Call for crackdown on passengers abusing airport wheelchair service

The CEO of Frontier Airlines is calling for a crackdown on people who fake a disability and use the free wheelchair service at airports to skip the security line. FOX 5 NY's Stephanie Bertini has the story.
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[@sonnymarino7904]

If u use a wheelchair to get on the plane early, but not to get off. Then ur a scammer….

[@donaldcornwell1151]

I see it all the time

[@cliffontheroad]

@@donaldcornwell1151 I C it too, but I added my 2 cents 2 weeks later. Insider speak is "miracle flight." We should get a letter writing group together. Can't dump on customer service - it is outside their area of responsibility.

[@JacquelineB-vs9xx]

There was a gentleman on one of my flights who was literally carried on the airplane because he couldn’t walk. The flight was even a few minutes late because the man was overweight and it took the staff a minute to get him on the plane. Once we got to our destination the gentleman didn’t want to wait for the staff to come down because he had a connecting flight. Well, after complaining he finally “got up” from his seat and walked off the plane! What a disgraceful individual!

[@shawnafsworld7431]

Their ARE those of US WITH Chronic Illnesss or others who CANT Walk that far Without Pain , Or Breathing Problems Who need wheelchairs To help them. Shame on Those WHO HAVE TO RUIN THE DISABLED Services FOR those OF US WHO REALLY Need it . 😢😮

[@betsykeller9096]

I can tell you this - avoid flying into Atlanta Airport if you need a wheelchair. I was an airport worker who would wheel people to and from planes. The passengers in wheelchairs disembarking from Atlanta would tell me the system was awful and they almost missed their flights because they were all basically corralled into a room. Then, you had to be lucky if someone came back in time to get you.

[@vangary100]

So you ask your Dr. to sign the form for a handcap card.

[@justtabandme8871]

@@vangary100 Exactly!!!

[@farmgirl6866]

Don't fly AMERICAN. I requested a w/c as I had a patellectomy, was in a brace and had a cane. They ignored my request.

[@sunnyscott4876]

You DON'T skip the security lines. I used the wheelchair services this week and had to wait while TSA waved people from the regular lines ahead of me, waiting for more wheelchair patrons to come to the que. You DON'T skip the security line, you go through TSA just like anyone else.

[@traybern]

PRIORITY BOARDING, DUMBBELL!!

[@gerriebell2128]

@@traybernpriority boarding happens after you go through security. This comment above was addressing the statement in the video about using a wheelchair service to “skip security”. Calling someone a dumbbell is rude and reflects on the person saying it.

[@CityLifeinAmerica]

Not “skipping security” itself, but people do use it to skip the security “line” and go all the way to the front without Pre-Check, CLEAR, etc.

[@sunnyscott4876]

@CityLifeinAmerica As I mentioned earlier, you may go to the front of the line but as my experience was last week, I still had to wait while others went through ahead of me and the TSA agent waited for more wheelchair patrons to que up. Using the wheelchair service is NOT a magic bullet to get through TSA quickly.

[@lindahughes954]

We fly often and I see this all the time. One lady pushed ahead of my daughter who is blind so she could get on before us. Then she got out of the wheelchair at the door of the plane and basically jumped around, had no problem leaving her seat during turbulence and several times during the flight. Too bad people take advantage of the situation.

[@nospamallowed4890]

The problem is that there are minor medical issues that are no problem is you stand or walk for a short time but get aggravated and become quite painful if you have to stand in line for a long period of time. As a matter of fact, bad padding on seats seriously aggravate some of those issues - a LITERAL - pain in the rear end. The next time in a plane look for people who can't sit straight for long, but rather end up sitting sideways and keep changing positions to minimize pain in the tailbone. So - from the opposite side of the spectrum - maybe we need legislation to mandate minimum seat padding!!! If car seats can be universally comfortable, airplane seats should be too.

[@celestephelps5897]

I'm a wheelchair user and with flying, in order to make it fair for everyone, when it comes time to deplane, passengers who are not disabled get to get off first. So those who fake wheelchair service should have to go through it all the way. Make them get in the aisle chairs to get on and off, and see what it's like for those of us who have no choice.

