In 1999, 2 1/2 hours before my flight, I broke my ankle. I quickly go to the local hospital and get a split and crutches. I flew on United from California (SNA) to Denver and the check-in counter staff was terrific. I explained, I wasn't scheduled to be in a wheelchair. They said NO Problem. Just tell the flight attendants on the plane, they will make sure and notify them in Denver that a wheelchair is needed for me to change planes.So I told EVERYONE. I was the Last person off the plane in Denver (No Surprise). I get off the plane, was told, a wheelchair was coming and to just wait. I see a too large group of flight staff right outside the plane and ask "Why is everyone standing here?" I realized then said, " Oh, no. The last crew can't switch and leave until I do. I'm sorry." One of the flight attendants then snapped and me. "If you had only told them you needed a wheelchair when you made your reservation, we wouldn't all be standing here right now." I told them all, "I'm sorry, I didn't have it on my itinerary to break my ankle this afternoon, I'm just trying to get home where I still need surgery on my ankle. Although I sprained my good ankle, I can still walk on it." I got my crutches situated and started to crutch it. One of the pilots(he had wings), tried to stop me by stepping in front of me. I just growled at him and said MOVE. Fortunately, the wheelchair came after I had only taken like 3 steps. Talk about being RUDE.
Yet the help I received on the next flight and when I got back to the Sioux Falls terminal was fantastic. Go figure.

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