Clever or Unethical? How a $15 Item Can Fast-Track Your Airport Boarding Every Time [Roundup]

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About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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Comments

  1. So when is Open Skies going to begin allowing foreign airlines to operate within the US to compete with DL, UA, AA, etc.?

  2. New Pacific Airlines/Ravn is apparently investigating starting up internal flights in Pakistan. Maybe Argentina is next?

  3. If you have an arm in a sling, can you use both arms to lift your carry-on roller bag? I have an old moon boot from a leg injury years ago. I wonder if it would work. Jet bridge Jesus crowd, be prepare for more crowding.

  4. As much as some might argue for foreign competition in the US, the foreign competitors will never offer here what they do overseas.
    You can’t pay foreign workers working in the US what many of those foreign airlines pay their employees on flights even to/from the US.
    given that there are far more US airline employees than railroad employees and almost as much as UPS, Kroger and Home Depot, no sane politician is going to risk injecting foreign competition into the US airline industry.
    US airlines work and provide better service than in many parts of the world.
    And the US domestic air travel market is larger than in any other country so injecting foreign competition cannot be offset w/ gains that US airlines could make in other markets.

    we have ruined enough manufacturing industries in the US and are now having to buy those jobs back w/ huge incentives. We don’t need to do the same w/ much of the service sector.

  5. Faking an injury or disability to gain something you don’t deserve is definitely unethical. One can only hope karma is a bitch for those engaging in such behavior.

  6. Very unethical and somewhat sociopathic. Unless you are truly disabled you should not be trying to use the privileges intended for those who are.

  7. Terrific idea! Impersonate a disabled person so you can board first. Haven’t people ever heard of karma?

  8. Use fake disability to gain an advantage?

    Forget karma. Let me, a disabled vet, catch you. Not only will I notify the airline, I will point you out to everyone at the gate, then post your pic so everyone gets to see who thinks they are more important than everyone else.

  9. It is astounding how selfish and self-centered too many are becoming now
    God forbid you have to wait a little while with everybody else. Respectfully to board an airplane where we are all going to the same destination and is not going to take off without you.
    I think you’re despicable coming up with a means to board an airplane even potentially and most likely before somebody with an actual disability that could be suffering and didn’t choose to end up with that disability. That is having a hard enough time as it is, often discomfort having people see them have a disability and board early. That is ruining society humanity and working against the well being of humanity!
    You should be ashamed of yourself. I imagine you live on social media. Also…. I find that too many that live on social media have gone into these bubbles where all you see is yourself and something for yourself and no regard for everybody effects. Everybody and if you do something that isn’t honest or with integrity, nor without conscience for everything isn’t always about you and sometimes there are many people less fortunate than you that didn’t choose to be such and are just trying to manage it…..
    Narcissist
    It’s amazing the amount of narcissists that have grown since the inception of technology and social media and even corporate media playing on emotions trying to give people a sense of entitlement…. Just like with the credit card and debit card industry… All designed to make people feel entitled so that somebody somewhere can get more than everybody else at any cost to anybody else. Oh my gosh, I’m so tired of people that were once good, respectful, rational people being so self-centered and any cost to others. Others and believing that it’s such a great thing to get ahead of others or take something from others or make yourself more important than others. Maybe you should be humbled and grateful and looking in a mirror reflecting how fortunate you are that you are not actually disabled where you need to board a transportation method earlier because it’s so awkward and uncomfortable to be able to even board to try to have some normalcy in life to even potentially travel or perhaps even get to a destination for more medical help.
    You should be ashamed of yourself
    You should not be proud of what you figured out
    You should be ashamed of yourself and you should take a long hard look in a mirror and do some reflecting
    That shows a bit of emotional immaturity if you want to know the truth…
    It shows that you are very unaware and don’t care about anybody but yourself
    Maybe you should go out and start spending some time with it. Some disabled people who are much more humble than you by the way… And not because of their disability… But certainly their disability has even added to the immense humble and strength. They wake to each day and gratitude for how fortunate they are and they would never consider faking something to get something ahead of everybody else.
    Why can’t you wait in line?
    Do you think by boarding a plane sooner you’re going to get somewhere before everybody else also?
    Why can’t you Respectfully, be patient … What are you gaining by rushing ahead of even people potentially in great discomfort with disabilities that need to board early but have to wait for your fake. Sorry ass to get on because you decided to buy a $15 sling?
    What are you gaining other than an ego trip for yourself
    I think you need to do some self-reflecting
    I think you and everybody like you that the rest of us are really fed up with, need to start doing some soul searching and start gaining some awareness for your mindset isn’t even just about this focus you have…. Your character is revealing that you don’t care about anybody else, but yourself and that is an immense character flaw if you want to know the truth
    I think some soul searching and spending some time with some disabled people, might have you stop doing disservices working against the well-being and what makes the rest of humanity That isn’t narcissistic, aware of. We are all part of a whole and everybody affects everybody and if you do things in a selfish way…. You are throwing out to the universe a cycle for ridiculous reasons that says you don’t care about everybody else, you only care about yourself, and that is why our planet is facing peril
    I think you need some soul searching and a mirror and to consider why you need to fake something to get on an airplane sooner than somebody who actually may have a disability…
    And even if there is no one else where the disability… Which you don’t even know everybody’s disabilities there’s a lot of people standing in line that have immense disabilities than aren’t even choosing to find a way to not be patient…
    I think you need to do some soul searching
    Maybe the rest of us want to decide. We don’t watch you on the airplane and you have to figure out a way to drive to your destination…
    Hmmmm… Tables can be turned on you really quickly just by the karma of the universe
    That probably says a lot about how you are in relationships as well, which if you are the same, you’re part of again, what is wrong with the world and you are causing good people connected to you or surrounding you, frustration with your selfishness.
    Our character is what we wear 24/7
    Pull your head out of your ass and perhaps get some new glasses to see perspective with