[@donnaleeah5075]

I'm glad I have to wait. The baggage area isn't so crowded.

[@CrabtreeJK]

This is too true! When you cannot walk you have to wait until the very end to transfer to the isle chair then hope the airlines didn’t damage your very expensive personal chair

[@justtabandme8871]

I cannot use an aisle seat. Once down, (window seat preferred) I cannot keep having to stand up, to allow seat mates to use the restroom! I use airport restrooms *before* the flight, limit fluids, etc., to assure that I don’t have to use airplane restrooms. Once I sit, I don’t try to stand until airplane is almost empty. The airplane staff has always been extremely helpful in getting me to my personal electric wheelchair, which is usually right outside the airplane door. I’ve traveled this way for the last 30 years! Hope this clarifies your thoughts! Blessings!

[@huntergatherer232]

My brother is disabled, and we used this service on united airlines, they made it so easy for us to board the plane. The only thing I can think of is to show your wheel chair placard and dmv documentation to prove the need for this service.. I carry this everywhere so I know that he has easy access.

[@EricaGamet]

Not everyone has a placard, but might need a wheelchair. My mother is in her 80s and walks with a cane. The airport is just too far a distance for her to walk with her bags, etc. She uses one to get to the gate, but very rarely uses it to board... and sometimes she doesn't even board early. But I remind her that she is 80 and should take all the help people are giving. Depending on the airport, she may or may not get to go ahead of the security line. She used to have CLEAR, but not anymore.

[@huntergatherer232]

@@EricaGamet well she would be obviously in need of the service…. It’s the “unobvious” that is tricky. Those that just put a boot on and say they need the service.. where there is a loop-hole there is a way to break the system…. It’s outrageous what people try to take advantage of……. And then everyone is affected by the small percentage that are conning their way onto the plane just to get preferred treatment.

[@chabela1944]

Not every mobility disabled passenger has a disability placard, but still needs the service. Have you considered that AGE is also a factor for wheelchair use?

[@donnaleeah5075]

Thanks! I'll be flying in 6 weeks. Hadn't thought of that. Heart failure and kidney disease. I don't "look" disabled unless you walk with me and hear it. I'm slow, yes. But that can be questionable. Had a couple in their 80s stare me down horribly for being in a handicap parking spot. Sigh. Not all can be seen

[@vangary100]

@@EricaGamet She can still get it.

[@donthetrader]

I’m 92, and use wheelchairs at airports…., however, I have not seen abuse by those who use wheelchairs where I travel by plane.

[@Anon-zv7pi]

sounds like a slippery slope to a lawsuit.

[@susangreene9662]

Airlines don't use common sense when boarding anyway: People should be seated back to front, not front to back. I like to sit in the back and I'm still fighting to get to my seat while people take forever to stow their junk (which needs to go away).

[@nospamallowed4890]

Have you tried to stow your stuff "quickly" while in pain? That is exactly why they have advance seating, whether they use a wheelchair or not. And don't expect someone in pain to give a damn about your (or the airline's) desire for ***quick*** seating, for those people minimizing pain is all that matters.

[@andresmith9212]

Funny how all your junk is stuff but everybody else's stuff if junk.

[@marilyngall]

Ive often wondered why they dont board the back first - only makes sense

[@justtabandme8871]

ABSOLUTELY!!! Spock would love you!!! It’s logical!!

[@lfkatzke]

@@marilyngall Because the people in the back put their baggage in the front bins on the way to their seat because they're too lazy to take it to the back of the plane.... then those boarding in the front have no space for their items.

[@frenchustube]

I am 5 11 185 lbs ,healthy looking but i am not. I have peripheral neuropathy. Loss of mobility , weakness in my legs and specially loss of balance. I do have a handicap placard but i am not on disability because i have assets. What makes me mad are all the people using handicap placards for parking spots that we disabled people really need

[@PalmBeachDog]

Fine if you need a wheelchair, but why does that mean you have to cut in front of everyone else?

[@chezellis]

Probably because it would be more difficult for someone in a wheelchair who is truly disabled to get into their seat amidst the crush of able bodied people. Kind of like asking why do people with little children get to cut in line.

