A plane passenger took to social media to share a photo of fellow passengers using wheelchairs during the pre-boarding process, sparking controversy among passengers.
User X commented on the post, “Typical @SouthwestAir flight to Florida!”
The post continued: “I counted 30 people who needed help in wheelchairs. When we got off the plane, 28 of them were out.”
X users took to the comments section to discuss their thoughts on some travelers only using wheelchairs when boarding, not when getting off the plane.
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“Just because bc (they) walk on or off the plane doesn't mean they don't need help or can walk the distance across the terminal to the gate,” one comment said.
A Southwest passenger posted a photo (not pictured) on (Istock)
One X user said: “Mostly of them are elderly people. Mobile wheelchairs Facilitate their way to gates or exits. Back pain, knee pain, recent surgeries, chronic pain, disabilities, any of these things could require them to have some assistance even if they are able to walk.”
“Getting off a plane is very different from walking across it The entire airport. Another added: “Many people can manage a few yards but not hundreds of yards.”
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“Sitting for an extended period of time means you can probably walk a little longer to get there,” one user commented.
Social media users on X reacted to the post, saying: “Most people incorrectly assume that wheelchair users cannot stand.” (Istock)
“My friend, some wheelchair users are capable of this Short walks. They are called mobile wheelchair users. Personally, I'm supposed to use walking aids. “I'm just stubborn,” one person commented.
Another said: “Most people wrongly assume that wheelchair users cannot stand.”
Southwest Airlines He responded to the user's post and apologized.
“We're sorry for any disappointment… We appreciate your feedback and hope to create more fun memories with you next time,” Southwest's comment read.
Fox News Digital has reached out to User X and Southwest Airlines for comment.
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A similar incident occurred in Fort Lauderdale In 2023 as User X claimed to have witnessed 20 passengers He is requesting wheelchair assistance, FOX Business reported.
“Pre-boarding scam @SouthwestAir, where 20 passengers board using a wheelchair, and maybe only three need one to get off the plane,” 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 that “20 passengers board using a wheelchair and maybe only three need one to get off the plane.” (Istock)
The post also showed a photo of several individuals sitting in wheelchairs.
According to the user's feed, the flight was cancelled, and the user had the same experience.
The user claimed that 14 people on the rebooked flight requested wheelchairs, but only six used them to get off the plane.
Gary Leff, based in Texas Travel industry The expert and author of the “View From the Wing” blog told Fox News Digital that he sees more passengers requesting wheelchairs on Southwest Airlines than any other airline.
“Not coincidentally, there's more benefit to doing this with Southwest, where seats are first-come, first-served. Boarding early gives you access to a better seat on the plane,” Leaf said.
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“There are only so few contract workers who help provide wheelchairs at each airport, so frivolous requests hurt those who have a real need,” he added. “These passengers find themselves waiting longer to get off the plane, or waiting on the jet bridge until… A wheelchair appears.
