Disabled traveler broke down two wheelchairs in the same month after flying American Airlines

Traveling is inherently complicated, and if you have a disability, the stress of traveling increases due to more planning. All the preparations in the world could still be ruined if an airline destroys the very thing that gives you freedom.

Based on Business Insider.com, John Morris, an accessible travel consultant and founder of WheelChairtravel.org, experienced two electric chairs destroyed in oneeekS.

The first event that occurred on 9 July was posted on Mr. Morris’ blog. He really goes out of his way to give American Airlines employees the benefit of the doubt considering how much he flies and how often they have successfully handled his chair.

Mr. Morris said that although American Airlines provided him with two loaner chairs while he was looking to replace the electric chair, which retails for about $40,000, he described one of those slackers as being “not designed for full-time wheelchair users.” The other, he says, “is probably a decade old and lacks any of the features I’d require to prevent pressure-related problems on my body.”

Many people don’t realize that a wheelchair is more than just a “mobility device” that allows a person with a disability to move. Many disabled people suffer from secondary conditions such as pressure problems that can quickly turn into life-threatening infections if the person does not regularly use the right equipment.

John Morris wrote about the tragic death of disability advocate Engracia Figueroa who died after she suffered from pressure pain after being forced to wait five hours in the airport sitting in a chair that wasn’t designed to relieve her pressure.

After Mr. Morris replaced his first broken chair, he flew home to Gainsville on July 26 with a new device only to discover that the chair had been damaged. also basic damage.

While American Airlines has issued an apology and offered to compensate the replacement, Mr Morris wants the airline to go beyond the available statements. As a seasoned traveler and American Airlines Platinum member, he wanted a seat at the table with executives with the power to enact meaningful policies that would prevent such situations. this situation happened.

Data from the Department of Transportation shows that an average of 35.8 wheelchairs are broken down or damaged on US flights each day. It would be completely unacceptable if 36 passengers a day broke their legs after flying major airlines. It is hoped that both the public and regulators will demand more accountability from airlines.