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 ...
Seat the wheel chair boarders in the rear of the plane. Tell them it is so they will have easier access to the rest room. They will have to wait to deplane, though. I am sure that the people, who were assigned this seats won’t mind mind switching.
Airlines are not allowed to question your disability status, that would be intrusive. They’re only allowed to verify your vax compliance.
I get a wheel chair assist from gate to plane to seat. Yes it gets me through the line better. And safely onto to the plane. I look like I’m fine but I’ve got three pins in my knee and three in my hip. I can’t tolerate the long lines standing and walking
Tough toe nails to those who don’t approve. I’ll trade conditions with you any day
if all that you say is true, the you should have proof of your disability, the same proof you would need to get a disability parking sign.
Or food when SHTF?
okay, fine. Since when is a peacock a service animal. Or a pig.
and they should be able to ask about your disability, handicap, whatever you want to call it if it is not visible to the naked eye.
Bingo!
First, the people who ask for a wheelchair just to board early are scumbags. Second, it would not matter if the baggage limitations were enforced. It doesn’t matter when you get on the plane as long as there is space for you to put your carry-on above your seat.
>> Airlines are not allowed to question your disability status, that would be intrusive.
True, but what the airlines do NOT do, and should, is to ferret out fake service animals. The Feds allow two questions:
1/ Is this a service animal?
2/ What function does the animal perform?
Why? You don’t get there any sooner.
BTTT
“Wouldn’t it be ironic if those feigning a handicap actually had the misfortune of becoming handicapped and in need of a wheelchair.”
Twenty needed a wheelchair to board the plane but only 3 needed a wheelchair to exit the plane. How ironic.
?? What state are you in that has parking spots for “veterans”?
I am in Texas. Not here
An excellent idea. First on; last off.
Connecticut. Tractor supply, Lowes, etc
“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 carsfor , often with a smirk on their faces for gaming the system.”
There is a lawyer in my small city who specializes in facilitating applications to the DMV for handicap license plates and hangtags. The only criterion seems to be skin color.
Disgusting creatures in human form--I can remember a time when people had a sense of shame.
Yep. Those are the same Jaybirds who have to be right up against the carousel when the baggage claim belts start moving. If everyone stood three feet back, there would be ample space for everyone around the carousel. But because they won’t, you have to push your way though them (excuse me for living) when you spot your own bag because you don’t want it to cycle around again.
So Lowes etc in Conn have signs for veteran parking?
The state of Connecticut lists no provision.
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