Airline passengers cheating their way onto planes faster

Travel stress is escalating beyond the usual airport rush, with passengers resorting to sneaky tactics to board planes faster, causing a significant problem, according to travel columnist Christopher Elliott.
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[@pi-sx3mb]

Airline pilot for 33 years - saw plenty of "miracle" flights where a passenger required a wheelchair to board at the departure airport but miraculously regained the ability to walk upon arrival, selfishly leaving an unused wheelchair with an attendant waiting for them after everyone was gone. People are scum.

[@melokc7257]

Yep..'most' are. I've been literally shocked when shown otherwise.

[@Dimensionalalteration]

That is scummy. A certificate or doctors note would be a good idea. I carry my disability certificate with me at all times on my phone and I have considered booking disability assistance when flying because I sometimes get really bad but still push through to the point of collapsing, severe pain, numbness etc. and it causes problems especially with stairs, I'll sit at departures hearing disabled people being called up (anyone who booked the services),and I feel like I should have booked it but feel too embarrassed and like a Karen for thinking it, then I see an old lady pushed in a wheelchair and I think ,ok nice , then an autistic child with a sunflower landyard and think ,well I have autism too so maybe I should do that as well but then feel horrible about that thought, then I see a blonde lady whining her way forward because her fancy shoes make her limp despite being fine, walking around all of the shops, then a guy with a splinter in his finger and then a random guy who thinks that he's a vip because his luggage is fancy or oversized all queuing up and I think , hang on a minute, they manage better than I do and they get fussed over and accomodated for no reason? I'm a genuinely disabled person who is pushing myself to breaking point in order to function and I'm sat there making excuses not to ask for special accommodations. It honestly stirs up a lot of resentment , disgust and frustration. All I have to do is swipe around on my phone for my certificate to prove disability at any given moment it might be required by the airline but they take whining and dramatic behaviour as evidence.

[@kennethconklin2508]

Jetway Jesus does another healing

[@CatanahAlston]

I'm legally blind, I tell them all the time I dont need a wheel chair I just need an escort, but they don't allow that you have to take the wheelchair. So when I get off the plane I don't take the wheelchair because I follow the other passengers to baggage claim. I feel very discriminated against when I fly especially from Atlanta, because they will intentionally take a long time and keep asking me well can't you make it their yourself. I missed 2 flights because of this.

[@xrayron1]

JetBlue will wheel them on first and wheel them off LAST I have seen one women limping in Boston sprinting in West Palm Beach 3 1/2 hours later.

[@mocheen4837]

I get annoyed when people put their luggage in the front overhead bins and then proceed to sit at the back of the plane. Then when the people in the front get on there is no storage space for them. Just place your bags above your seat. People are so entitled and are too lazy to carry their bags the full distance.

[@daynasafranek7807]

That’s why they want to board first

[@23Echeo]

I don't see how you can get annoyed! It's called being smart. Work smarter not harder!!

[@noonebutme]

@@23Echeoexcept that it takes away from other people and inconveniences them, so obviously people are gonna have something to say about it

[@23Echeo]

@@noonebutme when ur in the last zone as I've always forget to check in and I'm 1 of the last to board. If I see an open spot for me to put my carry on at the front of the plane, I am going to take advantage! It's all about convenience and being smart! Work smart not harder!

[@suwats7555]

@@23Echeoselfish af, people like you always take advantages of others. Disgusting creature!

[@MToya-dv1xz]

I love waiting until the end to board so my seat mates can get excited thinking there will be an empty seat 😂

[@wakeup7874]

😂you are bad

[@AD59669]

😂

[@marilynn76]

ha ha

[@beemo9]

If you do that, i'll talk to you about myself the entire flight.

[@nettiethatsme]

😂😂😂

[@vintagegirl68]

Bins should be assigned to a seat and tagged with your number. If your bid has been taken that luggage goes into the bottom of the plane.

[@Resoob]

Nah that luggage goes out the ejecto seato cuz, midflight.

[@bikertime1]

Who would police that?

[@mike4402]

@@bikertime1 me 😎

[@jphogannet]

And only open with your ticket code.

[@thegreyhoundgirls536]

Or put the window 😂🤣😂🤣

[@Scott_T_]

I've been on several miracle flights recently. Guy was in a wheel chair and got on the plane early. When we arrived at our destination, he walked up the jetway to the gate with no issues. He actually walked so fast up the jetway, he passed me. We all praised Jesus as Southwest did a better job healing than Joel Osteen.

[@judahtribe7]

Lol

[@LR-uk4dh]

Just wow. There are no words for that guy.

[@GraceofGod999]

If I'm not mistaken. anyone using the disability service with airlines are pushed to the specific loading gate area in a wheelchair. At boarding time they ask you if you are able to walk then do so or they will have to get someone to push you to the plane entry door. It does not mean they a falsifying information or cant walk. I have had to use the service a couple of times because of the walk to some gates is too far (ankle issues) but yes I can walk but would have to stop several times if I do not use the service. And yes, I even pay for business class which loads on the plane early. Our assumptions can be wrong many times. I'm sure I have been judged wrongly but I know what I can and cannot handle physically.

[@jenscheibner792]

The same with people parking in handicap spots. I look at it as maybe God will grant your wish to be handicapped so you'll need to park there...

[@lillygirl7238]

Hallelujah

[@jerryloufretz1797]

Flying has become a nightmare. People have no manners and are so unkind. Thoughtless and selfish are the words of the day.

[@machone539]

That is what happens when flights becoming inexpensive. I flew on one of those really barebones flights. Never again. It was like the dregs of humanity was all on that plane. Seriously, if that plane went down, only the crew would be the tragedy. I would be laughing my ass off.

[@TC-eo5eb]

Flew Southwest from L.A. to Milwaukee. Wife and I paid for Early Bird seats. A woman pushed her husband up to boarding in a wheelchair. Husband had green foam booties on each foot while holding a gym bag in his lap. Husband hobbled into his seat. Once we arrived in Milwaukee, husband walked right off the airplane and sat in the first available chair in the lobby, removed his green foam booties, took out a pair of tennis shoes out of the gym bag, placed his green booties in the gym bag and beat me to the baggage claim area. He grabbed their luggage and walked out the airport. On another flight a woman appeared in wheelchair for early boarding claiming disability. Prior to boarding she stood up out of her wheelchair and walked all the way to the restroom and back without even the slightest difficulty and sat back into her wheelchair. We see this crap all the time. Just pathetic.

[@danielhurst8863]

I'm sure people cheat, but I know people who could walk to the restroom with little difficulty, and there is no way they could walk to the gate or down the gangway to the plane. Unfortunately, there isn't a "middle road" on this. So, if you are in a tiny airport, where a wheelchair is not needed, you are considered not in the boarding priority group, but if you are in a place like Atlanta, which is HUGE, and you'll likely need to take the train, many people cannot ambulate that distance. They need a wheelchair in the airport, and this means they will have the wheelchair to get on the plane, whether needed or not.

[@katharineweber8002]

That's not necessarily a sign of fraud. I had spinal fusion surgery in the fall, and when I flew for the first time in January after months of really challenging recovery, I needed wheelchair assistance at the airport for the first time in my life because I couldn't walk the distances in the airport, or stand for very long. I could get up and walk to the restroom and return to the wheelchair, however. Don't be so certain you are able to discern all aspects of disability.

[@TC-eo5eb]

@@katharineweber8002 The lady walked a significant distance back and forth to the restroom without any sign of deficit. The walk to the restroom was further than the walk down the boarding ramp. The KEY COMPLAINT here is people proclaiming to need a wheelchair prior to the flight miraculously not needing a wheelchair or assistance of any kind when the plane lands. I know a cheat when I see one.

[@goombabear]

There's a difference between walking to the restroom and walking a mile to your gate.

[@TC-eo5eb]

@@goombabear You are completely missing the point. The point is some people claim to have a disability before boarding a plane and are miraculously cured mid flight. Once the plane lands they jump up, walk off the plane, down the stairs or down the escalator all the way to baggage claim. They grab their heavy luggage off the turn-style and walk out the door to catch an Uber without a problem. You cannot defend that no matter how hard you try.

[@AY-nr5uy]

Traveling a ZOO NOW

[@gregoryhayes385]

I completely agree. That is exactly why I don't fly commercial anymore. Too disgusting.

[@a62dave]

Airports and flying, definitely. I actually prefer taking Amtrak from Arizona to New York rather than flying. The whole airport experience is demeaning, especially TSA.

[@mocheen4837]

That’s because people are too selfish and entitled now.

[@bpxl53yewz29]

I see so many people with carry-ons that definitely go beyond what is allowed. That’s why there’s not enough overhead bin room… and that’s why they try to be first on board. Airlines need to measure carry-ons or make people place them in a size indicator. Tired of cheaters

[@lynnewilliams542]

OR how about security screening machines only accept proper sized baggage. if it is too big it wont even go in

[@JamesCook-u9h]

Gotta get up 10 times and go through their bags when the seat belt sign is on as well

[@yvonboudreau3932]

Another problem is they keep adding rows of seats but are unable to increase the overhead bin numbers.

[@jodybogdanovich4333]

Some people also need to bring medical devices, like CPAP machines or oxygen concentrators. These are allowed, with documentation, in addition to other carry-ons.

[@davidcaylor7484]

Get on early and sitting towards back, but put stuff in overhead near the front... total jerks

[@IrishAnnie]

I saw young woman raced to be seated as group 1. We had group 3. When we arrived at our seats she was seated in my window seat with a breakfast spread out on the tray. She played innocent. I told her to move. That window seat was mine. She sat between us and we talked over her.

[@machone539]

My wife and I paid extra to sit together on a flight from LA. This lady was sitting in my wife's seat. We asked and she said my wife can sit in her seat. I told my wife not to make a big deal. So I sat next to the lady, fell asleep and snored all the way to Phoenix. BTW, I believe I might have drooled on her too.

[@IrishAnnie]

@@machone539 😅

[@suchitraroy1758]

Not all passengers who avail the use of a wheelchair have visible signs of disability. In my case, due to an autoimmune disease that has caused a portion of my lungs to scar which makes walking very difficult. It makes me out of breath very quickly. I can walk for short distances without any discomfort, but given the size of airports these days, walking from the check in counter to the gate, quite long. Then to get to the baggage claim can be equally lengthy. Especially the airports that I frequent most often, such as SFO and Charlotte, my lungs begin to hurt if I have to walk. You wouldn’t know that from looking at me. So please be mindful that not all passengers are taking advantage of the the system.

[@liabw05]

Yea same!!

[@jodybogdanovich4333]

Me too! I require oxygen during sleep and while flying, as my oxygen saturations drop into the 80s without it.

[@carly4513]

No one objects to people with disabilities getting preferential treatment. The problem is when someone says they're disabled to get on a flight, but don't need the wheelchair when they get off. It does make you wonder how their disability was cured by a plane flight.

[@Cassie4486]

They are talking about the healthy people that use the wheelchair, not people with real health issues.

[@NeeNee_B.]

​@carly4513 I have RA. Maybe my legs were in pain, or my ankles so swollen it was hard to walk, but they felt better by the end of the flight, depending on how long it was. Just bc I didn't need the wheelchair later doesn't mean I didn't need it in the beginning. These ppl are ruining it for everyone

[@thomask4836]

I don't get stressed about air travel anymore. I retired almost 10 years ago from a job that required a LOT of air travel. I have not set foot on a single plane since. All I can say is Ahhhhhhhhh! Well, , , maybe there is one more thing, , , my heart goes out to anyone who has to travel for a living! I don't miss being in one of those cattle cars one single bit!

