Qantas issues shocking ultimatum to Aussie woman hours before flight
- Replies 9
In a time when inclusivity and accessibility are widely valued, specific experiences reveal how far there is still to go.
One traveller recently encountered an upsetting setback from a major airline while preparing for a significant trip.
The situation has raised broader concerns about how well the needs of all passengers are being met.
Monica, who was born with Tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare condition that results in the absence of all four limbs, had planned to fly to Sydney to deliver a speech at the 50th anniversary dinner for the Variety charity.
She was a special guest and a beacon of inspiration for many. After investing $11,000 for return flights for herself and a support worker, Monica was hit with a last-minute ultimatum from Qantas: she would need to pay for another seat for a second carer to assist her on the plane.
The airline's spokesperson cited Work Health and Safety reasons for their inability to safely transfer Ms McGhie, a statement that left Monica and many of us baffled and questioning the airline's preparedness to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
Arrangements for an additional carer were nearly impossible with less than 24 hours' notice, and Monica was rightfully upset.
'They had a month to tell me they couldn't do this. I could've made other arrangements if I'd known earlier, but less than 24 hours is a bit much,' she expressed to 7NEWS.
Fortunately, after the issue was revealed, Qantas agreed to cover the cost of an additional support person, allowing Monica to make her trip to Sydney in time for the event.
The airline apologised for what they acknowledged would have been an upsetting experience and committed to working with her for future travel requirements.
This incident, however, is not an isolated case. Monica McGhie had previously encountered issues with Qantas in 2019 when she was told she would need to leave her wheelchair behind while traveling to Canberra to campaign for a royal commission into the abuse of people with disabilities.
'When we were getting on the flight to Canberra, the lady said: "Oh, sorry, your chair won't fit on the plane". And I went, "Are you kidding me?"' she said.
And she's not alone in her struggles with airline accessibility. Last year, Rachel Fullerton settled a legal case with Qantas after being denied boarding with her assistance dog.
After unsuccessful conciliation through the Australian Human Rights Commission, she took the matter to the Federal Court, alleging disability discrimination.
Paralympian Karni Liddell also shared her experiences of being prevented from flying with Jetstar, a Qantas Group airline, due to her wheelchair.
These stories highlight a broader issue within the airline industry, where the needs of passengers with disabilities are not always anticipated or met with the necessary accommodations.
It's a stark reminder that while policies may exist on paper, implementing and understanding these policies can fall short, leaving passengers like Monica McGhie in distressing situations.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we believe that travel should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
We encourage our members to share their experiences and advocate for better services and accommodations.
We can hope to see real change through raising awareness and holding companies accountable.
Credit: YouTube
Have you or someone you know faced similar challenges while traveling? How do you think airlines can improve their services for passengers with disabilities? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
One traveller recently encountered an upsetting setback from a major airline while preparing for a significant trip.
The situation has raised broader concerns about how well the needs of all passengers are being met.
Monica, who was born with Tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare condition that results in the absence of all four limbs, had planned to fly to Sydney to deliver a speech at the 50th anniversary dinner for the Variety charity.
She was a special guest and a beacon of inspiration for many. After investing $11,000 for return flights for herself and a support worker, Monica was hit with a last-minute ultimatum from Qantas: she would need to pay for another seat for a second carer to assist her on the plane.
Qantas told a passenger born without limbs that a second carer was needed for her flight. Credit: YouTube
The airline's spokesperson cited Work Health and Safety reasons for their inability to safely transfer Ms McGhie, a statement that left Monica and many of us baffled and questioning the airline's preparedness to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
Arrangements for an additional carer were nearly impossible with less than 24 hours' notice, and Monica was rightfully upset.
'They had a month to tell me they couldn't do this. I could've made other arrangements if I'd known earlier, but less than 24 hours is a bit much,' she expressed to 7NEWS.
Fortunately, after the issue was revealed, Qantas agreed to cover the cost of an additional support person, allowing Monica to make her trip to Sydney in time for the event.
The airline apologised for what they acknowledged would have been an upsetting experience and committed to working with her for future travel requirements.
This incident, however, is not an isolated case. Monica McGhie had previously encountered issues with Qantas in 2019 when she was told she would need to leave her wheelchair behind while traveling to Canberra to campaign for a royal commission into the abuse of people with disabilities.
'When we were getting on the flight to Canberra, the lady said: "Oh, sorry, your chair won't fit on the plane". And I went, "Are you kidding me?"' she said.
And she's not alone in her struggles with airline accessibility. Last year, Rachel Fullerton settled a legal case with Qantas after being denied boarding with her assistance dog.
After unsuccessful conciliation through the Australian Human Rights Commission, she took the matter to the Federal Court, alleging disability discrimination.
Paralympian Karni Liddell also shared her experiences of being prevented from flying with Jetstar, a Qantas Group airline, due to her wheelchair.
These stories highlight a broader issue within the airline industry, where the needs of passengers with disabilities are not always anticipated or met with the necessary accommodations.
It's a stark reminder that while policies may exist on paper, implementing and understanding these policies can fall short, leaving passengers like Monica McGhie in distressing situations.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we believe that travel should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
We encourage our members to share their experiences and advocate for better services and accommodations.
We can hope to see real change through raising awareness and holding companies accountable.
Credit: YouTube
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