[@EricaGamet]

Part of it is to get the folks pushing the chairs back to pick up someone else.

[@betsykeller9096]

It can take longer to vet them. The wheelchair has to be searched to ensure nobody is stuffing anything in the chair. If the person can't stand up, they may need to be scanned with a magnet wand and also use swipes to check for drugs or bombs. If that person has any sort of alert, they may need to go into another room for a better search.

[@davidpawson9047]

Logistics. A) The chairs are needed elsewhere as soon as possible. B) Pushing the chair through a crowded, narrow jetway is a disaster waiting to happen.

[@gillauld2965]

Disembarking you’re last off and if there are a few of you then can take even longer. Where there isn’t a gangway or what ever it’s called you need to wait for the elevator to reach the plane. Going through security is a pain, I need my walking stick sometimes crutches but they always try to get you to walk through the scanner without any aids and can make you feel shitty for saying you can’t. On arriving at the airport you have to go to the assistance area and wait, this is for me the worse as they can cut it fine and I’m convinced one day they won’t get me to the gate in time. Why people would use it just to cut a a line😂 baffles me

[@justtabandme8871]

If you want to verify necessity, ask to see their disability placard (picture positive, now). I use my own mobility scooter to get through the airport. I’m screened heavily at security, I’m often delayed as much as 20 minutes LONGER than others. However, I do drive right up to the door of the plane and use the seats to support me walking to my seat. I book a window seat, because it’s extremely difficult to stand to let some out to use the bathroom. My last flight, a gentleman sat in my window seat, and tried to convince me that the middle seat was just as good. However, I finally prevailed (thank you Captain & Steward!) and the guy proceeded to get up 5 (!) times to go to the restroom, on a 4 hour flight! I’d have had to be hospitalized if I’d had to try to stand that many times! I *never* use the airplane restrooms due to balance issues. I have never noticed a problem, but I also am not looking for them. BTW….I’m 80 years young!

[@chaoticallysay2625]

I have a disability and I dont use a wheelchair but I know someone abusing it.

[@justtabandme8871]

Just like the handicap parking spaces!!!

[@spikefivefivefive]

@@justtabandme8871 - I see it every day and the buisness do nothing about it.

[@elizabethharley1531]

Airports throughout the US are huge. Walking to the gates can be challenging for me. But to divulge my disability to an airline is none of their business. I need wheelchair service from time to time. I never skipped security lines ever.

[@lifesIronyboard]

A few years ago, I traveled to have abdominal surgery and had to fly back home after the operation. I am very fit and healthy looking. I remember my wife requesting a wheelchair for me and then going though the airport telling everyone who looked at me, I had just had surgery and wasn't able to walk very far. I looked like I was gaming the system too. It is really hard to tell just by looking who needs one but if there is abuse, we should at least try to find some solutions that don't put everyone on the spot.

[@fakerating]

Crazy that it costs the airlines $35 every time. I don't like subsidizing anyone, whether legit handicap or fake scam. Interesting how there can be 20 people boarding flights in wheelchairs, then when the flight arrives, no one needs a wheelchair anymore. It's a miracle.

[@isocarboxazid]

"I don't like subsidizing anyone," Jesus, what a selfish pig.

[@joanwood9480]

Back in "01 I fell and injured my leg. A gentleman on the shuttle bus offered me his cane. When I arrived at LAX the skycap went and got me a wheelchair. I didn't ask for one but I was very happy for the service.

[@moonbuni59]

To me much of the problem also stems from the fact that many airports only have wheelchair service, but no other types of people movers available. I have sciatica, which doesn’t make me need a wheel chair, but might cause me to need another type of help if the gate is super far away. My cousin on the other hand looks healthy but because of a stroke in her late forties makes it difficult for her to walk long distances. I think that sometimes it is really hard to tell apart the fakers and people who just need extra help.

[@christinemyers9341]

I have a disability, and I walk with leg braces. I use this service when I fly and I always tip well. Without it I couldn't navigate a large airport. I have trouble even at my local airport which is not considered large. I'd rather the airlines cracked down on esa support animals. I truly need assistance to get to the gate, I'm not so sure you need your emotional support turkey. Aside from that, the abuse that people who use this service take from other passengers is worse then anything else. I've had people tell me to my face that it's nice to see me walk on board with a cane and they'll be watching me when I get off to see if I'm still using my cane. WTF? I would love nothing more than to be able to walk without these goddamn braces. Harassing other passengers ought to have its own fine.

