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Southern Airways Denies Wheelchair Passenger, Cites Lift Exemption.

4/25/2026

44 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Marissa Bode was denied boarding on Southern Airways on April 23 after agents said her wheelchair was too heavy.
Southern Airways said its 28-seat aircraft are not required under the Air Carrier Access Act to provide lifts.
Gate staff explained that all Southern Airways planes have stairs, requiring passengers to ascend steps.
Bode drove three and a half hours, called the incident segregation, and said the airline should be ashamed.

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Story summary

Marissa Bode was denied boarding on Southern Airways on April 23 after agents said her wheelchair was too heavy.
Southern Airways said its 28-seat aircraft are not required under the Air Carrier Access Act to provide lifts.
Gate staff explained that all Southern Airways planes have stairs, requiring passengers to ascend steps.
Bode drove three and a half hours, called the incident segregation, and said the airline should be ashamed.