Complaint Review: Delta Airlines

Lori, it's sad when airlines will not allow families who have members with such disablities as your son to be allowed to pre-board.  It takes a lot to get disabled people into their seats who are not capable of being able to stand or walk by themselves.  Anyone who thinks that you don't have a right to pre-board to get your son or any other physically disabled person into their seats without the hassles of other passengers in the aisle has never dealt with physically challenged people.  I have a grandson who cannot walk or sit by himself and I would be highly upset if my daughter or myself could not pre-board with him and get him settled in.  I believe in following rules, but there are always exceptions to the rules and you and your son were an exception.

I am mortified to read some of the absolutely vile responses in this complaint.

First of all most 1st class passengers (I use the term very loosly) do not pay out of pocket for their tickets. Many are comps for company paid flights. Secondly absolutely you should have been given time allowing you to preboard due to your circumstances. The need for you to do so would be obvious to a human being with normal thinking capasity. As for peter, who appears to lack one and marc (who spells marc with a c? oh yeah this loser) both are on the lower end of the human chain. I realize this was posted a while ago and can only hope the economic times have changed to their disadvantage and they are subject to a Karma they so clearly deserve.Lastly on behalf of the rest of society please accept my sincerest apologies for the behavior of a few knuckle dragging pigs with no character. Avoid delta at all costs, they hate all people.

As with any business, it is comprised of individuals.  Individuals are diverse, coming from a variety of cultures, races, creeds, and social backgrounds.  To charactorize ALL DELTA employees as rude and unhelpful and say that the airline does not care about its customers based on ONE experience with a few individuals is not fair.  I have had some very good experiences with Delta in the past, and I have had some unpleasant ones as well.  But overall, when I brought my complaints to the attention of corporate (Atlanta) they resolved it quickly and efficiently.  I have no complaints about Delta or any of its employees.  As with any business, there are going to be some people working there that are careless and rude (which will eventually result in thier dismissal once the appropriate persons find out about thier ill-treatment of customers) and unfortunately poor choices will be made in how to treat customers and VALID complaints like Lori's will be made.  Hopefully Delta made that right for you when you called or wrote to them.  I hope that they at least reprimanded or even dismissed the gate attendants that used such poor judgment.  An airline job is a good job--the benefits and pay are better than average.  Hopefully an example made of a couple bad apples will prevent the spoilage of the entire bushel (and subsequent bankruptcy of another airline and the loss of several thousand good paying jobs).  Please write and let us know of the outcome and response you got from Delta after this event.

The Big problem in America today is that 75% of the people that live in this USA, are the descendants of people that escaped from their own country, either because they were deported criminals, jail birds, or the unwanted ones. The DNA and the genes had passed from generation to generation and what we have today???? a lot of malcontent individuals willing to take advantage of any situation or just simply ripoff other people, they are willing to kill you if they have the chance or ripoff every penny that you have if you let them. Our justice system is a disgrace, Government is not there to protect the people but to fill their packets with millions of $$$$$ it is a complete decadence of the fabric of society and companies like Delta just do not care.
your best policy is NOT to use their services ever again. As per my family and friend (close to 640 people) will never fly Delta ever again and if every one will do the same, even if your circle of relatives friends is only 10 and if we can let 100,000 people know about abuses of Delta then we can make a BIG difference. 100,000 x 10 = 1,000.000 and x 10 = 10,000.000.00 individuals that will not be flying DELTA again, then they will think twice before they harass more people with their mistreat.
Good luck

I've only just read this report and I have to say that I'm appalled, not only at the gate attendant who would not let you pre-board but at some of the totally insensitive things some people have posted.

I'm disabled due to a bone disease called Osteonecrosis (bone death, look it up you guys). This started when I was 35 and I've had six operations, including both hips replaced. I have good days and bad days. That being said, I've never been denied pre-boarding.

And no, I don't sit at home collecting disability payments. I've worked full time thoughout my entire disability.

I personally think the punishment for taking handicapped spots should be for the offender to spend a day strapped into a wheelchair. Let them deal with trying to get in and out of a car without the extra space, doors slammed in your face by ignorant people, not being able to reach many items in the grocery store, etc. I think this would be a humbling experience for many.

Peter and Marc,

It doesn't matter whether you fly in first class or not, you don't treat people like trash just because they didn't pay for a higher priced ticket. Lori had every right to take her son on that plane, and she had every right to expect that he be treated with nothing less than "dignity and respect".

Lori should have never been expected to carry, drag and/or push her grown son down the aisle of that plane - only so people like you could gawk at him and feel satisfied that you went first. What a disgrace!

Also, if you have a problem with being seated next to a disabled person on the plane, then YOU are the one who needs to get off and find other transportation. Lori's son has the same rights as you, and he's not complaining = you are!

In addition, if the airline had allowed Lori to board her son first, it wouldn't have taken the plane any longer to take off, nor would it have disrupted any of the other passengers, including the ones in first class. Honestly, you guys must have something more important to gripe about than whether or not you are allowed to board a plane before a disabled person. Let's face it, this certainly doesn't appear to be about the price of the ticket, when you are allowed to board, or even where you sit, it's about you both having a problem with the fact that Lori's son is disabled.

As far as people who abuse handicapped parking spots... why should you care? You're not disabled. It doesn't impact you! You've got a million other spots, so find one and stop griping. Even if the parking spots are all full, one will become available a lot sooner than one of the very limited handicap spots that many disabled people need. Let me set the record straight: "Handicapped individuals do not obtain special privileges by having designated parking spots which help accommodate their needs". Try being grateful for the amount of parking spots you have available to you.

Let's remember, Lori's son was not "pretending to be disabled", but a HUMAN BEING who has the same rights as you and was treated illegally, extremely disrespectfully and against airline policy.

Finally, I don't believe for a minute that either of you have had so many disabled people be rude to you. In fact, after reading both your opinions regarding disabled individuals, I believe it's the other way around... you are the rude ones, which gives a disabled person no choice but to speak with authority.

The challenge: Please don't let a single disabled person go by without you taking the time to take the high road and say "hi" with a smile. (Please don't start griping "why should I have to....", because the bottom line is "you obviously don't", and that's why you are so angry) I believe that with an honest effort, you will meet a lot of wonderful people who lead very interesting lives. In fact, I believe that you will become better people and not be so angry all of the time. So - there ya go! Come on', are ya man enough to take the challenge?

