freezes”
(musical note emojis)
IYKYK
Southwest corrupted the wheelchair process and encouraged the scammers when it adopted the policy of calling for those who were able to walk down the jetway to board first and then they would take those actually in wheelchairs. All of a sudden they had 20 to 30 more so called “handicapped” now walking down. I have as many as 10, very able bodied apparently a sports team, boarded prior to those in wheelchairs, more than once. Shame on for creating this monster.
Why don’t you go to the airport and call out the people who you don’t think are handicapped?
Southwest created this monster when they decided to ask for those able to walk down the jetbridge to board first and then they would take actual wheelchair passengers. This alone encouraged the scammers to multiply tremendously. I have personally witnessed what appeared to be young, able bodied sports teams, leap up and preboard when actual wheelchair passengers were left waiting. And this happened more than once. Shame on you Southwest.
I hope WN releases the data on the number of wheelchair and early boarding requests before and after the assigned seating change over date.
I put my Mother-in-law in a wheelchair at MIA. The walk at Airside D is just too long and confusing for her (she is 82). She does not need it at her destination airport (TPA), which was designed for minimal walking length. I wish I could just require it where needed, but that isn’t an option. Airlines should allow assistance at individual airports rather than entire flights.
Just have wheelchairs board last and don’t allow wheelchair users to have more than a personal item. They have to check everything.
@Dave – This is the correct answer.
@Dave literally just said in other words “Handicapped people don’t have the same rights I do as a flier.” He said….. “….and don’t allow wheelchair users to have more than a personal item. They have to check everything.”
You can’t tell handicapped they have to be treated differently, under ADA law. No airline, nor will the government allow that.
Airports need to police wheel chair requests. On my last flight, a woman had a wheel chair loaded with her carryons and being pushed by an attendant, as she ably walked beside it. She skipped the security line and went right to the front. The attendant pushed her luggage all the way to her gate as the woman walked beside her.
First saw this on AirTran flight. Guy in wheelchair boards first. Arriving in MCO he gets bag from overhead and walks off and thru terminal. Must have been a miracle.
They need them to have them board last unless they check in a wheelchair that they bring.
They need them to have them board last unless they check in a wheelchair that they bring..
@Mark Dahncke — We don’t agree on much, but we agree here. The handicapped should not be punished for being handicapped; at the same time, passengers should not falsely claim to be handicapped in order to obtain special treatment. It’s also the root cause of folks frustration over ‘service animals’ and excessive claims of ‘discrimination.’ (Kind of a synopsis of 50% of Gary’s content, you know, all the ‘outrage-bait’ stuff, if we’re being honest and getting ‘meta’ here.)
@Mark
Then they can wait in line and board with their assigned position…..just like everyone else.
Legally with open seating they must offer this opportunity to board ahead of anyone else. I don’t believe under the ACAA pre-boarding is mandatory for assigned seats but is a thing because it allows to coordinate the assist personnel at one time and for a shorter period, give ramp agents enough time to take scooters and personal wheelchairs downstairs and load, situate on plane without others in the aisle, etc.
Airlines have to provide passengers an opportunity to select a seat that satisfies whatever medical condition or need they have (within class of service paid for). I think as long as it’s 24 hours in advance but you see many airlines block a row at the bulkhead or near it with moveable aisle armrests until last minute.
Because Southwest doesn’t (yet) give the opportunity to pre-identify their need and pick a seat that satisfies their condition, they must be given opportunity to board ahead of everyone else to ensure they can self select such a seat.
Yeah they could be forced to board last but in that case they could look at you in row 2 aisle seat and say I need that as it has moveable armrest and I can’t walk far and I need the bathroom. So get up. And then where are you going? Whatever other seat is still open. So have fun in 23E.
I am sure the volume of preboarders will go down when assigned seats start. Not just because of scammers. But because someone with say a fused leg or on crutches can come on last and know that seat they selected they need is gonna be open.
Now, one airport I managed at implemented no line cutting at TSA especially precheck for wheelchairs. Have to wait in line. There was a noted decrease.
How about “If you got on first in a wheelchair, at the end of the flight you MUST wait for the rest of the passengers to deplane and then MUST wait for a wheelchair to get you off the plane”? And ONE passenger gets on with you to assist you and sits with you.
As someone who needs to get wheelchair service in airports, I understand people’s frustration at the abuse of this service. I personally would never fly SWA because I always thought the cattle call was ridiculous and they never offer first class seating. I’d pay for Spirit Big Front Seat rather than SWA if none of the big 3 weren’t available.
