Possible Wheelchair Scam Investigation on Southwest Airlines

Are they scamming the airline? Many people are wondering about Southwest Airlines’ wheelchair policy after one passenger became livid on a recent flight.

A Florida man’s post on social media went viral after he counted more than 20 people who needed wheelchair assistance to board a Southwest flight, but only three needed assistance when departing the plane.

The man accused all airlines of being hit by the pre-boarding scam and received dozens of replies supporting his opinion.

Southwest responded on Twitter by saying, “Since many disabilities aren’t visible, we are unable to question the validity of pre-boarding requests.”

In other words, airlines are relying on the integrity of passengers.

Southwest offers accessible travel assistance, including wheelchair service. The policy states travelers “must identify themselves as needing wheelchair assistance upon arrival to the airport, at any connection points and upon arrival to their destination. Wheelchair assistance is available from airport to/from gates and between gates for connecting flights.”