Wheelchair passenger says she was left stranded at Charlotte Douglas Airport

Woman documents her “nightmare” at Charlotte Douglas Airport where she said she has felt like a “lawn ornament.”

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[@fernandodeleon3454]

That's a federal lawsuit where airports are NOT ADA compliant. You have evidence that they've been ignoring disabled individuals, which the airports are responsible for when you are using their facilities.

[@LEVELGAZANOW]

Airports are NOT responsible for ADA passengers.

[@fernandodeleon3454]

@LEVELGAZANOW under federal law ALL airports are responsible for compliance to disabled individuals to include safe, reliable transportation on the ground as well as in the air. Airports are NOT private. They cater to the public, and as such, responsible if arrangements have already been made ahead of disabled individuals' arrival.

[@LEVELGAZANOW]

@@fernandodeleon3454 Thanks Captain Obvious. I believe I’ve already expressed that fact.

[@michellehawkins1027]

I believe being compliant would be having ramps and making things accessible. I don't think any company has to actually have the chairs themselves or people to push you available. Though the airlines/airports telling you they will have a chair and someone to help you, then not having the service when you get there is bad business and wrong. But I don't think that's an ADA thing, the airports are accessible.

[@Citizenesse8]

Yes. And let's not forget airlines and airports breaking and losing wheelchairs and not caring one bit nor compensating until they get some social media light thrown their way.

[@LeTrashPanda]

Airlines also love to destroy your "very expensive" motorized wheelchair if you are severely disabled and need one, I know all too well. --- Disabled veteran

[@karenmbbaxter]

My suggestion is to have IPhone evidence as to how you wheelchair worked and looked like B4 you plane trip and what it is like after you plane trip because many people out there just want a new wheelchair too.

[@scottfw7169]

@@karenmbbaxter The damage to motorized wheelchairs thing has been an issue for at least a decade and is known within the wheelchair user community, and when news is searched for there are plenty of results. From the little bit posted here I have no way to discern what experience you have with wheelchairs and airlines, so I'm still going to say as an example look up the NPR article "Wheelchairs on planes: why can't passengers use their own onboard" of December 10, 2019 by Michael Schulson, it has a good amount of both technical information and historical information. Toward its end it ventures in to the realm of wheelchair damage by airlines.

[@ethansprofile6670]

Why we will fire the minimum wage employee.

[@priscillavelazquezs]

Oh my goodness yes. My sons chair was warped with all the luggage on top of it.

[@SMcCaskill]

I know only too well how that goes. Thank you so very much for your service. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@pamhendricks7800]

Shame on the Charlotte Douglas airport for treating people like this

[@skyeblue5669]

She just fall threw the cracks..

[@pamhendricks7800]

@@skyeblue5669 it has happened to this lady several times at this airport

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

It's the Charlotte airport....

[@Jynxedlove]

This is just airports. All of them.

[@Jynxedlove]

​@@skyeblue5669it's a consistent problem, not a one time mistake.

[@Wooddweller]

I’m so sorry 😢 This is so sad for those with disabilities, they need more help.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

They need more respect to. This is appalling.

[@sueriansean]

As a disabled person, contact the ADA and file a complaint. Not only will Prospect and American Airlines be fined; you can also file a lawsuit against them. Find an attorney and you're well on your way to getting paid!

[@LordRayken]

There's no lawsuit. She was taken care of, just slowly.

[@everythingpony]

They don't have ada at airports

[@sueriansean]

@@everythingpony Any Private or Public places have to accommodate disabled persons and be in compliance with ADA rules and regulations.

[@lindapindabelinda3570]

That’s an ADA violation. She needs a lawyer.

[@daintyminnie9270]

no its not, She can get on and off a plane and an and out of the airport . Everything is accesble to her.. ADA doesn't require you to have a servant to push you around.

[@dixiecyrus8136]

​@@daintyminnie9270 that would be a valid point if she had been given an actual wheelchair, she was given a chair with small wheels at the ground and no way to push herself. Soo yeah...lawsuit as they weren't in compliance.

[@dixiecyrus8136]

​@@daintyminnie9270 that would be a valid point if she had been given an actual wheel chair. She was given a chair with small wheels close to the ground and no way to push. Soo yeah, call a lawyer.

[@genespell4340]

​@@daintyminnie9270American Airlines made a contract with her. They broke the contract. Wouldn't you expect to get sued if you failed a customer as many times as AA failed her?

[@daintyminnie9270]

@@genespell4340 she should get physical therapy and walk to place - money doesn't solve everything. Money is root of evil. and lawyers make all money

[@roachtoasties]

At LAX years ago I had an injured leg and needed a wheel chair. It was in the American Airlines terminal but I'm unsure who runs this stuff at the airport. Instead of letting me sit on the wheelchair at the door on the arrival level to wait for my ride, the person who pushed me said I must get out of the wheelchair right now. My time was up. I had to hobble off the wheelchair and sit on my suitcase. It's disgusting. Once when traveling through Frankfurt Germany I was walking between terminals for a connecting flight (it's a huge airport). An airport employee driving his electric cart stopped and said "hop on board." He drove me and a couple other passengers on the cart to their gates. No need to ask. They just do it for you. U.S. airports need to take note.