[@MsRotorwings]

“It would be a lot of work to fake it.” Exactly! Anyone who’s been injured and needed help would know this.

[@betsykeller9096]

All you have to do is say, "I need a wheelchair", and the airlines have to comply by law. If they don't, they can be sued.

[@chrysvest4746]

Happens on cruise ships too. A mind boggling amount of people “need assistance “ and priority boarding, but then are fine walking all over the ship!

[@battano]

[@invisiblegirl4151]

Amusement parks have dealt with this too. People using wheel chairs to line jump, and then the policy changed and so did the number of wheelchairs in the park.

[@delsakelly3510]

Require Disabled passenger a certificate from the doctor of his inability to walk near or far. I’m a wheelchair user. I look normal but limited to walk far. I carry my card of being a PaceMaker recipient. I can’t carry heavy things and get short of breath walking too long. I pay tip to the person who pushes my w/c from $5.00 to $10.00 depends on how far the gate of the plane. At first I hesitate to sit in a w/c because of embarrassment. But I have to admit my limitation.

[@mikemurray1047]

The only time I use a wheelchair at the airport is when I have an incredible hangover.

[@betsykeller9096]

I worked at an airport as one of the wheelchair aides (we were called Passenger Services Associates). We could spot abusers, but we weren't allowed to call them out due to ADA. I had a man and his parents who faked it because they didn't want to wait in line. The man had me drop him off at the bar on the secure side. When he realized his plane was being called about a half-hour later, he ran. We saw it all the time. People who run late would abuse this system. We'd get calls from the airlines they needed 4 wheelchairs at landing, and generally one, maybe two, would come off the plane needing a wheelchair. The others most likely faked it. It's rampant. The guy at the end of the interview is just wrong.

[@justtabandme8871]

I use my own electric chair. I’m the last off the plane, and sometimes there’s a wheelchair for me upon landing. Turns out, a disabled flyer is noted in the system when we board, triggering a wheelchair meet. I simply thank them, and since my chair has shown up just outside the plane, I point it out! I have huge gratitude to the airplane staff and baggage handlers for making my life a LOT simpler for the last 30 years!!!! Hope this helps clarify.

[@celebrityrog]

Yeah, like that large person at Charlotte who claimed no one came and got her and she just sat there. She had a broken foot and didn't want to walk cause it would take too long. Give me a break. People also fake medical issues to get their PET into a restaurant. Sorry but your chihuahua isn't a service animal or even a support animal. It's your dog. STOP FAKING CONDITIONS TO GET AHEAD.

[@LorisBenedict]

George Costanza😂😂😂

[@donnaleeah5075]

Hahahaha. That episode was beyond funny. As well as the 1 in gym class "CantStandYa".

[@LorisBenedict]

@@donnaleeah5075 That is my favorite episode!🤣

[@xwrtk]

It doesn’t work at all airports. My grandma had to go through the same line as everyone else at the last airports we were at in the U.S. She can do very short distances for walking until she gets tired. A doctor can easily show proof for my grandma. Sad that these people take advantage.

[@egyphon]

Hell is going to run out of room with people like that.

[@33Jenesis]

Air Canada assign seats for all wheelchair users and family with kids in the tail end (we board first). We wait until everyone was gone to leave, too. My mom needs a wheelchair in airport because walk and wait is too long for her (she’s 87). I am very thankful for those who had helped my mother in airports. It is a necessary service for those with walking and standing difficulties.

[@clairevancleave1508]

I’ve often noticed that a disproportionate number of Indo-Paks take advantage of this program.

[@Ballygirl886]

Of course there is as well as people claiming their animal is a service dog. Anyone getting on first should have to get off last.

[@jeffgorham8819]

I have used a wheelchair from time to time at an airport when connecting. I use a cane to get around when traveling, but moving fast often isn't possible. If the airline has a tight connection, I'll arrange for a wheelchair just to get from A to B quickly. But I don't used it get around security (TSA-Pre takes care of that). And yes, for the record, I tip those guys driving the wheelchair!

