Congressman Langevin outlines being denied flight because of wheelchair

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Congressman Jim Langevin relived a recent trip to the airport where he was denied access to a flight because of his wheelchair.

The congressman took to Twitter and spoke with ABC 6 News about the experience where he was set to be part of a delegation on a trip to Italy last month.

Langevin said they would not let him on the plane due to lithium batteries in his wheelchair.

The congressman said he tried to explain his wheelchair was within correct safety guidelines but he was ultimately not allowed on the flight.

“It’s outrageous that airlines are blocking wheelchair users from traveling with FAA-compliant mobility devices,” he said.

“If I was denied boarding on a government trip, what do you think is happening to people with disabilities on vacations, visiting family, or traveling for work?” the congressman concluded.

Langevin is now pushing to his bill that will strengthen protections for passengers with disabilities, called the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act.