Frontier Airlines Urges Crackdown on ‘Rampant Abuse’ of Wheelchairs

The CEO of Frontier Airlines, Barry Biffle, has complained that his passengers are engaging in “rampant abuse” of services like wheelchairs, and he’s asking them to stop doing so.

According to CNBC, Biffle made the claim during a Wings Club luncheon on Thursday, May 23. “There is massive, rampant abuse of special services. There are people using wheelchair assistance who don’t need it at all,” he said, adding that it costs the discount airline between $30 and $35 each time a wheelchair is requested.

Biffle also told the outlet that passengers who request a wheelchair, and then don’t use it, cause delays for the entire flight and can lead to shortages for passengers who do need the services and can’t get them.

“Everyone should be entitled to it who needs it, but you park in a handicapped space they will tow your car and fine you,” the Frontier Airlines CEO told the outlet. “There should be the same penalty for abusing these services.”

Biffle, however, didn’t cite any statistics or provide any proof of his claim. He did, however, provide an anecdote that claimed more than 20 passengers once requested a wheelchair on a Frontier Airlines flight — and only three were put to use.

“We are healing so many people,” he joked when telling the story.

This news comes two months after Frontier Airlines announced that it was offering UpFront Plus seats as a new perk. In the first two rows of the aircraft, passengers will have more room and comfort thanks to this improved seating option.

UpFront Plus patrons may look forward to extra legroom in their window or aisle seat as well as a middle seat that is always empty. This will offer more comfort and personal space for a very reasonable price.

“Many consumers strongly prefer a seating option that offers extra space when flying,” Biffle said at the time. “Frontier is all about choice and giving consumers the flexibility to customize their travel to suit their individual needs and preferences. UpFront Plus is a great option for those who want expanded personal space and extra comfort.”