Deboarding a aircraft is usually a irritating expertise, particularly for those who’re in a rush to make a connecting flight. And though most airways attempt to make the method as streamlined as doable, exterior components could make getting off the aircraft something however clean.
And whereas there are lots of causes individuals would possibly request a wheelchair to board a aircraft, individuals on social media are accusing airways of letting individuals make the most of the system.
A Southwest Airways passenger in Florida goes viral on Twitter after 20 passengers requested wheelchair help for boarding, but solely three wanted lodging to get off the aircraft.
The publish, which has been considered over 4,100 occasions, was taken on the Fort Lauderdale airport by a passenger named Paul, who referred to as the state of affairs a “Pre-boarding rip-off.”
Pre-boarding rip-off at @SouthwestAir 20 passengers boarding utilizing a wheelchair and possibly solely 3 want one to deplane. pic.twitter.com/3WyKuSWdtt
— Paul (@trendready) June 24, 2023
Southwest rapidly responded to the publish.
“We’re sorry for any disappointment, Paul. We work laborious to keep up the integrity of the boarding course of whereas offering acceptable lodging for all who fly,” the airline penned. “Since many disabilities aren’t seen, we’re unable to query the validity of preboarding requests.”
@SouthwestAir. The wheelchair rip-off continues this morning. How do a household of ‘C’ boarding Pre-board? Get grandma to sit down in a wheelchair. Now the entire household (5) will get to accompany her. pic.twitter.com/JORUPaXdMr
— Paul (@trendready) June 25, 2023
Dozens of indignant prospects and passengers took to the feedback blaming the airline and claiming they had been in the same state of affairs.
Based on Southwest’s coverage, “prospects who require help should establish themselves as needing wheelchair help upon arrival to the airport, at any connection factors, and upon arrival to their vacation spot.”
The airline didn’t instantly reply to Entrepreneur’s request for remark.