[@birbluv9595]

I’ve been abandoned in a wheelchair - while unable to walk - in Minneapolis and Dallas/Fort Worth. Missed the flight out of Dallas, and literally crawled to the gate in Minneapolis after the wheelchair attendants just left me when the gate was changed. Flying is AWFUL. I was also abandoned at the wrong gate in Philadelphia. There is no right airport when you’re in a wheelchair.

[@Tom-mu7zy]

As a retired airline pilot, I have seen this happen a few times. The airlines do not, at most airports, run their own wheel chair service. I have waited with disabled passengers and gone to find a wheel chair myself and in my pilot uniform, wheeled the passenger to the next gate. The airports bid the contracts to the lowest service provider bidder and guess what? Yep.

[@ohcliff1030]

As a disabled traveler myself I have also experienced this problem with this and other airlines, and at different airports. The airlines don’t take this issue seriously enough to fix it. 😡

[@ohcliff1030]

@@poollife777 And your point is……???

[@AstriaStarwynd]

@@poollife777 Being a dick is also a choice.

[@Ayverie4]

Traveling is NOT always a choice. This lady does it for doctor appts. What if you get summoned to court in another state, is that a "choice"? 🤔

[@isabellavillanueva4639]

@@ohcliff1030like understaffed obviously they don’t have enough ppl to do it it’s hard to be mad when people aren’t applying

[@ohcliff1030]

@@isabellavillanueva4639 I doubt that people aren’t applying for those jobs, and if applicants are so scarce it’s probably because the pay isn’t worth it. The lack of employees is not the passengers’ fault!

[@robinpariso6666]

My mother in law was wheeled into the baggage claim area and left

[@Omar_Zazzle]

[@KahlessTheUnforgettable]

😆

[@bradspringer2372]

I am waiting for the punchline

[@lilbit95b]

No punchline, it was horrible service

[@bradspringer2372]

@@lilbit95b That is so depressing.

[@nealmacdonald8191]

Those aren't wheelchairs. Those are push chairs. Wheelchairs allow the user to wheel themselves by using the stainless steel rings attached to the actual wheels. If she had a real wheelchair she wouldn't be stranded like an ornament.

[@jamessimms415]

I used them @ the VA. Hate them as it’s a toss up if Escort Services will show up, especially if it’s mid afternoon or later

[@joywebster2678]

Many of our local shopping stores are choosing these push chairs instead of shopping scooters. I've gone to corporate management explaining without those side wheels we cant move unless we have somone pushing us, and then where do we put any items? I explained most of us are alone. So I am posting reviews on these stores and venues saying " they don't want disabled customers". Disgusting.

[@nealmacdonald8191]

@@joywebster2678 The law requires handicapped washrooms, access and a lot more. They can be fined for not having assist aids.

[@debrafisher7373]

'Real' wheelchairs need to be checked as baggage because they can't be used in the cabin.

[@nealmacdonald1575]

​@@debrafisher7373Can't be used in airplane because unlike busses planes don't seem to know about designated wheelchair seating where seats move to make room for a wheelchair or two.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

Ironic. Back in the late 1990s, I was like Ms. Stacy Bradley--had developed a medical condition that meant I needed a wheelchair after flying but felt like I wasn't disabled enough to ask for one. My condition made me severely dizzy after landing and I'm sure I looked like I was insanely drunk as I staggered up the jetway (I am a teetotaller by choice), After one flight on American Airlines, I fell walking up the jetway, hit my head on something and opened up a cut that bled like crazy. Apparently, it was dramatic enough that airline personnel filed a report and I was contacted by someone in customer service a week or two later to make sure I was okay and to ask what had happened. After I explained it was really my own fault, I knew I'd be dizzy after flying but was reluctant to use a wheelchair because I felt like I wasn't disabled enough to really need one, the customer service rep practically begged me to always ask for one after every flight, better to be safe, it wouldn't be a problem for them, that's what the service is there to prevent, etc. I received a followup letter signed by a VP of customer affairs reiterated American's fervent desire that I always use a wheelchair after flying. And now this. American Airlines customer service has certainly changed and not for the better.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

@donaldjohnson-ow3kq Certainly hasn't improved them.

[@maryuggen3857]

Just one bankruptcy.

[@sobeit3356]

The airline doesn't provide the wheelchair service. It is through the contracted company. In this case Prospect. Their service sucks at other airports. I write from firsthand knowledge.

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

Outrageous! What is going on? Prospect has a contract with the airport to provide services. If they can’t, bid it out. No one should be made to feel less than.