[@CityLifeinAmerica]

Industry “lingo” for this is, “the miracle flight”

[@vulcan2882]

I have a friend who is disabled, he was hit by a drunk driver ( messed up his lower back and his left leg ) years before we met. He has a disable placard for his car and only uses it when he needs to. Most of the time he uses his cane on his bad days ( weather related ).

[@Emily-cw7tj]

His blower back!? 😂

[@vulcan2882]

@@Emily-cw7tj .. thanks, I just saw that.

[@sray5415]

Regardless of whether there is rampant abuse of wheelchair services at airports or not. There is no way to prove that a person is or is not disabled without violating their hipaa rights or potentially discriminatory treatment because the person doesn’t have an external disability that can be seen. This type of policy really isn’t going to work long term and will probably lead to many airlines being sued for discrimination against a disability.

[@donshetterly]

This angers me because I need a wheelchair.

[@jmo2104]

My ninety three year old father in law had to go through security, even though he was in a wheelchair.

[@amuseher]

I've wondered about this for a very long time. Ugh.

[@Sunset4Semaphores]

I have flown *Southwest with an A1 boarding position* several times... not ONCE was I within the first 10 people to board the aircraft! It is sickening to watch abusers... of which very few tip their wheelchair stewards! Abuse is real and rampant!

[@nodrogytsirk]

I just experienced this with my friend travelling from Toronto to Florida. She uses a cane, lives with excruciating pain and struggles to walk. We used a wheelchair service and saw others who just up and walked away when they were required to wait for assistance. I would never accuse someone of misusing the service because you don’t know what people are suffering, but we did see two people “change their minds” when they had to wait for help!

[@davidpawson9047]

I can walk the 50 feet from gate to plane, or back. I cannot walk the 1000 feet or more to my next gate, to say nothing of the distance between gates A30 and E56. With no wheelchair available in Chicago, it took me over 45 minutes to walk from my gate to baggage claim. So don't look at my legs and tell me that my lungs function fine.

[@purberri]

I have really bad knees and need one for distances in an airport but I have never used one to board or go through security.

[@robertl7239]

For a lot of people who take advantage, it's ALL about feeling "special". They don't arrive at the destination any sooner than anyone else. In addition to abusing Airport Wheelchair Services, many people try to blur the lines between Service Dogs/Animals versus Emotional Support Animals. Service Dogs/Animals are great. 99% of the time they're quiet, obedient, docile, and focused solely on their tasks.

[@gerriebell2128]

Great psycho-analysis🙄

[@nancyadams9228]

Many of us have disabilities that require wheelchair assistance in airports while marginally ambulatory. I have a permit for disabled parking, yet can walk for short distances. I have missed flights due to this until I requested a wheelchair at the suggestion of a Delta employee.

[@nyancatnatalie]

Same thing happens in stores. The scooters get used by kids and shoplifters for fun and stealing. There's never enough.

[@Mutasis_Mutandis]

I used wheelchair service (abroad) but was sick. I would have never made it without it.

[@davidh9844]

My wife needed lower spinal surgery a year ago. It resolved most of the issues, but she still gets severe pain with prolonged standing (as in long TSA lines), and she is as slow as molasses when she walks. She gets a wheel chair. She has her ADA handicapped parking sticker, which is used as infrequently as possible. I cut to the head of the line because I'm with her. The airlines don't like it? Too bad. Let them figure out the abusers.

[@claricetreiber4349]

The distance to Walk from terminal to baggage claim or customs has gotten further and further in distance. We walked 8 miles between three different flights and airports a couple weeks ago. It's not uncommon anymore if you have to fly between airports to make the trip complete that you are required to Walk several miles in steps to change terminal or make your way to the exit after getting through customs. I've never used those wheel chairs service, but it is getting harder to do that much mileage by foot.

[@bibibachmd9995]

There are a lot of scammers.

[@talon310calif]

Isn't that why flying SWA is a miracle. Dozens use wheels chairs to board early, but only a few use wheel chairs when they land. These people are awful.

