A family says Delta Airlines kicked them off a flight from Florida to Atlanta because of their son’s mobility device. The boy has dwarfism, and his family says they previously flew with the same device without any issues.
On Nov. 2, Erin Kasey (@erinkaseytx) shared the details of her conflict with Delta Airlines in a viral TikTok that has amassed over 274,000 views as of Tuesday.
“This mobility device got us, my son, the dwarfism, and the rest of us just kicked off of a Delta flight from Florida to Atlanta,” the woman said.
What happened on this Delta flight?
She explained that this marked their third Delta flight that week. The family had already completed two flights with the mobility device without encountering any problems. “Twice this week we flew with no issues with this mobility device, and today they kicked us off the plane,” she said.
The woman also questioned how airline employees communicated with her family before ordering them off the aircraft.
“They were talking to my husband first and told him that he could talk to me,” she explained. “They didn’t allow them to talk to me and then told us we had to exit the plane.”
“It is ridiculous,” she added.
However, viewers were skeptical, with many claiming that the device she had was not actually medical grade. “This scooter is literally on TikTok Shop for $90, that is not medical grade,” wrote one user.
“That’s a Walmart scooter that renamed [as] a mobility device…these scooters are known to have their batteries explode and catch fire,” added another.
“Team Delta!” wrote a third. “I love safe flights without batteries that catch on fire personally!!!”
Does Delta have legal grounds to not allow the mobility device on board if it is not medical grade?
While the incident raises questions about airline accessibility rules and lithium-ion battery safety, Delta may have had legitimate grounds to refuse the device. The legality of Delta’s actions depends on whether the device qualifies as an assistive mobility device.
Under the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines cannot discriminate against passengers because of a disability. The U.S. Department of Transportation also requires airlines to accommodate qualifying mobility devices, including battery-powered wheelchairs and scooters, subject to federal safety requirements.
That does not mean every motorized scooter qualifies for these protections. The distinction between a genuine mobility aid and a recreational or personal transportation device could be important in this case.
However, if the scooter really is available on TikTok Shop, that does not automatically disqualify it. What matters is its intended use, whether it functions as an assistive device and whether it meets applicable safety requirements.
Is it allowed to travel by air with devices that contain lithium-ion batteries?
The FAA permits lithium-ion batteries in qualifying mobility devices, provided they meet applicable transportation requirements. Depending on the battery configuration, restrictions apply to its watt-hour capacity, installation, protection, and handling.
Delta’s own policy also permits lithium-ion-powered mobility aids. The airline requires battery terminals to be protected against short circuits and batteries to meet UN safety testing standards. It also requires certain devices to travel in the aircraft’s cargo compartment.
@erinkaseytx
Subplot reached out for comment to Kasey via TikTok direct message and the TikTok comment section, and to Delta Airlines via email.