I’m not sure about other states but I know in MD, you are required to carry a card to accompany your disabled parking placard. I’d be happy to present it at the airport and require others to do the same. I believe it could help alleviate the problem and people would stop looking at me in airports like I’m abusing a system. Believe me, they do.
Having pushed Wheel chairs for years for vendors assisting SW Guests I met many a miracle flight coming into MCO from New York. And also pushed folks from curb to gate. It is a challenge. I’m on the other side of the equation now as I need WC assistance and glad it’s available. As far as waiting your turn getting through security the issue is your tying up a Wheel chair and the person pushing from serving another customer. FYI the pay was below minimum wage and tips heavily relied upon. You’d think the airlines would want to pay better for better skilled workers. It is a skill to accommodate disabled flying passengers. ☮️
Miracle flights have been happening for years, reserved seats or not. They are all lined up at the departure station and then upon landing at the arrival station they can miraculously walk off. See the same thing at the gym with the people parking in handicap spots with their tag and then getting a grueling workout.
@Coffee Please — Bad karma.
SUPER SECRET: you can request a SUNFLOWER Lanyard AT ANY information desk. This is a globally accepted discreet way to signal gate agents that you have anxiety and they will let you board early. This is the next wave of Southwest and Airline abusers. You’ve heard it hear. There is no end to scammers. The Sunflower people should be allowed to reduce their anxiety by being required to board LAST, when it is peaceful and everyone else have boarded – NOT FiRST.
If your complaint is that folks are using wheelchair excessively while you had to wait in line, please dont hestitate to avail the same VIP service for yourself.
You failed to consider that the airlines doesnt offer specialized assistance categorization like – need full wheelchair assistance vs requires assistance for connecting flights (for eg some airports like Frankfurt are too chaotic even for folks in prime to make the connection with say in 90 minutes). If they only offer wheelchair as a mode of assistance – what can folks do if they only want connecting flight assistance?
Even if old folks can walk – it will not be feasible to walk miles, find your way to shuttle, wait for shuttle and make the connection in time. You have quoted an eg from Air India – if you dont know already that almost all european flights from India to USA would have a stop in a european country with a complex airport terminal structure, european language hurdle + its a mad scramble to the connecting flight gate often for even youngsters in their prime..
B4 you call out, I challenge you to fly lufthansa from say Bengaluru or any major airport from any asian country to any USA destination where the connection time is say 1.5 to 2 hours. B4 you rush to pen articles while you are rage waiting – please repeat the observation at least a 1/2 to dozen times – pay particular attention to transit time, amount of walking and ease of transit between various european terminals b4 making sweeping statements about wheel chair abuse.
If you can influence airlines to increase(rework the flight schedule to factor incoming flight schedule) connection time between flights to say 4 hours to give folks ample time to make connection or provide buggy assistance (instead of wheel chair as only mode of assistance) that will be a constructive outcome instead of bitching about old people who can walk short distance that are using wheelchair assistance where the walking from airline counter to airport gate would itself run into miles and will far exceed the walking they are capable in a day.
I agree that unnecessary wheelchair use is a problem, but finding a solution is much more complicated. I request a wheelchair when I book flights. I was paralyzed in 2023 and learned to walk again after months of in-patient therapy. I can walk slowly from some ticket counters to some gates, but the airline needs to tell me how far it is, and usually they can’t, certainly not when I book flights weeks or months in advance; (2) if it is not a direct flight, and many of mine are not, the airline needs to tell me how far it is to walk to the gate for the second flight, and usually they do not know, and (3) the airline needs to tell me how far is it at the final destination from the gate to the exit – again, they usually do not know.
So, is your solution that people in my situation should not request a wheelchair? That will not fix the problem.
It might help if airlines ask why a wheelchair is necessary. I have never had one ask.
It appears to be manlily a Southwest generated problems by their long-standing policy of no seat selection. Just another gimmick they got away with for years, that is going into the trash can as they are forced to complete equally with every other carrier. Welcome!!!
Being someone who needs the wheelchair, I Love it! Yes, for all the reasons they listed plus the walk at LAX and SLC is crazy. I am sure they drop us off at a different city and make us walk 5 miles to get our bags. Yes, I do like the perks of straight through TSA, first on the plane, help with my luggage, but I tip the guy $5 or $10 for his time. Well worth it.
Having been on many miracle flights, wheelchair people should only be allowed off the plane the way they entered. If they needed a wheelchair on, they have to use one to get off or they are banned from future abuse.
