These days all we read about from people with disabilities is how badly they’ve been treat by airlines, they have no disability awareness, they broke yet another wheelchair or they don’t have subtitles on the safety video so deaf people have no idea about the procedures in case of an emergency. We often complain and normally with good reason about the service that we receive and we rarely read about the positive actions of airlines or their staff.
I just wanted to share a small story about my recent trip from Nicaragua - Spain, I could probably write much more about the lack of service and awareness but we all know of these issues, instead I want to say thanks to American Airlines (I know, I’m surprised too!).
I reserved my ticket through LastMinute.com and at the last minute my flight from Managua - Miami was changed from Midday to 7.30am but the remaining part of the itinerary remained the same. Although this was nobody’s fault, just a change in the scheduling of the flights, for me as a paraplegic wheelchair user this has all kinds of consequences the main one being the extended amount of time the trip would take and the 9 hour layover in Miami. This in turn increases the amount of time that I am in my wheelchair and therefore the risk of getting pressure sores (also known as bed sores). Also as I cannot elevate my legs the blood gets stuck in my ankles and they swell which isn’t particularly great for anyone!
When we (my partner and I) arrived at Miami we went to the American Airlines desk and explained the situation. Without any fuss or arguing they immediately put us up in the Miami Airport Hotel and gave us free lunch vouchers. I was surprised to say the least as normally you have to argue for hours, stating and restating your complaint. We were given an adapted room and managed to get a few hours sleep and a shower before continuing our trip with British Airways. Although the adapted bathroom at the Miami Airport hotel left much to be desired as it had a very low bath and rather high beds, the break was very welcome.
Due to this great service from American Airlines I arrived in Barcelona fully intact without any pressure sores. So without further ado, THANK YOU American Airlines!
(this article is by no means an endorsement or recommendation for people with disabilities to use American Airlines!)