Originally Posted by
Troopers
Nope I don't follow them...do you?
When the doors open on arrival, I often hear the FAs ask how many wheelchairs are needed and to use the call button. Can one simply flag a wheelchair at the gate (or somewhere in the terminal) after exiting the plane IF a wheelchair is not requested to deplane?
The need for wheelchair (presumably) begins at the check-in/luggage counter, continues to the gate and onto the plane...just doesn't make sense that the need ends when the plane doors open on arrival. One still needs to deplane, collect carry-ons, traverse the terminals (elevators/escalators, trams), avoid the crowds, etc.
The pax walk off the plane in 30 seconds and get in that wheelchair. Often that FA announcement is "the wheelchairs aren't here yet, please remain in your seat if you need a wheelchair". They still sometimes walk off in 30 seconds, sit in the gate, and wait for the wheelchair in a chair at the gate. The need for the wheelchair doesn't end, but isn't always needed for the 30 second walk off the plane.
Is it abused sometimes, sure. The point the OP was trying to make is, all wheelchair pax that walk off the plane aren't all the "Jetway Jesus" folks