Wheelchair Services Misuse: A Growing Problem at Airports and Its Financial Impact on Airlines

Frontier Airlines CEO, Barry Biffle, has called for a crackdown on the misuse of wheelchair services at airports. He stated that abuse of these services is costing the airline $30 to $35 per person. During an event with The Wings Club, a society for aviation professionals, Biffle emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of people falsely using wheelchair assistance when they do not actually require it.

According to CNBC, Biffle highlighted that on some Frontier flights, there were instances where 20 people used wheelchairs to board the plane, but only three needed them upon arrival. This misuse of services was a cause for concern, with Biffle emphasizing that the abuse of special services should be addressed with penalties similar to those for parking in handicapped spaces.

Misuse of wheelchair services at airports has been a growing concern, with some individuals promoting the use of these services as a way to bypass airport queues. The former CEO of London Heathrow Airport also raised similar concerns, warning against such practices and urging travelers to respect the service for those who genuinely need it.

Reports of wheelchair users being stranded on planes due to delays in deplaning assistance have further underscored the importance of addressing the misuse of wheelchair services. Biffle highlighted that each instance of providing wheelchair assistance costs Frontier between $30 and $35, emphasizing the need for strict measures to prevent abuse of these services.