30 percent surge in wheelchair requests sparks Jetway Jesus claims

Airline passengers are accused of staging so called Jetway Jesus moments, boarding flights in wheelchairs and walking off unassisted at their destinations. The claims exploded on Reddit and other platforms, where users describe miracle flights that appear to cure mobility issues midair. One wrote that travelers board in chairs, secure better seats, then leave unaided. Another user admitted wheeling a grandmother to the gate despite no mobility issues, saying it prevents her from getting lost. Others pushed back, calling the backlash corporate propaganda against the Americans With Disabilities Act. The International Air Transport Agency reports a 30 percent yearly increase in wheelchair assistance requests at major airports. The group says requests are highest on routes tied to the United States, Europe, India and the United Arab Emirates. Gary Leff, a Texas based travel expert behind View From the Wing, warned that frivolous requests strain limited staff. He said contract workers are few, and unnecessary use delays passengers with real needs. A Wall Street Journal report this week cited Carlos Gomez, whose flight was delayed by 25 wheelchair boardings. He said he sees more wheelchair fraud each trip, adding that flying somehow keeps getting slower.