The Hardest Part About Being a Disabled Touring Artist? Air Travel.
I'm just tired y'all.
Dear Community,
Does anyone have any connections to groups advocating for accessible air travel, involved in the Air Carriers Access Amendments Act, or knows a lawyer in this space? As a disabled artist who has toured and traveled by air sometimes as often as once a week. I’m just tired. I’m tired of fighting to get my chair in-cabin each week. I’m tired of waiting over a year for Southwest to fix my damaged chair. I’m tired of being denied pre-boarding by United, Southwest, and American while they “figure it out” resulting in an audience for uncomfortable conversations as I board almost last. I’m tired of them doing that so there’s added pressure and intimidation from a full flight of late, disgruntled travelers to deal with the situation quickly (let them just throw my chair in cargo and not provide the in-cabin stowage I’m entitled to).
I think many of my experiences have been direct ACAA violations that I didn’t have the time or energy to fight in those moments. But sometimes, the manuals, the ACAA, Wingtips, Airline’s policies, etcetera, contradict each other or use non-specific language like “a normal sized wheelchair”, “old aircraft”, etc. I have so much personal experience with this, so many ideas of how we can make this easier for all parties, so much rage, and I’m so sick of simply spewing it into the void of social media. I want to stop ranting about this online and help do something on the systemic level. So please if you know anyone who could help me do that, I beg you to connect me with them.
Sincerely,
Your exhausted disabled touring artist friend.
P.S.
Are you interested in commenting on Docket number DOT–OST–2022–0144 (Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs)? Now through May 13, you can give your input on the proposed changes to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).
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