[@johnpatz8395]

Yeah, a couple decades ago I decided I’d rather drive for a day or two, as deal with airports and airlines. It makes for a much more relaxing trip

[@bettinadewoof3309]

Now that I’m retired and have the time, I want to travel to new countries which requires taking a flight or two. Different lifestyles.

[@charde9739]

Your comment kind of didn’t make sense you say you ‘don’t get stressed about air travel’ and then say you have not set foot on a single plane in 10 years. your comment is asinine and pointless. “I’m glad I don’t fly anymore” would have sufficed

[@thomask4836]

@@charde9739 - Maybe you suffer from a mental illness or you're just DENSE. Regarding your failed attempt to be critical, perhaps you have a comprehension issue or you're 6 peas short of a tuna casserole. Thus far, 47 people gave me a "like" for my comment. Therefore, I have to go with them and not the one imbecile who took an exception. Have a nice day.

[@thomask4836]

@@charde9739 - I still cannot decide whether you are cognitively or comprehensively incompetent or just six peas short of a tuna casserole. To date, I now have to go with the 54 people who "liked" my comment as opposed to one critical, opinionated and judgment-impaired moron. But have a nice day!

[@wandrousvindella716]

Simple solution, start at the back of the plane & work toward the front. Flight attendant there to babysit the placement of bags at YOUR seat.

[@sadtiger2022]

Delta did this for awhile out west during the pandemic. It was nice honestly. I wish they'd have people with window seats board first too so others don't have to get up after they've already sat down.

[@jbjacobs9514]

No, because that would make sense and make all flights easier.

[@ntatenarin]

True! Granted, the people who paid premium would argue against this, so I guess this is the way... People who are 1st class go first (back to front), then the rest start at the back to the front.

[@marilynn76]

This used to be the way it was done

[@joefunk76]

You’re a sardine with a credit card to the airline. Your comfort, let alone your time, is of little concern to them. Don’t like it? Become rich enough to fly first or business class or, better yet, private. Until then, you’re not rich enough to matter to them. 😮

[@alinapepe9748]

The airlines just need to go back to including checked bags and prior seat selection in their ticket instead of giving people the option to book those as extras. We always pay extra for bags and seat selection due to our kiddo having different types of epilepsy, we don’t want to risk not being able to sit together

[@Its_the_Whole_Everything]

we pay too - the BF is 6'8". Cant risk not getting the leg room

[@Atom63-f3y]

No need to pay to check your bag…on a full flight, they ask for volunteers to check their carry on bag….this is the best! No one checks a bag anymore..arrive to the plane like pack horses…..I volunteered, and NO ONE at baggage claim cause their all pack horses ….will never pay to check a bag again.

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

Agreed, and airlines shouldn’t be changing seats without the passenger’s consent.

[@hadley407]

When there is no room on the plane for your carry-on, they will check it for you. The problem is nobody wants to have their bag checked. They want to be able to deplane and have their bag right there with them and not have to wait for it. That’s why there is fighting for the overhead bins.

[@robinperronjones5024]

The airline transport experience has declined drastically over the last three decades. It used to be fun but not anymore.

[@Already100]

Yeah, they just been collecting the billions of dollars and laughing on the people’s faces😂🎉😅

[@susanmeredith4957]

So true. Flying used to be a pleasure until they started shrinking seats, and leg room, minimal padding in seats. Now I definitely don’t look forward to my flights.

[@darrylnelson05]

Here's a thought. Stop bringing all your damn luggage onto the plane.

[@SpaceRanger187]

or fly first class. its money well spent or at least fly with AA premium. Its the same as first class but you don't get food etc. If you have never flown first class, you will never fly any other way again. Its so much more peaceful

[@lauriewu-jf5nh]

@@SpaceRanger187 Most of us don’t have the amount of money needed for first class flights. We don’t have huge pay cheques or rich daddy’s!

[@godfather6942]

@@SpaceRanger187You’re so out of touch with reality. Do you think everyone can afford first class? Don’t be so naive

[@jeanlanie1]

It happened to me. The area for my luggage was taken by a fellow Filipino. 😢

[@endlessvoyageca7518]

you are SO right!

[@huftjbeers2398]

Airlines should board the passengers seated in the back of the plane first and work their way until first class boards last.

[@liabw05]

Great idea! Why don’t they do that?!

[@terryowen6759]

I always thought it was weird having first class board first, all those first classers are sitting there while hundreds of people walk by bumping into the person in the aisle seat...very uncomfortable looking to me. I would board last.

[@marilynn76]

They used to do this; back in the 90's they used to board back to front.

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

Agreed so that way we won’t have to walk across tons of people.

[@Undecided0]

Whenever I fly 1st class, I chill in the lounge until 30 minutes until boarding. Then I sit down at the gate until they say “final call”. One time I messed up & the door was already closed. So I had to get on the next flight.

[@SmifLaly]

The boarding process is backwards. If they filled it from the rear to front first that'll make things much easier for everyone. Because you would not have to wait in the aisle when needing to pass.

[@pete5668]

It’s all about revenue. The airlines sell the privilege of boarding early. This is why we can’t just board back to front any more.

[@marilynn76]

Back in the day, that's what they used to do

[@pete5668]

@@marilynn76 I remember back-to-front boarding well.

[@listey]

But the point is that is doesn't matter what the rules are if everyone ignores the rules anyway.

[@pete5668]

@@listey Does everyone ignore the rules? I don't. Most people are good.

[@kriskauffold6926]

I love boarding last…the less time on the plane the better!

[@ducksamok1716]

I don’t need to board first just don’t hog the overhead storage.

[@thefox47545]

It's not necessarily "first come, first serve," it's more people getting away with oversized carry ons. That's why they want to board first, so they can fit their entire closets up there. Wouldn't be much of a problem if they enforce the size rules.

[@pete5668]

I can almost hear them oinking when they stuff all of their stuff in the overhead. I just check my bag.

