This is exactly why I'm afraid of traveling lmao... I'm chronically ill & have reached the point where walking without my wheelchair can be dangerous (if not at least extremely painful), but since I'm young and don't "look" disabled I know people really don't care. It's disgusting. There's a special place in hell for people who are doing things like this that ultimately harm people who ARE disabled.
The wheelchair attendants are notoriously late for pickups and alot of the time go to the wrong terminal. Ive waited close to an hour sitting on the floor next to airplane door. Only to hear they went to the wrong plane. So i guess thats a miracle too. Traveling by air has become streesful and degrading . We are treated worse than the luggage.
It's truly sad and terrible. My husband and I are disabled. He just had a quadruple heart bypass among many other issues. There was no one available to help us push a wheelchair for my husband. We nearly missed our flight.
I just flew this Friday and requested a wheel chair. I do not look disabled because I am able to walk, but I have suffered with spinal stenosis since 2014. I waited until almost everyone was off the plane before I exited. There were some people in the back who was taking their time getting off. Because I was able to walk off the plane, when I I asked if I could be pushed to baggage in the wheel chair, they acted like I was lying. The walk from the plane is too far. I would have been in a great deal of pain had I walked that far. I always give the staff who help me a tip. I paid for priority boarding and a front row seat. Just because someone looks healthy and can walk off the plane does not mean they dont have problems. Please do not discriminate for looking healthy and being able to walk as lying and faking. I can no longer do the things I used to be able to do because I have spinal stenosis. I look fine and I can do some walking, but I deal with pain all the time. Shame on people tho who fake. Figure out a way to charge if you need too, but dont make us feel like we are lying. I normally pay for priority check in and my seat assignment. I dont mind.
Jane, I've worked as a wheelchair attendant. Most people (about 90 percent or more) fall into the same category as you, i.e. they can walk short distances but they need the wheelchair to get around large airports. Trust me on this: nobody will ever suspect you of lying or faking the need for a wheelchair *IF* you identify yourself at your arrival airport to the flight crew and/or the wheelchair attendants upon deplaning. It's the people who use wheelchairs at their origin airport (in order to cut the security lines, and board first before everybody else) who are the subject of this segment. When they arrive at their destination airport they walk off the aircraft (because wheelchair users usually have to wait until everybody else has deplaned) and usually walking right past and deliberately ignoring an attendant (like me) who has been standing there on an unheated jet bridge for a long period of time, waiting for them and holding up a white board with their name on it. Passengers such as yourself, who can walk off the plane and up the jet bridge were always my favorite passengers. Pushing people around large airports (on a flat hard surfaces) is no problem. It only becomes a problem when the passenger can't even stand up and we need to lift them into a special aisle chair and then push them up the jet bridge, which is difficult because the jet bridges are usually carpeted and inclined, and it takes much more effort.
@@sean2015 I know what you mean about how difficult it is to have to lift the customer and put them in their seats. A few years back, I worked in a nursing home. Many patients had to be lifted and helped into bed or a chair, it can be very hard at times. Even rolling someone over in bed to change them can be hard. You are doing a great service.
I understand all to well. I'm 50, look about 35 even after losing 60 lbs I 2 months and being in hospital 5 days. no one can see all the raw skin all over my legs. I feel like I'm moulting
Back when I was more ambulatory, I had wheelchair reservations cancelled multiple times because I’m young and I didn’t “look” disabled. So they assumed it was a “miracle flight”
My mom (RIP) was hugely indignant but had everyone laughing - staff and other passengers - when asked if she needed wheelchair assistance or help with her luggage, she told them she was "just fine thank you dear" when she was an old lady on crutches (hip replacement), head high, carrying a handbag, wheeled cabin bag and bulky coat. Flying alone on a 13 hour flight in cattle class. The flight attendants and other passengers were so kind to her the whole way. She told me I was "just a silly fusspot" whenever I complained about flying. She loved it.
I work at an airport and I see this often. It upsets me when people who truly don’t need them use this service. I’ve met many flights to board then , like there will be a 4 chair flight and maybe there’s only one actual chair going onto the airline.
But why interview the flight attendant? They’re not having to push them around. The attendant should have been interviewed more. As someone who use to work as a wheelchair attendant, we interact with them more. One thing I hated was the ones who would abuse it, and then right after you go through security all of sudden they don’t need the wheelchair anymore
I'm only 27, but need a wheelchair/ecv for distances. So the short walk when Boarding, I can handle. But coming into the airport, going through tsa, going to the gate, etc. I need assistance of some sort. Same for destination arrival. I can get off the plane, but I'll be asking for assistance beyond that point.
This would make me angry. For me, I'm not allowed to step up or walk far after surgery. BUT - I'm required to walk a little every 45 minutes to prevent blood pooling and help restore circulation.
to be fair, I can walk a little, but I can't stand still. i'm okay when my legs or moving, but once I stand still, my legs give out after a few minutes...but I bring my own chair. many people can walk short distances, not need priority boarding, but can't walk all through the airport
The issue I have is the long distance from plane to next connection and the limited time allowed to reach the next connection plus pulling luggage. I do have a disabled parking permit.
I hope people understand wheelchair attendants get paid $5.25/hr and survive on tips. To take up their time waiting for you in that jet-bridge and you walk past them...that's low
Most jet bridges are not heated or air-conditioned. During the wintertime, in the early morning hours, they are FREEZING. Imagine some poor wheelchair attendant having to wait a half hour (or more) for a passenger who walks right past you as you're holding up a white board with their name on it. Some people are just despicable.
