Selfishness and a lack of consideration for others. That’s what’s at the heart of a scam that is causing more and more problems for airports. Able-bodied people are requesting wheelchair service at airports, and officials say it’s become simply a way to avoid walking and/or cutting to the front of lines/getting around the airport faster. As you might suspect, that means that those who legitimately need a wheelchair have to compete with the fakers. Federal law prohibits personnel from questioning any request; no documentation is required.
Wheelchair-service providers say some passengers running late for a flight will request immediate wheelchair service simply to cut to the front of the security line or to avoid a typical hour-plus wait at Immigration when entering the country. Some just want help with multiple heavy carry-on bags.
Some departing passengers want early boarding privileges and perhaps a seat with extra legroom in the front of the plane, which airlines reserve for passengers with disabilities. Some arriving international passengers see it as a sign of status when an attendant is waiting to greet and guide, even if it’s a wheelchair attendant.
Pathetic.