  10. My right arm is off at the shoulder, in all my travels I never considered it a reason to board early.

  11. Totally unethical. How much of a scumbag can you be just so you can pretend to be disabled just to board 1st

  12. Amen!
    And where’s your sense of pride?
    Where is your conscience?
    You feel good at the end of the day that you figured something like that out?
    As a mother, I would be ashamed if either of my sons somehow convinced themselves that this is a brilliant idea…

    Do you know what separates men from guys or boys?

    It might be to your benefit to learn such. I imagine some of the Veterans on this post could help you out with that….

    To the Veterans … Thank you for your service and your sacrifice so that we might be able to live in a country where people are allowed to become such brats

    I’m sorry that all you sacrificed for has people here on our American soil having life so easy for their lives, that they don’t even see that they are actually one of the biggest threats to life as Americans and not even aware of and disrespecting all you lost, sacrificed, gave up, and live with…. With…. I have PTSD courtesy of corrupt government here in America.. there’s no difference than this guy deciding that for $15 He’s got a hack for getting a head of an in front of and something for himself over others….
    And I know that many of you who have disability or served Also understand PTSD and triggers that can even occur once you see somebody so self-centered and so ignorant and so disrespectful choosing to be an inconsiderate brat at an age when he should be a man.

    This says to me that perhaps he has been a little too overcoddled or had life a little too easy or everything a little too convenient for him and has never really chosen to step outside of himself to care about others or even to sacrifice for others.
    How lucky you are that you do not have a disability.
    Although ironically, I know I see my disability as an ability in so many ways. And I’m sure the veterans on here also feel that you have so many abilities that others have not even figured out yet…. And physical disabilities are just a hurdle you need to work around, but aren’t you glad you don’t have the disability that this person has that suggested atrocious idea to even be amused by himself with.

    I’m afraid you have a brain disability… You have the ability to do something about it…. People in wheelchairs, that have lost limbs, etc…
    Do not have the ability to ever get back what they lost, even for your well-being so you could be a brat
    I accidentally crossed this path today while looking for something else. .
    Immediately got ticked off.
    Had my own ride of atrocities with people being so full of themselves and not caring about anybody but themselves…. Triggered a bit of PTSD that triggered a bit of pissed off!
    Ego, the crutch of all humanity
    Truly, is
    Thank you to those who are humble. And to those managing disabilities. I am grateful for all of you because you understand more than most people are capable of and that puts my ride in my life, flying with people that give me peace

  13. Every gate agent I have ever questioned told me they are prohibited from challenging or questioning those who “need extra time to board”. The CDC states that 26% of Americans have disabilities.

  14. People shouldn’t be questioning others disabilities ..
    But people also shouldn’t be pretending they have them to get away with something
    When they are fortunate to not have a disability
    Doesn’t matter if people question it or not
    People seem to be selling out conscience and justifying a lot nowadays just to feel important or like they got something of benefit that others didn’t…
    Why do people need to?
    Perhaps that’s a better question to be considered an answered…
    Not all disabilities can be seen either…
    It shouldn’t be up to airlines to police if somebody has an actual disability
    Should be up to individuals to police themselves as to their own character and choices if they are being acted out with conscience and integrity or out of selfishness and some ego trip…
    There is a difference…
    Why do adults need to be policed when you have the ability as adults to make a good choices and know the difference between right and wrong and why you shouldn’t be looking for hacks to get one up on or get ahead of somebody else for an ego trip..
    Just sayin’
    God help us five years from now
    I can already look back 5 years and see the difference in how self-centeredness and bad choices selling out conscience when doing so, is costing everybody more and harming people and disrespecting people and not caring about people already struggling or in need
    Very very sad