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

@@thefox47545with Southwest Airlines, it is for seats, though you have a boarding position too.

[@Alexis_005]

People pretend to have a disability to cut lines at Disney 😑 people are so annoying

[@kleighgreeson4116]

Some people do yes, but then people like me look like we’re faking it because they don’t want those who have just physical handicaps to get the disability pass. So for me I have a fairly invisible cancer I’m in remission of and chronic migraines, so I got very sick from the heat and the only way I managed to get through the park was by using that disability pass. I’m a young adult, so luckily most people gave my family the cold shoulder, eye rolls, and scolding because they thought we had paid for the genie pass. But hey, I’ll take their rude remarks over not getting to do anything at Disney. Luckily my family had 2 days at each park as well, so I rested while they went the second day. They said it was night and day with the disability pass. So I’m really hoping the people who fake it realize they’re putting those who really need these accommodations, like myself, at risk of losing their ability to be apart of so many things they wouldn’t otherwise get to be part of. But I am so grateful to have advocates and get to have these accommodations if need be ❤ If only they knew how truly life saving these accommodations are

[@rondas7772]

I'm gonna try this

[@asiamommi]

You don't get to "cut the line" you get a return time. And it could be an hour or so later.

[@sexygeek8996]

There is an easy solution to that. Having a disability shouldn't allow you to cut the lines.

[@senorahz3185]

Somme yes, but many disabilities are not seen. This video is dangerous because then we have the karen champions who want to determine who is disabled or not. The service that afforded at different places are necessary. I will take a day without accommodations (without my disability) any day. I would love to switch with anyone who wants my disability. Don’t judge what you don’t know.

[@katekat1064]

Boarding early allows you to make certain your hand luggage has space in the overhead. One other issue is to make certain no o e takes your seat you've paid for.... that's happening more and more

[@thefox47545]

I've seen too many people get away with oversized carry ons. That needs to be more well enforced.

[@jenscheibner792]

@@thefox47545 They charge so much for lugage now...

[@patmcbride9853]

I like to be on early and had a couple try to take my seat because the seat had been double booked. But my butt was already planted and I wanted the leg room of an exit row so I stayed put. When the couple whined about it to a flight attendant, I got moved to first class.

[@jaymes7521]

My wife and I fly maybe 6 times a year, we pick our seats on AA and have never had a problem. I had a blood clot a number of years ago so I really need to stretch and move that leg, I always have an aisles seat.

[@lonewolf4429]

If you paid for a seat, it is assigned to you so no one else can take it, at least without causing a ruckus. If you are on Southwest, you don't have a specific seat anyway..your comment makes no sense.

[@erictaylor5462]

As an amputee I am entitled to preboarding. The things is, if I'm wearing long pants (and I always wear long pants for safety reasons when I fly) you can't tell I'm missing a leg. You can't always tell just by looking if someone is disabled.

[@karichelle1982]

Exactly. Not all disabilities are visible, and news stories like this are only adding to the scrutiny those of us who have invisible disabilities encounter at the airport. You can’t see my pain or the fact that I have to think about every step.

[@truneilson]

I have a comprised immune system so I board early to clean all the area before others are there and I need to be closer to them.

[@jwiki1]

😂😂😂 I have never been in a rush to get on a plane quickly and never will be. I’ll sit back and laugh at everyone else as they jockey for position. 😂😂

[@auntiem873]

I was on a flight, boarded last evening though I was in the second group. Found someone had put their bags in my seat and under the seat in front of me, where my feet go. The bags in my seat were 4 overnight size bags stuffed into the seat. They did not need a belt to hold them in. The flight attendant asked whose bags they were, no one said anything. She took them. Then I just rested my feet on the bag in front of me, they had lots of foot prints on the bags before take off, turned out that bag belongs to my seat mate, who took it (before take off) and put in his space. He just wanted to be able to stretch out. He saw the bags in the seat and didn’t think anyone would be sitting there. But when I showed up, he was embarrassed. Got over it when he saw what I was doing and took his bag back. No space in the over head meant I had to hold my small bag, once the guy removed his bag I put mine in the space and bam! Just like that there was more room for everyone to sit comfortably. At the end of the flight a women started screaming cause her bags were not where she left them (my seat). She was from the back of the plane. One of the people who jump up before the plane gets to the gate. Turns out since no one claimed the bag at the announcement, they left the bags back at the old airport. This family had no clothes now and somehow, it was the airlines fault. The best part, they had small kids with them so they were one of the first people to board. They had plenty of room to store their bags in their seat area.

[@natehill8069]

LOL

[@annabellesnightmares]

My roommate is a Flight Attendant for Air France and I get to hear about all the children who don't know how to behave in public.

[@bethhenkelman5249]

What ticks me off is the price for checking a baggage, and then those who are able to check their luggage because the bins are full. Stop charging to check luggage and it would solve some problems.

[@user-yv6vx]

Meanwhile I have an "invisible" disability and I need to board ahead but I've had several hostile encounters with people assuming I am just cheating. While this problem may be frustrating, please remember that if someone boards with the disabled passengers the best bet is to leave them alone and assume they need to.

[@Sunriru]

right? i get it. people just dont understand or care about those of us with disabilities

[@M_SC]

@@Sunriruof course people should be aware many disabilities are invisible and mind their business. But you don’t get it at all? That’s just dumb. People don’t like lying and cheating? That’s a mystery to you?

[@JaeDee123]

Ugh same I hate to ask for these reasons and suffer for it 😕

[@Its_the_Whole_Everything]

the cheaters make it hard for the really ppl. Its like the fake support animals. When my friend paid $10grand for hers and others just slap a sticker on their dog. ugh

[@enjoystraveling]

@@Its_the_Whole_Everything And some of those so-called emotional support dogs aren’t even trained properly to be friendly. I don’t want to be bitten by one of those fake support dogs. And I normally like dogs.

