“Dance Moms”’ Abby Lee Miller Says Her Motorized Wheelchair Was ‘in Pieces’ After American Airlines Flight

Reality TV star Abby Lee Miller has taken to social media to voice her frustration with American Airlines, claiming that her motorised wheelchair was damaged after a recent flight from Mexico to the United States. The incident, which she detailed in an interview and subsequent Instagram post, has sparked renewed debate about the treatment of passengers with disabilities by airlines.

Miller, known for her role on “Dance Moms,” described the distressing experience during an appearance on the Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea podcast. She stated that upon arrival in Dallas, her wheelchair was delivered to her in a “few pieces” at around 2 a.m., leaving her reliant on a push chair to navigate the airport. “I had to go home with a push chair,” she recalled, explaining that airport staff assisted her in getting to a waiting vehicle. According to Miller, even the pilot expressed concern, saying, “Good luck with that,” before walking away.

In a series of photographs posted on Instagram, the 61-year-old showed the alleged damage to her mobility device. She indicated that parts of the wheelchair, such as the armrest and headrest, were scratched or broken off. Expressing her anger at the lack of communication from the airline, Miller wrote, “I wasn’t going to say anything… yet as each day passed and I didn’t hear from American Airlines, I became angrier.”

The incident took place while Miller was flying from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Following the alleged damage, she was able to obtain a replacement wheelchair from the Global Repair Group the day after the incident. However, her troubles with American Airlines did not end there; she also experienced delays on a later flight from Dallas to Buffalo, New York. During this journey, ground crews seemed uncertain about the type of battery in her chair, causing further frustration.

A representative from American Airlines responded to the incident, stating, “We understand how important mobility devices are to the customers who rely on them, and we sincerely apologise to Ms Miller for her experience.” The spokesperson added that the airline had directly contacted her, provided a rental wheelchair, and was working to expedite repairs to her damaged device.

This incident is not the first time Miller has publicly highlighted her dissatisfaction with the airline. Back in 2019, she alleged that airline personnel did not adequately assist her after she fell from her wheelchair at Pittsburgh International Airport. The subsequent experience led her to sue both the airline and the airport in 2021, as reported by local media outlets.

In her recent messages, Miller also referenced a significant fine imposed on American Airlines by the Department of Transportation in 2024, amounting to $50 million. The fine came as a result of the airline’s failure to adhere to regulations protecting passengers with disabilities, highlighting ongoing issues within the industry related to accessibility.

Miller’s personal journey has been marked by significant health challenges. In 2018, she was left temporarily paralysed from the neck down and underwent surgery, initially believed to be for a spinal infection. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that required extensive treatment, including ten rounds of chemotherapy. By May 2019, she publicly announced that she was cancer-free, a development that brought her renewed hope.

The situation has reignited discussions about the need for airlines to improve their services for passengers with disabilities. Advocates have long argued that better protocols and training are needed to ensure that all travellers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, particularly when it comes to the handling of mobility equipment.

As the story continues to unfold, Miller’s experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly in navigating public transport systems. Her call for American Airlines to “do better” resonates with many who have similarly encountered obstacles in their travel experiences. With greater awareness and advocacy, there is hope that the airline industry will evolve to meet the needs of all its passengers.