A Disability Rights Advocate’s Wheelchair Damaged on Delta Air Lines Flight

On a recent Delta Air Lines flight, disability rights advocate Emily Ladau’s custom wheelchair was severely damaged. This was the third time her mobility device had been significantly damaged by an airline, leading her to believe that there are systemic failures within the aviation industry and a lack of accountability. Ladau expressed her frustration and disappointment with the situation, stating that upon learning her wheelchair was not on the jet bridge upon arrival at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, she knew that the aviation system was once again failing her as a disabled traveler.

Ladau recounted the incident, explaining that the complaint resolution officer informed her that her wheelchair had been involved in an “incident” and would not be delivered to her. The result was as expected, with her wheelchair being damaged beyond repair. This was not the first time this had happened, as Ladau had experienced previous incidents of damage while traveling.

As an author and disability rights advocate, Ladau was flying to Minneapolis for a speaking engagement when her wheelchair was damaged. She relies on a custom power wheelchair due to a genetic disability called Larsen Syndrome. Despite the challenges, she still gave her speech, but the trip became a frustrating reminder of the importance of her work in advocating for accessibility.

The emotional toll of the situation was evident when Ladau received her damaged wheelchair and broke down in tears in the baggage claim area. She described it as the most undignified situation she had ever experienced, as her wheelchair is an essential part of how she navigates the world. The process of watching it being rolled away from her in the middle of the airport was heartbreaking.

Delta Air Lines released a statement acknowledging the incident, apologizing for Ladau’s experience, and stating that they were actively working to address her needs and improve their services. However, Ladau’s experience is not uncommon, as several airlines have been reported to mishandle wheelchairs and other mobility devices. According to the Department of Transportation, in 2025, the 10 largest US airlines and their subsidiaries carried over 900,000 mobility devices and received over 9,000 reports of mishandling, a rate of 1. 09%.

Although there has been some improvement in these rates, Ladau emphasizes that the only acceptable number of wheelchair damage reports is zero. She also stated that she is unsure how long it will take for her $75,000 custom wheelchair to be replaced, leaving her to use a loaner chair from Delta’s contractor that is not the right size for her. This can lead to further complications and injuries, as a wheelchair that is not properly fitted to its user can cause sores and other issues.

Ladau acknowledged that everyone she has worked with at Delta has been professional and kind, but she still finds the situation frustrating.