[@haylieg2780]

Prospect has taken over all of the airports at this point. I forget what the other company used to be but they were a lot better. Prospect is a complete joke as far as I’m concerned. I’ve had a lot of issues with them being disabled myself. Unfortunately American Airlines doesn’t take responsibility either. I told American that unless you start fixing things, I will use Southwest. End of discussion. Southwest actually makes things right as best they can. Hopefully the new law will now fix things and quickly when it comes to getting Assistance.

[@nameisprivate5429]

That’s so sad :( I’m 49 and have severe problems with my spine and hips. I just had 2 surgeries and am feeling good….i hope it gives me more time to be as mobile as I can be. It terrifies me that this is my future with such a hard time to get around. I have so much respect for people who currently have to navigate this mess. ❤❤ Sending love and hope.

[@pinkfreud62]

I feel for her. I had a hip replacement at age 36 in '98 and surgery on herniated discs in my lower back in 2000. Today my lower back is again full of pain & some days I can barely walk. I dread having to scuffle thru those long airports, but i know ill try to avoid Charlotte if I can.

[@pinkfreud62]

@@poollife777 never!

[@Abcdefghijk920]

Philly has this problem waaaayyy worse. I’m a flight attendant and had to walk an elderly woman all the way to baggage claim get her bags for her and wait for her ride AT MIDNIGHT! After we waited 40+ minutes on the aircraft. It’s horrendous. Of course none of the male pilots offered to help two women alone at the Philadelphia airport. Absurd

[@helanna9843]

The same thing happened to my elderly mom when she was flying to visit grandchildren. Every airline and TSA offers escort passes for a family member to accompany a wheelchair bound person to the gate. Do not leave your loved one in the care of the airlines. They are not a priority to them but they are to us.

[@ianchandley]

My elderly mother in law had an identical experience in 2018. She paid for the American lounge, had wheelchair booked and American forgot her in the lounge… she missed the flight and had to wait another 4 hours to get on a Delta flight to her daughter in Atlanta….

[@tinasan3870]

I'm sorry, but your mother in law probably should not have been traveling alone.Why does she do that with no help ?

[@dawsie]

@@tinasan3870just because your disabled means you need a baby sitter, the problem is airlines don’t like you using YOUR PERSONAL wheelchair and you must have it checked in and use their supplied one. I was a full upright walker because I can no longer stand upright on my own and walking sticks become heavy after awhile when using them. No matter how much you try they always find a way to make you feel less than human and find a way to remove your dignity. Just like you with your comment of she should not be travelling on her own as if she was a child. We as adults have the right to keep our dignity in tacked and not to be made as if we are subhuman because of our disabilities. WE never asked to be disabled but we are made to feel as if it’s our fault that we are.

[@eileenmcdonald1599]

Daughter should have gone to get her and accompanied her.

[@tinasan3870]

@@dawsie Assistance is not a babysitter.... If she was so elderly that she could not wheel herself over to a lounge phone and get customer service to come get her....then yes...She needs Assistance.....Nobody can make you "feel less than human" unless you ALLOW them to do that. Obviously you do not know how to protect yourself from the inevitable....

[@nancymanly2904]

San Francisco airport is just as bad, we got to the airport two hours before our flight but we came close to missing our flight because we couldn’t get a wheelchair. At Shannon, Ireland airport I was deplaned first, directly to a wheelchair. The attendant took all four people in my party directly to customs (no waiting in line) , then to baggage pickup. He picked up the luggage for all four of us then wheeled me outside to find our ride.

[@DanaRobinsonimred]

My mom and aunt were left somewhere in Texas during a flight change on the way home from California. Family in Texas helped to make sure they were put up in a hotel until the next day when they could catch the next flight home. The wheelchair service caused them to miss their connecting flight.

[@antonnel2315]

I'm sorry to say that this is a very real problem. I just traveled with a group to Europe on British Airways in which two of us needed wheelchair assistance. At Heathrow one of our friends was deposited in various waiting areas before finally getting to baggage claim, at least 2 1/2 hours later. Our friend is a very kind and patient 88 year--old lady but this was truly too much even for her.

[@dictaschoenfelder3698]

I also had wheelchair issues in Charlotte. They were definitely understaffed

[@sharonburton9663]

Where is humanity? Wow how deplorable

[@renewashington791]

You have to feel for this lady. However, I suspect that the reason and Root Cause for **there being a Shortage** of staff to help with wheelchair services is LOW PAY and maltreatment of employees.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

You're probably correct. Back when I flew a lot (2 to 3 times a month in the late 1990s and early 2000s), I had to use the wheelchair service after each flight because of severe dizziness after flying and I always made it a point to tip $20 for each wheelchair attendant--that would be $40 in 2024 dollars. My impression was that most wheelchair service users did tip. The airlines should be paying a good wage and should protect their employees--but I can't believe that tipping has completely died out, either.

