Actress Barred from Flight Due to Wheelchair, Citing Airline's Stair Policy
Similar Articles
Melissa Barrera Launches Production Company After Job Offers Following Social Media Posts
Susan Sarandon Describes Hollywood Blacklisting After Gaza Ceasefire Comments
Carrie Preston's 'Elsbeth' Role Requires Physical Therapy Due to Character's Signature Bags
Margaret Cho Declined Role in 'Heated Rivalry' Due to Travel Concerns During Trump's Second Term
Melissa Barrera Lands Lead Role in Thriller 'Inhabit' After Industry Departure
Actress Marissa Bode was denied boarding a Southern Airways flight after gate crew asked if she could stand and she replied 'No'. The airline's contract states customers must be able to ascend and descend steps to board its small aircraft, which are exempt from providing mechanical lifts. Bode's manager had reportedly been assured beforehand that she would be accommodated for her flight to Pennsylvania.
Facts First
- Marissa Bode was denied boarding a Southern Airways flight after gate crew asked if she could stand and she said 'No'.
- The airline's contract requires customers to ascend and descend steps to board its planes, which hold 28 or fewer passengers.
- Southern Airways is exempt from providing mechanical lifts under the Air Carrier Access Act due to its small aircraft size.
- Bode's manager was reportedly assured beforehand that she would be set for her flight to Pennsylvania.
- Bode is an actress known for 'Wicked' and will star in the upcoming thriller 'Snare'.
What Happened
Actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok claiming she was recently barred from a Southern Airways flight due to her wheelchair. Bode stated she was having difficulty locating her virtual ticket before boarding her flight to Pennsylvania. When she asked the gate crew for assistance, they asked her if she could stand. After she replied 'No', the crew told her they were going to deny her boarding because all planes within the airline have stairs to get on the plane. Bode reported that her manager had spoken to Southern Airways beforehand and was assured that she would be set for her flight.
Why this Matters to You
If you or someone you travel with uses a wheelchair, this incident highlights a specific limitation with some regional airlines. Southern Airways’ contract of carriage explicitly states that 'customers must be able to ascend and descend several steps to board the aircraft.' Because its planes hold '28 or fewer passengers,' the airline is exempt from providing mechanical lifts under the Air Carrier Access Act. This could affect your travel planning if you rely on such accommodations for small regional flights.
What's Next
Bode's public account of the incident may draw attention to the accessibility limitations of regional air travel under current exemptions. Other travelers with similar needs might need to verify boarding procedures directly with airlines operating small aircraft. The airline's policy, as stated in its contract, appears to remain in effect.