A flight passenger took to social media to share a photo of fellow flyers using wheelchairs during the pre-boarding process, sparking a debate among travelers.

The X user captioned the post, “Typical @SouthwestAir flight to Florida!”

“I counted 30 pre-boards needing wheelchair assistance. When we get off the plane 28 of them walk off,” the post continued. 

X users took to the comments section to discuss their thoughts on some flyers only using wheelchairs when they board, and not to deplane.

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“Just bc [because] they walk on/off plane doesn’t mean they don’t need assistance or can walk the distance through the terminal to the gate,” one comment said.

One X user said, “most of them are elders. ambulatory wheelchairs ease their way to gates or exits. back pain, knee pain, recent surgeries, chronic pain, disabilities, any of those things can require them some help even if they can walk.”

“Walking off a plane is a completely different matter than walking thru an entire airport. Many people can manage a few yards but not hundreds of yards,” added another.

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A user commented, “sitting for an extended period of time means that you can probably walk for a little bit longer than getting there.”

Social media users on X reacted to the post with one saying,”most people assume incorrectly that wheelchair users can’t stand up.” (iStock)

“Buddy, some wheelchair users are able to walk short distances. They are called ambulatory wheelchair users. I, myself, am supposed to use walking aids. I’m just stubborn,” commented one.

Another said, “most people assume incorrectly that wheelchair users can’t stand up.”

Southwest Airlines responded to the user’s post and apologized.

“We’re sorry for any disappointment… We appreciate your feedback and hope to create more pleasant memories with you next time,” Southwest’s comment said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the X user and to Southwest Airlines for comment.

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A similar occurrence took place in Fort Lauderdale in 2023 as an X user claimed to witness 20 passengers requesting wheelchair assistance, FOX Business reported.

“Pre-boarding scam at @SouthwestAir 20 passengers boarding using a wheelchair and probably only three need one to deplane,” the user wrote in the post, which included a photo of passengers sitting in wheelchairs.

Another user posted a similar occurrence at a Florida airport in 2023, claiming that “20 passengers boarding using a wheelchair and probably only three need one to deplane.” (iStock)

The post also showed an image of several individuals sitting in wheelchairs.

According to the user’s feed, the flight was canceled, and the user had the same experience. 

The user claimed that 14 people on the rebooked flight requested wheelchairs, but only six used them to deplane. 

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Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog “View From the Wing,” told Fox News Digital that he sees more passengers requesting wheelchairs on Southwest Airlines than on any other airline.

“Not coincidentally, there’s a greater benefit to doing so with Southwest, where seating is first-come, first-served. Boarding early gets you access to a better seat on board,” said Leff.

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He added, “There are only so many contract workers assisting with wheelchairs at each airport, so frivolous requests hurt those with a real need. Those passengers find themselves waiting longer to deplane, or waiting on the jetbridge for a wheelchair to show up.”

SANFORD, Fla. – As cold weather sweeps across Florida, staff at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens are working to keep their animals safe and comfortable.

Signs around the zoo highlight the efforts to protect animals during the chilly conditions. For example, Coral, a two-toed sloth, has temporarily left her outdoor enclosure to enjoy the warmth of a heater indoors.

“When it gets to about 40 degrees, like it will tonight, our primates are ushered inside to their dens,” said Chris Torge, director of animal operations at the zoo. “We also use different types of heat lamps, heat pads, and forced-air heaters for our animals.”

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Some animals require more care than others in cold weather. PJ, a temperature-sensitive rhino, stays warm under large propane heaters and a tarp when temperatures fall below 40 degrees.

However, not all animals mind the cold. The zoo’s Amur leopard thrives in cooler weather, as the species hails from the frigid regions between China and Russia.

Zoo staff customize preparations based on each species’ needs, with some animals requiring little to no extra heat.

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EUGENE – Since coach Dan Lanning took over at Oregon, the Oregon Ducks have become one of the top destinations for receivers all over the country. This season, Oregon had one of the best receiving corps in the nation and secured commitments from the top wide receivers in the class of 2025, including ESPN’s No. 3 overall prospect, Dakorien Moore.

Now, Lanning and his staff have landed a big-time transfer out of Florida State, Malik Benson.

Benson, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior from Florida State, has committed to Oregon. The former No. 1 overall junior college recruit out of Hutchinson Community College in Kansas played one season at Alabama and one with the Seminoles before entering the portal and committing to Oregon.

Benson chose Oregon over both Tennessee and Kansas State. He was ranked the No. 91 wide receiver in the transfer portal, according to On3’s 2025 Transfer Portal Player Rankings.

The former Seminole told ESPN on Tuesday that he picked Oregon because he was impressed with the coaching staff and intrigued by the opportunity to play with quarterback Dante Moore, a transfer from UCLA who served as Oregon’s backup QB this season.

“He’ll be a Heisman finalist next year. 100%. Next year,” senior wide receiver Tez Johnson said of Moore. “That boy can throw a ball like no other. I’ve never seen nothing like it.”

Next season, Moore will have another experienced receiver to target in Benson.

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The 2024 season was anticipated to be Benson’s final season of collegiate football before presumably testing his chances in the NFL Draft. However, he now has one more year of eligibility remaining due to the NCAA waiver granted to former junior college players.

“I’m just glad that the Lord blessed me with another opportunity and another year,” Benson told ESPN. “I will not take this for granted.”

In 2024, Benson appeared in all 12 games for the Seminoles. He finished the season with 25 catches for 311 yards and a touchdown. Benson also recorded two rushing attempts and one punt return.

Prior to playing at Florida State, Benson played at Alabama under head coach Nick Saban. While at Alabama, Benson made 14 appearances and six starts. He had 13 receptions for 162 yards, with his best showing of the season coming against Texas, where he recorded two receptions for 33 yards.

Before transitioning to Power 5 football, Benson had the challenge of proving himself at the junior college level, and he exceeded expectations. During his two seasons at Hutchinson, Benson recorded 2,152 receiving yards while ranking second in program history with 21 receiving touchdowns.

Benson has the opportunity to make an impact right away with Oregon, as the Ducks have lost multiple receivers to the NFL, including Johnson, Traeshon Holden, and potentially Evan Stewart, who has yet to make a decision. Benson is sure to provide a boost to Oregon’s 2025 roster as the program looks for redemption after falling to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Although it is very early, given the talent and experience on Oregon’s future roster, the Ducks have another opportunity to make the College Football Playoff and contend for a national championship.

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