Frontier Airlines CEO Calls Out Rampant Abuse of Wheelchair Assistance at Airports

According to the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986, airlines are mandated to offer wheelchair assistance to passengers with disabilities at the airport. However, the CEO of Frontier Airlines, Barry Biffle, has brought attention to the prevalent misuse of this service by travelers.

Rampant Abuse of Special Services

During a recent event at the Wings Club luncheon in New York, Biffle highlighted the widespread abuse of wheelchair assistance, stating that numerous individuals are exploiting the service without genuine need. He described instances where a substantial number of passengers were provided with wheelchairs upon boarding, yet significantly fewer were actually required upon arrival.

Financial and Operational Impact

Biffle emphasized the financial implications of this misuse, noting that the provision of a wheelchair costs the airline between $30 and $35 for each request. Additionally, he stressed that the abuse of this service leads to delays for passengers who genuinely require assistance, thereby affecting the operational efficiency of the airline.

Proposed Stricter Rules

Earlier this year, the Transportation Department put forth proposals for stricter regulations aimed at preventing damage to wheelchairs by airport ground handlers. Furthermore, the regulations seek to ensure "prompt assistance" for travelers with disabilities during boarding and disembarkation from the aircraft.

Call for Stringent Measures

Biffle advocated for stricter penalties for individuals who exploit these services, drawing a parallel to the consequences of misusing designated parking spaces for disabled individuals. He proposed that similar penalties should be enforced to deter the misuse of wheelchair assistance services and uphold the integrity of the support for passengers with genuine requirements.