Congressman Jim Langevin, who is retiring at the end of the term says he was planning on traveling to various military bases in Italy last month, but had to cut his visit short because of issues the airline had with his wheelchair. The Rhode Island Democrat is a quadriplegic.
The Defense Department actually called ahead to make sure that is wheelchair would be allowed. But he had to reschedule his flight because the airline staff had issues with the lithium -ion batteries.
In a tweet the Congressman said, "’it is outrageous that airlines are blocking wheelchair users from traveling with FAA-compliant mobility devices. If I was denied boarding on a government trip, what do you think is happening to people with disabilities on vacations, visiting family, or traveling for work?"
The Congressman says he is angered by the incident and will push congress to passing a Bill of Rights which will give more power to the disabled fliers in the future. So far there is no indication as to when that vote might happen.
Congressman Langevin says it has happened one time before.
Lufthansa is apologizing. A spokesman says employees are being re-trained and the guidelines reviewed into the new batteries. The congressman did make his trip to Italy but had to cut it short because of the issues with his wheelchair.
(Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images