One disabled person in a wheelchair was carrying her tennis rackets with her. Sat in her row, she was headed to play in a seniors tournament.
they could have alleviated this issue by having handicap show their id or blue card…then they are truly handicapped..I need my wheelchair but will walk of it is a short distance…I always use the wheelchair exiting the plane..
I am handicapped and always feel embarrassed to board as people yell why can’t you walk. Sometimes I want to yell back I hope someday you need a wheelchair and so you k ow handicapped people are forced to walk at exit the chairs are not there and we have to go to the bathroom. How can people be so insensitive? The baby boomers are all of age now there is a lot of us.
Southwest allows 1 free checked bag if the flight is purchased with a Southwest credit card.
Southwest allows 1 free checked bag if you have earned A-List as a frequent flyer.
Even though the passenger has earned both benefits, Southwest does NOT allow the passenger two free checked bags. Bag benefits may not be stacked.
@Mark Dahncke, you do know ADA doesn’t apply to airlines?
“This comes to mind”: Do you know about the ACAA? That does INDEED apply to airlines.
You often post misinformation. Pity.
Interestingly, the Air Carrier Access Act imports ADA design standards: airlines are deemed to comply with their ACAA accessibility obligation for terminal facilities if those facilities satisfy DOJ’s ADA Title III public-accommodation rules. Airports are subject to the ADA. And airlines are subject to ADA in their role as employer, of course.
Ask for a doctors note or a handicap tag exclamation
I think if you request wheelchair services that you need to use on both departure and arrival. If you don’t use the service on arrival, then the airline charges you for the wasted service, as there is a cost to providing staff meet the plane at the gate.
There should be a way for Jetbridge Jesus scammers to be penalized – maybe put it in the Conditions of Carriage that anyone who lies about needing wheelchair assistance gets banned and held responsible for liquidated damages of $1000 per violation?
What’s wild is that you need a special permit to park in ADA parking spots, but not for wheelchair assistance in an airport. Of course – this presents an issue for international passengers – but a simple doctor’s note would suffice if foreign residency is in play. They did this with Emotional Support animals, so what’s with the gradient? I fail to see why the same rules for parking spots cannot be applied.
I think there should be ways to show your truly disabled. I’m disabled and use a wheelchair at the airport I can’t walk very far. I have a disabled handicap card for my car. The airport terminals are to far to walk. I’m fine with sitting in a chair and wait my turn at TSA the worker is who takes you to the front, I don’t ask for them to. There has to be some way disabled people can get to their flights. People are quick to judge others. Shame on you be glad your not disabled. The airlines are the ones at fault they push you through to the front. I don’t ask to be up front. I’m not better than anyone else, I just need help to get from one gate to another and so on. FORGIVE ME FOR BEING DISABLED.
@WearyWatchdog I stated “@Mark Dahncke, you do know ADA doesn’t apply to airlines?” That statement is 100% true. I have posted about the ACAA previously. So, yes I know of it.
You said ‘You often post misinformation.” Nope, but feel free to challenge any post I make if you feel it has untrue claims. Of course, we know this isn’t your regular posting name. So, congrats, you actually got me to read a post of yours.
My favorite experience was one fine spring day when the Snowbirds were migrating back north. I was departing PHX on a flight with 119 seats. I counted 74 wheelchairs in the waiting area and 52 people on oxygen. By some miracle, once the wheelchairs had boarded, only two people on the plane actually needed oxygen in the thinner cabin air. O2 bottles littered the waiting room as the last 6 of us “regular” people boarded.
But Jesus stayed with us and when we got to St. Louis, there were only 12 using wheelchairs to deplane. It was a miracle.
@dave as someone living in a wheelchair, I hate the scammers. But that’s not fair to me that I can’t have a carry-on. I pay for the same ticket and fare, as you do, so I should have the same rights. I do, however, disagree with skipping to the front of TSA. More than once, I have requested to wait in line like anyone else, I even have my own seat while waiting, however, airports will not allow me to do so. Not all of us game the system or should be punished for being disabled. That being said, I think you should only be allowed to board early if you bring your own chair. The whole point of those getting pushed in airport chairs is that they’re unable to supposedly walk the distance in the airport. So what’s the problem with allowing them to wait to board with everyone else.(for those saying the same about those with her own wheelchairs., the difference is we need to take apart our chairs and have them prepped on the jet bridge so that they can be carried down to cargo. And many of us have to then be strapped into an aisle chair and wheeled to our seats, which takes a significant amount of time, so there’s no point in those that have no disability queuing up and waiting on the jet bridge in a line while we go through that process). If it’s not your wheelchair that you have to take apart and bring with you on the plane, it’s a pretty quick process where the airport attendant simply pushes you down to the door, and then walks away with a wheelchair, which takes no more extra time, then an able body passenger.