@@sean2015 as someone who worked as a wheelchair attendant I can confirm we don’t wait half hour. We had tablets where it showed us incoming flights with pax who required wheelchair. We would arrive maybe 5-10mins before arrival and then have to wait until the last pax deplanes. Most of the time the pax that requested a wheelchair they only needed it to the gate and then when we pick them up from their inbound flight and push them up the jet bridge then they’re family or friend they traveled with want to push the rest of the way to baggage claim that way they can avoid tipping 😂 . Also, I’ve never been on a jet bridge that didn’t have A/C. But I realized that it being on or off is based of the gate agent preference since some don’t like the cold since they also have to wait at the jet bridge to connect it to the plane
A couple actually tried to steal my wheelchair getting of a plane in Houston, Odd because I was the last off and they left a few passengers ahead of me then a guy unloading my chair came saying he was sorry and didn't know it wasn't her chair mind you this same woman had caught the flight with us from another state who just walk up before she got on that flight. The airport security was alerted of the "theft" (my chair is marked for this reason they caught them before they left the airport. She got up and ran, really just as bad as those using handicap stalls because they are bigger or parking in an handicap spot because it is in the front of a building people don't have morals.
I deal with pain in all of my joints and walking is a struggle but I do it because I can. I believe that those using wheelchair to board should wait until passengers are off the plane so wheelchair can be brought through without breaking any fire code
I have an invisible disability and an emotional support animal. I'm so sick I can't work even part time anymore. No one can tell how disabled I am by looking at me. When I first got disabled I had the worst experience with a flight crew from Frontier. They treated me so poorly until I was the last person on that airplane during departure and I needed that wheel chair to luggage claim. Their demeanor towards me changed but only at the end of the flight when they realized I wasn't faking. I know people abusing wheelchair service and ESAs suck so much. It can be so difficult to travel with a disability that I encourage flight attendants to believe everyone that says they need them. For the people thinking they aren't hurting anyone by abusing wheelchair service or ESA policy they are so wrong. Every false use hurts the people that actually needs them.
Being disabled without "looking like it" is a real screwed up mess. I can no longer stand or walk longer than 15 minutes without a pain and weakness problem. Unless someone just collapses...no one "gets it". I get pushed along. pressured into doing things that are harmful but until I wind up with a 911 call...no one will admit ...oh oops...she really had a problem. So...am going to my MD and explain all. I need documentation. I take no medications as I know what harm that causes. Give pain drugs and people can do things that actually are harming them. But I do not expect special privileges especially for non essential activities. The people that fake and take advantage need to be exposed. Those of us who do not ask for help and are refused help and pushed to do more than we can need support !
I’ve had three knee surgeries my last one was only 3 months ago and walking through atl is literal hell for me and I’m flying soon and I have a super short connection coming up and I can’t run without a lot of pain so I requested a wheelchair cause I have to go across terminals and need that assistance so my knee won’t one swell up and two so when I get on my second flight I won’t be in killer pain, there are people that cheat the system but also some people just can’t walk long distances and that’s why I’m double sided about that!!
I have my own wheelchair, but there's always an airport wheelchair and assistant waiting for me on the jetbridge at my destination. They said it's policy - for just in case my chair is damaged or doesn't make it or - god forbid - down in baggage claim. So far, I've been lucky enough not to need it. While the interviewee may be correct, that's not always the case.
This video is very unfair for many people who are elderly but can still walk some shorter distances. Talking about Atlanta airport which is HUGE! So needing a wheelchair in an airport does not necessarily mean you can not walk and get off a plane at a smaller airport to get to a rental car/family member. I was specifically told by the airlines to request a wheelchair because i can not stand for long periods of time and then walk long distances to the gate. I need the assistance of a wheelchair to get to my gate and through TSA. They had no problem with that, especially with Atlanta airport. Hope I am not "judged" by anyone for needing a wheelchair and still being able to walk. :(
Something I noticed when requesting assistance as someone who is blind, I was given a wheelchair at both ends, and while it was a help to get around quickly and efficiently, I can walk and would also be just fine with a guide, my only physical struggle is trying to go up and down stairs and escalators both due to my eyesight but also trying to handle bags and a cane all at once so elevators are preferred.
How would this flight attendant know who's faking and who's not?! Many people have invisible illnesses and don't look ill at all. I'm able to walk just fine short distances, but not long distances from check-in to boarding the plane for example. So If I get up and deboard the plane myself you assume I was faking? I think these people need to be less judgmental and more educated about different kinds of invisible illnesses that are more and more prevalent everyday and show more compassion.
Recently, we flew on Southwest. The first flight had a half dozen who boarded first in wheelchairs. Watching them walk on the flight to go to the bathroom, it was obvious that they were disabled. On the return flight, however, none of people in wheelchairs (and their sizable entourage who also got to board first) needed a wheelchair or help after landing. CDG is the worst. It seemed that 20% of flyers needed a wheelchair. Really?
Flight attendants need to inform those in wheelchair that they will need to wait on board the flight until another wheelchair can be loaded, allowing everyone to GET OFF THE PLANE FIRST
My drivers licence cense shows that I am disabled. I see no reason airlines can't ask to see ID's. I usually am missing a chair at landing. Someone else often takes it before I get off.
