Meaning of Jetway Jesus | Babel Free

Definitions

a mythical figure that "heals" someone mid-flight that needed a wheelchair to board but is able to get off on their own mobility; invoked to insinuate a passenger is "faking" their disability or need for wheelchair service to board faster but not to deplane after everyone else.

derogatory, slang

Examples

“It’s a joke between wheelchair attendants and crew members. As we’re getting off the airplane, they’re all lined up with their empty chairs in the jetway as we tell⟳ them all the passengers are gone … they were “healed again.” This, folks, is known as the “Jetway Jesus.” Praise⟳ be unto him.”

“Private Facebook groups organized by frequent flyers are filled with complaints about the large number⟳ of disabled people who delay⟳ boarding for first class passengers and elite members in airline loyalty programs. They discuss⟳ the “miracles” performed by Jetway Jesus and attempt⟳ to shame those who utilize wheelchair assistance at the airport, which is a federally-protected civil right. These accusations ring⟳ hollow and suggest⟳ a deep misunderstanding of disability.”

“"Now I'm not saying that everyone who orders a wheelchair is faking, but I can't begin⟳ to count⟳ the times people have⟳ boarded a plane in a wheelchair, too sick to walk⟳ on their own⟳, but by the time we arrive⟳ they've been miraculously cured of their ailment and are among the first to stand⟳ up and get⟳ off the plane. We attribute this phenomenon to the 'Jetway Jesus'."”

“One TikTok user called it "Jetway Jesus" healing passengers mid-flight.”

CEFR level