Only if you want to be a huge jerk. Obviously.

short+sassy · February 21

A friend who vacations often discovered free wheelchair rides throughout the airport, making her first in line from ticket counters, security/TSA, to departure/arrival gates, to baggage claim, and first boarding with first access to onboard storage. Recently, her partner, who was running behind with the luggage, realized he too could get a chair and that the attendant must also haul the luggage. Put some meds in checked luggage, mark it “medical supplies,” and it’s free. All this if they have “difficulty walking long distances,” which, they claim, is nearly everybody, certainly us geezers, given the size of expanded huge airports. At first, I thought they were taking unfair advantage or being unethical, but the more I think about it, the less I care. I travel rarely. Navigating the airport logistics with knowledgeable assistance sounds reassuring. I can claim “difficulty walking long distances” as well as anybody.

—Should I Do It?

banana468 · February 21

Why can't you do what everyone else does and get a map and plan for timing?

Also, not that I think this is entirely political but do people who do this not see that there are finite resources and fraudulent claims on them will decrease what is available for those who need it and then likely subject those who truly need the resources to additional scrutiny?

If you don't believe me just thank the affluent parents who abused the Disney systems offered and "rented" kids who were special needs to travel with as a way to get first steps on a ride. Or you can look at this in terms of how public assistance works and now we have a long list of people who want to make extra conditions for those receiving SNAP or WIC.

VarunaTT · February 21

I always love this. The people abusing the system is NOT the people who need it.

OP, you and your friends as a$$holes, congratulations.

MNNEBride · February 21

We use wheelchair assistance for DH or my Mom when traveling because they actually have difficulty walking long distances. It's inexcusable for someone who is able-bodied to use this service merely for convenience.

levioosa · February 21

VarunaTT said:

I always love this. The people abusing the system is NOT the people who need it.

OP, you and your friends as a$$holes, congratulations.

SITB: Yup, and these are also the first people who decry DEI policies. You fucking assholes.

short+sassy · February 21

It would be justice if fakers like this got bit by someone's fake service dog.

Geez, don't be an AH just because you can be. Those services are to help people who have REAL physical problems in their life. A disabled person might have to wait because some jerk is abusing the system.

The LW also describes themselves and the friends as "geezers". So old enough to know better. Don't worry LW, y'all are going to actually need those services soon enough. I guess they better hope everybody else has the moral character they don't.

The friends are also dumbasses. They don't need the additional charade of "medical supplies". And in their checked bag no less, smh. People with important medication usually don't keep it in their checked bag, ffs. Or if they do, it's back-ups to the ones already in their carry on.

-------------

I personally do the free pre-boarding because I DO have a crap ton of necessary medical equipment and medication I need with me, so I know about how this part works. I never want to be forced to "check" my carry on because they ran out of room. I could actually have a whole separate bag with just my medical supplies in addition to the normal "one carryon and one personal item", but I've been good so far without having to cart around yet another bag. I don't label anything "medical supplies" (eyeroll) in either my carryon or my backups in my checked bag.

Though I do have a cute large pouch I got off Amazon that's labeled, "All My Diabetes Shit". So I guess that gives a hint it's medical supplies, lol.

Here's the order of how people get called onto the plane. People with a MOBILITY issue, ie need assistance getting on to the plane and/or into their seat, go first. Sometimes first class is at the same time, sometimes it's the next group.

Then it's "people who need extra time to board" and children in strollers, called at the same time. That's me. NGL, it's more because I'm panicked at the thought of them checking my carry on, than "time". But the time part also helps. It gives me a chance to use the empty seat next to me to pull out the things I'll need for the flight (insulin pen, CGM scanner, low blood sugar food) and tuck them into the seat pocket.

I do tell either the ticket counter person and/or one of the gate staff that I will need the pre-boarding for extra time, due to a medical condition. I don't think I even need to say the medical part. People have always been so nice and accommodating. I've frequently had a gate person make eye contact with me and motion me up, right before they are about to call my category.

Only if you want to be a huge jerk. Obviously.

Re: Only if you want to be a huge jerk. Obviously.

Choose Another Board

Search Boards