[@scorporsupremacy7948]

It’s true though. The last ones on the plane don’t usually get space in the overhead bins. You bags end up so far from you that you can’t really keep an eye on it to make sure no one messes with it.

[@lynnewilliams542]

@trappersdad6855 I refuse to put my backpack under my seat to make room for larger bags. I put my purse under my seat. not my problem that they over packed or are too cheap to pay for bags

[@minacakes2]

this is why I either pack with a bag that can fit under my seat as my only carry-on OR I just check my bags b/c i don't want the stressssss!

[@lucindamoody4582]

I get to preboard because I am disabled and travel with a service dog. Because I gate check my walker, I just stay seated until the plane is mostly empty to get off. That gives the ground crew time to retrieve my walker and allows me to avoid being injured in the rush by passengers to deplane. I am horrified by the number of people who entered via a wheelchair and are suddenly able to grab their luggage and sprint off the plane at the destination.

[@OzkanOzel_USA]

Miracle for believers huh

[@BadMonkeyTouring]

I was waiting to board a SWA flight from Florida to Long Island several years ago. 13 people in wheelchairs boarded, but only 3 got off into wheelchairs. I just chalked it up as a divine miracle.

[@ljacobs357]

That's the reason I don't fly Southwest.

[@gailcarey3597]

I want to be last on board. The less time in those seats the better.

[@ChronicChristy]

This makes me so angry. That’s also why I travel with my handicap placard, the registration card for my placard & a letter from my dr.

[@RobertSpivey-m4e]

I'm a disabled person, and I have watched other "disabled" people suddenly become very active after leaving the helpers.

[@myrrhavm]

It’s up to gate attendants to monitor carry on baggage. I see regularly people with a full backpack, roller bag, large purse big enough to be a carry on bag then other bags a as well. Flying today is no more than city buses with wings. The new ghetto birds.

[@Resoob]

What do u mean by "ghetto"? 🧐

[@myrrhavm]

@@Resoob Look up ghetto bird. Then imagine a city bus with wings. Mash them together.

[@meddyven]

As a current longtime gate agent myself, I win't stand for this foolishness. I clearly state in my announcements, ANYTHING over two items, will be checked at the gate. I don't care if they roll their eyes, get in a huff, whatever. I must be the only gate agent who does this.

[@ReflectionTool637]

I have an idea, how about our representatives in DC make some decent laws so that airlines are required to treat passengers like humans, bigger seats, etc. Part of the reason people rush on airline stuff is that airlines will deny boarding, kick people off flights, change your seat & force you to gate check a bag you don't want to gate check due to it containing your laptop, meds, etc. People are not perfect, but it is the airline biz that brings out the worst in humans - for sure !!

[@reggiethecommenter9137]

This all escalated when airlines started charging for checked luggage. Everyone has carry-ons now. It didn’t use to be this way.

[@beachbri]

Just out of curiosity, before they charged did a lot of people wait to board at the end? I remember doing that… but I think security was quicker too… so I would get to the airport last

[@pete5668]

They should charge a convenience fee for carry on bags (not personal item bags) and checked bags should be free.

[@steveread3303]

AIrlines should remove overhead bins entirely. If it wont't fit under the seat, it goes in the hold. Boarding would become a breeze.

[@mistiinseattle]

If you are tall, FEET won't even fit under the seats any more. I am 5'8" and get big red indentations across my knees from wires in seat in front of me. Then person in front of me leans the seat back in my lap. I now drive or take Amtrak

[@ronica2623]

OR, make the regulation sizes for carry on smaller

[@HASBOU]

Domestic flights in general is becoming disgusting.

[@matefamily7883]

If flight attendants made sure only on bag went into the overhead per seat it wouldn’t be such a big issue for people. But I’ve seen people out their bag person item and coat into the overhead like it’s their personal closet.

[@jeremyn2008]

Honey, it’s not worth fighting people are awful and are ready to fight, so will i.

[@kennethconklin2508]

As a flight attendant, I can tell you that if we tried to enforce that, the company would not back us up if the passenger complained.

[@vsanchez7158]

@@kennethconklin2508, I agree. Also adding this to flight attendants’ responsibilities would be too much.

[@alinapepe9748]

It’s not a Flight Attendant’s job to do bags, it’s the airlines, they need to include a checked bag in the cost of the ticket, not as an add on. The airlines also need to pay Flight Attendants for boarding time and disembarkation, both periods of time are unpaid. Airlines need to do better by their crews and their passengers. Passengers just need to do better period and be respectful of one another and the crew.

[@tessie7e777]

The overhead compartments used to be much larger than they are now. Also, because they have reduced leg room and crammed in more seats, there isn’t a one to one correlation of overhead bin to row of seats. Basically four to five folks need to get their luggage to fit in each bin- which doesn’t work. And whereas you used to be able to fit a full carryon under the seat in front of you, now you can barely squeeze your purse there.

[@Amen.22]

For years I’ve been doing the opposite. I would wait until I was the last one or one of the last ones to board. I knew that once you’re in your seat, you’re stuck there for a long time. Why would I want to be first just to sit in that cramped seat for many hours? Once the plane lands everyone jumps up and stands in the aisle. No one is going anywhere until they get the walkway attached to the plane. That’s why I don’t move until the door is open and the passengers start moving.

[@samlogan8096]

I have seen so many people in wheelchairs on Southwest you would think the destination was Lourdes.

[@patscheepers3326]

😂😂😂

[@jackiestumer1478]

LOL

[@julielee2596]

😂

[@robertl7239]

There's a whole lot of entitlement out there.

[@cj4276]

I worked at Southwest as an Ops Agent and that crap happened every single day all day long. I've never seen so many people claiming to have disabilities in my life and Southwest invites that foolishness.

[@TC-eo5eb]

We fly Southwest every year. We see it on every flight. Once saw a lady with an Early Bird pass board in the A group and saved 5 seats up front for her husband and 4 kids who did not purchase Early Bird seats. I questioned the stewardess and she didn't want to get involved.

