Was this woman running a "wheelchair scam?"
#61
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: Delta Platinum Medallion, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 624
The FA should be reported for this. I'm not one to "report" people, but this particular item is a safety issue. I have had this happen on SW, and even had the person try and reserve the exit row. The FA did not want to get involved but did at my insistence, both to prevent the seat saving and being in the exit row after "pre-boarding". I did not care that I had the stink-eye from the passenger.
#64
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: DEN
Programs: United Premier 1K, Marriott Platinum, Frontier, Delta, Hertz Gold, National Emerald Club
Posts: 928
The issue is liability and lawsuit potential. No matter how scummy and low I think it is that an able-bodied person would do this, it is safer than to take the risk that there is a real, but visibly hidden, disability that requires a wheelchair, and then be the one who denies it. Airline gets sued and you lose your job.
Someone also wrote about karma. I do believe in it as well.
Finally, if you can't change the system, why not be entertained?
If you suspect "a miracle is about to happen", get some photographic/visual proof, and post it on FT for our entertainment. I would love to see it. These scammers SHOULD be called out in every way possible. You needed a chair to board, etc, but you are in an exit row, or first to stand up and attempt to deplane with your bags . . . visual evidence = busted!
And finally, to any airport worker who enables the behavior (ex. the late-running passengers who were TOLD to go get a wheelchair), shame on you too. Don't blame the rest of us if you never leave that job, or lose it at some point.
Someone also wrote about karma. I do believe in it as well.
Finally, if you can't change the system, why not be entertained?
If you suspect "a miracle is about to happen", get some photographic/visual proof, and post it on FT for our entertainment. I would love to see it. These scammers SHOULD be called out in every way possible. You needed a chair to board, etc, but you are in an exit row, or first to stand up and attempt to deplane with your bags . . . visual evidence = busted!
And finally, to any airport worker who enables the behavior (ex. the late-running passengers who were TOLD to go get a wheelchair), shame on you too. Don't blame the rest of us if you never leave that job, or lose it at some point.
#65
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 22,778
The issue is liability and lawsuit potential. No matter how scummy and low I think it is that an able-bodied person would do this, it is safer than to take the risk that there is a real, but visibly hidden, disability that requires a wheelchair, and then be the one who denies it. Airline gets sued and you lose your job.
Someone also wrote about karma. I do believe in it as well.
Finally, if you can't change the system, why not be entertained?
If you suspect "a miracle is about to happen", get some photographic/visual proof, and post it on FT for our entertainment. I would love to see it. These scammers SHOULD be called out in every way possible. You needed a chair to board, etc, but you are in an exit row, or first to stand up and attempt to deplane with your bags . . . visual evidence = busted!
And finally, to any airport worker who enables the behavior (ex. the late-running passengers who were TOLD to go get a wheelchair), shame on you too. Don't blame the rest of us if you never leave that job, or lose it at some point.
Someone also wrote about karma. I do believe in it as well.
Finally, if you can't change the system, why not be entertained?
If you suspect "a miracle is about to happen", get some photographic/visual proof, and post it on FT for our entertainment. I would love to see it. These scammers SHOULD be called out in every way possible. You needed a chair to board, etc, but you are in an exit row, or first to stand up and attempt to deplane with your bags . . . visual evidence = busted!
And finally, to any airport worker who enables the behavior (ex. the late-running passengers who were TOLD to go get a wheelchair), shame on you too. Don't blame the rest of us if you never leave that job, or lose it at some point.
#66
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: HNL/SEA/DTW/AMS
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 56
I believe in karma too. Boarded a feeder flight in the EU with a passenger who had NO TROUBLE climbing the jet STAIRS (ran up) & deplaning using the same...but SUDDENLY needed a wheelchair & cart to go through AMS passport control & board a DL flight to the States. He was awaiting a miles/SWU upgrade but the Blue Dragons couldn't get their act together. We departed with 4 seats empty in J...he was in row 30-something.
#67
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: JFK/LGA/EWR
Posts: 1,296
How many honest people are willing to give away their ID? We can print duplicate BPs and scan our luggage claims before boarding. And when was the last time anyone asked for the paper ones (I've lost a couple of them with my HOOU coupons)?