[@kenyoung9802]

The airlines. Not what they once were. They all seem to have made a lot of Cut backs , in this case NEED TO DO MORE TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR HANDICAPPED PASSENGERS They board first. It’s only right if they need more assistance. Do the right Thing and accommodate them. !!

[@SterlingHolmes1776]

I worked for prospect last year in Las Vegas as a dispatch supervisor and your 💯 correct.

[@mchrysogelos7623]

I believe this, but not just for airports, but for most businesses in general. no one wants to work anymore - if you can sit on your behind and get $$ from the gubermint te@t (excuse).

[@KahlessTheUnforgettable]

No I don’t

[@dashcan8479]

As the former ADA Coordinator for the Courts in Charlotte, she should sue. Charlotte Douglas is Mecklenburg County owned.

[@shellyharry8189]

A few years ago I had fractured my arm and my leg, my arm was in a splint and cast and my leg in a walking boot. I flew out of Columbia SC headed to Charlotte. The staff at Columbia were horrible, I couldn't lift my small carry on to get inspected and not one of the TSA employees helped me, another passenger stepped up. Total nightmare. Thank goodness I'm not dependent on a wheelchair, I feel for anyone who is

[@lmcc0072]

TSA employees aren’t really allowed to be lifting passenger luggage unless it’s directly involved with screening. If your bag comes out of the x-ray and they have to look inside, they are allowed to lift it. If the bag has not yet entered the x-ray then they aren’t allowed to lift it. If they get injured while helping you put your bag into the x-ray it will be considered a violation of policy. They won’t receive pay while they’re out injured and are subject to disciplinary action.

[@godswarrior2952]

Wow that just sucks you had to fly 80 miles

[@shellyharry8189]

@@godswarrior2952 I know. My vehicle at the time was a stick shift!

[@eileenmcdonald1599]

So maybe you should not have been flying.

[@shellyharry8189]

@@eileenmcdonald1599 no choice, my youngest son was in a serious accident and was in the ICU

[@missnewyork4116]

I just utilized their wheelchair assistance in CLT. I decided not to use it traveling back. The pushers seems to have an attitude and complaining why such and such. Nothing to do with me, but apparently tired of doing their jobs. I don't look disabled however I am. I was traveling from CLT to NYC for a doctor appointment because my injuries stems from an on the job accident in NYC. Coming back I just chose to take my time to my connecting flight. Living with daily chronic pain I must reserve my peace from being triggered by miserable people and employees who dislike their job duties. To now read CLT employees went on strike Thursday may be one reason to their slowdown. Either way, it's unfortunate we're living a time of humanity being non-existent. Today maybe be us disabled travelers, however tomorrow it maybe them or one of their love one's. I would say treat people how you want to be treated, but in my seasoned age, I've learned many don't like themselves. 🤦🏾

[@birbluv9595]

Same situation with wheelchair attendants at MSP around 2015-2017. And the ones at PHL should all be fired and charged with breaking ADA laws.

[@missnewyork4116]

@@birbluv9595 WOW!!! It's utterly disgusting how customer care is given today. Humanity has become a lost art. The mindset of many has also become warped. I'll take my time for now on getting to my terminal to reserve my peace. Stay blessed and in good spirits. 🙏🏾❤️

[@jeanetteh.9240]

Thank you for this information. I will not fly into Charlotte Douglas airport.

[@williamfields7287]

If this is a service that she pays for, then sue them for breach of contract.

[@derricklangford4725]

It's free, American Airlines covers the cost, it falls under the Disabilities Act.

[@PhilipJongeneel]

It is paid for by the airline. That said I always tip the person pushing the wheelchair.

[@HumilityisaVirtue]

Services by companies, as a whole, has really plummeted. This, "I don't care." and laziness is disgusting. It's not just CLT airport, it's everywhere.

[@8230PinChaser]

I’ve gone through the invisibility of CLT. 2019: I was denied gate delivery of my personal manual wheelchair on a three hour layover and CLT staff plopped me in one of their transport chairs. I was rapidly taken to my next gate and just deposited there, without being asked if I needed to use a restroom or get a lunch.

[@lynnewilliams542]

I saw a cool thing at Vancouver airport today. It was a wheel chair TRAIN. 3 chairs with a guy driving from the back.

[@mchrysogelos7623]

nice!!

[@andreacook7431]

That sounds fun!

[@stephenAl143]

She should contact the local ADA for assistance to file a complaint, let the ADA step in and handle the issues for her ....

[@AliciaGuitar]

The Americans with Disabilities Act or the Assistant District Attorney? Cuz telling her DA probably wont do much. She needs an attorney that specializes in the ADA. The ADA is a law, not an attorney group.

[@MSDOGS1976]

I’m glad this station televised the problem. Maybe that will shame AA into making a change.

