I use gate assistance between planes when I travel. Generally the time to get from one gate to another is very brief. I have severe scoliosis in my lumbar spine, and it is difficult for me to walk fast, or to walk long distance. Put the two together and I'm toast, so I opt for the wheel chair even though I can in fact walk. However, when I get home to the Des Moines airport, or to an airport where I won't be standing in a long customs line, I go ahead and walk because I can take my time and make brief stops along the way.![]()
Southwest flyers’ wheelchair ‘pre-boarding scam’ leaves fellow passengers fuming
The angry passenger claimed 14 people used wheelchairs to board, but only six needed them to deplane.nypost.com
People have no shame
I'm certain there are people who abuse the gate assistance; I know I've received glares when I stand up out of the chair and walk onto the plane. Just let me say that things are not always what they seem to be.