I don’t have any long horror story about my fellow passengers, just about the airline itself. Recently when I checked into my United flight, I found that we had been assigned seats in the very last row. As I am in a wheelchair, I called the airline to request something a little closer to the front. I was charged $108.00. On the way back, same thing. Even though my reservations stated that I was in a wheelchair, United insisted on placing me in the back of the plane, then charging me to sit closer to the front. First and last time we are flying on United.
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You didn't choose your own seat when you booked your ticket? Generally if you neglect to choose a seat you're going to end up in the least desirable seat by default.
I agree with tdf. I usually book my flights in advance. And, as such am able to choose my own seat. I do understand some airlines are charging extra for exit row seats, etc… But, nonetheless I am able to choose whether I sit toward the front or rear of the plane….aisle or window, etc…
I'm also confused that they would charge you to change your seat….unless you are upgrading to business or first class. Or, upgrading to an exit row or bulkhead.
It's probably an upgrade. If you wait until check-in to change your seats, chances are the seats in the front aren't going to be available.
Kinda makes since for them to place you near the back of the plane if they are aware you are in a wheelchair.
You board first so they take to to the back so that others can board while you are transferring to your seat.
You are taken off the plane last so that others can exit while you are transferred to the whellchair.
It doesn't really work that way. How could they bring the chair on the plane while there are still passengers boarding or exiting? They have to wait for everyone to be out before they can bring the wheelchairs in.
The seats in the front of coach on UA are a different class: united plus. They have a little more legroom and they charge extra for them.
I honestly think some airlines have no grace when it comes to disabled people or tall people needing a little more room than others. I think it's disgusting that they make people pay extra for something they can't help. I understand them making overweight passengers pay for an extra see because it's something that they can help, but charging people for something they can't change is horrible.
I agree that is a horrible practice. However I also understand that if the airlines start giving better seating to wheelchair needing passengers for free, that about half the passengers will be showing up in wheelchairs for their flight.