[@JW-mb6tq]

They have no shame.

[@kineticdeath]

Im surprised American Airlines hasnt blamed the passenger for not pushing herself, given the recent blaming a 9 yr old girl thing. Easier to blame the victim than do anything that might cost the company some actual dollars

[@eileenmcdonald1599]

If this woman had her own wc then she could get herself from one area to another

[@JeantheSecond-ip7qm]

She had the capacity to walk, though it’s extremely painful. What happens for people left stranded with no ability to walk? I can relate to her struggle. I’ve been disabled for years, but with the ability to walk. My condition has gotten worse so the last time I traveled, I started using the services available to disabled people. Fortunately, it went smoothly for the most part.

[@veramae4098]

I remember going into a mall and asking for a wheelchair for my Mom. "Oh, it's down there," a clerk pointed to the end of the long hall.

[@abarn9541]

We had a mall where the wheelchairs were in the basement and there was no elevator to there. Mall is currently under demolition.

[@rileydj8764]

And you’re handicapped?

[@jeanlola1]

Charlotte is a horrible airport. Too much walking

[@ProjectMore69]

whah whah, its not even that big

[@jonny-b4954]

Yeah, place is designed like crap

[@maryswanson9982]

Try Denver.

[@ProjectMore69]

@@jonny-b4954 No people just cant be bothered to look up and read the 5000 signs on display pointing you in the direction of your gate.

[@tinasan3870]

She KNOWS the Charlotte airport is a problem, but she keeps going. Why ?

[@maryswanson9982]

Well, this made me cry. I know how she feels. I’ve never been stranded, but I fear airports, too. I can only imagine the shape she was in when she finally got to the plane. When you look fine, people don’t realize when you’ve got a physical problem and can’t get very far on your own.😢

[@justsayingforafriend7010]

I was stranded in Hawaii just like this. Injured during the war. And nobody helped me at the Airport at all.

[@jmo2104]

American Airlines was horrible when we were trying to take my Very handicapped father in law To his family reunion. I would never ever do it again. I would have rather have driven him nine hours than to have that poor man go through that again.

[@PAMELAPORTER-ci7mr]

Considering airlines' profits and the forgivable loans, why can't people be hired to perform this service?

[@karenrediker2449]

Part of the problem is people who abuse those services. I always try to get to my gate early. On one trip last year a woman was wheeled by a service to the gate. As soon as the service person was out of sight the woman got up told me to watch her bags while she walked to a restaurant to breakfast. Yes I did remind her she is not supposed to leave her bags but she just walked away.

[@claudiamiller7730]

In addition to this issue, Charlotte Airport is undergoing a massive rebuild currently (5/24) and it is a hell-hole mess! Flew American one week ago and swore I’d NEVER fly thru Charlotte again! Total gate disruptions, uninformed and extremely surly front end staff, horrible, confusing Disney-lines, horrifically busy even at 6 am and disgustingly dirty…no thanks! Hope your experience is better than mine was!!

[@sandybruce9092]

I so agree! We live in Mooresville, Iredell County and rarely fly, but every time we do fly, the airport has changed something somewhere! We have lived here for about 25 years and every single time there is a change at the airport! What happened to the Cell Phone Lot? I live in fear of having to travel by myself anymore!!! And don’t get me started about the long term parking!!!

[@dalice4651]

Same experience but it was almost 2 years ago. American Airlines unloaded passengers on the tarmac and we had to walk to the other side of the airport for connecting flights. Terrible facility!!

[@Christopher-hg2yi]

Get rid of Prospect

[@keithramsey5637]

You can’t! They are a COMPANY that gets paid to do nothing while blaming it on understaffing. It’s the new American way.

[@californigirl]

Prospect's own website says they have been bought up by a comglomerate corporation. Thus ensuring that no matter which provider you contract, it will be the same slackluster service.

[@AmandaOwen-n9r]

Airport services are horrible no matter the airport. The airports have contractors that are short staffed.

[@GamingGuruXD]

This is sickening, if her gate were towards where I had to go, I would have gladly gotten her there, its really sad....

[@Paula-ps1vi]

As a flight attendant this is one of my TOP complaints and concerns! I want the vendors and the airlines SUED!!!

[@huskymom234]

I ran into this at Houston Airport with my daughter. She was on multiple IV drips that had pumps, and with her cancer - definitely unable to stand well let alone walk. We were brought to where the shuttles were supposed to be and left there - I had to leave her to find out what was happening ( my daughter had brain metastasis of her cancer so really was not safe to leave her alone anywhere. I was terrified never having been there before and on our way to MD Anderson for cancer treatment. It all got straightened out but only after there were many people involved.

[@philliplust8059]

There are a lot of people who are abusing this, not saying she is. It’s called the Disney hack. Just flew and there were 8 wheelchairs to board 2 to get off. They use wheelchairs to pre board and then don’t want to wait to get off. It’s a scam.

