‘This is what discrimination looks like’: American Airlines introduces weight limit for wheelchairs

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American Airlines introduced a new weight limit for power wheelchairs on many of its regional flights, effectively barring some disabled passengers from flying to 130 US airports.

However, following accusations of discrimination, the airline has changed its tune, saying it is working to “safely accommodate heavy mobility devices and wheelchairs on our smaller, regional aircraft.”

The issue was brought to light by John Morris, who wrote about being denied boarding by the airline on his site, Wheelchair Travel.

In October, Mr Morris, an extremely frequent flier, was due to take his first flight since March, a 900-mile American Airlines service from Gainesville, Florida to Dallas, Texas.  

According to Mr Morris, he had flown the route, which is operated by a CRJ-700 aircraft, 21 times previously with the carrier.

However, when the triple amputee went to check in, he was asked for the weight of his power wheelchair.

When he told staff it was 450lbs, he was told it was over the permitted weight limit of 400lbs and was denied boarding. Previously there had been no weight limit.

The new policy had been introduced in June, and requires mobility aids to weigh no more than 300-400lbs on AA’s smaller Bombardier and Embraer aircraft models.

After contacting American Airlines, Mr Morris was told that the new policy had been implemented “because AA was damaging too many wheelchairs during loading”.  

He said: “I was told that, by refusing to transport my wheelchair on regional jets, my mobility device would be safe from damage and I would be protected. That’s absurd!”

Mr Morris has estimated that the policy change means that disabled passengers with power chairs weighing more than the allowance are now effectively barred from flying to 130 US airports with American Airlines.

“This is what discrimination looks like,” he said. “Remember this story the next time American Airlines claims that it is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. It is a lie.”

By refusing to transport Mr Morris and his power wheelchair, AA has committed a “gross violation” of the Air Carrier Access Act, he claims.

Following the outcry, American Airlines is reconsidering the policy change. A spokesperson told The Independent: “In order to comply with a new Canadian regulation that went into effect in June, we published conservative maximum weights for each aircraft type.  

“Upon further review, we are working with our safety team, the aircraft manufacturers and the FAA to modify these limits to continue to safely accommodate heavy mobility devices and wheelchairs on our smaller, regional aircraft.  

“We apologize for the confusion and will ensure all customers can travel wherever American flies. In the meantime, we will continue to proactively work with affected passengers to accommodate them. 

“To our customers with disabilities, we hear you, and will continue to listen and work hard to improve your experience traveling with American.”