Yes, being mobility compromised does allow me to board first. It takes extra time at the end of the gangway to stow my lithium powerchair battery to take onboard. What many people don’t realize, is that I am the last to deplane. First on, last off. Yes it also upsets me that physically capable individuals pretend they need extra considerations in plane boarding, car parking, bathroom stalls, etc. The world isn’t fair, but I can always believe in karma.
Not everyone is scamming. I myself needed a wheelchair and it wasnt because Im disabled permanently, it was because I needed assistance and could not walk the airport due to Sciatica that kicked in. And again due to a severe respiratory illness in which I didnt have the strength to walk the airport. I would gladly use those services again and wait in line like everyone else. Please dont lump everyone as scammers. Its very unfair.
To get a handicap car tag or license DMV requires a doctor’s note on whether the handicap is temporary or permanent. When you get the tag or license or license you receive a wallet card the the airl8ne could require. I will miss the handicap boarding as I truly need an aisle seat, but will pay for the assigned seat.
To get a handicap car tag or license DMV requires a doctor’s note on whether the handicap is temporary or permanent. When you get the tag or license or license you receive a wallet card the the airline could require. I will miss the handicap boarding as I truly need an aisle seat, but will pay for the assigned seat.
Most of these comments are from shallow ignorant judgemental jealous people. I’m sure its abused as is everything. BUT…. as is my issue, I have a back and spine issue. Or another time i had just had major surgery. Well obviously you cannot see that. So keep your judgements to yourself and you worry about you! Thanks for caring and accommodating @southwestairlines that’s why I love flying them.
Hawaiian Airlines (now Alaska) has a huge issue with this as does United. But here is my recommendation. Unless you are traveling by yourself the family members that are boarding with you should be pushing your wheelchair or they don’t get to board early. Also, why don’t wheelchairs board last ? They are sitting down in a chair- seems like they could be perfectly fine waiting until all able bodied persons are on board that have been standing during the entire process. And don’t talk about bin space. If they’re in need of that much assistance with a wheelchair then they would not be (shouldn’t be) dragging large pieces of luggage. If it changes to board last you will see this make a huge impact. It’s ridiculous to pay for 1st class seat and have to wait for 30 people to board. Fun fact – Philippines Airlines board first class passengers- First! Just like the ticket implies.
I get a wheelchair because flying exacerbates my herniated disc and Lyme disease. U travel aboard twice this year and it was very challenging dealing with my condition. I don’t look disabled; however, the pain is real. The wheelchair helps tremendously; however, when I get to where I’m going the pain comes back. I’m not traveling for a while due to my condition … it was a bit too much.
Disabled here. I usually walk with short distances with a cane. When traveling I request wheelchair assistance from the airport not airline. From ticketing to TSA and my gate, that much walking I would not be able to walk. Boarding the plane is the last step in that process, its not about getting a better seat. It’s about transport from A to Z. Have some empathy for folks who are Disabled. Karma will bite those who pretend to be disabled…
It’s disappointing people are abusing a system designed for the handicapped. Wheelchair service (albeit hit or miss at different airports) has been an absolute blessing for me and allows me to travel. As a 70 yr old with MS, I’d love nothing more than to be able to walk airport miles, lugging my suitcases and standing in long lines lole i used to. Even with the service I do sometimes have to rest after a long flight. But just because you are in a wheelchair doesn’t mean you can’t walk. ive had to hobble down a ramp with my foldable cane before when the wheelchair didn’t arrive, collapsing in a chair at that gate. As with other diseases, not physical injuries, some days are better than others for mobility. The most wheelchairs I saw waiting were 12 after a US to UK flight. Usually it’s just a couple. I haven’t flown SW and now looks like I won’t. Shame on the fake handicappers.
Handicap parking requires a placard .given for medical reasons …… I have one and usually display it due to so many fakers !! why not have airlines require same for wheelchair access !
‘Just have wheelchairs board last and don’t allow wheelchair users to have more than a personal item. They have to check everything’
This would not be fair to the legitimate disabled passengers. They have done nothing wrong so why should they have to pay.
That will not work unless you want to have to stand up or let them climb over you dragging their belongs over you too.
Why not require a handicapped plaque or card to use the service?
Seems a lot more fair to me.
