Frontier Airlines CEO urges crackdown of 'rampant abuse' of airport wheelchair service
Should Airlines Penalize Fake Wheelchair Use?
Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle highlighted widespread misuse of the wheelchair service at airports, noting that many travelers request wheelchairs despite not needing them, leading to delays and added costs. This abuse of free services not only impacts genuine users but also burdens airline operations financially. Biffle suggests implementing penalties similar to those for misusing handicapped parking to curb this issue.
How much does it cost Frontier Airlines each time a passenger requests wheelchair assistance, according to CEO Barry Biffle?
According to Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle, it costs the airline between $30 and $35 each time a passenger requests wheelchair assistance5.
What specific examples of abuse related to wheelchair assistance services did Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle cite?
Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle highlighted specific instances of abuse related to wheelchair assistance services during a Wings Club luncheon in New York. He pointed out that on some Frontier flights, a notably high number of passengers request wheelchairs at the beginning of their journey, with as many as 20 passengers being brought to the plane in wheelchairs14. However, upon arrival, only three of these passengers would use wheelchairs to disembark. This discrepancy, according to Biffle, illustrates a clear misuse of the service, suggesting that many passengers who request wheelchair assistance at departure do not genuinely require it for mobility at their destination4. This behavior not only incurs unnecessary costs for the airline, estimated between $30 and $35 per use, but also causes delays for other passengers who genuinely need assistance4. Biffle humorously remarked on this phenomenon by saying, "We are healing so many people," indicating the seemingly miraculous recovery of passengers who no longer needed wheelchairs upon arrival.