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Abusing Wheelchair Privileges To Cheat The Airport Security Line
A few weeks ago, we told you about TSA screeners who abused their role in the security screening process to steal from passengers.Now, we'll highlight an instance where passengers are (seemingly) gaming the system. A recent New York Times article discusses a rise in able-bodied passengers requesting wheelchairs and speculates that they may be exploiting assistance reserved for disabled guests to speed through security or to enjoy the privilege of being the first to board an airplane.
Although no hard data is available to prove that this phenomenon is actually on the rise, the article uses anecdotal evidence – such as passengers who can lift heavy luggage after going through security or those who use a chair to board the plane (where they claim the perk of being on first) but not to exit the aircraft (where they'll leave last).
The wheelchair pushers don't seem to mind, either. Most earn the majority of their income from tips, and when business is up, so is pay.
Others aren't so happy. Peter Greenberg, the Travel Editor for CBS News, was quoted in the article as saying that this technique may backfire. "I'm a big believer in karma," he said. "You don't put on a dress when the Titanic is going down so you can get in the first lifeboat."
Just like those who use handicapped tags to park in spaces not designated for them, we're inclined to agree, but we'd like to hear from readers.
What do you think? Is there abuse in the system or are passengers simply more inclined now to exercise their right to a wheelchair?
[Flickr via Peter Kaminski]
Filed under: Airports
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Traveler Oct 8th 2012 3:19PM
This abuse of people using any excuse to get on the aircraft by requesting a wheelchair. What I find most irritating is while we have to “stand” in line sometimes for almost 30 min just to go through the screening process by the TSA, somehow those who are “sitting” in a wheelchair are given the privilege of going to the head of the line for screening is a bunch of crap, mind you they are the ones sitting while we are standing waiting to go through, than only to find them boarding the aircraft ahead of everyone else and when they are asked by the flight attendant to remain seated so the others can get off to catch a flight the insist on getting off and strolling at their leisure up the jet way, somehow they are able to walk off the aircraft without any problems., I think the system needs to be revamped by the agency who is giving all these people a reason to abuse the system. I agree that there are those who should have some of those privileges but not all that have them are legitimate.
Clouddancer Oct 8th 2012 4:22PM
I've done that in the past for legitimate medical reasons - at a certain point in foot recovery, walking is possible, but standing for a long period of time is not. I've been told by the airline that the only way to expedite through security and avoid having to stand in line painfully is to accept the wheelchair all the way to the gate. Leaving the plane, I'm okay to walk, albeit slowly, and prefer to move under my own turtle speed rather than be at the mercy of a wheelchair pusher. Other people's mileage may vary, but there are instances in which wheelchairs are incredibly useful for semi-mobile passengers.
kath Oct 8th 2012 7:24PM
My mother is currently living with a serious heart condition and is also currently in remission from 2 different types of cancer. She looks perfectly healthy at first glance, but the fact is that she really needs help going through airports because she tires easily, so I always request assistance for her. What bothers me is when the airline employees encourage abuse. The last time my parents took a flight, I requested wheelchair assistance for my mother, but the person who checked them in requested wheelchairs for each of my parents. My father is in perfect health and needs no such assistance and when I mentioned this to the attendant, he said it's easier this way and that he often requests wheelchair assistance himself when he flies because it's faster. This was a man who looked to be in his mid-forties and in perfect health. Plus, he was an employee of the airline! It's hard to beat this problem when the employees themselves are suggesting it.
GraftonReed Oct 15th 2012 12:30PM
I work for an airline for 25 years. Yes, fake wheelchair use is rampant. The vast majority , are the ones in wheelchairs who shouldn't be. The have led abusive lifestyles, smoking, drinking and eating poorly and no exercise. Now after a lifetime of being obese, with diabetes and muscle atrophy from years of a sedentary lifestyle. Many are in their 40's and early 50's. How sad. If they would change their lifestyles, eat right and begin walking, they would extend their quality of life. But no, they order wheelchairs everywhere they go and perpetuate their condition. So to answer your question, most choose wheelchairs to expedite, as the security wait of standing is discomforting when they are 80 lbs overweight, have dietary gout, dietary diabetes, emphysema, atrophy and a host of other lifestyle illnesses.
You know the statistics. 2/3 of adults in USA or either overweight or obese. Child obesity has increased 400% in the last 30 years. They'll all be in wheelchairs someday.