A Tucson man, Sam Shivers, has accused American Airlines of displacing his wheelchair after he returned from a Hawaii vacation. After arriving in Phoenix, Shivers found out that the wheelchair had been flown to Los Angeles.
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According to KGUN, Sam Shivers landed in Phoenix on March 26 after enjoying a trip to Hawaii. However, he soon found out that after he checked his wheelchair at the American Airlines gate when departing, it did not make it to Arizona. Shivers's wheelchair was heading to the Los Angeles International Airport.
"At that point, I almost felt like throwing up," Shivers told the outlet. "I was like, 'oh my god, what am I going to do?' I can't walk, I'm paralyzed from the chest down."
While the incident could be interpreted as a mistake, Shivers thinks otherwise. Reportedly, another wheelchair and even a stroller didn't arrive either. He told the outlet that he would always prioritize his wheelchair over his luggage.
"It's not like we can just hobble around to somewhere else, I can't walk," Shivers added. "So wherever I am, that's where I am."
Arriving Home
The American Airlines employees at Phoenix did treat Sam Shivers well, however. They offered him a hotel room, but transportation to the hotel was a concern. He decided to make the trip all the way to Tucson by using the airport's transport chair. Upon arriving at home, he was able to use a spare wheelchair. Eight hours after he landed at Tucson, he received his wheelchair back.
While Shivers appreciated the help provided by American Airlines after the fact, he wants the airline to treat people with disabilities better.
"I want my chair to arrive on time, with my flight," Shivers said. "I want my counterpart, my fellow passenger's chair to end up, and I want the car seat and baby stroller to show up for the family that has an infant."
"Without my wheelchair, it's like I don't have any legs, I can't get around," he sentenced.
According to the outlet, Sam Shivers filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The New York Post contacted American Airlines following the incident. A spokesperson said that the incident is currently being investigated, offering apologies to Shivers.
"We know how important it is to support the independence of customers who use wheelchairs and assistive devices," the spokesperson said, as per the Post.