[@meddyven]

Truth, but then if you call them on it, you are labled as being discriminatory.

[@AllbuttJ]

Disabled Veteran. Braces on both knees and ankle. Walk with a cane. They have no what that does to people like me. Just being Disabled... Is life changing in it self.

[@GrandMasterLynx]

Thank you for your Service

[@claudiamiller7730]

“Check that bag for free…no worries!” Oh - sweet innocence!💕

[@pete5668]

Absolutely. The bag is safe until it's not. I have been fortunate to only have lost my bag once since I have been flying, but I have a feeling that number is going to go up.

[@netogrof]

There was a family of 4 that had a higher boarding number than me on a southwest flight and when they called ‘families with young children’ they got out of line and went up there. Their kids were around 14 years old. They did not need extra boarding time and just wanted to skip the line to get a better seat because it’s southwest. It’s annoying but nothing we can do.

[@jamijenkins3507]

I can totally testify to the overhead bin. The last time I flew, there was a guy who put his backpack, carry-on, shoes and two jackets into the overhead bin above him. I was sitting in the next aisle to him and had to place my carry-on in a bin 15 rows behind me because of him. I almost didn't make my connecting flight because I had to wait for the other passengers to move. Luckily my best friend looked up the blue print for the airport to see where i had to go and we sprinted there as they were literally boarding. Please, please, please have consideration for others.

[@MyBizOnlu]

Cost to fly luggage is SKYHIGH, solution if flying to see family or friends box up clothes and ship to their address, works everytime and half the cost.

[@javtimestwo]

And this is why Americans cannot enjoy the simple things because there is always someone who feels entitled, feels the rules don't apply to him/her and refuse to follow protocol. disgrace!

[@jameslynch9359]

Airlines - the only industry that tries hard to destroy the customer experience. It’s their fault entirely

[@Beepscat1]

I travel all the time and am always amazed at the number of people who feign needing "extra time" to board. I have actually seen people in the Delta Club room maneuvering without one issue, only to show up at the gate in a wheelchair!! I normally book first class so I have a designated luggage space above and board early so I don't have to worry about luggage space but feel the airlines need to be more selective/verifying "extra time" to board passengers. It's becoming ridiculous when a third of the plane needs extra time! It's ALL about the overhead bin. People don't want to check at all cost!

[@meddyven]

Yes! It comes down to if the processes are followed. Is the gate agent following procedures? ( most do not). Are the FA's watching like a hawk, to insure no one is putting bags in overheads, not where they are sitting. ( many do not). One of the biggest problems is, gate agents rarely get reprimanded.

[@NikkyByrd]

I had a broken hip and HAD to walk with a rolling walker and later a cane. I was thankful for early boarding because it hurt to stand for a long time. I was glad to finally heal and walk comfortably and wait my turn. Unfortunately, at the end of a recent flight, I was disheartened to hear an able bodied man say as he got off the plane, "Next time I'll just come late and demand a wheelchair!"

[@bettinadewoof3309]

If gate agents would actually check the size of carry on bags before passengers board, there would be more room in the overhead bins. Also, it would help if flight attendants would monitor and stop all those passengers who decide they don’t want their smaller “personal item” under the seat in front of them, shoving two bags in the overhead bin.

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

Some of them do lol. They put it in a bin to see if it would fit.

[@bepowerful2160]

I wish airlines held everyone to the carry on luggage size. I’ve seen it on Ryan air and they turn people away at the gate. Tuff S-t! Happiest day at airline line I can remember…

[@chook0]

Same for (I forget which airline) in Australia. Size AND weight limits enforced as you board.

[@thecarpenters9571]

The thing is you can’t tell a disability by looking. My husband has metastatic cancer and they have tried to keep him from boarding early because he “looks normal.” He now wears a shirt that says, “I don’t look sick, and you don’t look stupid.”

[@glengamble526]

I am severely hearing impaired (I wear two hearing aids) and I legitimately have problems hearing boarding announcements over the crap, noisy airport p.a. systems. I usually ask to be notified by personnel of my boarding time and usually get offered advanced boarding because of this-which I gratefully accept. And you should see the dirty looks I get sometimes, as I appear ‘healthy’.

[@waitingonafriend]

The airlines should enforce carry on luggage. It would also help to load the plane starting from the rear of the plane.

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

Airlines should make a rule to allow passengers to pick up checked luggage at the gate instead of at a baggage claim at security.

[@DallasSniper]

Gate agents need to be more observant and refuse to let passengers board who are trying to board before their boarding group.

[@meddyven]

As a gate agent, if a passenger in a different boarding group tries to scan a boarding pass in a later boarding group, I tell them to step aside. No one cuts at my gate!

[@JUVI9596]

I’m a gate agent too. I do the same thing. So, yes we all do refuse to allow it already.

[@Lora-G]

As a disabled wheelchair user this really worry's me😢

[@meddyven]

As it absolutely should. As a gate agent myself, my first priority is to give my passengers who need extra time, who legitimately need it, the time they need without being rushed. I also make it a point to introduce myself, pre-boarding, to let them know I will take good care of them. When you care about your passengers, it gives them a sense of ease. I just do not like people who cheat the system, because they are selfish.

[@LisaMarieMJ]

I have to use a wheelchair if I’m going to be walking for more than a minute because of my back. My legs work fine, but that doesn’t mean I can walk far. People automatically assume that only those who can’t walk AT ALL need a wheelchair. Wait til it happens to you or someone you love, maybe you’ll understand.

[@Allaiya.]

If you need it for more than a minute from walking, then you’d need the wheelchair upon boarding and off boarding. Shouldn’t be an issue.

[@burntpopcorn7543]

OMG I remember a year ago taking Southwest and I swear half the people were waiting to board while sitting in wheelchairs.

[@AllycatlovesAG]

I have bad anxiety about checking a bag and it getting lost. I don't travel carry-on for financial reasons, just because I have attachment anxiety to my bag. I wait for my boarding group, but I've started lining up a bit early just to ensure that when my group is called I am one of the first people to board. I would never think of faking a disability just to get on first!

