Southwest Airlines passengers have “cracked a code.” It allows them to circumvent the travel carrier’s boarding requirements by saying they need wheelchairs. The story was originally told on the website View From the Wing.
On a recent flight from Florida to Puerto Rico, 30 passengers stated they needed wheelchairs. When the plane landed, 28 of the passengers walked away, leaving the chairs behind. Southwest seats passengers using an open seating system that rewards those who arrive early, pay more, or have a physical disability, according to the airline’s website.
The gateway that gets customers on board their planes is referred to as a “Jetbridge Jesus” by the website because those who require a wheelchair to board rise to their feet and walk away once they arrive at their destination. Several photographs on the site show passengers in wheelchairs as well as empty wheelchairs.
As someone who has a disability, this story is deeply troubling to me. Disability is not a monolith. People’s ability to function can change. Symptoms such as fatigue and pain can vary throughout the day.
Just because you see someone walking, doesn’t mean that they don’t need a wheelchair. Ambulatory wheelchair users exist. For example, someone may be able to walk but they might stil need a wheelchair because of fatigue or discomfort.
Sometimes, walking can cause fatigue for people with certain medical conditions, such as dystonia. Dystonia is a neurological condition characterized by abnormal involuntary movements or postures caused by repeated or intermittent contractions of the muscles.
The author couldn’t have known the medical history of his fellow passengers. It’s impossible to know such personal information about a stranger. Asking strangers about their medical history is a violation of privacy.
People often face accusations of faking their disabilities and illnesses, especially online. On TikTok and Reddit, there are entire communities devoted to so-called illness fakers. These communities often analyze YouTube videos and social media accounts of people in order to find out if they are really sick or disabled.
Disabled and chronically ill people struggle to live in such an ableist world. Disabilities and chronic illnesses are not one-size-fits-all. Please treat people with kindness and respect.
Sources:
Balint, Bettina et al. “Dystonia.” Nature reviews. Disease primers vol. 4,1 25. 20 Sep. 2018, doi:10.1038/s41572-018-0023-6
Denkinson, Katherine. “‘Sickfluencers’: Why Are People Faking Illnesses on TikTok?” VICE, Vice Media Group LLC, 16 May 2023,
https://www.vice.com/en/article/tiktok-sickness-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-munchausens/
Niemietz, Brian. “Airline Passengers Crack ‘code’ by Claiming to Need Wheelchairs: Report.” New York Daily News, Alden Global Capital , 31 Dec. 2024, http://www.nydailynews.com/2024/12/30/southwest-airline-passenger-fake-wheelchair-board/.