Passengers outraged by Southwest Airlines wheelchair passenger ‘fraud’

A social media user waiting to board a Southwest Airlines flight recently denounced an apparent “pre-flight fraud” involving a wheelchair, but the airline insists its policy complies with the law. are doing.

Passengers are known to be apprehensive about boarding and disembarking planes, but Paul, whose Twitter handle is @trendready, said some of his passengers requested wheelchair assistance before takeoff to be the first passenger. He complained that he might be trying to abuse the system.

“Pre-boarding fraud on @SouthwestAir,” he said. claimed in a tweet on Saturday With a photo of a line of people in wheelchairs. “Twenty passengers are on board in wheelchairs, but only three probably need one to disembark.”

The airline responded to the complaint but admitted it had little power to deter any possible ruse.

“Sorry to disappoint you, Paul.” Southwest tweeted. “We strive to maintain the integrity of the check-in process while providing adequate accommodation for all boarding passengers. You can’t question the sex.”

Other social media users also referenced similar “scams” they witnessed.

“Recently, I sat next to someone pushing a wheelchair.” A user tweeted. “I asked her how many people she thought legally needed a wheelchair. only. “

“Yeah! It’s like a Las Vegas airport. My husband always calls it the Wheelchair Parade.” Another social media user wrote:

“I stopped using @SouthwestAir because a guy running from the car in front of me to the terminal used it to get a good seat on a packed flight.” Another user claimed.

A day later, Paul again tweeted his frustration Take pictures of people using wheelchairs who may not have had to use them, such as taking pictures of people standing or walking around before returning to their wheelchairs.

He claimed that 14 people boarded in wheelchairs, but only six required them to disembark.

“Hi Paul! Our pre-boarding policy complies with ACAA requirements, which allows us to provide suitable accommodations for all our customers.” tweeted in reply.

“Nevertheless, we are very sorry if your experience was disappointing. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts.”

According to airline policy, passengers who require a wheelchair must declare that they require wheelchair assistance upon arrival at the airport, at transit points, and at their destination.

Southwest said you can also add a wheelchair when booking.