#68
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Jackson MS
Programs: DL Plat
Posts: 130
It can be frustrating at times as I go to MNL often and see the long line of wheelchairs. However, while some Filipinos may appear to be able-bodied and look 50-ish or 60-ish, they may actually be in their 70s or older. My Mom always orders a wheelchair as she is now 76 and while she can walk the tube to her seat, I can guarantee you, you will curse at how slow she moves. But she orders the wheelchair mainly to transfer from gate to gate as she can get tired and short of breath easily. She also does not wait in her seat on landing but walks up the tube to take the first available w/c (now they actually have your name on paper) --- as she is instructed by crew ("... if you are able to walk to the end of the tube, please do so and a wheelchair will be waiting for you there ..."). It really is no miracle for her, and again, if you were walking behind her, I wouldn't be surprised if you cursed under your breath. I agree with the karma posters --- beware what you say! I do agree with calling out the obvious scammers (disabled but seating in exit row, etc.) to preserve the integrity of the wheelchair request!!!
#69
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: WN, DL, UA, AA, Hilton, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 1,303
This line from the original article bugged me. Yes, that could be a sign that they are a scammer. OR it could be a sign that they have a health issue that is marginal- not so severe that they always need a wheelchair, but one that will be exacerbated by a lengthy period standing in line. My DH is in that category, and we don't want to always tie up resources if he doesn't need them.
#70
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,997
Thread Alert
We have had a number of alerts from FlyerTalk members letting the Delta SkyMiles forum moderators know that the topic of this discussion really is broader in scope and is not necessarily specific to Delta Air Lines and the SkyMiles frequent flier loyalty program — and I would have to agree.
The new home for this discussion is now the Disability Travel forum.
Regards,
Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta SkyMiles forum
The new home for this discussion is now the Disability Travel forum.
Regards,
Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta SkyMiles forum
#71
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA Plat 2MM/UA G MM/DL MM DM 2015/BA Silver/Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 3,103
It can be frustrating at times as I go to MNL often and see the long line of wheelchairs. However, while some Filipinos may appear to be able-bodied and look 50-ish or 60-ish, they may actually be in their 70s or older. My Mom always orders a wheelchair as she is now 76 and while she can walk the tube to her seat, I can guarantee you, you will curse at how slow she moves. But she orders the wheelchair mainly to transfer from gate to gate as she can get tired and short of breath easily. She also does not wait in her seat on landing but walks up the tube to take the first available w/c (now they actually have your name on paper) --- as she is instructed by crew ("... if you are able to walk to the end of the tube, please do so and a wheelchair will be waiting for you there ..."). It really is no miracle for her, and again, if you were walking behind her, I wouldn't be surprised if you cursed under your breath. I agree with the karma posters --- beware what you say! I do agree with calling out the obvious scammers (disabled but seating in exit row, etc.) to preserve the integrity of the wheelchair request!!!
#72
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,433
I had a friend who did this many years/decades ago.
He was delivering a wheelchair to his mother.
This was at a time when his Airline was going to charge him $150-200 to check his "oversized" wheelchair in baggage.
Of course, if he was using it as an assistive device, it was free.
So he rode it the whole way there.
He was delivering a wheelchair to his mother.
This was at a time when his Airline was going to charge him $150-200 to check his "oversized" wheelchair in baggage.
Of course, if he was using it as an assistive device, it was free.
So he rode it the whole way there.
#74
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 22,778
That there are abuses of provisions of ADA, is not in doubt. I cannot say what the extent of abuse is.
I also felt that there was an abuse of handicapped tags also, as between 1999 and 2008 (when I was away for most of the time from my home state), the number of handicapped tags increased manyfold. It turns out that the area is infested with "fake" hanging tags.
Some people will do everything possible for their convenience even if it means breaking the law. parking/waiting in the drop off lane at a grocery store, or an airport is another example, even blocking or parking in the handicapped spot at the airport.
I also felt that there was an abuse of handicapped tags also, as between 1999 and 2008 (when I was away for most of the time from my home state), the number of handicapped tags increased manyfold. It turns out that the area is infested with "fake" hanging tags.
Some people will do everything possible for their convenience even if it means breaking the law. parking/waiting in the drop off lane at a grocery store, or an airport is another example, even blocking or parking in the handicapped spot at the airport.
#75
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Silicon Valley
Programs: UA GS, WN A-List, AA Exec Plat, National Emerald
Posts: 1,020
The issue is liability and lawsuit potential. No matter how scummy and low I think it is that an able-bodied person would do this, it is safer than to take the risk that there is a real, but visibly hidden, disability that requires a wheelchair, and then be the one who denies it. Airline gets sued and you lose your job.
And, in WN or any airline, for the safety of EVERYONE on board, you must call out a disabled person who is in the exit row! Do *you* want to Die In A Fire?