I'm a blind person. When i book travel i say i need assistance. I need help getting to where i need to but i don't need a wheelchair. I can walk fine, they'll show up with a wheelchair anyway. Depending on the assistance person, some will act like you have to get in the wheelchair. Even if your disability has no impact on walking.
I had this happen to me on my last trip, I requested assistance and a wheelchair arrived, I declined the chair, until I was handed off to another person who was insistent I had to use a chair, once I was at the gate I left the chair and walked around the area with the staff member I was now handed to who helped me orient to my surroundings so I could independently wait for my flight On arrival there was a chair brought right to the plane door and I was tired so didn't bother fighting it
Actually the problem is the very long travel from one plane to connecting flights. At the end destination there is no time limit so a much slower person can very slowly make the way out of the airport.
There may not be any time limit at the end destination, but there are still the long distances involved which can be too much for an elderly or disabled individual whether they're in a hurry or not. So your argument doesn't really hold water.
100% agree! We had a doctor write a letter explaining my father's mobility condition. He had to have a complex two day surgery and it limited his mobility. Since then, we always carried this letter around whenever he has to use a wheelchair at the airport because he cannot handle walking long distances and stand very long. He also has to use a walker and a cane to walk. We have seen a lot of passengers using wheelchairs and most of them could clearly walk comfortably on their own without any assistive devices.
🤕🤕🤕🤕 at DIA I had my own chair and after getting out of plane my chair was just outside of the doorway, it looked like some lady was trying to get in it because they couldn't find her chair, I got in mine and was pushed up the ramp and out to the desk boarding area and left there. No one came back for me and after only getting a half of small cup of water and no meal on either one of my flights, I was starving and thirsty. So I usually take A-train home and ride transportation often, but I wanted to get food first there was lots of people that morning 4/24 and not much room to navigate so got in walkway as usual. as I got on it felt like it was faster than normal and I tried to lean forward more and instead I fell backwards and hit my head and back really hard 4 days later I'm still in pain and had to wait 3 days for my baggage that was lost a 2nd time. I have filed a claim via email since Air Canada never responded until yesterday via email. no in person reps have reached out and I was hung up on 3 times after I fell no one helped me expect other nice passengers and a nice waitress she called for medical and Air Canada and nothing. I am considering a claim with CTA as well. Since Air Canada is passing the buck at Orbitz and Vice Versa. They also lost my bag on arrival at YUL as well. I lost work because of this incident. I also usually board last and sit by bathrooms. I am on Diuretics due to edema water retentio. Im on several meds. have had several strokes. My legs work to walk to my seat but after being on them they feel super heavy and hurt. My blood pressure goes up and I get dizzy a lot. I also fall a lot. Now im even worse.
100% agree! There should be a penalty. We had a doctor write a letter explaining my father's mobility condition as proof. He had to have a complex two day surgery and it limited his mobility. Since then, we always carried this letter to as proof around whenever he has to use a wheelchair at the airport because he cannot handle walking long distances and stand very long. He also has to use a walker and a cane to walk. We have seen a lot of passengers using wheelchairs and most of them could clearly walk comfortably on their own without any assistive devices.
That’s not fair to the elder peoples that have disabilities and event young people that have disabilities. So I feel like the disability peoples should board the airplane first before the other peoples.
I bring my own mobility scooter. We board first because we take a LOT longer due to our disabilities and having to take apart pieces of our devices/equipment.. Putting a fee on use for WC is simply discrimination against disabled people. You need to STOP and think about others who truly live with these shortcomings EVERYday 24/7. It's no fun to be disabled and we have to deal with this EVERYDAY!
@@proudasiangirl576I agree with you. I’m (the term I prefer) physically challenged myself. Goodness knows we do not need or deserve to have any ridiculous fee forced on us just because we are physically challenged. This would be very unfair to us.
@@lorireece1970 That person is just plain stupid and ignorant. S/he has no clue what we deal with EVERDAY on a daily basis just to get through a day. It's a struggle.
Okay. I'm aa fat person. So I definitly don't look diabled. I look like I wobble I guess? But if I let my kneses loosen I start shaking and wavering heading to the floor in about 20-30 seconds. I have AVN (Avascular Necrosis) on both femur heads. My body is eating the tips of both legs. I can not walk well. I definitely cannot make it. I always carry a tip! I'm quiet and try to be courteous. The only time I've had a problem was arriving late. I mean they used the car thing in there to go as fast as they could to get us to our plane. I fell aagainst several people becuase the plane was already filled and people helped me. All the people were kind when I was apoligizing, scared and afraid of them. But everyone was lovely. I'm grateful I get the assistance I need and I'm always thanking them. I've sometimes had to wait 30 minutes for a wheelchair as well, but it was costing the flight attendants and pilots their time, as the plane was off. They had to wait for me. That one time I opened up my bags. I had gone to Disney World. I had a lot of snacks I had to use at the end of the meal plan and just offered them anything they wanted! We hung out, talked a little. These people are amazing in what they do. But the one important thing to know is that the wheelchair service isn't staffed or owned by the airport. It's by a seperate company. So she shouldn't be saying what she is. I've looked fine and was on my knees from my legs being so bad off. Please. Even if we don't look it. Try not to judge them. People need the service, whether they look l ike it or not.
How true. My son is wheelchair bound and has his own transport stroller. Its amaizing how many people I see get up and walk off and down the jet way but when boarding they make it known there disabled. The same is true with the handicapped parking spaces. Our van need extra space to unload. And there always some people I see walk with bags to the car get in and drive off.
