The Rights of Air Travelers with Disabilities

Let us tell you a story. Matthew, a wheelchair user, has dreamed of going to Spain ever since he could remember. As an early 21st birthday gift to himself he finally buys a plane ticket and books a hotel right in the heart of Barcelona. On departure day, he is among the first to board, staff members help him move from his wheelchair to the aisle chair, a rolling chair specifically designed to help wheelchair users to their plane seats. They take his wheelchair assuring him that it will be there waiting for him when they get to Spain. He spends the ride catching up on some school work, watching movies with no worries about reconnecting with his chair.

The plane ride goes smoothly. Once the plane reaches the gate, passengers make their exit. A flight attendant assures Mattew that his wheelchair is waiting for him just outside the gate. Feeling confident, Matthew moves to the aisle chair and allows the flight attendant to wheel him toward the exit. However, when Matthew gets to the airport entrance, he feels a sudden dread. His chair is nowhere in sight. The flight attendant tells him that he’ll find his chair. He pats him on the shoulder and leaves Matthew alone in the aisle chair.

As other passengers rush past him to get their luggage, head off to their hotels to begin their vacations, Matthew is left stranded. He sits alone in his chair for two hours, envisioning a nightmare scenario where he spends his entire two week vacation in the airport. Finally, the staff member rolls his wheelchair to him without apology or explanation.

Why a Bill of Rights for Air Travelers with Disabilities is Needed