A Journey of Advocacy and Disappointment
Samanta Bullock, a Paralympic athlete, model, and disability advocate, recently attended the 19th Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in New York. As a former number-one wheelchair tennis player from Brazil, she was there with her company, Bullock Inclusion, which focuses on creating social projects in the fields of fashion and sport.
During the conference, Samanta and her team organized a fashion show that was supported by Microsoft and the Brazilian Embassy. The event brought together global leaders, advocates, and organizations to discuss and promote the rights of people with disabilities. However, her journey back to London was marred by an unexpected and distressing experience at JFK airport.
Denied Boarding and Unfair Treatment
Upon arriving at JFK airport, Samanta was reportedly denied boarding by British Airways because she was traveling alone. She claims that the crew informed her they could not assist her to the toilet during the flight or evacuate her in an emergency. This incident left her deeply frustrated, especially after having just participated in discussions about disability rights at the UN.
“I had just been at the UN talking about the rights of disabled people. On the way back, this happened. We cannot celebrate disability rights in conference rooms while allowing them to be ignored in practice,” Samanta said.
She took to social media to share her experience, highlighting the irony of being denied assistance after advocating for disability rights. In an Instagram Story, she wrote: “Today I was denied boarding by British Airways. I booked my flight almost two months ago and was ready to fly independently, as I have done for years as a wheelchair user.”
British Airways’ Policies and Personal Struggles
British Airways’ disability and mobility assistance policies state that cabin crew can help passengers move between their seat and the toilets. The airline also offers assistance such as escorts to and from the aircraft, help with stairs, and transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
However, Samanta says a BA employee suggested she should have a carer with her. According to the airline’s policies, carers must purchase their own ticket, which means Samanta would have to pay for two flights. This, she argues, is unfair. “So that means because I’m a wheelchair user, I have to pay for two flights. Whereas an able-bodied passenger only has to pay one. They are charging me twice because of my disability.”
For Samanta, the issue goes beyond financial concerns. She explains that if someone travels with her as a carer, such as her husband, he would lose income from not going to work. “Who is going to pay for the income we are going to lose?” she asks.
Past Experiences and Continued Challenges
Despite the recent incident, Samanta has generally found British Airways to be supportive of disabled passengers. She often pays extra for special assistance and informs the airline in advance about her needs. She has even paid more to fly with BA than with other airlines that lack good disability access.
After being denied boarding, she says a BA employee asked her a series of personal questions. “He asked if I was OK to go to the toilet independently. I told him I can go to the toilet on my own, but I need assistance to arrive at the toilet.” BA’s website states that disabled passengers are responsible for their own personal care in the toilet, which Samanta confirmed was fine.
Ultimately, she ended up flying with American Airlines, which provided an upgraded ticket. However, the challenges continued. “Someone from American called me and asked, ‘Are you going to use the toilet?’ I was like, ‘Why are you asking? Do you ask other passengers if they are going to the toilet?’” she recalls.
A Call for Change and Support
Samanta says she has no choice but to keep traveling, as it is essential for her work. “I don’t have a choice, it’s my work. I need to travel. I also don’t need to talk to the airlines. BA need to talk to me. They need to apologise, to say sorry for what they did.”
Her post received many responses from others who shared similar experiences, which she finds heartbreaking. “I’m so sad to see all these people facing the same experience. I can’t be quiet about it.”
British Airways responded to the situation, stating: “We are sorry for our customer’s experience and are urgently looking into what happened. We remain in direct contact with the customer while we review the circumstances.”
The airline added that it serves hundreds of thousands of customers who require additional assistance each year and works hard to support them throughout their journey.
