Wheelchair-User Denied Boarding Because She Was Traveling Alone

A traveler is rightfully angry at Hong Kong Airlines after they refused to let her board her flight because she was traveling alone.

Shen Chengqing is a 22-year-old wheelchair user and is used to flying on airlines, flying every month for the past six months without any issues and without a travel companion.

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However, on Friday, January 25th, Chengqing arrived at Hong Kong International Airport for a Hong Kong Airlines flight to Tianjin and was denied boarding. Staff informed her that she couldn’t take the three-hour flight because she was unaccompanied and couldn’t walk.

“Because of this reason, we refused to let her board the plane alone,” a Hong Kong Airlines employee allegedly told Chengqing’s friend who had accompanied her to the airport.

Hong Kong Airlines’ website recommends that passengers with disabilities travel with a personal care attendant, as cabin crew can’t assist passengers with the toilet, eating, or taking medication. They also mention that safety assistants may be required for those who need assistance in evacuating an aircraft in case of an emergency.

“I felt very anxious and angry at the time,” Chengqing told the South China Morning Post. “I don’t understand why this could happen in Hong Kong.”

She added, “I do not need help with eating or using the bathroom. All I need is assistance to move my wheelchair.”

According to the Independent, the airline gave her a written rejection stating she was turned away because she’s unable to walk long distances. This questionable decision caused Chengqing to have to pay for a one-way ticket flight the next day which cost her 2,000 yuan (or nearly $300 USD). She had to be accompanied by a friend.

Despite the airline's rules, Chengqing makes a very good point about how the airline is lacking in making their service accessible for all: “If there are safety concerns, there should be better facilities to ensure my safety, instead of not allowing me on a plane."