As a handicapped senior citizen I do use WC assistance at the airport and I did appreciate being able to board early on SWA to get in a seat and out of other passengers way. I also always waited to be the last person off of the plane due to my mobility issues. This was just the way it was, now that SWA is changing it’s policy I will not longer be flying on them. I cannot walk to the back of the plane and I can’t afford seating in the first 2-3 rows so I guess it’s back to the AmTrak for me. It’s too bad that the people who need the assistance will be penalized for the scammers and the new money making policy makers who could care less about seniors who need the assistance. SWA was my airline of choice for my 2-3 trips a year because of their accommodations for the handicapped, but not anymore very sad! I will miss flying SWA it was always a pleasure and their open seating and free bag was a BIG draw for us seniors on fixed incomes. Again another blow for us boomers! I flew American this summer and they were AWFUL. with no type of accommodations for me as a handicapped senior. I can only assume that will now be the AWFUL SWA experience now. I also wonder why in the USA they don’t board / deboard from the front and back as they do internationally. That might really help handicapped flyers. I guess they just don’t want older, handicapped, fixed income passengers anymore. Again very sad!
I can’t walk the length of a plane and must sit in the first few rows so people grow up and realize some of us definitely need WC service and first few row seating. That said, disable parking permit cards should be required at check-in. If one is caught boarding with WC assistance (Even if they produced a Disabled card) and seen walking off they should be band from the airline and charged $500 for WC service.
This problem is no different than non disabled persons parking in a handy cap slot or waiting in their vehicle while the HP person is shopping. New Hampshire solved this enacting a law that allows one to snap a photo of the offender and send it to the local police. Yes, the fine is $500 for the first offence
@TY
I am Autistic and my anxiety comes from having to wait for people to fumble with their bags as I feel people breathing down my neck, having to push past people that are crowding the aisle, have people get up so I can get to my seat. I have to have a window seat as a buffer on at least one side of me and even then it is a real struggle unless I am traveling with a family member. All of that on top of already having to deal with the overwhelming sensory bombardment that is the airport. So yes, I do use the lanyard, and I do pre-board as it helps make the process as smooth as possible so I do not have a meltdown and end up missing my flight. I wish I could rid myself of my condition and life long struggles so I could gladly board with everyone else in my group but that is not going to happen. Hopefully you won’t one day become disabled and have to look back at how much of an ableist moron you were…
Gary,
Your utter contempt for handicapped people is disgusting. You veil it as being against “those who pretend,” but your real thoughts come through loud and clear. I’ve written in these comments many times about how hateful and cruel your statements and these comments are to those of us who need the help. Comments like, “Put all the ‘handicaps’ in the back!” What next, Gary? Shall we wear a scarlet H?
I have been disabled for over 20 years. I request wheelchair assistance because walking from the gate is a long haul to luggage claim, and can’t do it.
My home airport is small and I can manage to gate area. Short distances are ok – some days not. I would much rather to be self sufficient than having to rely on someone, but if I want to see my family 2x a year – I have no choice.
My daughter meets me at luggage claim and gets my luggage. I do have handicap plates on my vehicle ( and hanging placard for when I am with someone else), which require a Doctor to write and prescription every 5 years that I am still permanently handicapped. I had Social Security Disability until I reached my full retirement age.
I have never flown SWA , always American or Delta. I am not scamming the handicap access. I would gladly provide proof of disability but don’t feel I should have to provide my medical records.
I’m American. My in-laws are Indians. I always get them wheelchair services. They are feeble and absolutely confused in a big, modern airport. It is all too stressful for them.
We should put the Southwest scammers in a different category than the Air India elderly. It has nothing to do with speed or overhead space for them. It’s about well-being.
Indians take cared of their parents. These are 50 years olds making the choice for support for their parents, not the American seniors on Southwest who decide for themselves. It’s all so different.
Also, the old Indians tends to be moving from one kids home to the other. They live under constant care. They aren’t flying to Florida for golf.
Simple fix: Just have the handicap passengers provide thier handicap placard or a doctor’s note as proof of needing a wheelchair. FYI.. Southwest Airlines is notorious for being the furthest terminal from check-in & baggage claim. Elderly people & disable people cannot make the mile long trek before boarding and de-planning. I personally cannot stand longer than 3 to 5 minutes, so standing in line is out of the question.
For all u making cracks about ppl who need a wheelchair for a flight, most of us truly need it. I’ve had back problems, hip/back surgeries, and now brain cancer, but it doesn’t keep me from traveling the world, seeing family, and even moving across country. If I get a little help to make it easier, what’s the harm? The way to prevent people from abusing it is not to allow them to walk off the plane, but to have to wait till everybody else has left and get in a wheelchair. The ones abusing the system will not want to wait and won’t do it again.
