Delta Air Lines has issued an apology after the wheelchair of a passenger with cerebral palsy was severely damaged during a flight. The incident involved Latavia Sturdivant, crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, who has faced significant disruptions to her daily life due to the damage. The 33-year-old, who also has scoliosis, reported experiencing constant pain and an inability to carry out her work responsibilities without her specialized wheelchair.
On January 30, 2024, Sturdivant was traveling to her home in North Dakota when she discovered that her custom wheelchair had been mishandled after being checked in for the flight. The wheelchair, which had recently undergone major repairs, now suffers from damaged motors and brakes, rendering it unsafe for use. Without a suitable alternative, Sturdivant has been reliant on her mother for assistance, further complicating her efforts to engage in advocacy work and attend her job.
Sturdivant expressed her frustration, stating, “There is no other chair that I can use because it keeps my body in proper alignment, prevents me from having contractions, and so Delta needs to do better in taking proper care of our wheelchairs.” The emotional and physical toll of the incident illustrates the critical role that specialized mobility aids play in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Delta’s Response and Commitment
In response to the incident, Delta Air Lines has committed to covering the full repair costs of Sturdivant’s wheelchair. The airline is currently waiting for a cost assessment from a vendor to determine the necessary steps for restoration. In an official statement, Delta acknowledged the profound impact that damage to mobility devices can have on individuals. The airline said, “We sincerely apologize for this customer’s experience that did not live up to our standards, and we are in touch with them to ensure we make things right.”
According to information on Delta’s website, passengers whose wheelchairs are damaged during transit have the right to file a claim, receive a loaner chair, and select a preferred vendor for repairs or replacements.
The issue of wheelchair safety during air travel has gained attention, especially as the Biden Administration proposed a new rule that would have enhanced air passenger rights for wheelchair users. This proposed measure would have imposed significant fines on airlines for non-compliance, but it ultimately was not enacted into law. Sturdivant has criticized both Delta and Medicaid for the situation, advocating for changes that would provide full reimbursement for passengers using durable medical equipment.
The Broader Context of Wheelchair Handling
As is standard practice, passengers who travel with their own wheelchairs often must check them into the aircraft’s hold, particularly if they are too large for cabin storage. In such scenarios, passengers switch to airline-provided chairs that are typically collapsible and designed for onboard use. Sturdivant noted that custom wheelchairs are treated “kind of like luggage” during handling, leading her to believe that her chair “bounced around and got hit” while being transferred by baggage teams.
This incident is not isolated; similar occurrences have been reported by other disabled passengers flying with U.S. airlines, including a high-profile case involving United Airlines in 2019. Delta has guidelines in place that allow wheelchairs to be brought onboard if they meet specific size restrictions, not exceeding 13”x 36”x 42” and are collapsible.
In light of the ongoing challenges faced by travelers with disabilities, continued advocacy is crucial to ensure that airlines uphold their responsibilities and improve practices related to the handling of specialized mobility devices.
