Southwest flyers’ wheelchair ‘pre-boarding scam’ leaves fellow passengers fuming

I New York Post ^ | 06/28/2023 | David Propper

[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. ***

[Irish Eyes]

Once they start boarding nobody gets bumped.

I have not flown much this last year, but this does happen…rarely.

[Irish Eyes]

I take it you have no handicaps . There are those that do need a wheelchair. Personal experience!

[ABN 505]

I don't think it's a law but a lot of stores have them close by the entrances. I see them in Mass too.

[RWGinger]

Unless they are “Disabled Veteran” Plates I agree
Interesting that 2 blue states would have them
How do they ID as veterans?
The state does not issue a Veteran plate unless someone pays extra for personal plates

The state will issue “Disabled Veteran” plates to vets Disabled in Combat,and proven by DOD

[ABN 505]

I am sure the store is relying on the customers honesty but that is what I see, Mostly obese woman using the spaces. The signs say Veterans only parking right up at the front of the store Three spaces at Tractor Supply 4 at the Home Depot. I don't usually use them but have occasionally for heavy items.But I do have a vet tag not state issued.

[RWGinger]

I understand your frustration.

What despicable azzhole people.
But the stores are to blame too for being so vague
People are azzholes

[Rocco DiPippo]

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

I loathe such women. And I loathe how most of them vote.

[Fledermaus]

When I did the same I paid to be on in the first 10 flyers.

Went straight to the back and then waited for everyone to get off.

[LizzieD]

I have traveled with my cousin, who at one point wore a boot because she had broken her ankle, and on another trip needed to use a cane. Both times we were both able to board early. I only meant that if you’re a scammer, the wheelchair is more than you need to board early.

[Irish Eyes]

I only meant that if you’re a scammer, the wheelchair is more than you need to board early.

Hi LizzieD, I guess I did not understand what you meant. I and my husband both have had to use wheelchairs at the airports at times.

Have a great tomorrow.

:)

[napscoordinator]

They gave out so many that those spots are taken up big time. At Publix, every spot is taken no matter the time of day. Lucky I don’t need one. But that program needs tightened up.