It should be some type of proof showing that they are disabled. To many people take advantage
A lot of people can walk the shortish distance from seat to terminal but cannot walk a mile to get to baggage claim (this is a literal distance at my local airport) or stand fir an hour whereas maybe they can stand for something like 10 minutes. This is a very judgey article from someone who does not know what they are talking about. Air travel is difficult full stop. It you are marginally disabled it becomes quite literally painful physically. When you get to be an older person with arthritis then talk to me.
Years of smoking has given me peripheral artery disease in my legs and I cannot physically walk miles in an airport and request a wheelchair. However I tell them I do not need pre-boarding and they are actually surprised and thank me
Why don’t airlines simply require that wheelchair pre-boders sit at the rear of the plane? That way, they exit last. Problem solved.
There are many people who truly need this service. My mother was once stranded in an airport because no one was there to pick her up after a flight. It took me 2 hrs to get her out of the airport. She couldnt walk it. She also had her luggage to deal with. Luckily, I was finally able to work with airport staff and was able to go through security myself and get her. Also, having traveled to Europe with her, this service was truly necessary, even though my husband and I could have pushed her we wouldnt have been able to manage luggage, her wheelchair and her walker and her without help. People seem to think everyone is doing it for convenience but a lot of people truly need the help.
I use wheelchair assistance and would have no problem with assigned seating. I am able bodied and able to walk but because of a Tracheostomy the long walks thru the terminals I can’t do. Lately I have been seeing more and more handicap passengers. So I think they should go to assigned seating to cut back on the scammers
Please stop shaming people who use wheelchairs. The pictured ones appear elderly. When I was using a walker I was shamed. I didn’t need it to walk but I couldn’t stand in one place for more than a few minutes. I needed to sit down for my back. I was on a cruise ship. I could lift it up and over luggage, because the hallways are narrow. I heard the conversation from the woman sitting next to me talking contemptuously about seeing someone with a walker not being a complete invalid. I can’t believe we have this conversation in the 21st century. You can translate this all to wheelchair use. I see my 74 yr old sister suffer walking the tremendous distance with her COPD and other health issues that aren’t as obvious because she won’t ask for a wheelchair.
I hate that people have taken advantage of that. I have three joint replacements. Every now and then, especially at hartsfield Jackson airport, it’s a long way for me to walk and to try to stand in line boarding, the plane can be difficult. I usually walk on my own and have no issues. It irritates me when I see all these people taking advantage of that when on the occasion I’m hurting so it’s difficult for me to maneuver and I do need the help
It really is a Shane that others scammed being handicapped. My parents last flight, they both had dementia and were very frail. Southwest was so kind to them during boarding, the flight and when we ubboarded. It was a very stressful time for me as my mother was very frail and had just fallen …again…the paramedics came….the night before the flight. I was afraid I wouldn’t get them back to their care facility in Florida. My there be consequences for the scammers greater than getting their seats first. Again, spoiling it for those who truly need it. What shame
Its funny the back and forth where the folks calling out the scammers are bring chastised by those handicapped on this feed. “Hello McFly?!?!” They arent referring to the truly handicapped, take a breath.
We, the able bodied are calling out the reality of what we all see every flippin day at the airport. If you are truly handicapped then go right ahead of us.
If you are the other 80% who are fakers and double-down by bringing their extended family on with them, smh, then shame on you.
Finally Southwest listened.
Boy, have times changed. My blind father was refused boarding on an American flight in the 80s because they refused to let him bring his certified Seeing Eye dog on board. That was even against the law at the time, but the gate agents and flight attendants refused to change their minds. Ultimately, someone high up in the airline at the airport put a stop to this insanity. Because, really, what’s a person who needs a wheelchair gonna do if the airline refuses to board them? Get a lawyer at the airport Starbucks?
Why not do the same as cars. Have to submit a doctors certificate of being handicap.
I see all this acting like all who request wheelchairs don’t need them. When my dad was able to fly , this put my heart at ease. I also have to have wheelchair to get around the airport. I have a handicap license if that is what is necessary.(Arkansas requires dl to say handicap). I flew with an individual whose partner and steward had to help get to the bathroom. So, not all who use this benefit are faking it.
