“Every wheelchair user I know has a horror story about airlines”

As a movie critic with a background of being a paraplegic wheelchair user, I cannot recommend enough that you add “Sophie Morgan’s Fight to Fly” to your watchlist. I’ve been through it all – from having my wheelchair damaged beyond repair upon arrival at an airport, to dealing with the shame and isolation of being treated as a guilty secret by the airline industry.

Add Sophie Morgan’s Fight to Fly to your watchlist

Last January, I arrived at Heathrow Airport after a lengthy flight only to discover that my airline had inadvertently caused me significant harm. I’m a paraplegic, having sustained the injury in a car accident when I was eighteen. Sadly, my wheelchair and its power-assisting attachment were irreparably damaged during the journey. My wheelchair serves as my legs; therefore, with it being broken, so is my mobility and ability to go places and be productive.

I’ve experienced yet another disappointing incident, joining the ranks of many wheelchair users who have faced unfortunate treatment from the airline industry. The tales of injustice I hear from my peers are varied, from subpar treatment to outright cruelty. Some have been denied boarding, left stranded on planes, and even forced to wear diapers. Unfortunately, these incidents often go unnoticed by non-disabled passengers as we’re among the first to be loaded onto planes and the last to be off, making us feel like a hidden problem.

After the disappointing experience at Heathrow, I established the “Rights on Flights” campaign group to advocate for significant changes in how the aviation industry handles the needs of disabled individuals, who have long been overlooked.

I recorded footage of the obstacles I encountered and, without deliberate planning, this developed into a Channel 4 documentary revealing the extent of the issue. The documentary showcases my experiences as well as those of other brave individuals who went incognito while attempting to travel by air from various UK airports and airlines throughout Europe.

We’ve had enough of being treated like a guilty secret

Observers will need to witness the events unfolding, regrettably finding that my expectations were met, and I trust this portrays the intricacy of the challenges wheelchair users encounter from the instant we reach an airport.

Instead of just dealing with broken, lost, or damaged chairs, or the unpleasantness of insults and finger-pointing, there’s also the anxiety that comes with the uncertainty – starting from the moment you purchase a ticket – of facing potential issues or mishaps.

I’ve had my fair share of frustrations with flying as a wheelchair user. There have been numerous instances where I’ve vowed never to step foot on an airplane again. The thought of being stranded at home for three weeks, waiting for a replacement wheelchair, is enough to make anyone feel helpless and defeated. But then I remind myself that my career depends on it. I am hosting the Paralympics for NBC this year, and being there in person is crucial. Moreover, I refuse to let my disability limit my adventurous spirit.

Other people share the same experience. I’m glad that we have greater presence in popular primetime programs such as “Strictly Come Dancing,” but while this enhanced representation is inspiring, it doesn’t necessarily result in tangible progress in everyday life.

Last year, my group of disability advocates and I attempted to deliver a petition at 10 Downing Street concerning airline responsibilities, but unfortunately, we were unable to gain entry and ended up making our presentation outside instead. This incident underscores an unfortunate truth: in the UK, it seems that structures hold greater significance than individuals.

From my personal experience, I find that phrase deeply resonates with me and sheds light on the challenges of living as a wheelchair user in the UK. The reality is far from ideal, with the term “reasonable” being used repeatedly in legislation preceding any necessary adjustments, like ramps. Regrettably, this term is frequently exploited to create loopholes rather than ensuring accessibility for all. This situation was a major motivator for my decision to relocate to America, where laws are more robust and less open to interpretation.

Based on my personal experiences and extensive research documented in my film, I strongly believe that the current state of aviation safety is unacceptable and demands change. My passion for this cause has been fueled by witnessing firsthand the devastating consequences of preventable accidents and the heart-wrenching stories of families left shattered.

2024-07-18 22:37

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