Delta Issues Apology to Double Leg Amputee Veteran After Allegedly Removing Him from His Seat

Delta Airlines Issues Apology to Double Leg Amputee Veteran Over Seat Dispute

Delta Air Lines recently issued a public apology to Matias Ferreira, a Marine Corp veteran and double leg amputee, after he alleged that he was removed from his seat on a flight. The incident, which occurred on May 17, has sparked controversy and legal action against the airline.

In a formal complaint filed in the New York Supreme Court of Queens County on November 10, Ferreira detailed his experience aboard a Delta flight departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport. He had chosen a seat in row 21, which happened to be one of the aircraft’s emergency exit rows. However, upon boarding, he was confronted by the flight crew who insisted that he was not suitable to sit in the emergency exit row due to his condition.

Despite Ferreira’s assurances that he was both fit and willing to assist in case of an emergency, citing his experience as a police officer, the employees reportedly persisted in their decision to move him from the exit row seat to another location. This confrontation resulted in emotional distress for Ferreira, undoing years of progress in overcoming his past trauma.

Delta’s guidelines specify that individuals who lack the necessary mobility or strength to operate an emergency exit should not occupy such seats. However, Ferreira’s legal team argued that he was fully capable of fulfilling the duties associated with the exit row seat. Interestingly, the safety placard in Delta’s seat pocket even depicts an above-the-knee amputee assisting in an emergency evacuation, indicating that individuals with physical disabilities are not automatically disqualified from sitting in these seats.

Norman Steiner, Ferreira’s attorney who is representing him pro bono, stressed that the case is not solely about financial compensation but also about ensuring that airline staff are adequately trained to handle similar situations in the future. Delta, in response to the incident, stated that they have taken internal corrective actions, offered a refund and compensation to Ferreira, and issued a formal apology to him.

The airline emphasised its commitment to inclusive and accessible travel for all passengers, noting its history of engaging with the disabled community through advisory boards on disability and accessible travel. Delta assured that they would address the litigation in due course.

Ferreira and his legal team are pursuing damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent hiring/retention, and negligent training/supervision. Their legal action aims to hold Delta accountable and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

This case sheds light on the importance of ensuring equal treatment and accessibility for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society, including air travel. It serves as a reminder of the need for proper training and awareness among airline staff to avoid discrimination and ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers, regardless of their physical abilities.

Following this incident, it is crucial for airlines to review and potentially revise their policies and procedures to prevent such misunderstandings and ensure a more inclusive and accommodating experience for passengers with disabilities. Delta’s prompt response and apology signify a step towards rectifying the situation, but ongoing efforts are essential to promote a more accessible and respectful environment in the aviation industry.