This wasn’t a “thing” 30 years ago. Flyers would have mortified over faking disabilities. But today there’s no hold back. Additionally, older people today are physical messes. When I was growing up people in their 60s, 70s and even 80s were mobile. Today they are ride around WalMart in a moving wheelchair. I hate my generation, boomers.
While certainly there are a few (count on 1 hand) people who legitimately need wheelchair assistance, the rest are scammers, no better than the “gate leeches” who try to bet into Groups 1or 2, despite no frequent flier status and not having the airline’s branded credit card. Reminds me of the “emotional support animal scam of a few years ago, thankfully ended. At that time, I joked that I needed my “emotional support spitting cobra with me that had to be outside its cage to provide my emotional calm.”
Such comments made with ignorant confidence! Until you’ve had to use a wheelchair, you really don’t know what its like. You’re both invisible and an inconvenience to others to others. Many people with arthritis cannot walk long distances or stand for long but can walk shorter distances. Each airport is different in distances, too. PHL has a long walk to gates, MCO and ATL break distance up with trams with seats. Some handicaps may mean you don’t have arm strength to carry bags but can walk just fine. Stop judging with jealousy. You see one small life segment; try living the rest of the time with a disability that makes this small bit of help necessary. And stop cheating, those who do. Just like folks insisting their pet is an ESA to get out of paying rental pet fees, you make life more difficult for those truly in need.
This may hurt the ones who truly need it. Part of the reason some get a wheel chair is they can’t lift the bag and there too afraid to ask for help
Not everyone who needs a wheelchair to get on but can walk off is a scammer. In the case of Southwest, I wouldn’t be surprised if most are. But you can’t compare the three hour ordeal pre flight with possibly walking off a plane after landing and spending as little as a few minutes to reach an exit in a smaller airport.
If you are claiming your handicapped then you should obviously have a handicap placard by a state issued agency so asking for that would not be wrong. If you can’t produce the appropriate documentation showing that you are actually disabled then slap them with the big fee for using unnecessary handicap services.
On a trip to Italy, my doctor recommended using a wheelchair for Achilles tendenitis and a bone spur that would not heal. I had been in a boot for over 3 months. United Airlines was very accommodating on the phone and ordered the wheelchair for me and other than the initial flight from Sarasota to Atlanta, out of Atlanta, that was the extent of it. With my boot, I had to climb up and down the stairs for both flights. There was no wheelchairs waiting in Italy so I miraculously “healed” myself as the writer implies, and painfully walked to my destination. It was worse coming home. Almost 100 people waited in a room in Naples for a wheelchair so again, I miraculously healed myself and walked the entire airport and up the stairs into the plane. No available wheelchairs in Atlanta although I had ordered one. I suffered for weeks with ice packs and pain pills to try to get to the point where I was before I left because of all the walking. So needing a wheelchair is not a luxury and thankfully I was able to hobble on my own. I pity the people who didn’t have that choice. Sometimes it may seem that people are taking advantage of the system but until you know the full story, please don’t judge.
KPR says:
November 16, 2025 at 6:29 am
Why don’t you go to the airport and call out the people who you don’t think are handicapped?
@KPR…SERIOUSLY??? Have you ever heard of the ADA??? It’s a FEDERAL LAW. Perhaps you should look it up and read the rules!!
Do not be cruel and judge incorrectly. I have had multiple strokes, have heart failure and memory problems. I cannot walk the long way from sidewalk check-in to the gates in Albuquerque or Las Vegas, Denver or other big airports. But I can walk down the ramp to my seat. I look “normal”. I have had people call out, “I HATE people who fake an illness!”, to me after having had a heart attack. Bless their hearts. Do not listen to the hate. Love.
Why so much confusion. Solution is easy
Need a wheelchair to get on… you willnhave to wait till last walking passenger is off and get back in your wheelchair to get off.
I agree that people are using wheelchairs that don’t need them.I retired after working 51 years of working two jobs. I’ve had two back surgeries, two rotater cuff surgeries and two knee replacement. I hate to fly because I don’t like the wheelchair. My husband told me that if it wasn’t for the wheelchair, we would miss every flight. He passed away in March of this year. I don’t know if I will fly again. I travel with my handicapped sticker and a letter that says I am handicapped. The airlines request your driver license, why not your medical papers that you are handicapped. If you are handicapped, the airlines should request papers or no wheelchair. Why punish the people that need help.I will boycott southwest.
It’s sad that the scammers make it difficult for those that are really handicapped. My sister had a stroke 3 years ago and lost the use of her left arm and barely can walk. Her left leg drags. She can go for about 15 ft and that’s about as far as she can walk. She also has some brain residuals from her stroke and I have such a difficult time getting someone to help her onto a flight. It’s really sad because I see the scammers getting on the flight even before her and she really needs assistance. So you scammers are really hurting the people that really need help. This makes me sad.
