There is no question that modern air travel sucks. The lines, the gropes, the crowds, the fees—a once glamorous mode of transport is now a tedious, time-consuming chore. So we have to give some credit to anyone who finds a way to keep it interesting—but the people the Times uncovered today can go right to hell. Cause there is a circle there for people who use wheelchairs just to skip lines, right?
Yup, today the Times blows the "miracle flight" industry wide open. Here, let a flight attendant explain where the name comes from: "We’d say there was a miracle because they all needed a wheelchair getting on, but not getting off. Not only do we serve them beverages and ensure their safety—now we’re healing the sick."
See, if you get a wheelchair at the airport—which airlines are required by law to give you for free—you not only get to go through a much faster TSA line but you also get to board planes first. Only problem is wheelchair users also disembark last—so many fakers simply don't use the wheelchairs that are automatically waiting for them when they get to their destinations. Dickwads.
Of course not everyone who uses wheelchairs is faking it—but some definitely are. And now that the secret is out expect more people to. Because in the end, not all disabilities are visible. And it isn't hard to limp. Also, the attendants who push the airport wheelchairs around make between $9 to $14 an hour—so as long as you tip them you can safely expect a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy on their part. Sigh.
