UK Journalist crawls on plane to use washroom as airline didn't have 'onboard wheelchairs': 'It¡¯s airline policy'
British journalist Frank Gardner, who lost his legs in 2004, was forced to crawl across the cabin floor of a LOT Polish Airlines flight due to the airline's lack of onboard wheelchair accessibility. Gardner shared his experience on social media.
A British journalist who reportedly lost his legs in 2004 while reporting from the Middle East was forced to crawl across the cabin floor of a LOT Polish Airlines flight. The incident occurred due to the airline's lack of onboard wheelchair accessibility. Frank Gardner, a seasoned BBC correspondent, was returning from Warsaw when he saw what he characterized as a "shocking" incident.
What happened with the UK journalist on a flight?
Wow. It¡¯s 2024 and I¡¯ve just had to crawl along the floor of this LOT Polish airline to get to the toilet during a flight back from Warsaw as ¡°we don¡¯t have onboard wheelchairs. It¡¯s airline policy¡±. If you¡¯re disabled and you can¡¯t walk this is just discriminatory. pic.twitter.com/aFuxo89DR5
¡ª Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) September 30, 2024
Gardner wrote on X that he needed to use the restroom during the trip, but was told by the crew that the airline does not supply onboard wheelchairs. As a result, he had no choice but to crawl.
¡°Wow. It¡¯s 2024 and I¡¯ve just had to crawl along the floor of this LOT Polish airline to get to the toilet during a flight back from Warsaw as ¡®we don¡¯t have onboard wheelchairs. It¡¯s airline policy. If you¡¯re disabled and you can¡¯t walk this is just discriminatory,¡± Gardner wrote in his post.
Despite his anger, Gardner recognized the cabin crew's efforts.
In fairness to the cabin crew, they were as helpful and apologetic as they could be. Not their fault, it¡¯s the airline. Won¡¯t be flying LOT again until they join the 21st century.
¡ª Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) September 30, 2024
¡°In fairness to the cabin crew, they were as helpful and apologetic as they could be. Not their fault, it¡¯s the airline. Won¡¯t be flying LOT again until they join the 21st century,¡± he continued.
How did people on the internet react?
His social Facebook message elicited considerable empathy, with users expressing disbelief. Here's what people on the internet wrote.
Shocking - so sorry to hear this, isn¡¯t it time airlines are obliged to provide on board wheelchairs to be able to hold licences to fly into international airports
¡ª Hazel McIntyre (@HazelMcI1) September 30, 2024
Think this airline needs to be challenged on it's disability rights accessibility programme. Extraordinary that this should be happening in 2024.
¡ª Tim Hill (@TimHill72147966) September 30, 2024
Would it be so hard to make a wheelchair that runs along the same gunnels that the trolleys do, and can lock in place if necessary so that wheelchair users can get to and from their seats? Pretty sure they would only need one per aircraft.
¡ª Jules 16th ?? (@Jules16th) September 30, 2024
How is this still happening in 2024?! Absolutely appalling.
¡ª Kate ??? (@kejamieson_) September 30, 2024
Words fail
¡ª Eco Witch (@EcoWitch) September 30, 2024
Well done for showing them up though, you are one strong man
Also read: Watch: Pakistani journalist attacked by rampaging bull during live broadcast
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