[@chauna5413]

I board early all the time especially on crowded flights because every time they put my carryon on the bottom of the plane it always comes back damaged

[@Allaiya.]

I’ve had my case come back damaged. Not the luggage inside it though. I love it personally bc I basically get free checked bags.

[@teresaemmerth5625]

I just purchased a ticket and chose the wheelchair assistance option because the long distances , with luggage, are difficult for me. One option was the "cannot walk stairs" so i chose that because i am EXTREMELY slow and would just slow everyone down (I had another passenger offer to carry my bags once because i was holding up the line). I was surprised when my ticket said "passenger needs carried up stairs". Oh my, am i going to have a couple of guys each grab an arm and leg? Lol. Point being there are varying degrees of disability and needs for assistance. I can walk, i am wobbly and slow and most passengers would not want to be behind me as I try to get myself, my cane and my carry-on up those steps to the plane door or try to hoist items into the overhead or to walk down an inclined gangway as I hold on to the railing and moniter every one of my compromised feelings in my feet steps, all the while managing my carry-on. Before you tell me to not bring a carry on understand I must keep my medical supplies with me.

[@DunRovinRanch-1969]

I can solve this problem. Assign overhead bins to seats. Board from the back of the plane to the front. Hire retired middle school administrators to supervise the boarding. You cut in line you go to the end and possibly be removed from flight.

[@virgie5160]

I have recently had knee surgery and require help getting from gate to gate in larger airports. My legs give out. One can choose which leg of travel help is required and in smaller airports if a wheelchair show up for for me and my connecting gate is only a few away, I give a gratuity anyway even if I can walk to the gate.

[@fire2box]

what if now hear me out. what if airlines just.... limited the size of overhead bags.

[@ronisnotahuman]

They do...

[@bepowerful2160]

@@ronisnotahuman but they don’t restrict to that size. They sure should start doing this!

[@thefox47545]

You mean that's not already a thing?

[@leewilliams5341]

This is not surprising. US Airlines have overcharged consumers with their fees for checked luggage, not to mention the shrinking dimensions between the seats and little to no food. This is one reason that no US airline made it to the top 20 airlines for 2024.

[@frankiem4062]

Just check your bags omg it’s not that serious

[@ronisnotahuman]

It is when the airlines lose your luggage more than once

[@bpxl53yewz29]

Expensive

[@zeroeffortmemes]

Most airlines charge for checked bags. Some charge for carryon luggage as well but not for most fare classes.

[@deva190]

@@bpxl53yewz29 All in the cost of flying. I would rather check a bag if it doesn't fit under the seat than take a chance on fighting for an overhead bin. People are too high strung these days.

[@edl6398]

Exactly. Get a credit card associated with an airline and you get a checked bag for free. I’ve flown frequently for years and my luggage was lost once and it was delivered to me the next day.

[@mrmacross]

My wife once bought me the A1 ticket for Southwest. The first available seat when I boarded was in the 4th row. I get that grandma needs boarding priority, but that doesn't mean her kids, her grandkids, her nieces and nephews all need to board early, too. For international flights, the wheelchair policy seems better. You need a wheelchair to board? They got you covered, but when it's time to disembark, you leave on a wheelchair and you wait for everyone to get off.

[@jbjacobs9514]

I don't push my way ahead or start anything. I do have physical issues that would make it easier to get into my seat and settle more quickly. I tend to end up later boarding (unless I have that priority boarding thing), and I have to endure getting through a ton of people, have little space and people are either rushing me or squashing me or getting in my way (or sitting in my seat). I just politely say hello and smile at all of the attendants as I get on and try to get through and get comfortable. It is so hard these days. I don't complain when all the people with their whiny a&& kids make a ruckus and get to go first with all their luggage and noise, so I don't feel bad for them if they have to wait.

[@DallasSniper]

I've never heard of first responders being allowed to be one of the first to board as military personnel do.

[@aj-2savage896]

We live in a society largely filled with selfish miscreants who believe that no one is as important as they are. That's why we see so many airport disruption videos on YT.

[@mariomesi6636]

So true!!

[@kathleenmoore3459]

I have multiple disabilities. So, for me, getting down the ?gangway? early means there’s fewer people I’m holding up getting to the plane and on the plane. Also, it allows me to not rush. (Attempting to rush/rushing is more painful for me.) Getting on early also allows me time to set up my space with fewer people around me. (This makes it less overwhelming for me.)

[@johnelston4652]

To many people bringing two pieces of hand luggage onto the plane thats 1 problem I blame the airlines for this

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

1 carryon and 1 personal item is the typical rule for airlines. Southwest Airlines allows two pieces of checked luggage.

[@gail247]

The problem with carry-on luggage is when the first B group boards, they shove their luggage in the first available bin and then continue onto their seat in the rear. So annoying.

[@sber3911]

Charge people to bring their luggage onboard. Check baggage for $10 bring onboard for $60. Those people slow all of us down.

[@maggie2sticks717]

Great idea.

[@texas4648]

Agree except checked baggage free

[@uhnschlek8827]

It's the airline's fault. They should be strict about the size, weight and amount of carry on one can bring on board. That way, everyone has a spot for their luggage. I've seen passengers with 4 large totes. That person just took someone else's cargo space. Most of the problems on flights are created by the airlines themselves.

[@patrickbroussard5360]

Nothing wrong with overbooking but something is wrong about making sure you can board.

[@deborahgarcia6115]

Folks are being allowed to take large bags and multiple bags on board and take up more than their own overhead bin. Airlines are to blame for not enforcing the rules!

[@mattsmith4589]

1:37 😭💀💀😭😭 He just ratted that man out now tsa going to be checking splints extra tough 😭. Humans have lost all patience 😂

[@tag7592]

And decentcy! Savagery rules, and it's disgusting, to say the least.