    There isn’t good enough! Or justification for it
    And human being shouldn’t need other human beings to police our choices and behaviors when we all have our own minds. And power to do so respectably ourselves
    Don’t you think?
    Why do you think government is such a detriment to all of us at this point
    A lot of government is no different than a hack of faking an injury to get on an airplane ahead of other people…
    Lots of good people working in government
    Lots of people pulling hacks to get something only seeing themselves and everything and not caring about anybody but themselves
    A bit disgraceful in actuality

  15. I bet a 5-year-old that hasn’t been immersed in the spoils of modern America yet, would be able to tell you that it’s not right doing something like this
    I find a lot of children do know the difference between right and wrong until they get old enough to convince themselves in their own minds based on being exposed to adults modeling selling out conscience that there’s nothing wrong with doing a little here or there. But there is
    Why do you think the news is filled with what it is now?
    Everybody just justifying that somebody else is doing something wrong so why don’t I try it too?…
    A. 5-year-old would have more sense and They would have more excuse for attempting such selfishness…. Yet I don’t think most 5-year-olds would

  16. Very disappointed in you Gary to even throw out the arm sling! You know some will take this to heart and try it. You should be filling us with info not how to scam the system. We are ALL going to the same place. No one will get there early. I’d say if you can’t find anything better to write about, you should just leave some blank space!!

  17. No one should be surprised about this little hack millions of people over the years have scammed the system to collect disability benefits and tax free disability pensions and no one calls them out these airlines are charging us up the Ying yang for a seat and give us nothing but a ride no more hot meals for everyone they charge you for your bags,headphones,even a blanket and pillow the only thing that’s free is a cup of soda and some trail mix so if one can get an advantage in any way take it nowadays you can spend $500 for a seat and wind up sitting next to someone’s so called support dog by the way another scam

  18. Once after I had cataract surgery, I flew to visit my son with an eye patch on. It caused mild depth perception issues-my son made the flight arrangements and l did not know it but he arranged for me to have a wheelchair and pre-boarding because being a senior he was afraid I would fall.

    I felt so guilty-I would have never arranged this for myself. It may not have necessarily looked like I needed help or assistance but this arrangement gave my fiercely protective son peace of mind that I travelled safely.

    So be careful about judging-I have never before or since sought special accommodations while traveling.

  19. People are not judging people here in need of help with disabilities …
    We are condemning someone pretending they have a disability to take advantage without conscience when they are fortunate to actually not have a disability that requires assistance.
    You should by all means have the benefit of humanity seeing a reason to make something easier for you and help you if you have something you are managing around.
    Anybody with a disability deserves help in humanity and respect and kindness and efforts and accommodations.
    People pretending to have a disability to take advantage of getting ahead of somebody as if it’s a fun hack… With no conscience for the bigger picture…
    That is what we are condemning, not judging.
    Makes me happy to hear that somebody helped you!
    Many know what it’s like to not receive help or even somebody paying attention that can find a way to make something better, when the help could make a difference

    Everybody should help everybody so everybody’s all good…
    But on the flip side, people shouldn’t concoct a means to pretend to have a disability for some absurd advantage and two have a platform to get attention with in a public forum

  20. I have a true disability, but I don’t look ill As a result I get lots of dirty looks!
    What’s worse is my husband (without whose help I can’t even talk) gets wise cracks and unkind remarks.
    There will always be cheats and liars who will ruin it for the truly needy.

  21. Feel sad for them that They don’t have a broader capacity to see things differently.
    There’s a lot of ignorance in our country and people don’t understand that many disabilities also cannot be seen on the surface… And often they’re caused by ignorant people, ironically.
    Anybody that gives you dirty looks, realize that. Whatever they are feeling or thinking or deciding, is actually more personal about them Than you.
    A lot of people are broken on the inside and hurting on the inside and feeling powerless so they need to find power outwardly trying to make everybody else less than them or to find something to be mad at or hate with others. Feel sad for them. That is actually their disability
    I’ve had a mob of people making a game out of destroying me for 16 years…. I’ve learned to turn things around and be proud of myself that they saw me as something that they needed to break or be nasty about…
    Flip it around on them
    Usually how people treat us isn’t really about us, it’s about something in themselves that they haven’t figured out or are managing well or are deflecting from the pain of

  22. I have recently developed severe arthritis and use a brace and cane. I didn’t even consider pre-boarding, but when I boarded with my normal boarding group this week the gate agent firmly recommended that I pre-board next time. My impression was that she would rather me limp to my seat without a crowd of others around – for my and others’ comfort. So it is true you don’t need a disability placard or anything official to pre-board. As an aside I reluctantly used the wheelchair service and was glad that I did. It enabled me to get through the airport in a timely way with a lot less pain than walking those distances.

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