Delta Air Lines has issued an apology following an incident where the wheelchair of passenger Latavia Sturdivant was severely damaged during a flight. Sturdivant, who holds the title of Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, reported that the damage to her specialized wheelchair has left her unable to carry out daily activities and has caused significant pain.
The incident occurred on January 30, 2023, as Sturdivant was returning to her home in North Dakota. After checking her custom wheelchair for the flight, she discovered upon landing that it had sustained considerable damage. The chair, which had recently undergone extensive repairs, now has malfunctioning motors and brakes, rendering it unsafe for use until further repairs are completed. Sturdivant expressed her distress, stating that she relies on her wheelchair to maintain proper body alignment and to prevent painful contractions.
In her own words, Sturdivant emphasized the importance of her wheelchair: “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 damage has significantly impacted her ability to work and engage in advocacy, leaving her dependent on her mother for assistance.
Delta Air Lines has acknowledged the situation, offering a full apology and agreeing to cover the repair costs for Sturdivant’s wheelchair. The airline is currently awaiting a cost assessment from the vendor to proceed with the repairs. In an official statement, Delta said, “Delta understands the fundamental impact that any damaged mobility aid has on an individual and their daily life. 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.”
Passengers whose wheelchairs are damaged during transit have the right to file a claim and can request a loaner chair from Delta. The airline also allows customers to select a preferred vendor for repairs or replacement. This incident has raised questions about the handling of mobility devices by airlines, particularly in light of a proposed regulation under the Biden Administration that aimed to enhance rights for wheelchair users, although this measure has not yet been enacted.
The handling of wheelchairs in airline cargo has been a recurring issue for many disabled passengers. Sturdivant noted that custom wheelchairs often receive treatment akin to that of luggage when placed in the hold. She speculated that her chair “bounced around and got hit” during transit, a concern shared by many in the disabled community. According to Delta, wheelchairs can be brought onboard if they meet specific size requirements, not exceeding dimensions of 13”x 36”x 42”, and are collapsible.
As Sturdivant continues to push for better treatment of passengers using durable medical equipment, she has also criticized both Delta and Medicaid for their roles in her situation. Her advocacy aims for policy changes that would ensure comprehensive reimbursement for necessary equipment.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by travelers with disabilities and calls for improved policies and practices to protect their essential mobility aids during air travel.