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

tsa doesn't care. what are they going to find? a label that says "fake splint"? 😜 they still don't care unless you can cut your fingernails with the splint.

[@Chris-fn4df]

TSA works for DHS, not the airlines. They don't give a damn about what happens after they go through their security show.

[@timothyleon558]

I watch adults 40 years younger having all these special perks. Psychologically, it sends a message of who has more importance or status, and some wear that proudly. I usually take my C grouping in stride, but this is bothersome to watch. I do have a neighbor who has it all down, even to where she orders a wheel chair upon arriving at the airport, first to board, first off, a cart or chair ride to baggage, and basically delivered curbside to car rental. Coming home, repeats all of the above. And she brags about it like she’s homecoming queen.

[@terryowen6759]

Taking advantage of the wheelchair service is pretty low, does she at least tip them? I bring a $5 tip for every person that pushes me around. Usually ends up being about $15 - $20 one way

[@JK-lp6uw]

Classy.

[@timothyleon558]

@@terryowen6759 For someone like you, it angers me to know she does this. It even upsets me that you have to tip like that. I know it’s standard, but I would probably go broke trying to help someone who truly needs help navigating through all the hoops.

[@terryowen7105]

I'm pretty sure tipping isn't necessary but I'm so grateful that they are getting me around the airport that I've got some cash ready. actually I'm a bit embarrassed to be pushed around, but it can't be helped at this point. @@timothyleon558

[@kharris0465]

Slow news day?

[@rondas7772]

I'm tired of people putting their jackets, backpacks, and store bags in "overhead luggage space" 🤯😡

[@dvu8826]

imagine worrying about overhead bins when you could just not be broke and pay to get on earlier.

[@RAdaltonracer]

Imagine not having a choice about being broke or low on money and being unable to afford boarding early. And if everyone can afford to board early no one actually boards early.

[@dvu8826]

@@RAdaltonracer if you can afford to fly, you can afford the extra 30 to get on earlier. If you’re that hard up on funds, you shouldn’t even be leaving the house

[@maggie2sticks717]

Or check your bags

[@RAdaltonracer]

@@dvu8826 Say you’re entitled without saying you’re entitled. I mean seriously. Wow. But my second point still stands. If everyone pays to board early, is anyone actually paying to board early? Or is everyone simply paying $30 more for a flight?

[@dvu8826]

@@RAdaltonracer or I’m just not cheap and trying to scam the system. I pay for my ticket and wait for my group to be called to board. The way you talk sounds entitled just like the people trying to skip the line who can’t afford the extra money to board early for that overhead space.

[@yellowrice1453]

I’ve seen people get on in a wheel chair. And walk off after landing. 😐

[@MH_6160]

Those people should be banned from flying.

[@adamsmith1813]

Could be fake, though some people that use wheelchairs can still walk short distances.

[@chitownchica]

Its not just about carryon luggage space. Its infuriating to pay more for a seat that someone ahead of you in line decides they want and the crew will not move. And then, the airline will not reimburse you because that seat is not guaranteed to you according to their fine print. 😒

[@meatballhead15]

If you're an unaccompanied minor or disabled person who gets on the plane first, you are also supposed to be the last to exit (the flight attendants need to help/accompany these people off the plane).

[@DallasSniper]

Too bad some alarm doesn't sound with a voice saying "De-Nied" when someone scans their boarding pass and tries to board before their assigned boarding group.

[@radfoo72]

Who can actually board the plane early? There's a long list that can be found on the airline's website and it includes everybody except You😂

[@pete5668]

people who need assistance boarding, military members, families with kids, grand poohbah status members of the airline, less than poohbah members of the airline with lesser status, peasants, pissants, and plebes.I think that about covers it. That's why they can't board back to front anymore.

[@toomignon]

Oh, my gosh. I have RA and sometimes need a wheelchair or cart ride through large unfamiliar airports to get to the gate area (all depends on how my flares are), but I don’t jump line with my disability. My mom was wheelchair bound and took one flight in that condition and stopped flying after that, sadly.

[@roachtoasties]

This has been going on forever. Nothing new. I doubt it delays flights, since this nonsense is part of boarding. There are worries about checking in your bag at the gate. You still need to get stuff out you need (medicines, laptop, and so on) that you might not have anything to carry it with. Checking in a bag when you didn't plan to, means a whole another wait at the baggage claim. Your bag can also be misdirected, lost or stolen (all have happened to me). Plenty of worries, contrary to what the reporter said.

[@gail247]

What I did not hear was the family with small children boarding with 12 family members trailing behind. I think another reason is if you are seated towards the front, you will get your drinks faster. I am so done with Southwest.

[@annabellesnightmares]

I'm just happy they don't fly over here, but we crappy airlines also.

[@m.m.4645]

It seems that nowadays people fly with "half their household" as their carry on!!!! Since when are those monster suitcases allowed? Plus a big bag of this and a bag of that and this and that.... No wonder the bins are full! I wished they would enforce the size limits more at the gate.

[@NYC-2-BKK]

I have a small child - so with her I get my family to board the plane faster. My other tactic is when I travel with my frail 78 year old mom who gets tired easily they just let us cut the security lines and allow us to board early.

[@ronica2623]

“Tactic”? Tsk, tsk….

[@Jeff92346]

Why should "first responders" get on early? First they are rarely the first to respond to events. Second, they are public servants with platinum benefits and pay....isn’t that enough?

[@paulready8897]

I only use a wheelchair in the airport to get to the gate. I cannot walk very far so it’s a huge help. I will always fly in premium economy or higher class.

[@ambrag2cute358]

It’s also the standing there waiting for people in front of them to get there baggage in the overhead

[@cocosurgerow]

Half of them stand up at end of flight and can’t pull their luggage down. Then some of them with disability board first -- then de board slowing up the line denying their walking disability. Instead of waiting patiently in their seat. If you board with disability-- you wait last to de board !