Florida flier sparks controversy after showing ’30 passengers before boarding’ from Southwest in wheelchairs
A passenger on the flight shared a photo of fellow fliers using wheelchairs during the pre-boarding process on social media, sparking a debate among passengers.
User X captioned the post, “A typical @SouthwestAir flight to Florida!”
“I counted 30 before boarding that needed wheelchair assistance. When we got off the plane, 28 of them walked away,” the post continued.
X users have opened the comments section to discuss their thoughts on some flyers who only use wheelchairs when boarding rather than disembarking the plane.
PASSENGERS DISCUSS CHANGING SEATS ON AIRPLANE AS ONE REFUSES TO SWAP WITH ELDERLY WOMAN
“Only B.C [because] walking to/from the plane doesn’t mean they don’t need help or can walk the distance through the terminal to the exit,” said one comment.
A Southwest passenger posted a photo (no image) on X showing “30” fliers in Florida using wheelchairs to assist boarding, with only two fliers reportedly using wheelchairs to disembark. (iStock)
One X user said, “most of them are old people. mobile wheelchair make it easier for them to get to the door or exit. back pain, knee pain, recent surgery, chronic pain, disability, any of those things may require assistance even if they can walk.”
“Getting off the plane is a completely different thing than walking through it the whole airport. A lot of people can manage a few yards, but not hundreds,” added another.
For more lifestyle articles visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
A user commented: “sitting for long periods of time means you can probably walk a bit longer than you get.”
Social media users on X reacted to the post saying: “most people incorrectly assume that wheelchair users cannot stand up.” (iStock)
“Dude, some wheelchair users can do that walk short distances. They are called mobile wheelchair users. I personally need to use walking aids. I’m just stubborn,” commented one.
Another said, “most people incorrectly assume that wheelchair users cannot stand up.”
Southwest Airlines responded to the user’s post and apologized.
“We’re sorry for any disappointment… We appreciate your feedback and hope to create more pleasant memories with you next time,” Southwest said in a statement.
Fox News Digital has reached out to User X and Southwest Airlines for comment.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
A similar phenomenon occurred in Fort Lauderdale 2023 as X user who claimed to testify 20 passengers asking for help in a wheelchair, FOX Business reported.
“Pre-boarding scam on @SouthwestAir 20 passengers boarding in wheelchairs, probably only 3 needing one to disembark,” the user wrote in the post, which included a photo of passengers sitting in wheelchairs.
Another user posted a similar incident at a Florida airport in 2023, claiming “20 passengers board in wheelchairs and probably only 3 need one to disembark.” (iStock)
The post also showed a picture of several people sitting in wheelchairs.
According to the user’s feed, the flight was canceled and the user had the same experience.
The user claimed that 14 people on the overbooked flight requested wheelchairs, but only six used them to disembark.
AIR TRAVEL PASSENGERS MUTE DUE TO MIDDLE SEAT VIRUS RESERVATION HACK AND MORE AIR TRAVEL DISCUSSION
Gary Leff, from Texas travel industry expert and author of the blog “View From the Wing,” told Fox News Digital that he sees more passengers requesting wheelchairs on Southwest Airlines than on any other airline.
“Not coincidentally, there’s a greater benefit than that with Southwest, where the seating is in order. Early boarding gives you access to a better seat on the plane,” Leff said.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
He added: “There are only so many contract workers at each airport to assist with wheelchairs, so frivolous requests hurt those who have a real need. Those passengers are waiting longer to disembark or waiting on the jetbridge for a wheelchair to show up.”