I was looking for information on wheelchairs and ran into this... I needed a wheelchair to not wait standing in long lines, but I can do most of the walking on my own. I never knew that we would be given permission to go in front of the line which defeats the purpose of why I need a wheelchair to not wait standing for a long period of time specially around the holidays.
I'm able to walk and walk fast at times. I can even dance at times, but I am disabled. I get extreme pain in my left foot and leg. I not only have spinal stenosis, but I also have some type of lump on top of my foot that causes pain in my foot and leg. I never know how bad my pain is going to be. I cannot stand in one spot for very long before the pain starts. Standing still in one spot seems to bring on the most amount of pain. Please, don't judge people because you see them walking. No one will understand about our type of disability can be unless, you experience it yourself.
Easy fix! Whoever requests the wheelchair assistance will also have to sign the document to agree to deplane the flight after everyone else, or it’ll be facing felony charges
That's just stupid. I require a wheelchair to navigate the airport. We always sit near the front of the plane and deplane when it's our turn. I can walk off the plane but still need the WC to get to baggage claim. No way I'm waiting until everyone else is off the plane.
Your solution is ridiculous and you wanting to PUNISH all those who are really disabled like myself. The easy fix is to have documentation of some type that is streamlined throughout all airlines and airport. I have no problem showing proof as a 100% disabled veteran, I have an ID card. Not to say that everyone will have an ID card, but there's got to be a better system for those who really need the help. Just like placards are needed to park in an ADA space, the same type of system should be enforced for wheelchairs.
@@proudasiangirl576 ehhh. How does it punish you?!?! Wheelchair passengers are always asked to stay put until everyone else gets off a plane no matter what airline you’re flying. A real disable person would be totally fine to sign the document!
You should have to leave let’s say a 30$ deposit that you get back once you use the service again when you land on the other side 🤔 you land get in the wheelchair ♿️ last since you went first before same amount of time if you don’t use it when you land the 30$ is gone 😂😂😂🤣
Solution: since you need a wheelchair it's just gonna be unsafe for you to handle all that carry-on luggage you have. FOR YOUR SAFETY it will all get checked to baggage claim at your final destination. Then just watch the healing begin.
Actually standard practice from what I've experienced is that staff will help handle your bags or if able place it on the front of the chair with you, as well as stow and unstow it for you in there overhead bin, extremely helpful when your mind is focused elsewhere on your physical limitations and trying to advocate for your needs
Let me tell you from someone who supervises these people who push the wheelchairs at an International Airport. Ask any airline employee , there is a certain nationality that abuses the wheelchair. We have up to 50 wheelchairs booked on arrival and departure daily ,normally to 1 country.😮 A pilot told me an arrival in Toronto had 70 wheelchairs. Almost 90% can walk perfectly.....what a waste of money pushing these people.A colleague once said..l didn't know laziness was medical condition 😅
Ok, so why don't they just catch the people faking it??? It wouldn't be that hard: just verify that the person who 'needed' the wheelchair is also in a wheelchair when they get off, it's pretty simple. If the wheelchair faker gets up and walks off the plane, the flight attendants can run over and fine them or put them on a wheelchair abuse list.
In some cases that might work. However, I fly and need a wheelchair at larger airports because of the walking distance and standing. The airport closest to my home is tiny so I don't need one there. I have had to walk at other larger airports because the attendants have been rude and accused me of lying. I have a heart and lung issue. One of them pushed the chair away from me to prevent me from sitting and told me to walk so he could see if I needed it. So no, it isn't that simple. You don't put untrained non medical professionals in charge of discerning who is or is not able to walk.
Just flew my mother needed a wheel chair some lady had her nice Jordan’s and nice bag and had a wheelchair saw her stand up and perfectly walked to it also had a bad attitude
This is exactly why I'm afraid of traveling lmao... I'm chronically ill & have reached the point where walking without my wheelchair can be dangerous (if not at least extremely painful), but since I'm young and don't "look" disabled I know people really don't care.
It's disgusting. There's a special place in hell for people who are doing things like this that ultimately harm people who ARE disabled.
The wheelchair attendants are notoriously late for pickups and alot of the time go to the wrong terminal. Ive waited close to an hour sitting on the floor next to airplane door. Only to hear they went to the wrong plane. So i guess thats a miracle too. Traveling by air has become streesful and degrading . We are treated worse than the luggage.
It's truly sad and terrible. My husband and I are disabled. He just had a quadruple heart bypass among many other issues. There was no one available to help us push a wheelchair for my husband. We nearly missed our flight.
I just flew this Friday and requested a wheel chair. I do not look disabled because I am able to walk, but I have suffered with spinal stenosis since 2014.
I waited until almost everyone was off the plane before I exited. There were some people in the back who was taking their time getting off. Because I was able to walk off the plane, when I I asked if I could be pushed to baggage in the wheel chair, they acted like I was lying. The walk from the plane is too far. I would have been in a great deal of pain had I walked that far. I always give the staff who help me a tip. I paid for priority boarding and a front row seat.
Just because someone looks healthy and can walk off the plane does not mean they dont have problems. Please do not discriminate for looking healthy and being able to walk as lying and faking. I can no longer do the things I used to be able to do because I have spinal stenosis. I look fine and I can do some walking, but I deal with pain all the time. Shame on people tho who fake. Figure out a way to charge if you need too, but dont make us feel like we are lying. I normally pay for priority check in and my seat assignment. I dont mind.
