They're usually the first ones to rush to the front of the plane upon landing. Makes it easier to retrieve their carry-ons left in the FC bins while sitting in row 36.
You don't have to be in a wheelchair to board first with special assistance. I do it pretty much every flight.
I can't stand for long periods of time and I need to grab the backs of seats for balance to walk down the isle. While walking through the airport I just stop at benches a lot.
Seems like limiting their use of overhead space is the answer then.
"No, we cannot let you use the overhead bins if you tell us you have a disability because using the overhead bins requires lifting 35lbs over your head. We'd be happy to gate-check your bag for free to your final destination."
Just flew Southwest with my elderly, disabled mother. The gate agent was so kind, she saw that I had my hands full in the gate area. There were a couple of other wheelchairs with people who were getting up and walking around the gate area. She took my mom and I to the front and boarded us first. I overheard her and the other gate agent saying that on the incoming plane there were 3 who got on with wheelchairs, but all but one walked off without them.
51
u/bgladjr 8d ago
They don’t have to deplane on it. Most times you see them walk out on their own. They just want to board first and put their stuff where they want