[@JenniferPerryMyScraproom]

If I am traveling with my husband I normally do not request a wheelchair (probably should have last time after falling twice in the airport). But if I travel alone I always request a wheelchair and pre-boarding. As far as getting off of the plane if alone I can get myself off of the plane but the chair is waiting for me on the ramp. If with my husband we just take our time and get there when we get there.

[@rabidsamfan]

I go to the airport two hours ahead of my flight because wheelchair service takes time. And I tip the attendants, so it isn’t as if it is cheap. TSA lines are a mixed bag, some airports take the chairs through quicker, others don’t, and the time of day affects it too. If I could stand for a long period or walk long distances I would much prefer it, but for now I am just super grateful for the accommodation.

[@rayrazz1659]

If you in a wheelchair you still get horrible service What’s the f difference. Welcome to f air

[@istiakgt]

Faking it or not faking it we the people keeping wheeler Agents in business!

[@lornamurdocheaton624]

I fly often and noticed this phenomenon all the time these days.

[@grahametindale8292]

I travel, regularly by air. Abuse is rife! 20 early boarders, only me left to assist, at destination!

[@tmontero8492]

This soccer mom is so right about the difficulty of faking the use of wheelchairs. The one time an injury while vacationing necessitated I use an airport's wheelchair service was miserable. I felt like a forgotten piece of luggage parked at my gate with other "luggage." Obtaining hot food, using the restroom, and purchasing beverages and snacks was difficult at best. Airline's escorts are not typically at a traveler's beckoned call. They are very busy running disabled travelers back and forth through huge airports to deliver them to gates on time. The one aspect I hated the most besides the discomfort was the waiting... No thanks. Although I'm certain there is a percentage of people who fraudulently take advantage of this service, it's no fun.

[@rabidsamfan]

Good point. And wheelchairs aren’t the most comfortable seats!

[@justd4377]

When you use the wheelchair service you do get to pre board, but you are LAST to get off the plane. It’s pretty obvious when you see people suddenly not needing a wheelchair after the flight.

[@lfkatzke]

Yes... it's referred to as the "ramp Jesus".... they are cured by His miracle right as the plane lands.

[@noahboat580]

It should be against ADA rights if youre faking a disability just so you can expedite your way through an airport, and security too? Thats a security compromise imo

[@leighannesmith9483]

To be honest with all of you i think that you should have a doctor note from the doctors office saying that you can used the wheelchair if you have a disability and you can go front of line to go on the plane first and to other people don't have a doctor note should not used it one bit and i think that should be new rule of the airlines companies and have a great day everyone the end

[@jeanyclattenburg9829]

I have diabetic neuropathy in my feet. This causes painful feelings of pins & needles when walking. There is no disability card for this. The only visible proof is a cane & orthopedic shoes. So, I don’t get to use a wheelchair? How is that fair?

[@chabela1944]

Could it be that Frontier Airlines isn’t getting a cut of the tips that wheelchair passengers give to the attendants receive from the users? From my personal perspective, my husband has a mobility issue and finds that it’s much too distant to walk to the gate, so he always uses a wheelchair to transport him to the gate. He is able to get from the gate, walks down the ramp and into the plane to his seat. Upon deplaning he’s transported to the baggage area. He always tips the transporter at least $20 each direction. Not everyone may be able to tip, depending on their circumstances. I really wonder if that Frontier CEO making the complaint would tip his transporter if he had to use a wheelchair at an airport? He stated it is a ‘FREE SERVICE’??

[@dawn-gk2tr]

There needs to be a limit of the weight that workers are expected to push. This us a work safety issue .

[@KristianaW]

While travelling in America and needing the wheelchair services for my mum, definitely saw people who were very able abusing the system. This makes it very hard for others cause I noticed the TSA agent was then very rude to people in the wheelchair line

[@donfss5088]

I'm awaiting hip replacement on my right hip then sometime after they'll do the left hip. There is pain all of the time but even worse when I have to walk more than 200 ft or so. Without the wheelchair service we wouldn't have been able to travel to SA this winter. The airlines are smart to provide this service to those of us who couldn't fly without it.