Jane, I've worked as a wheelchair attendant. Most people (about 90 percent or more) fall into the same category as you, i.e. they can walk short distances but they need the wheelchair to get around large airports.
Trust me on this: nobody will ever suspect you of lying or faking the need for a wheelchair *IF* you identify yourself at your arrival airport to the flight crew and/or the wheelchair attendants upon deplaning. It's the people who use wheelchairs at their origin airport (in order to cut the security lines, and board first before everybody else) who are the subject of this segment. When they arrive at their destination airport they walk off the aircraft (because wheelchair users usually have to wait until everybody else has deplaned) and usually walking right past and deliberately ignoring an attendant (like me) who has been standing there on an unheated jet bridge for a long period of time, waiting for them and holding up a white board with their name on it.
Passengers such as yourself, who can walk off the plane and up the jet bridge were always my favorite passengers. Pushing people around large airports (on a flat hard surfaces) is no problem. It only becomes a problem when the passenger can't even stand up and we need to lift them into a special aisle chair and then push them up the jet bridge, which is difficult because the jet bridges are usually carpeted and inclined, and it takes much more effort.
@@sean2015 I know what you mean about how difficult it is to have to lift the customer and put them in their seats. A few years back, I worked in a nursing home. Many patients had to be lifted and helped into bed or a chair, it can be very hard at times. Even rolling someone over in bed to change them can be hard. You are doing a great service.
@@jane3069 thank you Jane ☺️
I understand all to well. I'm 50, look about 35 even after losing 60 lbs I 2 months and being in hospital 5 days. no one can see all the raw skin all over my legs. I feel like I'm moulting
Then this story isn't about you. If you feel you don't fit into that category, there should be no need to take offense.
Back when I was more ambulatory, I had wheelchair reservations cancelled multiple times because I’m young and I didn’t “look” disabled. So they assumed it was a “miracle flight”
My mom (RIP) was hugely indignant but had everyone laughing - staff and other passengers - when asked if she needed wheelchair assistance or help with her luggage, she told them she was "just fine thank you dear" when she was an old lady on crutches (hip replacement), head high, carrying a handbag, wheeled cabin bag and bulky coat. Flying alone on a 13 hour flight in cattle class. The flight attendants and other passengers were so kind to her the whole way. She told me I was "just a silly fusspot" whenever I complained about flying. She loved it.
I work at an airport and I see this often. It upsets me when people who truly don’t need them use this service. I’ve met many flights to board then , like there will be a 4 chair flight and maybe there’s only one actual chair going onto the airline.
But why interview the flight attendant? They’re not having to push them around. The attendant should have been interviewed more. As someone who use to work as a wheelchair attendant, we interact with them more. One thing I hated was the ones who would abuse it, and then right after you go through security all of sudden they don’t need the wheelchair anymore
I literally only need a place to sit while I wait in the long lines... what do you recommend we do? not everyone has the same body.
@@BabyYodaForce what do you do when standing in any other line? That what you do there.
I'm only 27, but need a wheelchair/ecv for distances. So the short walk when Boarding, I can handle.
But coming into the airport, going through tsa, going to the gate, etc. I need assistance of some sort. Same for destination arrival. I can get off the plane, but I'll be asking for assistance beyond that point.
What they aren't talking about is mobility .. I can walk pretty well until you ask me walk 1/2 mile to my gate.
This would make me angry.
For me, I'm not allowed to step up or walk far after surgery.
BUT - I'm required to walk a little every 45 minutes to prevent blood pooling and help restore circulation.
I have to use this service because I have MS. Its crazy that I might have to wait on a chair because someone is faking
to be fair, I can walk a little, but I can't stand still. i'm okay when my legs or moving, but once I stand still, my legs give out after a few minutes...but I bring my own chair. many people can walk short distances, not need priority boarding, but can't walk all through the airport
The issue I have is the long distance from plane to next connection and the limited time allowed to reach the next connection plus pulling luggage. I do have a disabled parking permit.
I hope people understand wheelchair attendants get paid $5.25/hr and survive on tips. To take up their time waiting for you in that jet-bridge and you walk past them...that's low
Where I’m at they pay 11.25 . This in Atlanta Ga. I would never work for 5.25👎🏽plus we keep all the tips
Yep. Worked as a PSA in Texas last year and it was $7/hr and lottt of people took advantage of it
Most jet bridges are not heated or air-conditioned. During the wintertime, in the early morning hours, they are FREEZING. Imagine some poor wheelchair attendant having to wait a half hour (or more) for a passenger who walks right past you as you're holding up a white board with their name on it.
Some people are just despicable.
@@ashleyclemons7061 some passengers are generous but many do not tip one dime and you know that ; )
@@sean2015 as someone who worked as a wheelchair attendant I can confirm we don’t wait half hour. We had tablets where it showed us incoming flights with pax who required wheelchair. We would arrive maybe 5-10mins before arrival and then have to wait until the last pax deplanes. Most of the time the pax that requested a wheelchair they only needed it to the gate and then when we pick them up from their inbound flight and push them up the jet bridge then they’re family or friend they traveled with want to push the rest of the way to baggage claim that way they can avoid tipping 😂 . Also, I’ve never been on a jet bridge that didn’t have A/C. But I realized that it being on or off is based of the gate agent preference since some don’t like the cold since they also have to wait at the jet bridge to connect it to the plane
Ya, for those of us who need this service, its maddening.