[@jenniferbeth1683]

Exactly! She may have a hard time walking but if she truly needs a wheelchair, she'd have one. This sounds like she's abusing the system.

[@deborah4645]

Something that is case's a backup in wheelchair help at airports is that able-bodied people are requesting and using the services so they can get early boarding. Some people just don't care and abuse the services.

[@Am-xforce]

She is correct. I flew out of Charlotte in October 2023. I can w all but not for a long stretch and I have balance issues so I cannot use the moving sidewalk. A friend suggested on my return flight I book a wheelchair. I swallowed my pride as I had to get from end of F course to end of A course. They met me at the end of the gate with the chair. It was a long gate. The wheeled me to a section down another gate I do not remember which but I was then further than when I had started to my connecting flight and dumped me with several other people in wheelchairs. While I waited for 30 minutes I overheard them on walkie talkies saying that most of us would miss our connecting flights. They kept getting people off flights and dumping them in this area. No one was being taken to flights. I finally got up and walked. I barely made it to my gate only because it was delayed. I was in pain and in need of my inhaler. One man had been waiting in that area for over an hour and his flight was leaving in 5 minutes on the other side of the airport.

[@joeylee9809]

She should sue both American Airlines as well as the wheelchair company for discrimination

[@michaelsimmons6138]

I'm,56 and an amputee I can't walk through airport's so I know how this women feels and now she knows what we go through first hand I hope her surgery goes well and she can walk with out pain

[@Afrikanbootiscratcher]

My uncle has had polio vaccine which left him a quad since 2. He's 69 now, and has to deal with this alot.

[@trueloveingod2691]

Everyone is passing the responsibility. It’s terrible how she’s being treated.

[@chabela1944]

This problem of wheelchair service companies also exists at Detroit Metro Airport. Recently we were scheduled to travel from Detroit Metro Airport to Boston Logan Int’l Airport. They’re apparently understaffed as well. My husband who has mobility issues waited at Delta’s Wheelchair Assist area over an hour for a wheelchair, when we reached the gate, our wheelchair assistant found the gate closed, but he intrepidly opened the door, ran down the ramp, explained to the flight staff that we needed to board the plane. We were able to board, but found that the flight attendant had offered my seat to another passenger. Fortunately I was able to sit in my originally assigned seat, and my husband in his, so all finally worked, and we arrived in Boston in about 2 hours.

[@dkoch2]

"Prospect hasn't answered any of our questions"...sounds like they don't have office staff either.

[@margarethall8575]

We had a similar situation at SeaTac in Seattle, where we waited for almost an hour for wheelchairs for my mother and mother-in-law. We almost missed our plane, with me running behind the two people who finally helped me push the two wheelchairs to the gate. Plus, TSA at SeaTac is the worst, most aggressive and rudest people of any airport TSA staff I have ever encountered. I hate flying to or from SeaTac, but my kids live there so I have no choice. Now, as I am preparing for knee surgery myself, I am dreading traveling to see my kids and grandkids. Ugh!

[@angelsinger4574]

American Airlines again? This is the third negative story I have seen this past week or so. But as a wheelchair user and a former airport employee: not surprised.

[@jessederks8458]

After an accident I spent a year in a wheelchair, and another six months after that, learning to walk again. Even being dependent only for that short time, I learned an awful lot about how unfair life is for people who need assistance. I also learned to fly with my wheelchair, rather than wait for anyone else. We don't do enough to make many facilities friendly to those with limited mobility. I think people should try being stuck in a wheelchair for a few weeks, and learn how difficult things can get in short order.

[@barbarashock529]

This problem is not just this airport, it happens every where. It even happens to my mother many years ago.

[@chrismasbride]

Southern Hospitality obviously doesn't reach to physical disabled people 🥺

[@ColKorn1965]

I'm more worried about the TSA stealing stuff out of my luggage

[@christalwaddy12]

It has happened to me as well. i have a neurological issue and weak legs. I had the GM of Midway who was on my flight from Baltimore push me all the way to my rideshare. I also had a pilot do the same and I saw many Prospect employees just walk by me because “it was the end of their shift.” Shameful

[@monicaking7793]

What kills me as a disabled person is the FAKERS that use wheelchairs to get through quicker. You get moved through security because of your disability and people have figured out how to use it to their advantage. I’m legally blind and have fibromyalgia and the amount of times I’ve been screamed at for using a wheelchair is ridiculous. People don’t know my health issues but are quick to tell me you don’t look sick. When I’m with someone I don’t use a blind cane 🦯. I also use a regular cane when I’m with people. I have a rolling walker because I tire easily and am in pain most days. Yet my husband can’t find handicap parking because people THINK because they helped get a placard they are entitled to use it to. NEWSFLASH, they are registered to a PERSON and NOT a vehicle. I have 2 and I know. But the ADA DOJ will get involved soon as I live in Charlotte as well. Fines will be given to the airline. I’ve dealt with them before and I know how they work. She has all the proof they require to sue them. Good luck to her.

