Why aren't airlines required to provide proper disability access on planes?

Question

My partner's mother cannot fly because of her MS (multiple sclerosis).

I also fel sorry for people who are so overweight they can't fit into one economy seat; they are forced to pay for two seats.

Isn't this blatant discrimination?

Answer 1

Why does MS stop her from flying, an what accommodations would you like the airline to make?  We do a lot for disabled people, like help them on board and push them to baggage claim in wheelchairs.  Airlines allow all kinds of service animals, and oxygen concentrators.

As for the overweight person, they get charged for two seats just like two people would, as they cannot fit in one seat either.  This has nothing to do with providing access, it's just an additional cost.  If someone cannot afford to fly, it's not because the airline won't accommodate them.  Airlines are private businesses and have to make money or they won't be able to fly anyone.

Answer 2

Actually, it IS illegal to discriminate on the basis of disability. However until now there has been no air operator requirement to carry boarding assistive equipment on board the aircraft. That said, there is a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) about to be turned in to a RULE under CFR 14 (Code of Federal Regulations) part 382 which mandates the exact levels of equipment and aisle widths etc required in order to facilitate the boarding of those with disabilities.

Additionally, at least 1 lavatory in the aircraft must be accessible.

Airlines however can deny boarding to any person they deem  to have an immediate health problem which if requiring sudden immediate treatment (not available on a plane), could cause bodily harm of death to that passenger. That's why it is difficult to get permission for a woman in her third trimester on a plane...if she goes in to labour, no help is available and airlines don't want the lawsuit! (not sure if your partner's mom's condition is that severe)

As far as the 2 seat issue. Seats are designed to fit a 95th percentile male in the US (about 6'2" 200lbs). IF you're bigger than that, it is really unfortunate, but airlines make money on RASM (revenue per available seat per mile). If you're taking up 2 seats, willingly or otherwise, you're cutting into the revenue generating potential of the flight. They aren't charities  and most are near bankruptcy..so sorry, buy 2 seats, or better yet, business class. (I once sat in a VERY squished situation on a plane next to a 400 pound guy from Chicago to Wichita, lemme tell ya, I sure as heck didn't get my money's worth outta the flight!)

Answer 3

Suppose the over weight passenger was seated in seat 8D and you had 8E on an MD-80? They are five across, so you would have the window and the overweight was seated beside you. Do you think your opinion would change?

I have made passengers buy two seats, as they would not fit in one seat.  Do you think I should have asked for volunteers for someone to sit in the seat beside?  Would you do it?

Regards,

Dan

Answer 4

No, it's not. People who are too fat to fit in one seat have no right to inconvenience everyone else because of their size. I don't inflict my bad habits on you so don't expect me to put up with yours.

Answer 5

i agree, they should provide some seats for bigger people. oh... ya, that's called business class and first class.

Answer 6

In my opinion yes. Planes should be required to accommodate all people, since its a form of public transportation. Just make some seats bigger and have a section that accommodates people with disabilities, how hard can it be.

They probably aren't required because it will cause the prices to rise, and it would hurt somebody's pocket somewhere.

Answer 7

Some disabilities limit the ability of a passenger to evacuate the aircraft, and more importantly, they may make a passenger a potential hindrance to others attempting to evacuate the aircraft.

This is why only able-bodied people are seated next to exits, and it is also why people in wheelchairs have just about the lowest priority for evacuation in the event of an accident.  In both cases, it is important to get as many people out of the aircraft as possible, which means that anyone with a handicap that might slow the evacuation has to leave last.

However, I don't see why a person with MS would not be able to fly. Even in a wheelchair, it's still okay to fly—but in the event of an evacuation, a person with limited mobility due to MS would be among the last passengers evacuated (if there's time).

Answer 8

Can't fly because of MS, I don't buy it.

Proper disability access they do, short of modifying the  aircraft  for it ( you need to talk to the supervisor)  or you can charter a aircraft yourself.

-----Grossly Fat people----

if they CANNOT FIT INTO THE SEAT without having flab hanging on the next seat or fill 2 seats they SHOULD pay for 2 seats  REASON is that they probably weighs as much as 2 people anyway and there taking the space of 2 people.

Its also a Emergency hazzard too ( can they get out the door thats over the wing, I bet not)

Bottom line is that today's aircraft is design for average size and weight people,  not obest or challenged people