A couple actually tried to steal my wheelchair getting of a plane in Houston, Odd because I was the last off and they left a few passengers ahead of me then a guy unloading my chair came saying he was sorry and didn't know it wasn't her chair mind you this same woman had caught the flight with us from another state who just walk up before she got on that flight. The airport security was alerted of the "theft" (my chair is marked for this reason they caught them before they left the airport. She got up and ran, really just as bad as those using handicap stalls because they are bigger or parking in an handicap spot because it is in the front of a building people don't have morals.
Our world is gettin so ugly !
I deal with pain in all of my joints and walking is a struggle but I do it because I can. I believe that those using wheelchair to board should wait until passengers are off the plane so wheelchair can be brought through without breaking any fire code
I have an invisible disability and an emotional support animal. I'm so sick I can't work even part time anymore. No one can tell how disabled I am by looking at me. When I first got disabled I had the worst experience with a flight crew from Frontier. They treated me so poorly until I was the last person on that airplane during departure and I needed that wheel chair to luggage claim. Their demeanor towards me changed but only at the end of the flight when they realized I wasn't faking. I know people abusing wheelchair service and ESAs suck so much. It can be so difficult to travel with a disability that I encourage flight attendants to believe everyone that says they need them. For the people thinking they aren't hurting anyone by abusing wheelchair service or ESA policy they are so wrong. Every false use hurts the people that actually needs them.
I hate Frontier and left a nasty review
Who is she to judge who needs a wheelchair. Some people needs wheelchair for long distance
Being disabled without "looking like it" is a real screwed up mess. I can no longer stand or walk longer than 15 minutes without a pain and weakness problem. Unless someone just collapses...no one "gets it". I get pushed along. pressured into doing things that are harmful but until I wind up with a 911 call...no one will admit ...oh oops...she really had a problem. So...am going to my MD and explain all. I need documentation. I take no medications as I know what harm that causes. Give pain drugs and people can do things that actually are harming them. But I do not expect special privileges especially for non essential activities. The people that fake and take advantage need to be exposed. Those of us who do not ask for help and are refused help and pushed to do more than we can need support !
I can't stand for more than 5 minutes withOUT excruciating pain. 5 steps away feels like an ocean away!
I’ve had three knee surgeries my last one was only 3 months ago and walking through atl is literal hell for me and I’m flying soon and I have a super short connection coming up and I can’t run without a lot of pain so I requested a wheelchair cause I have to go across terminals and need that assistance so my knee won’t one swell up and two so when I get on my second flight I won’t be in killer pain, there are people that cheat the system but also some people just can’t walk long distances and that’s why I’m double sided about that!!
I have my own wheelchair, but there's always an airport wheelchair and assistant waiting for me on the jetbridge at my destination. They said it's policy - for just in case my chair is damaged or doesn't make it or - god forbid - down in baggage claim. So far, I've been lucky enough not to need it.
While the interviewee may be correct, that's not always the case.
I only need a place to sit while I wait in the long lines, turns out you they skip you pass the line... what do you suggest we do?
It is a great way to go with old people with actual disabilities
People walk with disabilities all the time
This video is very unfair for many people who are elderly but can still walk some shorter distances. Talking about Atlanta airport which is HUGE! So needing a wheelchair in an airport does not necessarily mean you can not walk and get off a plane at a smaller airport to get to a rental car/family member. I was specifically told by the airlines to request a wheelchair because i can not stand for long periods of time and then walk long distances to the gate. I need the assistance of a wheelchair to get to my gate and through TSA. They had no problem with that, especially with Atlanta airport. Hope I am not "judged" by anyone for needing a wheelchair and still being able to walk. :(
Something I noticed when requesting assistance as someone who is blind, I was given a wheelchair at both ends, and while it was a help to get around quickly and efficiently, I can walk and would also be just fine with a guide, my only physical struggle is trying to go up and down stairs and escalators both due to my eyesight but also trying to handle bags and a cane all at once so elevators are preferred.
How would this flight attendant know who's faking and who's not?! Many people have invisible illnesses and don't look ill at all. I'm able to walk just fine short distances, but not long distances from check-in to boarding the plane for example. So If I get up and deboard the plane myself you assume I was faking? I think these people need to be less judgmental and more educated about different kinds of invisible illnesses that are more and more prevalent everyday and show more compassion.
I am in the same boat as you. They have no idea how sick I really am because I look fine.
Do the same thing you do at any other line.
Recently, we flew on Southwest. The first flight had a half dozen who boarded first in wheelchairs. Watching them walk on the flight to go to the bathroom, it was obvious that they were disabled. On the return flight, however, none of people in wheelchairs (and their sizable entourage who also got to board first) needed a wheelchair or help after landing. CDG is the worst. It seemed that 20% of flyers needed a wheelchair. Really?
This makes me think that a flight will cure my polio
Flight attendants need to inform those in wheelchair that they will need to wait on board the flight until another wheelchair can be loaded, allowing everyone to GET OFF THE PLANE FIRST
My drivers licence cense shows that I am disabled. I see no reason airlines can't ask to see ID's. I usually am missing a chair at landing. Someone else often takes it before I get off.
In most states that isn't the case. My driver's license has no mention of my disability.
I'm a blind person. When i book travel i say i need assistance. I need help getting to where i need to but i don't need a wheelchair. I can walk fine, they'll show up with a wheelchair anyway. Depending on the assistance person, some will act like you have to get in the wheelchair. Even if your disability has no impact on walking.
