Miracle Flights are Back!
May 19, 2021, 5:45 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
Do some passengers use wheelchairs when they don't need them? Certainly.
That said, it's worth noting that the departure procedures tend take much longer to complete when compared to when you arrive at your destination.
Some passengers might not be able to stand in line to check-in, stand in line to go through security, walk to their gate, and then stand until boarding starts (if the gate area is crowded). Anyone that has occasional mobility issues will probably err on the side of caution simply because there are more "what ifs" with which to contend.
When you arrive at your destination airport, there's no standing in line or waiting (unless you checked bags). Passengers can often go directly from the plane to the curb without stopping.
That said, it's worth noting that the departure procedures tend take much longer to complete when compared to when you arrive at your destination.
Some passengers might not be able to stand in line to check-in, stand in line to go through security, walk to their gate, and then stand until boarding starts (if the gate area is crowded). Anyone that has occasional mobility issues will probably err on the side of caution simply because there are more "what ifs" with which to contend.
When you arrive at your destination airport, there's no standing in line or waiting (unless you checked bags). Passengers can often go directly from the plane to the curb without stopping.
May 19, 2021, 9:50 pm
#3
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,501
Some poor lady at BWI C13 today was waiting for about 25 minutes for someone to show up with a wheelchair (I know it's contract employees, not WN employees), so I understand needing them to help get on the aircraft but not bothering once you get to your destination.
May 19, 2021, 10:39 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 402
Do some passengers use wheelchairs when they don't need them? Certainly.
That said, it's worth noting that the departure procedures tend take much longer to complete when compared to when you arrive at your destination.
Some passengers might not be able to stand in line to check-in, stand in line to go through security, walk to their gate, and then stand until boarding starts (if the gate area is crowded). Anyone that has occasional mobility issues will probably err on the side of caution simply because there are more "what ifs" with which to contend.
When you arrive at your destination airport, there's no standing in line or waiting (unless you checked bags). Passengers can often go directly from the plane to the curb without stopping.
That said, it's worth noting that the departure procedures tend take much longer to complete when compared to when you arrive at your destination.
Some passengers might not be able to stand in line to check-in, stand in line to go through security, walk to their gate, and then stand until boarding starts (if the gate area is crowded). Anyone that has occasional mobility issues will probably err on the side of caution simply because there are more "what ifs" with which to contend.
When you arrive at your destination airport, there's no standing in line or waiting (unless you checked bags). Passengers can often go directly from the plane to the curb without stopping.
Not being sarcastic at all.
I’m for all intents and purposes mobile. But I do recall a trip a few years back I took shortly after having thrown out my back. And waiting in all those queues was absolutely miserable. If I had known getting a wheelchair for the departure ordeal was an option (without any official paperwork/placard/justification) — I would’ve totally done it!
May 20, 2021, 10:57 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2020
Programs: WN Rapid Rewards A+, Hertz Five Star, Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards
Posts: 61
PAX
Not sure what is worse - The miracle types or those who cannot follow basic numbering when lining up at the posts. Especially leaving BWI, I've had folks some 20 number lower than me lining up adjacent to me.
May 20, 2021, 6:31 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
Geez - yeah, when you mention it that way I’d totally opt for the wheelchair option.
Not being sarcastic at all.
I’m for all intents and purposes mobile. But I do recall a trip a few years back I took shortly after having thrown out my back. And waiting in all those queues was absolutely miserable. If I had known getting a wheelchair for the departure ordeal was an option (without any official paperwork/placard/justification) — I would’ve totally done it!
Not being sarcastic at all.
I’m for all intents and purposes mobile. But I do recall a trip a few years back I took shortly after having thrown out my back. And waiting in all those queues was absolutely miserable. If I had known getting a wheelchair for the departure ordeal was an option (without any official paperwork/placard/justification) — I would’ve totally done it!
I've told this tale before on FlyerTalk. Years ago when I was a much younger lad, an older woman asked me to put her bag in the overhead bin. I declined and someone else immediately helped.
Hours later at the end of the transcontinental flight, the guy sitting next to me began to berate me for not helping out the woman. I let him vent and then gently lift up my shirt to show him the bandages from my recent surgery. Even if I had wanted to risk injury for a stranger, I didn't have the ability to lift my arms above my head at that point. That's why I didn't have any items in the overhead bin.
May 21, 2021, 8:33 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Peoria
Programs: Southwest, Best Western Gold, La Quinta, Dollar
Posts: 819