As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, Frontier Airlines is confronting what it claims to be a growing issue of passengers exploiting wheelchair services to cut pre-boarding lines, raising concerns about the impact on travelers with genuine needs.
🇺🇸 FRONTIER CEO SOUNDS ALARM ON PASSENGERS FEIGNING DISABILITY
CEO Barry Biffle talked about a proposed crackdown on dubious passengers who have abused a national airline bill that mandates the provision of wheelchairs for disabled passengers.
The CEO has seen evidence that… pic.twitter.com/681MzMEz6e
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 25, 2024
CEO Barry Biffle addressed the topic at an industry luncheon on Thursday, stating, “There is massive, rampant abuse of special services. There are people using wheelchair assistance who don’t need it at all.” Biffle shared an anecdote about witnessing 20 passengers boarding a flight using wheelchairs, but only three requiring assistance upon arrival.
Frontier CEO Barry Biffle said he's witnessed 20 people board a plane with a wheelchair, and only three use them to get off. https://t.co/UkxZvClMwe
— FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) May 25, 2024
The alleged abuse of these services, which cost the airline between $30 and $35 per passenger, not only strains resources but also contributes to delays for travelers who legitimately require assistance. Frontier Airlines believes that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airlines find themselves in a challenging position when it comes to managing this issue.
The carrier told Fox Business that “there is widespread abuse among passengers using wheelchair services to move to the front of security lines and obtain priority boarding on flights.” Some passengers have reportedly faked injuries to take advantage of these accommodations.
