The Mary Sue
‘You’re going to have to ask a stranger’: American Airlines passenger travels t…
A passenger with a disability says American Airlines staff refused to help stow her bag. She left the flight injured.
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American Airlines Under Fire After Disabled Passenger Alleges Refusal of Luggage Assistance, Resulting in Injury
A recent incident involving American Airlines and passenger Tara Rule, who lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, has sparked significant discussion regarding disability accommodations in air travel. Rule documented her experience, alleging that American Airlines flight attendants refused to assist her with stowing her carry-on luggage, despite her informing them of her disability. According to Rule, she had previously experienced an unsatisfactory flight with the airline, leading to a promised refund for her round trip if she completed the journey. However, during her return flight, she encountered challenges with luggage assistance. Rule stated that when she requested help, flight attendants informed her that providing such assistance was not part of their job or in-flight hospitality duties, and suggested she ask another passenger. In an attempt to manage her bag independently, Rule reported sustaining an injury to her hand. Rule emphasized that the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) mandates airlines to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities, including with loading and stowing carry-on baggage. She presented information suggesting that flight attendant union contracts do not override these federal regulations. The incident has drawn attention to the critical need for consistent enforcement of disability access laws within the airline industry and the potential consequences for passengers when these regulations are not followed.