@JimC2 — ‘Long as (you) got (your) plastic Jesus,’ huh? Do you prefer the Paul Newman version (with the banjo), or something more modern, like Billy Idol’s cover?
First on, last off.
What we need is an actual way of verifying if somebody is disabled, the same way we do with parking passes. Too many people hang on the idea that it’s not fair to ask a person what their disability is, but that’s obviously a recipe for chaos. Why not create a passcard that goes along with the handicap placard that serves as documentation for any special handicap services (boarding planes, service animals, theme park special services)? It could have a number that could be entered in the reservation process to verify that the person has been certified as having special needs. One consistent system to identify these people would radically cut back on abuse.
My last flight from SDF to LAS had 25 people in wheelchairs, it’s amazing how easily they get off the plane and don’t need one then.
I think it will cut down significantly if a doctor’s note was required and shown every step of the way.
This is so frustrating. I use a scooter in airports, and no, I don’t use it all the time. However, in the airport, I need it because there is a lot of walking, and I’m unable to do it. If I get a C boarding, there’ll be times when I will have a tough time getting to my seat. I love always loved SWA but I’m going to have to switch airlines.
I am a wheelchair user. I bring my own chair and need an aisle chair to get to my seat. I don’t care if seats are assigned. I do want to board first because I have been rammed into other passengers who ignore me being pushed up the aisle or knock my wheelchair into other people. I also want to be last off for the same reason.
Not every handicap shows! Some people have heart problems and can walk a bit but the airport gates are so far that it is a hazard for them! Try being kind! You don’t know what another person’s struggles are!
It seems that asking to see my handicapped placard would be reasonable. If you need assistance walking then you probably own a placard.
The airlines should require handicapped people to have a handicapped placard from the DMV. I have one, I dont drive. I have MS, some days I can walk, slowly, with my cane. Other days I need my powerchair. Airlines wont allow me to have my powerchair, or my own wheelchair. I understand weight limits with my powerchair, but my wheelchair is ultralite. Still cant have it. I have to use the airlines, then have a rental at my destination. It is ludicrous I cant have my own wheelchair in the baggage area of the plane.
Your ableism is showing.
Glib cruelty is not a thoughtful response to invisible handicaps. Short slow walks are possible, but the rush thru vast airports is difficult. After sitting on the plane for the duration of the flight and no need to rush off walking can be possible, slowly. There are many conditions that benefit from rest.
If people can bring their mangy flea ridden dogs on the plane claiming emotional support, And force me to have to sit next to them, The last Person , i’m gonna complain about is somebody in a wheelchair
Dave I agree but with 1 more stipulation, that anyone who orders a wheelchair , assuming you wont have to order it for all the airports on your Itin and ends up NOT using it then the $100 fee for the WC isnt refunded. In other words impose a $100 fee for the WC but its Refunded if the person uses it upon arrival as well. Result many WC pushers will be laid off since the demand for a WC will drop like a rock in water. Very doubtful anyone will pay $100 to get thru TSA quick and board early
It is frustrating to read so many judgemental comments. Disabilities are unique to each individual. It may not necessarily be that a person is paralyzed, referring to the miracle comments. People should be greatful they have the ability to wait in line and walk longer distances. Good grief. We have bigger problems than this.
Gary? You have a real preachy obsession with disabled people at airports. You seem to think they’re all scammers? Get out of here with that nastiness. Southwest’s policies are stupid and I’ve never flown with them. The big 3 are doing wheelchair service just fine and don’t need your input, Gary.
I use wheelchair service for international flight when she flies alone. She is illiterate and I need someone to get her to the correct gates.
Outside of the US there is no ADA.
I’m over 70 and wondering if we should abolish it and be like the rest of the world. We cater too much to all kinds of specialties.
My father has to use a wheelchair at every airport we go to because of a complex 2 day surgery he had to have back in 2019. Since then, it limited his mobility and he cannot handle walking long distances or standing for a long time. We’ve seen many wheelchair scammers at every airport we go to. I know that Southwest Airlines will be switching to assigned seating in January 2026 with new seat options. But I wish they would consider having seats that’s specifically reserved for handicapped passengers only. Every public transportations have seats reserved for handicapped passengers.
The comments made me think of “Walk A Mile In My Shoes” as sung by Joe South (who also wrote it.)