After all, God didn't allow any of us to place an order when we were born. Be grateful for who you are and what you have to offer... it's better to give - than to take.

Let me know how it goes.

I first want to say that I am so sorry for the experience that you and your son had. Also, just so you know for future reference I know that Delta has seats on every flight that are blocked for passengers with special needs. Next time you are going to fly call the airline ahead of time and let them know that you need bulkhead seats and that you are traveling with your handicap son. They will gladly open the seats up for you. These seats are the front row. Easy access for handicap people and no one is getting in anyone else's way. It really sounds to me like you were dealing with a complete a*s at the gate. People like her do not need to have a job working with the public. If you have not already done so write a letter to Delta Corp. Customer Care or call the 800 number and speak to a supervisor. I know that Delta will go out of its way to try to make things right for you. That is why I am a PROUD Delta employee.

What a shame some of these repsonses are!
Most of you can't read obviously!

This woman and her son were asking for no special treatment! For those who fly on a regular basis, you know that boarding is always first for people with small children and other special needs! This woman was not asking for anything out of the ordinary!

As far as first class goes, what a joke! It should be called last class because most of the people who fly in it are real jerks. Not all, but most. Just because you have money, you expect special treatment? Wow, can you sleep well at night, knowing that you got seating before people with special needs? What cracks me up these days is that even theme/amusement parks are offering "first" class tickets. Pay extra and you don't have to stand in line. What does that teach our children? Sorry sweetie, even though mommy works two jobs and barely was able to scrape enough money together to bring you to the park, you have to let the rich kids go first. Just because some have more money doesn't make them better people!!! I will bet my last dollar I work harder than alot of those people, and yes, I have a college education. I just chose a field to work in that is more public service than money. That was my choice. However, I am sickened by the fact that you can "buy" your way a shortcut!

The airline should be ashamed of the way they treated you and your son. I could understand maybe one of the flight attendants having a bad day, but the entire crew and gate staff? Come on!

I think you should send a letter to Delta, and tell them how you were treated. Send it to the corporate office and the local airport. Send it to the local media! Why not!? Get the word out, so that others don't have to endure what you did!

I hope they at least respond to you, with an apology!
I also think you have to look past the idiots who post on here telling you that you don't deserve special treatment, etc. They are small minded. These are the people who, if ever put in your shoes, would be whining and crying. It's people like this who need to live your life for one day. Then maybe they would appreciate what they have. The ability to walk, talk, and take care of themselves!

Take care! Let us know what happens, if anything, from Delta.

Isn't there a law forcing companies to make access to areas possible for disabled persons easy, even if it means assistance, extra time and or services? I think somebody should look into it, are there any lawyers reading this?

Lori,

As I was reading these posts I saw that there are a lot of angry people out there. First of all, I would like to ask Peter and some of the others, what does a handicapped person look like? Can you tell by looking at someone if they have a handicap or not? I agree, the system is abused. I get very frustrated because my mother is handicapped and I have to park very far away because able bodied people are using the handicap parking spaces because they are too lazy to walk. Anyway, Peter, get over it. Be thankful that you don't have any handicaps to deal with instead of blaming the whole world because you have to wait an extra minute. Now back to you Lori. As I was mentioning, my mother has a very serious heart condition and she can not walk very far at all. Two years ago, she flew to Pittsburgh from Tampa. She had to change planes in Atlanta. There wasn't any problem going but on the flight back she experienced some difficulty. You see, she had to go quite a distant from where her flight landed to where she was making a connection. When I booked the flights I made it very clear that she needed a wheelchair. No problem. She would be taken care of. And for the most part, she was. However, when she landed in Atlanta to make the connection to Tampa, they refused to give her a wheelchair and they refused to give her a ride on the cart. (My 10 year old daughter was with her and knows that her grandmother cannot walk very far). Well, my mother struggled to get to the flight and did make it just in time but only after being ridiculed by the gate attendant (probably a relative of Peter's). She could have died of a heart attack, but that wouldn't matter to someone like you would it Peter? Your caught up in your selfish little better than everyone else world. I was very angry about this and immediately sent an e-mail to Delta letting them know what happened. I also let them know that I was probably going to contact my attorney. I never heard from them and then about 2 months later, we received a round trip ticket in the mail good for travel anywhere in the continental united states. Looks like the problem is with their help in Atlanta. We have never experienced problems anywhere else. Oh and by the way, Peter and Marc. It is easier for my mom to fly because she can't sit for very long periods of time but you wouldn't understand that either.

Lori,

As I was reading these posts I saw that there are a lot of angry people out there. First of all, I would like to ask Peter and some of the others, what does a handicapped person look like? Can you tell by looking at someone if they have a handicap or not? I agree, the system is abused. I get very frustrated because my mother is handicapped and I have to park very far away because able bodied people are using the handicap parking spaces because they are too lazy to walk. Anyway, Peter, get over it. Be thankful that you don't have any handicaps to deal with instead of blaming the whole world because you have to wait an extra minute. Now back to you Lori. As I was mentioning, my mother has a very serious heart condition and she can not walk very far at all. Two years ago, she flew to Pittsburgh from Tampa. She had to change planes in Atlanta. There wasn't any problem going but on the flight back she experienced some difficulty. You see, she had to go quite a distant from where her flight landed to where she was making a connection. When I booked the flights I made it very clear that she needed a wheelchair. No problem. She would be taken care of. And for the most part, she was. However, when she landed in Atlanta to make the connection to Tampa, they refused to give her a wheelchair and they refused to give her a ride on the cart. (My 10 year old daughter was with her and knows that her grandmother cannot walk very far). Well, my mother struggled to get to the flight and did make it just in time but only after being ridiculed by the gate attendant (probably a relative of Peter's). She could have died of a heart attack, but that wouldn't matter to someone like you would it Peter? Your caught up in your selfish little better than everyone else world. I was very angry about this and immediately sent an e-mail to Delta letting them know what happened. I also let them know that I was probably going to contact my attorney. I never heard from them and then about 2 months later, we received a round trip ticket in the mail good for travel anywhere in the continental united states. Looks like the problem is with their help in Atlanta. We have never experienced problems anywhere else. Oh and by the way, Peter and Marc. It is easier for my mom to fly because she can't sit for very long periods of time but you wouldn't understand that either.

Lori,

As I was reading these posts I saw that there are a lot of angry people out there. First of all, I would like to ask Peter and some of the others, what does a handicapped person look like? Can you tell by looking at someone if they have a handicap or not? I agree, the system is abused. I get very frustrated because my mother is handicapped and I have to park very far away because able bodied people are using the handicap parking spaces because they are too lazy to walk. Anyway, Peter, get over it. Be thankful that you don't have any handicaps to deal with instead of blaming the whole world because you have to wait an extra minute. Now back to you Lori. As I was mentioning, my mother has a very serious heart condition and she can not walk very far at all. Two years ago, she flew to Pittsburgh from Tampa. She had to change planes in Atlanta. There wasn't any problem going but on the flight back she experienced some difficulty. You see, she had to go quite a distant from where her flight landed to where she was making a connection. When I booked the flights I made it very clear that she needed a wheelchair. No problem. She would be taken care of. And for the most part, she was. However, when she landed in Atlanta to make the connection to Tampa, they refused to give her a wheelchair and they refused to give her a ride on the cart. (My 10 year old daughter was with her and knows that her grandmother cannot walk very far). Well, my mother struggled to get to the flight and did make it just in time but only after being ridiculed by the gate attendant (probably a relative of Peter's). She could have died of a heart attack, but that wouldn't matter to someone like you would it Peter? Your caught up in your selfish little better than everyone else world. I was very angry about this and immediately sent an e-mail to Delta letting them know what happened. I also let them know that I was probably going to contact my attorney. I never heard from them and then about 2 months later, we received a round trip ticket in the mail good for travel anywhere in the continental united states. Looks like the problem is with their help in Atlanta. We have never experienced problems anywhere else. Oh and by the way, Peter and Marc. It is easier for my mom to fly because she can't sit for very long periods of time but you wouldn't understand that either.

Lori,

As I was reading these posts I saw that there are a lot of angry people out there. First of all, I would like to ask Peter and some of the others, what does a handicapped person look like? Can you tell by looking at someone if they have a handicap or not? I agree, the system is abused. I get very frustrated because my mother is handicapped and I have to park very far away because able bodied people are using the handicap parking spaces because they are too lazy to walk. Anyway, Peter, get over it. Be thankful that you don't have any handicaps to deal with instead of blaming the whole world because you have to wait an extra minute. Now back to you Lori. As I was mentioning, my mother has a very serious heart condition and she can not walk very far at all. Two years ago, she flew to Pittsburgh from Tampa. She had to change planes in Atlanta. There wasn't any problem going but on the flight back she experienced some difficulty. You see, she had to go quite a distant from where her flight landed to where she was making a connection. When I booked the flights I made it very clear that she needed a wheelchair. No problem. She would be taken care of. And for the most part, she was. However, when she landed in Atlanta to make the connection to Tampa, they refused to give her a wheelchair and they refused to give her a ride on the cart. (My 10 year old daughter was with her and knows that her grandmother cannot walk very far). Well, my mother struggled to get to the flight and did make it just in time but only after being ridiculed by the gate attendant (probably a relative of Peter's). She could have died of a heart attack, but that wouldn't matter to someone like you would it Peter? Your caught up in your selfish little better than everyone else world. I was very angry about this and immediately sent an e-mail to Delta letting them know what happened. I also let them know that I was probably going to contact my attorney. I never heard from them and then about 2 months later, we received a round trip ticket in the mail good for travel anywhere in the continental united states. Looks like the problem is with their help in Atlanta. We have never experienced problems anywhere else. Oh and by the way, Peter and Marc. It is easier for my mom to fly because she can't sit for very long periods of time but you wouldn't understand that either.

Thanks for the Spoon Theory! I have Lupus, and discover every day something new that I can and cannot do. I find that when one area of your life is hindered, you can excel in another to make your life just as meaningful and rich.

There are times when we need help from others to make our lives the very best that they can be. This is where Lori comes in..I have seen her spend her time, money and heart to help her son experience life to the fullest potential. It is not easy to prepare a grown man to leave the house for the day, and much harder to prepare him to travel. I am sure that Lori was emotionally and physically exausted by the time she arrived at the airport. It is a chore for most people to prepare to travel, much less getting yourself and someone else with special needs.

Lori is racing against time with her son. His life expectancy was a maximum 18 years. He is now 23! Lori has squeezed in a lifetime of experiences for her son, ranging from Dog sledding to Las Vegas. Lori uses the good times to out weigh the bad as he has endured many operations on his legs, along with numerous other medical procedures.

I take pity on those, like Marc and Peter, who are so self centered and serving that they haven't the basic understanding of people who are sick. Who is really sick here?
Did you not ever need the assistance of a parent when you were sick? Should your mommy have told you to just get over it and out of my way! If this is the case, then I can understand why you would think the way you do..we forgive you, for you know not what you do..hum, I've heard that before..

While I don't have lupus that we know of, I do have other auto immune diseases that at times require me to use a wheelchair if I want to go further than around my apartment. Better to be pushed around than hold up other people with my very slow walking and having to take steps one at a time like a young child, I would ask to preboard or board last as to not inconvenience
the able bodied.

You ever get to my house Marc, I'd be the first in line to roll over your toes. I never complain, I don't cut in lines and I don't expect anything special from anyone.

Lori, I send you some of my spoons for you and your son. If you take the time to read the story below, written by a very wonderful lady who has lupus, you will understand what exactly I just gave you. Ignore the ignorant who have posted here and I hope Delta offers you some compensation for such rude behavior on their part.

--------------------

The Spoon Theory

My best friend and I were in the diner, talking. As usual, it was very late and we were eating French fries with gravy. Like normal girls our age, we spent a lot of time in the diner while in college, and most of the time we spent talking about boys, music or trivial things, that seemed very important at the time. We never got serious about anything in particular and spent most of our time laughing.


As I went to take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she watched me with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation. She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be sick. I was shocked not only because she asked the random question, but also because I assumed she knew all there was to know about Lupus. She came to doctors with me, she saw me walk with a cane, and throw up in the bathroom. She had seen me cry in pain, what else was there to know?

I started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept pursuing, and didn't seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little surprised as being my roommate in college and friend for years; I thought she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt like to be me, to be sick.

As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the table for help or guidance, or at least stall for time to think. I was trying to find the right words. How do I answer a question I never was able to answer for myself? How do I explain every detail of every day being effected, and give the emotions a sick person goes through with clarity. I could have given up, cracked a joke like I usually do, and changed the subject, but I remember thinking if I don't try to explain this, how could I ever expect her to understand. If I can't explain this to my best friend, how could I explain my world to anyone else? I had to at least try.

At that moment, the spoon theory was born. I quickly grabbed every spoon on the table; hell I grabbed spoons off of the other tables. I looked at her in the eyes and said Here you go, you have Lupus. She looked at me slightly confused, as anyone would when they are being handed a bouquet of spoons. The cold metal spoons clanked in my hands, as I grouped them together and shoved them into her hands.

I explained that the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn't have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted.

Most people start the day with unlimited amount of possibilities, and energy to do whatever they desire, especially young people. For the most part, they do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. So for my explanation, I used spoons to convey this point. I wanted something for her to actually hold, for me to then take away, since most people who get sick feel a loss of a life they once knew. If I was in control of taking away the spoons, then she would know what it feels like to have someone or something else, in this case Lupus, being in control.

She grabbed the spoons with excitement. She didn't understand what I was doing, but she is always up for a good time, so I guess she thought I was cracking a joke of some kind like I usually do when talking about touchy topics. Little did she know how serious I would become?

I asked her to count her spoons. She asked why, and I explained that when you are healthy you expect to have a never-ending supply of "spoons". But when you have to now plan your day, you need to know exactly how many spoons you are starting with. It doesn't guarantee that you might not lose some along the way, but at least it helps to know where you are starting. She counted out 12 spoons. She laughed and said she wanted more. I said no, and I knew right away that this little game would work, when she looked disappointed, and we hadn't even started yet. I've wanted more "spoons" for years and haven't found a way yet to get more, why should she? I also told her to always be conscious of how many she had, and not to drop them because she can never forget she has Lupus.

I asked her to list off the tasks of her day, including the most simple. As, she rattled off daily chores, or just fun things to do; I explained how each one would cost her a spoon. When she jumped right into getting ready for work as her first task of the morning, I cut her off and took away a spoon. I practically jumped down her throat. I said " No! You don't just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize you are late. You didn't sleep well the night before. You have to crawl out of bed, and then you have to make your self something to eat before you can do anything else, because if you don't, you can't take your medicine, and if you don't take your medicine you might as well give up all your spoons for today and tomorrow too." I quickly took away a spoon and she realized she hasn't even gotten dressed yet. Showering cost her a spoon, just for washing her hair and shaving her legs. Reaching high and low that early in the morning could actually cost more than one spoon, but I figured I would give her a break; I didn't want to scare her right away. Getting dressed was worth another spoon. I stopped her and broke down every task to show her how every little detail needs to be thought about. You cannot simply just throw clothes on when you are sick. I explained that I have to see what clothes I can physically put on, if my hands hurt that day buttons are out of the question. If I have bruises that day, I need to wear long sleeves, and if I have a fever I need a sweater to stay warm and so on. If my hair is falling out I need to spend more time to look presentable, and then you need to factor in another 5 minutes for feeling badly that it took you 2 hours to do all this.

I think she was starting to understand when she theoretically didn't even get to work, and she was left with 6 spoons. I then explained to her that she needed to choose the rest of her day wisely, since when your spoons are gone, they are gone. Sometimes you can borrow against tomorrow's "spoons", but just think how hard tomorrow will be with less "spoons". I also needed to explain that a person who is sick always lives with the looming thought that tomorrow may be the day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that could be very dangerous. So you do not want to run low on "spoons", because you never know when you truly will need them. I didn't want to depress her, but I needed to be realistic, and unfortunately being prepared for the worst is part of a real day for me.

We went through the rest of the day, and she slowly learned that skipping lunch would cost her a spoon, as well as standing on a train, or even typing at her computer too long. She was forced to make choices and think about things differently. Hypothetically, she had to choose not to run errands, so that she could eat dinner that night.

When we got to the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked, she wouldn't have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also explained, that I didn't even bother to add into this game, that she was so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7pm, you have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can't do it all.

I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn't want my friend to be upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone understood me a little bit. She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly Christine, How do you do it? Do you really do this everyday? I explained that some days were worse then others; some days I have more spoons then most. But I can never make it go away and I can't forget about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had been holding in reserve. I said simply, I have learned to live life with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be prepared

Its hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day's plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It is in that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I miss never having to count "spoons".

After we were emotional and talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not complain so much when I can't go out for dinner some nights, or when I never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine. I gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in my hand and I said Don't worry. I see this as a blessing. I have been forced to think about everything I do. Do you know how many spoons people waste everyday? I don't have room for wasted time, or wasted spoons and I chose to spend this time with you.

Ever since this night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people. In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they live their life a little differently too. I think it isn't just good for understanding Lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness. Hopefully, they don't take so much for granted or their life in general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with them, because they have one of my "spoons".

I find it unfortunate that those people who are physically challenged are labeled "handicapped" while others walk around seemingly physically normal but emotionally fragile, intellectually dull,and the diapers should be placed on their mouths. Who is more handicapped?

I know Lori's son, and he is very intelligent, and holds down a job. On the other hand, I also have seen perfectly able people who live on welfare and refuse to work. Again, who is more handicapped?

Lori's son has been kind and gracious towards people who behave badly. How about we do the same, by stepping back and giving him a minute.

First of all while Marc and others who may seem "insensitive" do have valid points concerning the handicapped. While much abuse for parking stickers and use of motorized transportation is being abused along with picking up money from the government coming out of our pockets, then we as a whole must do something about it. Perhaps if you see someone pretending to be handicapped...MAKE THEM A d**n HANDICAP! That should fix it.

I agree I get upset and it makes no sense that someone can park right next to the mall, then walk around it for 4 hours. That doesn't make sense. It is upsetting when parking is simply tough to find and as you're having to park three blocks down the street (I live in the city of Houston) and have to walk that distance to get to the mall, right before you get to the front door, you walk over 15 EMPTY handicapped spaces while watching some schmuck walk up to his car hopping and skipping like a 10 year old. Sorry, I didn't happen to have my camera at the time, so I couldn't take a picture. I figured maybe I should run him over with his own car and make him handicapped. I'd validate his parking and my feelings at the same time!

On another note, I did see a handicapped guy parked in one of OUR spots and promptly beat the s**t OUT OF HIM, but that is a whole differently story!

Anyhow, back to the original issue. I suppose I'm curious because I haven't flown in years, but I remember them saying "women, children and those with special needs" please board at this time. I remember thinking "wow, if I was only lucky enough to have knocked someone up or slammed my truck drunk into a wall, I'd be boarding right now" but it didn't matter. By the way, while I am thinking about it, are really fat people considered "those with special needs"? Very curious. I'd think you'd want them to board first in case they can't find two seats together.

Then you consider people in wheelchairs and such and I'm using some logic here. First of all, they are quads, so they aren't moving anywhere and pretty much are going to be as rested where they are before or after boarding the plane right? The plane also isn't going to take off without everyone boarding that paid correct? Why does it matter who gets on first or last? Maybe the non-handicapped can get their asses on first, take their seats and not be as much in the way as a person who can't physically move to get OUT of the way or is in a wheelchair wouldn't you think? That's pretty logical. And the rich Bush loving losers can sit their asses in their spot up front and suck on a drink or two while everyone in the back is figuring it out. It seems to me that the only thing that really needs to be done with the handicapped is pick them out and designate a seat (this can be done by the all so helpful boarding crew" and reserve that seat. Then board everyone, then this "person of special needs" can then be moved to that spot after the plane has settled down a bit. Doesn't this make sense?

it seems we're all trying to complain about who should board first or last or have special priviledges when the real point should be the best way to load the plane I'd think. See, back to the really fat guy. Reserve two seats for him first of all (yes, together would be a good idea). Then let him board last and take him directly to his seat after everyone else is sitting. Why have his fat a*s take up the aisles while other "normal people" are trying to board?

Then what about the MENTALLY handicapped? Do they get special treatment. Sure they can walk OK, but they might load their pants up also on the plane. Nobody wants to be next to them. Nobody wants to be next to the drunk loser that hasn't bathed in a few days either.

Which brings me to something else I read that made me laugh. Someone was knocking Marc for being insensitive earlier and almost in the same breath turned around and made a really BAD remark about a homeless, smelly person in a very negative manner. Yeh, that sounded real sensitive.

I have read a LOT of hypocritiscm above, but other than who is right and who is wrong and who should get to board first, nobody seemed to simply think about the best way to board the d**n plane.

Hope this helps.

First of all; to Lori(great name by the way): My heart goes out to you and your son. Being a CNA I have worked with people with "special needs" for quite awhile. Delta should be ashamed of themselves. It is no wonder they are in bankruptcy because of attitudes like this. Did they, by chance, violate any part of the Americans with Disabilities Act? If so, file a complaint.

Now on to Marc, Peter, R, and everyone else who shares their opinion. Y'all are a bunch of insensitive jerks and I hope there comes a time when you, or a loved one, becomes wheelchair bound and you can see for yourself just how much fun it is trying to get around in one.

Lori that is sad, and uncalled for by Delta If you avent already done so.. call 1800-221-1212 ask for a Customer Service Supervisor, then ask them for a CRO

Compaliant Resolution Officer,

or you could make a compaint at the DOT

Marc for you to even tell this woman to find a different way to travel is upsitting. Have you any respect for people disabled? You are very selfish and a unkind person. The bible teaches us to care for the unfortune and I would say this is a test from God. You FAILED!!!! I will pray that God shall shed his mercy and grace on you. As for you Lori I pray that God will protect you and your son from this type of nonsense. I hope you never have to experience this again. May God truly Bless You.

Marc your statement:
"I was in a store looking at an item when a busload of the "handi-capped" was dropped off. A woman on one of those scooters pushed me, saying, "Excuse me, excuse me," all the while pressuring my leg with the scooter."


so you couldn't get out of their way marc? you had to be insenstive and not allow room for them? The woman did say excuse me. YOU did see them exit the bus, didn't you? You knew they were there? So why be an @$$ and be part of the problem?
They are not "royalty". Because of the charis they use, they require MORE room that you do. So give them their space. or move away if they are coming toward you. what's 20 more seconds of inconvenience out of your life?


Marc your statement:
"Five minutes later it happened again with another person, this time hitting my ankle and it hurt. It was no accident, they had both slowly applied increasing pressure with their scooters."

And you have proof of this right?
Yeah marc, all handicapped or wheel chari bound people are out to get you!

Marc your statemetn:
"Also, I see a LOT of abuse of handicapped stickers being loaned out to teenagers and other able-bodied people. Just look around and you'll see it yourself. Nobody does anything about the abuse, and these tards rub our noses in it."


YOu do know you can call the state to get these "people" in trouble. I carry a camera with me 24/7. Why? Cause You never know when you need one. See a person abusing this priviledge? Take a picture, put in a complainT AND GET ONT WITH YOUR LIFE!

Marc:
"I for one am sick of it. Living in Honolulu, I know Denny sees this every day, this place is the biggest bleeding heart place there is. Parking placards are given out to anyone remotely related to a polititian. The news even did a story about it."

So complain. Doibng nothing will do you nothing. Dosing something gets things changed.

You're one of those "complain and whine" but dont do crap type of people aren't you?

Marc your statement:
"I was in a store looking at an item when a busload of the "handi-capped" was dropped off. A woman on one of those scooters pushed me, saying, "Excuse me, excuse me," all the while pressuring my leg with the scooter."


so you couldn't get out of their way marc? you had to be insenstive and not allow room for them? The woman did say excuse me. YOU did see them exit the bus, didn't you? You knew they were there? So why be an @$$ and be part of the problem?
They are not "royalty". Because of the charis they use, they require MORE room that you do. So give them their space. or move away if they are coming toward you. what's 20 more seconds of inconvenience out of your life?


Marc your statement:
"Five minutes later it happened again with another person, this time hitting my ankle and it hurt. It was no accident, they had both slowly applied increasing pressure with their scooters."

And you have proof of this right?
Yeah marc, all handicapped or wheel chari bound people are out to get you!

Marc your statemetn:
"Also, I see a LOT of abuse of handicapped stickers being loaned out to teenagers and other able-bodied people. Just look around and you'll see it yourself. Nobody does anything about the abuse, and these tards rub our noses in it."


YOu do know you can call the state to get these "people" in trouble. I carry a camera with me 24/7. Why? Cause You never know when you need one. See a person abusing this priviledge? Take a picture, put in a complainT AND GET ONT WITH YOUR LIFE!

Marc:
"I for one am sick of it. Living in Honolulu, I know Denny sees this every day, this place is the biggest bleeding heart place there is. Parking placards are given out to anyone remotely related to a polititian. The news even did a story about it."

So complain. Doibng nothing will do you nothing. Dosing something gets things changed.

You're one of those "complain and whine" but dont do crap type of people aren't you?

Marc your statement:
"I was in a store looking at an item when a busload of the "handi-capped" was dropped off. A woman on one of those scooters pushed me, saying, "Excuse me, excuse me," all the while pressuring my leg with the scooter."


so you couldn't get out of their way marc? you had to be insenstive and not allow room for them? The woman did say excuse me. YOU did see them exit the bus, didn't you? You knew they were there? So why be an @$$ and be part of the problem?
They are not "royalty". Because of the charis they use, they require MORE room that you do. So give them their space. or move away if they are coming toward you. what's 20 more seconds of inconvenience out of your life?


Marc your statement:
"Five minutes later it happened again with another person, this time hitting my ankle and it hurt. It was no accident, they had both slowly applied increasing pressure with their scooters."

And you have proof of this right?
Yeah marc, all handicapped or wheel chari bound people are out to get you!

Marc your statemetn:
"Also, I see a LOT of abuse of handicapped stickers being loaned out to teenagers and other able-bodied people. Just look around and you'll see it yourself. Nobody does anything about the abuse, and these tards rub our noses in it."


YOu do know you can call the state to get these "people" in trouble. I carry a camera with me 24/7. Why? Cause You never know when you need one. See a person abusing this priviledge? Take a picture, put in a complainT AND GET ONT WITH YOUR LIFE!

Marc:
"I for one am sick of it. Living in Honolulu, I know Denny sees this every day, this place is the biggest bleeding heart place there is. Parking placards are given out to anyone remotely related to a polititian. The news even did a story about it."

So complain. Doibng nothing will do you nothing. Dosing something gets things changed.

You're one of those "complain and whine" but dont do crap type of people aren't you?

I cannot believe some of the previous statements! Not all handicapped people can be grouped together as they have been in these posts.

These insensitive people are the ones that deserve to be hit head on by a drunk driver and spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair... then have people stare at them, give them no sympathy, and have them be completely unable to do anything for themselves.

Why is it GOOD HEARTED people end up in these situations instead of these inhumane people?
As a caregiver to my quadrapelgic boyfriend, I will take Lori's information to heart, and know never to travel Delta.

For standing up to this crap. I was recently at the San Diego Zoo. Me and my four year old were in the front of one of the more popular exhibits, the orangatans I believe. It was very crowded. Through the crowd comes this lunatic pushing a wheel chair shoving everyone out of the way. He actually came up to us, and then attempted to shove my son out of the way with the wheelchair. He and I exchanged words. But after about 3 seconds, I realized what an idiot I was dealing with, so I just got out of his way watched him proceed to barrell his way through the crowd.

I fly a lot, over 100K per year, and I find the handicapped to be completely obnoxious and unreasonable, shoving their way around and ordering the flight attendants around. They should buy first class tickets or pay more for the extra service.

Why should they pay coach for first class privileges??

And if your'e a flight attendant do you want to put up with a vegetable crapping himself or drooling on himself for what these people get paid.

I was in a store looking at an item when a busload of the "handi-capped" was dropped off. A woman on one of those scooters pushed me, saying, "Excuse me, excuse me," all the while pressuring my leg with the scooter. Five minutes later it happened again with another person, this time hitting my ankle and it hurt. It was no accident, they had both slowly applied increasing pressure with their scooters. The second time, I said, "Back the f*** off, idiot." I noticed other people in the store were having the same problem. Also, I see a LOT of abuse of handicapped stickers being loaned out to teenagers and other able-bodied people. Just look around and you'll see it yourself. Nobody does anything about the abuse, and these tards rub our noses in it. I for one am sick of it. Living in Honolulu, I know Denny sees this every day, this place is the biggest bleeding heart place there is. Parking placards are given out to anyone remotely related to a polititian. The news even did a story about it.

AGain peter, show his true colors, ..its not about "me first" peter, its about being courteous to those who are inconvenience due to an ailment, that they were born with (can you control that?) or an accident (can you control that?)

peter, codemning the handicapped because of their situation is not only uncaring, but its also crass. heaven forbid should you lose both legs and be subjected to a wheelchair for the rest of your life.

Wouldn't you rather have these few board first, while the plane is empty 10 mintues prior to others so they ARE out of the way for you? I would rather have them be comfortable so that I can board the plane without bumping into them.

They are human beings too, but you and marc seem to be lower class amoebas.

And as for Handicaps at Disneyworld. Those with the Handicaps must WAIT IN line like the REST of the crowd, and only when their group reaches the front, are they allowed to join them. I worked at Disneyworld and that is the rules they followed.

Maybe your distates for those that are disabled are clouding your judgement. As poor as it is.

Lord peter, I hope that someone out there puts you and marc in your place ( quadraplegic without help from anyone ).

I feel for the mother. What the airline did was pathetic at best. I see no reason she and her son could not board first. I fly 1st Class when I fly, and I don't see why I get to board first. She had to carry her son.

This isn't about getting the good parking spots. It's about having to deal with an airline that didn't follow their own boarding policy.

This is where my twisted view of justice comes into play. Take a baseball bat and destroy the elbows and knees of the stewardess. While she's flopping on the floor, tell her to move out of the way...you're trying to board. She'll get the idea at that exact point in her life.

As for the majority of the "handicapped", puhlease! I see them walk into the store and hop into a scooter. Most of them weigh about 400lbs. Their only handicap is getting tired when they walk. Most of them are just lazy. Lose the weight and they won't get tired. I know a guy who gets disbility checks for having one lung. Can't walk without getting winded, he says. Sure. He can walk a mile carrying a 200 pound deer out of the woods, alone. Handicapped my a*s.

Notice how many "handicapped" people we have since the taxpayers(Governmet theft) started funding the electric chairs? Stop that idiotic program and these people will start walking again. I also like how they want everyone to think of them as an equal, then demand special treatment. I have no problem with requiring big toilet stalls and ramps when the building is going up. Requiring someone to completely remodel to accomodate someone is stupid. Remember the FRIVOLOUS lawsuits against strip-bars because the stage wasn't wheelchair accessible? Yep...don't you just know everyone wants to see a hover-round on stage with a naked cripple? Only thing that would make that fun to watch is if the girl had a cup of HOT coffee in her lap while she did her act.

There is a Municipal Park in Marshfield MA that was closed because of ONE handicapped person. The skateboard park was built by a group of individuals, and after they made their money back with it, gave it to the City. There was ONE picnic table and ONE bench(out of over 50) that was NOT accessible to him. Rather than tell this idiot to piss off, the City closed the Park entirely. He also could not use the "bowl" that the skateboarders play in. Gee, I wonder if it's because HE'S IN A FRIGGIN' WHEELCHAIR?!!!!! Unreal.

If the people who want everything to be done especially for them had to pay for it out of their own pockets, they would just shut the hell up and live with it. You're in a wheelchair, deal with it.

As for the OP, I feel for you ma'am. I would suggest making prior arrangements for your son concerning his needs with the airlines. Either that, or carry a bat ;).

I travel on Delta frequently, in both first class and coach, and the ONLY rude, inconsiderate personnel I have encountered are at Atlanta. I try to avoid that airport as much as possible. You should have been allowed to board early in order to situate your son so that others boarding were not inconvenienced, and you were not subject to such humiliation. I wouldn't blame it on the airline. I would blame it on a on a worker with attitude. That seems to abound at Atlanta. Contact the corporate offices with your very valid complaint.

I agree completely! This "ME FIRST" mentality among the wheelchair-bound handicaps is getting completely out of hand. They demand to be treated "equally" as non-handicapped people, yet turn around and expect special treatment at every opportunity. HELLO ... You can't have your cake and eat it too!!!

I remember my last trip to Disney World, having to wait in line for the most popular attractions. Yet, handicaps simply cut to the front of the line, proudly wheeling their motorized chairs past all those who were patiently waiting and getting onto the rides first. Funny how they don't want to be treated equally at that moment, huh? I say if they are able to get their wheels onto a ride, they are also able to wait in line.

Same thing goes for parking. Look how many handicapped parking spaces there are in front of the mall. Then look how huge the mall is. If you can't park in a regular, first-come-first-serve parking space like everyone else, how in the world are you going to be able to navigate a huge mall??

I for one think that this special treatment has got to stop!

i have been in a few airports recently and have to say that i have heard the pre-boarding announcements and they are not only for 1st class and people with children. lori, if i were treated that way i would have no doubt, definately INSISTED on being allowed to pre-board. i would have been in tears too! do make sure you contact the company and hopefully get a discount off your next flight, or maybe you should just forget delta and go with a more compassionate sympathetic carrier.
as for marc, you sir have a very ignorant, rude attitude! so what you are saying is that lori and her son should have to DRIVE everywhere they go even if it takes days to get there, just so they are not an inconvenience to people with the same low mentality as you??!!
is this the attitude that you would like people to have if, god forbid, YOU ever became handicapped? people with disabilities already have a hard enough time doing simple, everyday things that we "normal" people take for granted, why should it be made harder for them because of uncaring people like you?
have some compassion, maybe someday you or one of your loved ones will be in lori's son's unfortunate position.

Marc, just because First Class people pay twice as much for a plane ticket doesn't make them higher class of people. They dont deserve to be boarded first , but they are given the opportunity to do so. Airlines DO not have to allow first class passengers to board first.

Those with special needs should be allowed time to board, especially if they have no WAY OF WALKING ON THEIR OWN!

The woman didn't inconvenience ANYONE. The airline INCONVENIENCED her by not allowing her to pre-board along with those allowed to ( first class, parents with small kids, those with special needs) .

marc, you are disgrace and im very sad that you are even a citizen of Hawaii. Your attitude is much more disgusting and pigheaded than a homeless man with body odor.

Marc, since you lve in hawaii, tell me how a parapalegic person can take a "van" to California? I think that thing we call an ocean would cause a problem for said van.

What if the person in the report had to go to a funeral? And the funeral was in Washington state, and they had to come in from Florida? Tell me what "handi van" service can make that trip in two days?

Airline flights are important to EVERYONE, not just a select few.

Grow up marc.

You inconvienced a lot of people by dragging your son onto a plane in the first place and should have made other arrangements. First class passengers pay a lot to NOT be bothered with you blocking the aisle. I imagine the people sitting around your son really enjoyed your diaper problem, especially if he loaded it up during the flight. I'm sorry, but I for one am sick of do-gooders that think that we are supposed to always get out of your way. Handi-vans blocking traffic, public restrooms closed for the rest of us, too much money spent on accomodating wheelchairs, you folks need to lighten up. They make special vans for your kind of problem, but instead of using one, allowing travel time and inconviencing yourself, you chose to inflict your problem on the rest of us and play the guilt card on anyone that doesn't jump out of your way.

Lori, I am sorry to hear about this incident. Reading your story and some of the responses brought me to tears. It is true that when they call pre boarding passengers it is for First Class, Persons needing more time, and persons with infants and small children.

As a travel agent this upsets me very much so. I had my own bad experience with Delta losing my luggage Christmas day 2004. I had gifts in it that were valued over $500.00 and all my clothes and more were lost, it is now Nov 1 and I still have not seen my luggage.

Should you ever need assistance please call our travel emergency hotline 1-866-548-2228 Ext. 9. One of our professional travel agents will assist you anytime you need it 24 hours a day.

Should you need further reservations and to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch please call us to make your plans we will make sure nothing goes wrong or we will fix it RIGHT AWAY.

Sorry Your Expereience Was Bad,

Delta Customer Commitment

At the Airport

7. We will provide you with information about our policies and procedures for accommodating disabled and special needs customers, and unaccompanied minors.


Disabled and Special Needs Customers
We currently offer:
o Transportation to and from gates either by wheelchair or, in several locations, electric cart.
o Boarding assistance.
o Assistance with vision, hearing or mobility difficulties while in the airport and on the plane.
o Accommodation for certain medical requirements, such as onboard oxygen service or dietary needs, with proper notice (see Travel section, Traveler Services, Services for the Disabled, or call xxx-xxx-xxxx

So yes you are right - you should have pre-boarded with the other pre-board passengers.
Hope this helps

Here is a LINK to the GOVT INFO on your rights & the airline requirements on Air Travel & such;

http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/horizons.htm#PassengerInformation

Here is a excerpt from the above link about BOARDING;

"Boarding and Deplaning

Properly trained service personnel who are knowledgeable on how to assist individuals with a disability in boarding and exiting must be available if needed. Equipment used for assisting passengers must be kept in good working condition.

Boarding and exiting most medium and large-size jet aircraft is almost always by way of level boarding ramps or mobile lounges, which must be accessible. If ramps or mobile lounges are not used, then on most flights using aircraft with 19 or more seats a lifting device (other than a device used for freight) must be provided to assist persons with limited mobility safely on and off the aircraft. On flights on smaller aircraft, passengers with mobility impairments are generally carried up and down the aircraft's boarding stairs using a "boarding chair." Airlines are not permitted to hand-carry passengers on and off aircraft, i.e., to directly pick a passenger's body in the arms of airline personnel.

In order to provide some personal assistance and extra time, the air carrier may offer a passenger with a disability, or any passenger that may be in need of assistance, the opportunity to pre-board the aircraft. The passenger has the option to accept or decline the offer.

On connecting flights, the delivering carrier is responsible for providing assistance to the individual with a disability in reaching his or her connecting flight.

Carriers cannot leave a passenger unattended for more than 30 minutes in a ground wheelchair, boarding chair, or other device in which the passenger is not independently mobile."

To clear up the bitter Peter's erroneous remarks...pre-boarding is not solely a prize for higher-paying first-class customers, nor just a convenience for those fortunate enough to have kids.

Actually, to my knowledge, the pre-boarding announcement resembles the following: "We will now begin pre-boarding for all of our first-class passengers, those travelling with infants or small children, or anyone needing extra time or special assistance boarding the aircraft."

Somehow, I think being quadrapelgic would qualify one as needing extra time or special assistance.

Peter's rebuttal was simply a childish response, written for the sole purpose of getting under your skin. No basis on reality or fact.

When I booked our trip I called the airlines to let them know my son would be traveling with his wheelchair.We also called the day before our trip.We arrived at the airport 3 hours early and checked in right away.We were at the gate before the gate agents.What more could I have done? As for Peter,The passengers in my way were !st class passengers.They should have been sitting down with there their drinks(poor tired rich people) and if you think it takes time to put strollers away,try a diaper bag for an a adult,a wheelchair,footrests,and a tray.I hope nothing ever happens to you to need special assistance.You will yelling the loudest.All I was trying to do was take my son to the World of Coca-Cola and show him a good time.No one deserves the rude treatment we were given by this airlines.This won't stop from showing my wonderful son the world but I won't be doing it on Delta.Ever since I adopted him 21 years ago,he has been a blessing in my life and has taught me many things.Like kindness,humor,And paitence.

d**n man, I expected something like that from James, but you were just downright rude.

Lori, please allow me to apologize on behalf of Peter. Nobody in your son's condition should ever have to be treated the way you were by Delta (and by Peter's response). You and your son should absolutely have been given the opportunity to pre-board along with 1st Class and parents with small children, no matter what Delta's policies are for "sprecial needs" passengers. As long as your are at the gate prior to boarding, there should be no reason not to.

I like to fly Southwest. There is no first class, and boarding goes by how early you arrive at the gate. But special needs people will still be able to board first, and they always treat you well. In fact, we are flying them again next month to go to Florida on vacation.

James, kudos to you for actually being civil and providing some helpful information.

Pre-boarding is designed for FIRST CLASS and people traveling with young children. First class PAYS for the privilege to board early so that they can enjoy a refreshing beverage and snack prior to takeoff, and not have to wait in a long lime in the terminal. Those with children are allowed the privilege of boarding early, as this allows time for the proper stowage of strollers, carseats, diaper bags, etc., as well as for the parents to safely buckle their little ones into their seats so that they will not be trampled during the boarding process. Your son may be a quadriplegic, but that does not give him the absolute RIGHT to preboard with everyone else.

This is because if the airline made an exception for YOU, they'd have to make an exception for EVERYONE. What about an amputee who must rely on a motorized scooter to get around? What about an old lady who must use a walker and who is legally blind? You see, your son's condition, while unfortunate, does not deserve special consideration over all the other passengers on the plane.

While he may not have liked "being carried by his mother" in front of the public, he is a quadriplegic and sans wheelchair, that is the only way he can get around. If people were staring, well boo h*o .. they were rude and I can't see why you will let their boorish behavior bother you. Many people stare at the handicapped all the time in all sorts of venues, I'm sure this has happened to your son innumerable times before, not only on the plane.

Anyway ... in the future, may I suggest that you either travel first class, so that you do qualify for pre-boarding and will get your wish the next time you fly. Or, simply learn to deal with airline policies, and realize that any pre-boarding you might have received in the past was simply a privilege extended to you, not a right.

I looked at Delta.com and found that they require 48 hours notice and one hour advance check in for anyone needing special assistance. Failure to do that may result in denial of boarding in extreme cases.

However, in your case I strongly recommend that you write the corporate offices in Atlanta and give them all the details. They will be able to identify the gate agent based on your flight number and date. I believe that they will repsond appropriately.

Hope this helps.....