Wheelchair User Removed from Virgin Australia Flight Over Mobility Aid Storage
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A wheelchair user, Shane Hryhorec, was removed from a Virgin Australia flight after a dispute over where his battery-powered mobility aid could be stored. Hryhorec, who uses a SmartDrive device to push his wheelchair, was told to place it under the seat in front of him, but the space was blocked by a business class seat. He argued that there was no safe place for the device, which has omnidirectional wheels, and could hit his service dog. After a 20-minute debate, Hryhorec was removed from the plane, causing delays for other passengers. Virgin Australia has since apologized and is reviewing its procedures.
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