[@jtomally9681]

I recently flew through there. That airport is awful.

[@gracemadejski6775]

If you request assistance, somebody picks you up with a wheelchair and drives you from gate to gate. I requested this service for my elderly mother and somebody was waiting for her at check in and when I met her at arrivals she was in a wheelchair. This service is free.

[@msimmons39]

CLT is the worst air port if you have a disability. My mom and I waited for wheelchair service and never got it. The airport just sucks on average, but to need wheelchair service and not get it makes it worst.

[@sallydurham5934]

That is very unfortunate for this lady. I am 77 and have flown from c to hawaii to Tucson and have only once ben ‘left’ at a gate. I was eventually driven to my flight❤ and have always been treated with care and respect. Attitude is everything. We are stuck in a wheelchair but it isn’t the wol fault.Mnaging your own disability with acceptance and positive behavior is essential. thank you.

[@TodaysBibleTruth]

It's called public private partnership (fascism). When TSA wrested control of the airlines, everything began to go downhill. Instead of the competitive excellence, of old, the airlines now run like most government organizations in the U.S. ...terribly. 😡

[@beckycaughel7557]

That’s so sad, I used to be a wheelchair pusher at the Minneapolis, St. Paul airport and we worked extremely hard to get people from their gate to their next gate. Sometimes all the way across the airport even help them if they needed to stop and get some food or if they were at the their final destination we have them get their baggage get to a cab, we also had the golf carts with some people need the wheelchair service instead it’s a real shame that they’re having so much trouble.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I flew to Minneapolis in 2009, 2010 and 2011 for medical care. I remember your airport was great for wheelchair service. Thank you.

[@beckycaughel7557]

@@elizabethmcleod246 great to hear it. I was no longer working as a wheelchair pusher by then but i’m glad to hear that you had good service

[@kurthamblet4277]

She is one of many. Two ladies were parked in Dallas and left for over 90 minutes, causing them to miss their flight. Phoenix is horrible. No one shows at the transfer gate. Flights are missed.

[@sunnyscott4876]

I have not had any issues with wheelchairs at CLT. The airport is a nightmare but the people have been friendly and accommodating. I fly AA every 90 days.

[@sobeit3356]

Count yourself blessed. I've never flown to Charlotte, but have had times Prospect has failed me miserably.

[@kbram7363]

i smell a $25 million dollar lawsuit

[@richboyd8635]

That’s unconscionable.

[@lindakazsals8858]

Delta Airlines does the same thing. They leave the passengers on wheelchair’s stranded. They forget to pick up the passengers arriving at the Airport in Atlanta, GA. One of the employees put me in a freight elevator and never came back to pick me up.

[@elishianneclark8896]

Dispicable American airlines! Almost as bad as accusing a nine year old of being at fault for not noticing a camera filming her in their airplane bathroom. Not sure Will ever fly with them again. Very low brow and uncaring of their clients!

[@XiaoPP1]

Hire outbound home care to make 100% sure she able reach point A to B. But why she so active traveling?

[@debrafisher7373]

She's going to Charlotte for medical treatments, genius.

[@sobeit3356]

Why should disabled people have to travel less than able bodied people? We deserve to go out and do things just as much as the next person. This lady was traveling for medical treatments, but even if she wasn't she doesn't deserve to be abandoned by Prospect.

[@krab1791]

It isn’t specific to the airline. This is something that is handled by and paid for by the airport. I had this problem in Denver. I had specified that I needed a wheelchair. I had a connection in Denver on my way to Vancouver. Normally, the wheelchair personnel will be at the bottom of the jetway waiting for you. There was no one. I waited until they kicked me out. The gate attendant called and finally told me I could wait but they couldn’t guarantee anyone would come. I had to walk 40 gates with a cane (something I hadn’t done since my 2 strokes 2 years before). I almost missed my flight. I would have if my son hadn’t been able to flag down a cart. I have since flown through (and to) a half dozen other cities with no problem.

[@Aerogamer158]

As a pilot who use to work in the part 121 airline pilot world i can confirm it’s frustrating for the crew as well. I’ve personally gotten a wheel chair on a few occasions to help and push to the next connection gate. But prospect is a better company than G2.

[@jmo2104]

It's not just charlotte it's all airports in the US

[@bomorris5050]

So she can drive 630+ miles... but can't figure out how to get around an airport in a wheelchair? If you can walk from E gate to baggage claim... then CLEARLY you can walk. Get a wheelchair of your own and use your arms to spin the wheels.

[@susanrand512]

So sorry for your experience, send a letter to the secretary of transportation, these airlines have no shame, corrections aren't made until the public is made aware. This country is embarrassing

[@lenmarfox2947]

This kind if behaviour is sadly all too familiar in the UK, sometimes disabled people are left stranded on planes after everyone has got off, its absolutely disgraceful.

