Airline Damages to Wheelchairs in the News: A Troubling Trend

In recent months, several high-profile cases of airlines damaging wheelchairs have made headlines. In one incident, a chair was reportedly broken in half after rough handling. In another, the damage was so severe that the wheelchair was no longer usable.

These situations highlight the ongoing challenges travelers with disabilities face. Too often, wheelchairs are treated like luggage instead of essential mobility equipment. As a result, they are frequently mishandled, lost, or returned in pieces. For people who rely on their wheelchair for independence and safety, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s life-altering.

Airlines must take responsibility. This means training staff on proper wheelchair handling, investing in equipment that safeguards mobility devices, and responding quickly when damage occurs. Customers shouldn’t have to fight for repairs or replacements—these should be handled with urgency and care. By treating wheelchairs with the respect they deserve, airlines can help ensure that travelers with disabilities enjoy a safe, dignified, and stress-free travel experience.

• Use a sturdy travel bag. A sturdy travel bag will help to protect your wheelchair from damage.
• Pack your wheelchair with plenty of padding. Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to protect your wheelchair from bumps and bruises.
• Label your wheelchair. Make sure that your wheelchair is labeled with your name and contact information. This will help to ensure that it is returned to you if it is lost or damaged.
• Check in your wheelchair early. This will give the airline staff more time to handle your wheelchair and less likely to damage it.
• Ask for assistance. If you need help loading or unloading your wheelchair, ask an airline employee for assistance.
• Follow up. If your wheelchair is damaged, be sure to follow up with the airline to get it repaired or replaced.