A woman with multiple sclerosis is accusing Delta Air Lines’ customer service department of failing to provide the proper wheelchair when she landed and instead strapping her to a regular wheelchair with a blanket.
According to WSBTV.com, Maria Saliagas was preparing for a flight to Europe with her husband when the duo informed Delta of her need for a special wheelchair with straps to keep her upright.
Saliagas flew from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on April 1 as planned, but when the couple landed, Delta employees didn’t have the proper wheelchair with straps.
Instead of finding a suitable wheelchair, workers in Amsterdam tied Saliagas into a normal wheelchair with another passenger’s blanket. The family said the woman was left with bruises on her arms and the ordeal caused her emotional distress due to how she was treated.
Woman with MS says Delta staff tied her to wheelchair with blanket https://t.co/LcemDxB1Pd pic.twitter.com/6k3YmGTweE
— WAFF 48 (@waff48) April 25, 2018
“We regret the perception our service has left on these customers,” a Delta spokesperson told WSBTV. “We have reached out to them, not only to resolve their concerns, but also ensure that their return flight exceeds expectations.”
Saliagas was reportedly offered 20,000 free SkyMiles by the airline for the inconvenience of not having the proper wheelchair, but the family would rather see Delta’s policies change in order to protect other travelers with disabilities.