[@lynnebrown-hardy1566]

The city of charlotte, the airport, the wheelchair service, and American Airlines should be ashamed and embarrassed. This issue should have been rectified years ago

[@silviawardsly3061]

Not a single good citizen on the plane to wheel her to baggage claim? Not a single other person at the airport to help her...ticket agent...maintenance....anyone? What has become of humanity when no one can be bothered to help their fellow citizen?!

[@Boutys_mom]

That was the first thing I thought too! How sad!!

[@andreacook7431]

I'm wondering if there wasn't a chair waiting?

[@gdr9213]

I'm sure there were, but regulations prohibit anyone but a trained handler or, a ticketed passenger traveling as a companion to the disabled passenger from pushing the chair. I would want to help some in that situation, but I would also not wish to be responsible if they fell out, or if they needed assistance standing up from the chair. The answer is to pay the handlers a decent wage (and by that I don't mean minimum wage) and hire more handlers. I always offer handlers a tip or a snack and not once, in multiple airports, has any of them ever accepted.

[@eileenmcdonald1599]

What so they can get accused of something.

[@anjababs7240]

That’s not just a Charlotte problem. My mom just had. This problem flying from Michigan to Colorado and back. She just had a knee injury and only got the wheelchair once when she should have had one 4times.

[@Private-GtngxNMBKvYzXyPq]

An organization prioritizes what the leadership cares about. Both the airport and the local airline management must be named and made accountable with direct consequences. They have an affirmative legal obligation to provide adequate accommodation. They are directly responsible for the pain and distress inflicted on these people.

[@Crux161]

Daily life in these situations is more challenging than most people could imagine. Just going to the store to get basic goods can be literally heartbreaking. *People so often - do - Not - care.* this is my life until science progresses, and there’s little I can do but just not give up.

[@LEVELGAZANOW]

This is not an issue for the airline rather the Charlotte Airport Authority. The Airport Authority controls the contractors and not the airlines.

[@cliffordvante4680]

I work at an airport for wheelchairs services… and I’ll say this, those companies do not want to pay wheelchairs agents enough money so they have a hard time hiring enough people to even push the chairs

[@55hivealive3]

Flying is so stressful. Trying to navigate all the rules, the endless gates, stand-bys, delays, the list goes on. I just quit flying and travel within driving distance. I did have to fly last year for a funeral 1500+ miles away, I took the hit to my wallet and booked first class, huge difference.

[@suchitraroy1758]

Experienced something different during my recent flight from Phoenix to Florida via Charlotte….got off the first flight from Phoenix to Charlotte. Had a wheelchair waiting for me along with several others. First got taken from the plane to the gate, waited there as hundreds of people rushed around me, the young man was nice enough to let me know that he would be right back as there were many passengers requesting wheelchair services and they were short staffed. After sitting there for about 15-20 minutes, the young man came and apologized for the delay and then was pushed into what felt like a holding zone for wheelchair passengers. Really felt abandoned as I had no idea what was happening. The young man just left. While waiting there more and more passengers were wheeled in. Finally after some chaotic moments, I was taken to the baggage claim. Certainly was not the best experience.

[@prodigalpriest]

How many people were disabled and how many people were just overweight? I can't believe it's actually come to this but I think people have actually listed obesity as a physical disability. 😓

[@DannyBeeVegas]

Newark Airport is just as bad. I had one person refuse to push me to baggage claim and outside to passenger pick up because its cold. Left me at the out door of the tsa area.

[@fwill4923]

We flew Southwest in 2022 and had the worst experience with the wheelchair assistance. The guy had an attitude so bad with my dad we started getting into it. He had the nerve to say if my dad could walk then he should cause he not really getting paid for this service. My family literally had to tell me to shut up and drop the issue.

[@VOLTRONDEFENDER4440]

Bruh this airport should be taken down if they keep doing this

[@melvino7533]

I flew with American Airlines and we deplaned on the tarmac. The wheelchair attendant had me sit in the wheelchair then said I will be right back. He never came back. I was left unattended on the Tarmac in the rain. When the crew disembarked. They pushed me inside. That was the last time I flew American.

[@LordMondegrene]

Is American Airlines competing with United ("that 9-year old should have seen our employees camera in the toilet") Airlines?

[@jormugand5578]

As far as I can remember, it WAS American Airlines and their legal team. Or were you being rhetorical and I missed it?

[@LordMondegrene]

​@@jormugand5578Oh my dog, you're RIGHT. BOTH of these fiascoes are American Airlines. They win the grand prize, a trip to the greatest shitshow in travel. And all they have to do is show up to work.

[@mchrysogelos7623]

@@jormugand5578 IT IS American Airlines with the camera-in-toilet issue.