Delta Air Lines has issued an apology following an incident where a passenger’s specialized wheelchair was severely damaged during a flight. The affected passenger, Latavia Sturdivant, who holds the title of Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, has faced significant challenges since her wheelchair became unusable. Sturdivant, 33, lives with cerebral palsy and scoliosis, and the damage to her custom wheelchair has forced her to depend on her mother for daily support.
Sturdivant was flying to her home in North Dakota on January 30, 2023, when the incident occurred. After checking her wheelchair for the flight, she discovered upon landing that it was badly damaged. The chair, which had recently undergone major repairs, now has damaged motors and brakes, rendering it unsafe for use. Sturdivant expressed that the wheelchair is essential for maintaining her body alignment and preventing further health complications.
In her own words, she stated, “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 inability to use her wheelchair has severely impacted her ability to work and carry out advocacy efforts.
Delta’s Response and Commitment
In light of the situation, Delta Air Lines has apologized and pledged to cover the full repair costs of Sturdivant’s wheelchair. The airline is currently awaiting a cost assessment from the vendor responsible for the repairs. In a statement, Delta acknowledged the profound impact that damage to a mobility aid can have on an individual’s daily life. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring that Sturdivant’s experience is rectified, saying, “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.”
Delta’s customer service policies state that 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.
Broader Implications for Air Travel
This incident highlights ongoing issues faced by passengers who rely on wheelchairs during air travel. Under the Biden Administration, a proposed rule aimed at enhancing air passenger rights for wheelchair users was not enacted, leaving many advocates like Sturdivant frustrated. She has criticized both Delta and Medicaid, advocating for changes to Medicaid policies to ensure full reimbursement for passengers using durable medical equipment.
Historically, many disabled travelers have reported similar problems, with wheelchairs often treated “kind of like luggage” when checked in for flights. Sturdivant noted that she assumed her chair “bounced around and got hit” during handling by baggage teams, a concern echoed by other passengers in the past.
As airlines continue to navigate the challenges of accommodating passengers with disabilities, incidents like Sturdivant’s serve as a critical reminder of the need for improved handling of mobility aids. Delta has indicated that wheelchairs meeting specific size requirements can be brought on board, but the practicalities of air travel often complicate these arrangements.
The situation has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of airlines in ensuring the safety and integrity of essential medical equipment, underscoring the importance of advocacy for improved standards in air travel for individuals with disabilities.