[@CrazyCranker]

If you have a disability fine but, you should be required to produce a disability card signed by a doctor. No Card? No Wheelchair for you!!

[@texasguysanantonio8295]

Except, under current ADA laws and HIPPA laws, there are no cards issued by doctors, and asking for such proof is illegal. This is a case of laws designed to help the diabled that are actually working against them.

[@gerriebell2128]

It is nobody’s business what my disability is, why I have a parking placard or use wheelchair assistance at the airport. If you think requiring a card to use assistance is going to solve the problem, think again, the dishonest come up with fake cards for everything. Only the jealous and the Karen’s think they can solve what they think is a big problem.

[@lfkatzke]

@@texasguysanantonio8295 That's why we needed vaccine passports...... remember those?

[@muzak-px5fj]

Unfortunately we have customers that don't tell the truth. Some of The larger customers will not get scooters which will assist the smaller airline employee

[@cliffontheroad]

Solution; boarding with a wheelchair must require deplaning with a wheelchair, meaning last off the plane. No exit as such, passenger flagged at bogus cripple not allowed to request service again, ever. OK, a little computer work, but the other passengers would appreciate the new rules.

[@michaeld.3779]

We took a flight where there were a half dozen pre-boarding folks in wheelchairs. All were wheeled onto the plane, and when they went to the bathroom during the flight, it was obvious that they had mobility issues. However, on the connecting flight, there were a like number of those in wheelchairs, and when it came time to pre-board, every one of them got up and walked from the ramp to the plane with their entourage, who also got to preboard. My gripe was that this second batch didn't need to be wheelchaired from the gate to the plane, so why did they get to board ahead of everyone else? BTW, this was on Southwest Airlines, where you pay extra to board sooner. We were in the first A group boarders; then B folks get to board; then the C travelers. Those in wheelchairs--and their entourage--get to board first, regardless of the amount they paid for their tickets. Bottom line? Those who need to be wheeled onto the plane should get to preboard. Those who get out of their wheelchairs and walk on the plane can wait, like all the rest of us.

[@patriciaclancy9560]

I no longer are able to fly twice believe it was United Airlines I was left at the gate without a wheelchair. my cardiac condition has worsen and I can’t take a chance of not being able to have someone wheeled me from the plane to the baggage area and from the gate to the plane

[@hawhite2000]

Frontier's CEO should know better. And considering what people say about that airline I think he has other things to worry about before this. Maybe they get on the plane a little faster but they are also the last to get off the plane.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

You miss the point - these fakers do NOT get off last. They miraculously have no need for a wheelchair and often push and shove their way off upon deplaning. Explain what kind of disability is that.

[@skyeblue5669]

❤ my daughter had knee surgery and isn't able to walk long distance or stand long..She uses the wheelchair assistance help..If you see her you would never know she has knee surgery not unless you look at her leg..

[@useyournoodle100]

So don't give the person in a wheelchair priority. Just make the line wheelchair accessible. I just went through LAX and it was like going through a cattle gate. This problem is only a problem because the airports don't make the line accessible to all so disabled people have to go in a different line creating a priority situation, which is then exploited by people with no conscience.

[@user-sm7if4vj8r]

I do this with handicap parking spots, you never have to find a parking spot 😊

[@Shaolin91z]

Thanks Lord for your peace Thanks for your salvation

[@paulj8740]

this is only a problem for those discounted airlines like frontier, nobody on a mainline carrier needs to use it to skip the line because they have a preassigned seat. I suspect the frontier CEO is complaining because people have found they can get access to seats normally reserved by additional payment.

[@DsnyLuv]

Get the notification from Doctor uploaded to ticket, that’s easy

[@nobodynothing00000]

They should stop offering the wheelchair to anyone who is otherwise perfectly able bodied. Countless times at the airport when I notify them I am deaf they offer me a wheelchair.

[@justtabandme8871]

Talk about dimwit!!! Thanks for the chuckle, but I realize it’s not totally funny!!!! I’ve been in a wheelchair almost 30 years, and legally deaf, but I’ve found that one needs to see the funny side to things or be very lonely!!! Blessings!!!

[@violetbonnyai3318]

Well, if it’s on Tik Toc, then you know it’s happening. They show you them lying??