I had this happen to me on my last trip, I requested assistance and a wheelchair arrived, I declined the chair, until I was handed off to another person who was insistent I had to use a chair, once I was at the gate I left the chair and walked around the area with the staff member I was now handed to who helped me orient to my surroundings so I could independently wait for my flight
On arrival there was a chair brought right to the plane door and I was tired so didn't bother fighting it
Actually the problem is the very long travel from one plane to connecting flights. At the end destination there is no time limit so a much slower person can very slowly make the way out of the airport.
There may not be any time limit at the end destination, but there are still the long distances involved which can be too much for an elderly or disabled individual whether they're in a hurry or not. So your argument doesn't really hold water.
Your logic is crap there, Morty
But, how do you know???
They drink the holy water they can walk after
I was an assistant for two years I’ve seen hell
This has been abuse for sooooo long. They need to show documentation toshow a disability or a doctor’s note.
Exactly!
100% agree! We had a doctor write a letter explaining my father's mobility condition. He had to have a complex two day surgery and it limited his mobility. Since then, we always carried this letter around whenever he has to use a wheelchair at the airport because he cannot handle walking long distances and stand very long. He also has to use a walker and a cane to walk. We have seen a lot of passengers using wheelchairs and most of them could clearly walk comfortably on their own without any assistive devices.
🤕🤕🤕🤕 at DIA I had my own chair and after getting out of plane my chair was just outside of the doorway, it looked like some lady was trying to get in it because they couldn't find her chair, I got in mine and was pushed up the ramp and out to the desk boarding area and left there. No one came back for me and after only getting a half of small cup of water and no meal on either one of my flights, I was starving and thirsty. So I usually take A-train home and ride transportation often, but I wanted to get food first there was lots of people that morning 4/24 and not much room to navigate so got in walkway as usual. as I got on it felt like it was faster than normal and I tried to lean forward more and instead I fell backwards and hit my head and back really hard 4 days later I'm still in pain and had to wait 3 days for my baggage that was lost a 2nd time. I have filed a claim via email since Air Canada never responded until yesterday via email. no in person reps have reached out and I was hung up on 3 times after I fell no one helped me expect other nice passengers and a nice waitress she called for medical and Air Canada and nothing. I am considering a claim with CTA as well. Since Air Canada is passing the buck at Orbitz and Vice Versa. They also lost my bag on arrival at YUL as well. I lost work because of this incident. I also usually board last and sit by bathrooms. I am on Diuretics due to edema water retentio. Im on several meds. have had several strokes. My legs work to walk to my seat but after being on them they feel super heavy and hurt. My blood pressure goes up and I get dizzy a lot. I also fall a lot. Now im even worse.
you forgot to mention that you are obese, black, diabetic, and retarded
And exactly why do you have to travel by air so often ?
Penalize the liars! Make ir a law to show proof then
100% agree! There should be a penalty. We had a doctor write a letter explaining my father's mobility condition as proof. He had to have a complex two day surgery and it limited his mobility. Since then, we always carried this letter to as proof around whenever he has to use a wheelchair at the airport because he cannot handle walking long distances and stand very long. He also has to use a walker and a cane to walk. We have seen a lot of passengers using wheelchairs and most of them could clearly walk comfortably on their own without any assistive devices.
That’s not fair to the elder peoples that have disabilities and event young people that have disabilities. So I feel like the disability peoples should board the airplane first before the other peoples.
I dont get why people want to be on the plane first. I want to be last. Why go on just to sit there.
Because when you board last, there may be very few or even no overhead luggage space left.
I'm on a WHEELCHAIR 2018 PARALYZED HALF
Stop boarding them first and put a fee on wheel chair use.
I bring my own mobility scooter. We board first because we take a LOT longer due to our disabilities and having to take apart pieces of our devices/equipment.. Putting a fee on use for WC is simply discrimination against disabled people. You need to STOP and think about others who truly live with these shortcomings EVERYday 24/7. It's no fun to be disabled and we have to deal with this EVERYDAY!
@@proudasiangirl576I agree with you. I’m (the term I prefer) physically challenged myself. Goodness knows we do not need or deserve to have any ridiculous fee forced on us just because we are physically challenged. This would be very unfair to us.
@@lorireece1970 That person is just plain stupid and ignorant. S/he has no clue what we deal with EVERDAY on a daily basis just to get through a day. It's a struggle.
In Heathrow we just say its a miracle did Jesus heal them
There is no way to tell who actually needs a wheelchair.
Yes there is, if they needed a wheel chair they would have already been in one when they arrived at the airport.
@@RadioRich100 There were two or three people on airport supplied wheelchairs, because they could only take a few steps.
@@billkallas1762 Then how did they get into and all across the airport?
@@RadioRich100 Airport supplied temporary wheelchair. You see people being pushed around in those things, all of the time.
Okay. I'm aa fat person. So I definitly don't look diabled. I look like I wobble I guess? But if I let my kneses loosen I start shaking and wavering heading to the floor in about 20-30 seconds. I have AVN (Avascular Necrosis) on both femur heads. My body is eating the tips of both legs. I can not walk well. I definitely cannot make it. I always carry a tip! I'm quiet and try to be courteous. The only time I've had a problem was arriving late. I mean they used the car thing in there to go as fast as they could to get us to our plane.
