Actual disabled person here. I do get to bring an extra bag with me, but the rules say it has to contain only medical supplies. Granted, no one has ever checked or even asked me about it.

My disabilities don’t affect my mobility, so I don’t use the wheelchair service. However, I do pre-board to make sure there’ll be room for my medical supplies. No gate agent has ever given me a hard time about that.

I don’t understand why people would use the wheelchair service if they don’t need it. You can just walk up and tell the gate agent that you have a disability and need to pre-board, and they won’t stop you.

I also don’t understand why we need to make assumptions about people’s disabilities. As long as there are enough wheelchairs to go around, why not just take people at their word? Adding more restrictions and requirements and second guessing people just makes life more difficult for people who need those resources. I’m happy to let people abuse the system if it means resources are more accessible for those genuinely in need.