LAX AND AIRLINE OFFICIALS REMIND TRAVELERS THAT FREE WHEELCHAIR SERVICES RESERVED FOR PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES OR MOBILITY ISSUES
(Los Angeles, California – December 21, 2012) With nearly 2.24 million travelers expected to pass through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) during the 13-day holiday travel period that begins today, airport and airline officials want to remind passengers that wheelchair services offered free by the airlines to their passengers should be reserved for persons with disabilities and senior citizens with mobility issues. These services are intended to provide equal access to those who would have difficulty getting to and from an aircraft due to medical needs.
Airline staffs and their contracted wheelchair service providers at LAX report that during recent years, they have experienced an increasing number of “bogus” or inappropriate requests from able-bodied passengers for wheelchair assistance. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, which is the disabilities act for the aviation industry, airline personnel are not allowed to question individuals about their wheelchair requests.
At LAX, airlines provide wheelchair service to over 460,000 individuals annually. In 2011, wheelchair providers estimate that 15 percent, or about 69,000 requests (an average 190 requests daily), were “bogus” or inappropriate. An example of “bogus” use involves passengers who ask for wheelchair assistance so they can go to the front of the line for federal passenger security screening. Once they clear screening, the passengers rise and tell the attendants they no longer require wheelchairs. An example of an inappropriate use involves individuals traveling with children who ask for wheelchairs to simply transport a child and luggage from terminal curbside to the ticketing counter, or through security screening to the boarding gate because they are not travelling with a stroller.
“Wheelchair service at airports is an important part of the travel experience for many people with disabilities and mobility issues,” said Lawrence Rolon, Los Angeles World Airports’ coordinator for Americans With Disabilities Act matters. “Even though airlines try to ensure they have enough wheelchair attendants available to meet public demand during peak travel times, these types of misuses can sometimes result in travelers with legitimate needs having to wait up to 30 minutes for a wheelchair attendant. This is especially true during busy holiday travel periods.”
Rather than misuse the airlines’ free wheelchair services, Rolon encourages those travelers to consider the impacts such actions have on passengers who rely on the services for medical reasons. He recommends passengers arrive in their airline terminals early so they have time to process through passenger security screening in a normal manner. Passengers should also pack checked luggage and carry-on items so they are manageable. If traveling with an infant or a very young child, passengers should consider bringing a stroller to transport them easily through the airport.
For passengers with disabilities or mobility issues, Rolon recommends they request wheelchair services when they book their flights and to confirm the arrangements before coming to the airport. This can eliminate waiting for the wheelchair service. Also, if arranged in advance, many airlines will allow one non-traveling relative or friend to assist a special-needs passenger to or from the aircraft boarding gate.
To request a free copy of the “LAX Guide for Individuals with Disabilities” in English or Spanish, please call the LAX Public Relations Office at (424) 646-5260.