I fell aagainst several people becuase the plane was already filled and people helped me. All the people were kind when I was apoligizing, scared and afraid of them. But everyone was lovely.
I'm grateful I get the assistance I need and I'm always thanking them. I've sometimes had to wait 30 minutes for a wheelchair as well, but it was costing the flight attendants and pilots their time, as the plane was off. They had to wait for me. That one time I opened up my bags. I had gone to Disney World. I had a lot of snacks I had to use at the end of the meal plan and just offered them anything they wanted! We hung out, talked a little. These people are amazing in what they do.
But the one important thing to know is that the wheelchair service isn't staffed or owned by the airport. It's by a seperate company. So she shouldn't be saying what she is. I've looked fine and was on my knees from my legs being so bad off. Please. Even if we don't look it. Try not to judge them. People need the service, whether they look l ike it or not.
How true. My son is wheelchair bound and has his own transport stroller. Its amaizing how many people I see get up and walk off and down the jet way but when boarding they make it known there disabled. The same is true with the handicapped parking spaces. Our van need extra space to unload. And there always some people I see walk with bags to the car get in and drive off.
I was looking for information on wheelchairs and ran into this... I needed a wheelchair to not wait standing in long lines, but I can do most of the walking on my own. I never knew that we would be given permission to go in front of the line which defeats the purpose of why I need a wheelchair to not wait standing for a long period of time specially around the holidays.
I'm able to walk and walk fast at times. I can even dance at times, but I am disabled. I get extreme pain in my left foot and leg. I not only have spinal stenosis, but I also have some type of lump on top of my foot that causes pain in my foot and leg. I never know how bad my pain is going to be. I cannot stand in one spot for very long before the pain starts. Standing still in one spot seems to bring on the most amount of pain. Please, don't judge people because you see them walking. No one will understand about our type of disability can be unless, you experience it yourself.
I requested wheelchair service and was told I don't look like I needed it 🤯
Then you shouldnt have asked for it.
Being closer to Jesus in the air healed them.
Welchyir assistant job
India &kerala
Easy fix! Whoever requests the wheelchair assistance will also have to sign the document to agree to deplane the flight after everyone else, or it’ll be facing felony charges
That's just stupid. I require a wheelchair to navigate the airport. We always sit near the front of the plane and deplane when it's our turn. I can walk off the plane but still need the WC to get to baggage claim. No way I'm waiting until everyone else is off the plane.
Your solution is ridiculous and you wanting to PUNISH all those who are really disabled like myself. The easy fix is to have documentation of some type that is streamlined throughout all airlines and airport. I have no problem showing proof as a 100% disabled veteran, I have an ID card. Not to say that everyone will have an ID card, but there's got to be a better system for those who really need the help. Just like placards are needed to park in an ADA space, the same type of system should be enforced for wheelchairs.
@@proudasiangirl576 ehhh. How does it punish you?!?! Wheelchair passengers are always asked to stay put until everyone else gets off a plane no matter what airline you’re flying. A real disable person would be totally fine to sign the document!
@@imnottellingyou5559 NOT TRUE!! I have flown many times and have NEVER been asked to "stay put! 🙄
You should have to leave let’s say a 30$ deposit that you get back once you use the service again when you land on the other side 🤔 you land get in the wheelchair ♿️ last since you went first before same amount of time if you don’t use it when you land the 30$ is gone 😂😂😂🤣
Solution: since you need a wheelchair it's just gonna be unsafe for you to handle all that carry-on luggage you have. FOR YOUR SAFETY it will all get checked to baggage claim at your final destination.
Then just watch the healing begin.
Actually standard practice from what I've experienced is that staff will help handle your bags or if able place it on the front of the chair with you, as well as stow and unstow it for you in there overhead bin, extremely helpful when your mind is focused elsewhere on your physical limitations and trying to advocate for your needs
So those of us who are disabled should not be allowed to travel with our medication or a change of clothes like other people?
Let me tell you from someone who supervises these people who push the wheelchairs at an International Airport. Ask any airline employee , there is a certain nationality that abuses the wheelchair. We have up to 50 wheelchairs booked on arrival and departure daily ,normally to 1 country.😮 A pilot told me an arrival in Toronto had 70 wheelchairs. Almost 90% can walk perfectly.....what a waste of money pushing these people.A colleague once said..l didn't know laziness was medical condition 😅
No one should be able to get a wheelchair who doesn’t come in with one and check it
Ok, so why don't they just catch the people faking it??? It wouldn't be that hard: just verify that the person who 'needed' the wheelchair is also in a wheelchair when they get off, it's pretty simple. If the wheelchair faker gets up and walks off the plane, the flight attendants can run over and fine them or put them on a wheelchair abuse list.
In some cases that might work. However, I fly and need a wheelchair at larger airports because of the walking distance and standing. The airport closest to my home is tiny so I don't need one there.
I have had to walk at other larger airports because the attendants have been rude and accused me of lying. I have a heart and lung issue. One of them pushed the chair away from me to prevent me from sitting and told me to walk so he could see if I needed it.
So no, it isn't that simple. You don't put untrained non medical professionals in charge of discerning who is or is not able to walk.
We call them African chariots
when security makes travel so difficult that people fake disability maybe security should relax and check in should be made more efficient
Just flew my mother needed a wheel chair some lady had her nice Jordan’s and nice bag and had a wheelchair saw her stand up and perfectly walked to it also had a bad attitude
All customer just misusing this service except very few