A California family is accusing American Airlines of discrimination after they say they were not allowed to board a cross-country flight because their son has Down syndrome.
Joan and Robert Vanderhorst and their son, Bede, 16, had first-class tickets to fly from Newark, N.J. to Los Angeles last weekend. But the family says that airline officials would not allow them to board the plane.
The airline contends that Bede was “excitable, running around and not acclimated to the environment,” claims that the family denies.
The Vanderhorsts say they have flown many times before with their son, but this was the first time they planned to fly first class. They believe that the airline did not want to seat someone with Down syndrome in the upgraded cabin.
The family was able to fly home on a United Airlines flight but say they were assigned seats in the last row of the plane with no one sitting near them, reports KTLA.
This is seriously scary and my apologies to this young man and his family. I have never flown first class but I would have become very angry that my money was “less worthy” than anyone else’s.
Ironically, seats in first-class would minimize the amount of time the person spends on the plane: since the first-class cabin is in the front of the craft, theoretically the kid could board *last* rather than first without causing traffic tie-ups, and being in the front means a much shorter wait to get off.
This child should have been allowed to board this plane. I only hope that awareness and training for the employees that created this entire situation begins immediately. I know lots of people with many different disabilities, this young man should have been welcomed and treated like all other passengers, like a customer who paid money for a service.
Please provide follow up reporting on this important story. If American Airlines did indeed conduct themselves in such a shameful and ignorant manner, they will likely lose business and the respect of current and prospective customers. My heart goes out to the Vanderhorst family.
I am sorry also, that this happened. I applaud the family for being willing to go public with their story and perhaps have an impact regarding stereotypes for people who are different. Best wishes.
What about the possibility that the airline’s refusal to board this boy was actually based on his behavior rather than his Down syndrome? He may have flown many times before, but perhaps his behavior this time was more out of control. If his parents were unable to help him get to the point where he wasn’t “excitable and running around”, maybe he really wasn’t ready to board a plane.
Assuming strictly for discussion’s sake that this teen was excessively energetic to board a plane–I’ve never encountered such a person, but I’ll presume they exist–that’s why I suggested that first-class may well be the best location for such a person, especially on a cross-country flight.
One can spend more time burning off energy in the terminal prior to boarding (arrange to board *last* with the gate staff, to be safe); one has a larger, more comfortable seat (so, hopefully less squirming problems) and an actual meal, rather than energy food like nuts/pretzels/soda; there’s fewer people around so less likely to have other distractions or problem stimuli; and one gets off the plane far faster. Takes about 10-15 minutes or more for the back of coach to deplane–I know. I’ve sat there. First class can probably give “Gone in 60 Seconds” a run for its money.
Sticking the highly energetic, too-extreme-to-fly person in the back of coach puts xyr through the entire planeload of traffic, noise, and other such stims. Coach aisle isn’t known for being wide, either. Probably two delays minimum whilst someone humps something into the overhead bins. Let’s not even think about being in a cramped seat that might not even recline. (The ethics of reclining one’s seat are another topic.)
In short, I think that an overly energetic person would be a far greater problem, both for the person and for the passengers. Thanks for your time.
@ Kathy – if that’s the case, then why were they not just rescheduled on another flight and why did they have to fly another airline home?
The article does not actually say that the airline refused to reschedule them. Perhaps they did, or perhaps it was the family’s choice to fly another airline. It would be interesting to know.
Shame on both airlines! These were paying customers! The guy was excited; can you blame him? A few kind words would have been useful in that situation, that all. The airlines need to do better when dealing with all people that have special needs, for everyone is just an accident away from a wheelchair!