Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Southwest flyers’ wheelchair ‘pre-boarding scam’ leaves fellow passengers fuming
I New York Post ^ | 06/28/2023 | David Propper

Posted on 06/28/2023 5:05:01 AM PDT by thegagline

A social media user waiting to board a Southwest flight recently cried foul over an apparent “pre-boarding scam” involving wheelchairs — while the airliner stresses that its policy complies with the law.

Passengers are known to get antsy boarding and exiting planes, but Paul, whose Twitter handle is @trendready, complained about how some fellow flyers are possibly attempting to game the system by requesting wheelchair assistance and be the first ones on a flight before takeoff.

“Pre-boarding scam at @SouthwestAir,” he claimed in a Saturday tweet with a photo of a line of people lined up in wheelchairs. “20 passengers boarding using a wheelchair and probably only 3 need one to deplane.”

The airline replied to the complaint but admitted it had little power to stop any possible trickery.

We’re sorry for any disappointment, Paul,” Southwest tweeted. “We work hard to maintain the integrity of the boarding process while providing appropriate accommodations for all who fly. Since many disabilities aren’t visible, we’re unable to question the validity of preboarding requests.” *** A day later, Paul again tweeted his frustrations of people using wheelchairs who might not have needed them, including taking photos of people standing and walking around before plopping back in the wheelchair.

He claimed 14 people used wheelchairs to board, but only six needed them to deplane. ***

(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: ada; fraud; novictimhere; southwest; victim; wheelchair
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-8081-91 next last
By just reading the headline, I knew who the scammers were. Entitled Karens all.

The simple solution is to make those in wheelchairs board last.

Now, for the entitled, pasty, pallid, corpulent white women:


1 posted on 06/28/2023 5:05:01 AM PDT by thegagline
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: thegagline

no one should be allowed to do that unless they have a documented disability.


2 posted on 06/28/2023 5:09:10 AM PDT by TexasFreeper2009
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

I’m in a wheelchair and have been fighting for the airlines to improve treatment for people like me.

This pi$$es me off to no end!

They need to tell these people that if they get on first, like wheelchair users like me, they have to wait until everyone else gets off, like I do.

Maybe make them use an aisle chair to be taken to their seats, like I have to do.


3 posted on 06/28/2023 5:10:30 AM PDT by airborne (Thank you Rush for helping me find FreeRepublic! )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

Dismey patrons no doubt


4 posted on 06/28/2023 5:10:50 AM PDT by Recompennation (Don’t blame me my vote didn’t count)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

There was no wheelchair involved, but during the boarding of my Delta flight from Boston on Sunday, an apparently fit older couple strolled to board during the pre-boarding process. Sure, they really needed extra time board! SMH!

Yes, those women are scammers.


5 posted on 06/28/2023 5:12:27 AM PDT by quilterdebbie (We will endeavor to persevere!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

Fat lazy slobs.


6 posted on 06/28/2023 5:12:44 AM PDT by TexasM1A
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

Wouldn’t it be ironic if those feigning a handicap actually had the misfortune of becoming handicapped and in need of a wheelchair.


7 posted on 06/28/2023 5:12:54 AM PDT by DaBroasta ("An armed society is a polite society" Heinlein)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

Another simple solution is to refuse wheelchair boarding for anyone who doesn’t show up in their own wheelchair.


8 posted on 06/28/2023 5:13:25 AM PDT by Alberta's Child ("I've just pissed in my pants and nobody can do anything about it." -- Major Fambrough)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: TexasFreeper2009

I always board last so I dont spend as much time in a crowded plane.


9 posted on 06/28/2023 5:13:33 AM PDT by Dandy (Drain the swamp baby!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

Those great big obese ladies do the same in stores. They get those electric carts and clog the aisles so other can’t move down the aisles.

On airplanes, they want to get on first so they can inflate, expand and spill over their seat so the poor person who gets put next to them knows that this is their space even if it takes some of your space.


10 posted on 06/28/2023 5:16:01 AM PDT by dforest
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

Same people that take the electric carts at the grocery store.


11 posted on 06/28/2023 5:19:44 AM PDT by albie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: albie

Shop before they haul their butts out of bed.

Refuse to fly.

Problem solved.


12 posted on 06/28/2023 5:21:13 AM PDT by mewzilla (We will never restore the republic if we don't first secure the ballot box.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

When I traveled for business, I often used Southwest. It was like a Taxi ride to me. I wouldn’t board until they were closing the door. Sometimes, I did get stuck in the middle, but they were generally 30 minute flights or so. Not clear to me why some struggle so to get on board and be stuck with only a view of everyone’s crotch as they walk by.


13 posted on 06/28/2023 5:21:38 AM PDT by IamConservative (I was nervous like the third chimp in line for the Ark after the rain started.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

Invalid convention?


14 posted on 06/28/2023 5:21:49 AM PDT by Jan_Sobieski (Sanctification)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: TexasM1A

That one lady is wearing a Nevis shirt.


15 posted on 06/28/2023 5:22:44 AM PDT by Lisbon1940 (I don’t see why they would)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

I’ve seen this many times.

There’s even a name for it- the “airport miracle” cures those who cannot walk, and who get their fat asses carted through the airport by a airline employee, bypass the hours in security lines, get put on the plane first, then miraculously can walk instead of waiting for the employee to cart their ass OFF the plane.


16 posted on 06/28/2023 5:22:51 AM PDT by Mr. K (No consequence of repealing Obamacare is worse than Obamacare)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

What are with people—first they drag along pets as fake service animals, now they fake immobility and use wheelchairs. Rediculous.


17 posted on 06/28/2023 5:26:07 AM PDT by Reno89519 (DeSantis 2024. Successful Governor, Honorable Veteran, Respectful, Respected.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: IamConservative

Overhead space. You took 30 minute flights. Every see how many people board with suitcases?? That’s a big part of the problem- unchecked luggage. The fact airlines charge $30 per checked bag makes the situation worse.


18 posted on 06/28/2023 5:27:00 AM PDT by God luvs America (63.5 million pay no income tax and vote for DemoKrats...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: IamConservative

LOL, I flew SW quite a bit. I liked boarding later since “those” in need of being first are a real PIA!

I on occasion got middle seat between two fatties. At least they recognized they were encroaching on my space. I would comment that “I paid extra for the middle seat”. You would be surprised how many free adult beverages I got that way.


19 posted on 06/28/2023 5:31:33 AM PDT by OHPatriot (Si vis pacem, para bellum)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: thegagline

Same goes for the “Handicapped” parking spots: I have seen nearly 100% completely ambulatory folks with their license plates or mirror cards parking in those spots and bouncing happily out of their cars, often with a smirk on their faces for gaming the system.


20 posted on 06/28/2023 5:33:13 AM PDT by Chainmail (How do I feel about ignorance and apathy? I don't know and I don't care.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-8081-91 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson