{"id":133697,"date":"2026-02-20T01:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T19:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=133697"},"modified":"2026-02-19T23:36:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T18:06:08","slug":"delta-damaged-passenger-only-custom-wheelchair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/20\/delta-damaged-passenger-only-custom-wheelchair\/","title":{"rendered":"Delta Damages Custom Wheelchair of Ms. Wheelchair America, Leaving Advocate in Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ATLANTA-<\/strong> Delta Air Lines (DL)<\/a> is facing criticism after allegedly damaging a highly specialized powered wheelchair belonging to disability rights advocate Latavia Sturdivant. The incident reportedly left her in \u201cexcruciating pain\u201d and caused daily back discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flight involved Delta Air Lines, and the passenger was returning home to New York after attending a campaign-related event. The airline has acknowledged the damage and said it will cover the full cost of repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delta
Photo: By Charles – https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/charles79\/52699473700\/, CC BY 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=138210993<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Delta Air Lines Wheelchair Damage Incident<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Latavia Sturdivant, a Yonkers resident who was recently crowned Ms. Wheelchair America, relies on a custom-built powered wheelchair designed specifically for her medical needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of its size, the wheelchair had to be checked into the aircraft hold for the duration of the flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After landing and being reunited with her mobility device, she discovered that it had been badly damaged. It remains unclear how the damage occurred while the chair was in Delta\u2019s care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sturdivant explained that her wheelchair maintains proper body alignment and prevents muscle contractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She stated, \u201cThere is no other chair that I can use because it keeps my body in proper alignment, prevents me from having contractions, and so Delta needs to do better in taking proper care of our disabled passengers\u2019 wheelchairs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She reported that the damage has caused daily back pain and significant physical discomfort, directly affecting her mobility and health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to PYOK<\/a>, Delta confirmed that it understands the fundamental impact a damaged mobility aid can have on a passenger\u2019s daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In its official statement, the airline said it sincerely apologizes for the experience that did not live up to its standards and confirmed it is in contact with the passenger to make things right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delta
Photo: By Aero Icarus from Z\u00fcrich, Switzerland – Delta Air Lines Airbus A320-212; N365NW@SLC;09.10.2011\/621dc, CC BY-SA 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=26713173<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Industry Data on Mobility Device Mishandling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Federal data shows that wheelchair mishandling remains a persistent issue across US airlines<\/a>. However, Delta is statistically the least likely major US carrier to return a damaged mobility device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In January, Delta reported a mishandling rate of 0.29 per 100 mobility devices enplaned. By comparison:<\/p>\n\n\n\n