Originally Posted by
expert7700
If they say someone has to help them down, they cannot walk far/long without falling, etc, then that is, and always has been, an automatic preboard sleeve.
Air travel seems to at least temporarily cure many handycaps: it's not uncommon to see less than half the wheelchairs used to deplane than to board the aircraft.
Last sentence very true. To escape the $10 Early Bird fee, I may just need to use a "Handy - cap" - my bad leg is already starting me limping.
It always amazes me that people need extra time and space to board, but rarely (I sit half way back usually) do they need to wait for the plane to clear before they exit the plane -- mixing right in with the hoards. Sure there are a few who really need assistance, but this is overused. As I say, if you can walk 300 yards from front of terminal to gate, you should be ok with the last 40 yards.