Delta Apologizes After Passenger's Wheelchair Damaged on Flight

Latavia Sturdivant, Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, says the incident has impacted her advocacy work

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Delta Air Lines has issued an apology after passenger Latavia Sturdivant, who holds the title of Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, claimed her motorized wheelchair was seriously damaged during a recent flight from South Dakota to New York. Sturdivant said the damage has impacted her advocacy work and left her in physical and emotional pain, as replacement parts are limited. Delta has said they will cover the full cost of repairing the wheelchair.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges faced by passengers with disabilities when their mobility aids are damaged or lost during air travel. Wheelchairs and other assistive devices are essential for the independence and daily lives of people with disabilities, and damage to these items can have significant impacts on their ability to work, travel, and participate in their communities.

The details

According to reports, Sturdivant's motorized wheelchair was damaged during the flight, with the joystick completely detached, the back of the chair open and held on by screws, and the foot plates bent. Sturdivant said the damage has left her unable to leave her home, as the wheelchair is essential for maintaining proper body alignment and preventing medical issues. Delta initially offered loaner options that Sturdivant said could not meet her specialized needs.

  • Sturdivant was returning home to New York from an adaptive ski event in South Dakota when the incident occurred.

The players

Latavia Sturdivant

The Ms. Wheelchair America 2026 titleholder who was traveling from South Dakota to New York when her motorized wheelchair was damaged on the flight.

Delta Air Lines

The airline that has issued an apology and committed to covering the full cost of repairing Sturdivant's damaged wheelchair.

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What’s next

Delta has said they are waiting on an assessment of the damaged wheelchair from Sturdivant's preferred vendor and will cover the full cost of the repairs.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical importance of airlines properly handling and caring for the mobility aids of passengers with disabilities. It underscores the need for improved policies and procedures to prevent such damage and ensure passengers can travel with their essential equipment safely and without disruption to their daily lives.