[@alexlorenz4103]

Working for that wheelchair service, I can tell you this. Just because you are getting wheelchair service, that doesn't mean you will get through security faster. That wheelchair line can get really backed up!

[@celestephelps5897]

Not to mention that wheelchair users like myself do have to be checked by security only we don't have to wait in line after putting things in the bin to go through X-Ray.

[@alexlorenz4103]

@celestephelps5897 I once had to wait with a passenger in TSA line for 1 hour and 15 minutes. It was during the government shutdown.

[@libbyworkman3459]

I no longer fly, but when I did, I requested a wheelchair when I first booked my flight.

[@ano070602]

As a wheelchair user, I pay for the ability to board early. Plus call ahead of time to make sure the flight crew knows I am flying and will need to have my husband help me during boarding and during the flight.

[@dawnj2360]

Skip tsa? Are you kidding? Last time my grandma went through she got a full pat down and swabbing of her hands and chair! That being said, she can walk. She just can't walk for long periods of time. She needs help with her luggage because she can't manage even getting her handbag into the overhead bin and she can't stand in a line for even 5 minutes.

[@vangary100]

Easy to fix. A person with a handcap can have their Doctor sign the forms for you to get a handcap card . I have a problem walking if I have to park a log way due to Bursitis in my left foot and a cardiac issue. With the card I got for my car, I was given a wallet card so you show that and you should not be able to get one, unless your Dr. agrees.

[@debbiehanson9201]

I don't need a wheelchair to get across an airport, but I do have metal implants in my arm and shoulder and was issued a card by my orthopedic shoulder that indicates I have those implants and that I may set off some types airport security scanners because of that or that I may not be able to raise both arms over my head sufficiently for TSA machines that require that. Why couldn't people who need wheelchair access have similar physician-issued cards to carry? That way, people whose disabilities aren't as obvious or who are temporarily, as opposed to permanently, disabled could simply show their cards to prove they needed a wheelchair. The laminated card I was issued is basically the same size as a driver's license or credit card so it's not difficult to carry in a wallet or pocket.

[@texasguysanantonio8295]

I seriously doubt this is a wide spread thing. First off, you're expected to tip the person that pushed your wheelchair. Second, if you just get TSA Pre-Check, you get through security pretty darned quick at most airports. And the lady in the video is right, it would be a lot of work to fake it, and the wheelchairs often take LONGER to clear security vs. ambulatory passengers.

[@ldc5603]

I understand the need for a wheel chair due to the long distances between TSA and gates BUT why are wheel chair individual given first access?? Maybe if that was curtailed only the people who actually need the assist would remain.

[@lanabyk8012]

Fake it until you make it....

[@JH-lz4dh]

I highly doubt this

[@BREEZEMAYES]

Many people look good but have cardiac,pulmonary or mobility issues that may not be evident to others. They may be able to travel short distances without difficulty. The size and distance of today's modern airports and the distance between gates and concourses can be difficult to traverse for even the most able bodied.

[@brianc4037]

I fly alot and I've notice there's a certain color that seems to abuse the whole wheelchair thing .

[@shawneross1067]

Anyone else remember a woman in Miami airport demeaning the staff and abusing the service

[@IaneHowe]

Lazy people always ruin for the majority

[@donschwartz9585]

Apparently John Morris must be getting on plane with his eyes closed. Not only do I fly often but drive people to the airport and on countless occasions I've ordered wheelchairs for people I didn't think needed them. While traveling I have at times seen times that there were about 15 wheelchairs with people in them to get on before general boarding when getting off the plane on a normal day there may have been 1 maybe waiting for a wheelchair to get off. I really think that this is the rule rather than the exception. I certainly don't want to deny anyone who needs the service from getting it but just like service animals people abuse the crap out of it. I think the airlines would be wise to stickily follow the carry-on rules for the abuse passengers who violate it. That would leave the stress of people running out of room in the overhead racks. Also if you are unable to put you luggage in the overhead rack yourself then it should be checked. Relying on others is quite nervy in my opinion.

[@rabidsamfan]

Registration won’t help injuries.

[@StefaniClowdis]

Yes