AN amputee was forced to drag his body across the floor for his entire holiday after the battery for his portable scooter was confiscated at the airport.
Sixty-eight year old Stearn Hodge, who was celebrating a wedding anniversary with his wife, said the experience left him feeling humiliated.
Stearn, who lost his arm and his leg in a workplace accident in 1984, needs the scooter to get around every day.
But when the retiree was travelling from Calgary Airport in 2017, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and a member of staff from United Airlines would not allow him to fly with the $2,000 (£1,114) battery for his scooter due to safety concerns, according to CBC Canada,
Lithium-ion batteries are not normally allowed on board flights as they can be a fire hazard.
However, passengers with a disability or medical condition are allowed to take it in their carry on bags, according to the advice given by International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Stearn told CBC how he had received permission to take the batteries in his carry on bag before boarding – only for it to be taken away.
As a result, Stearn was forced to spend most of his three-week holiday bed-bound, only pulling himself across the floor to the bathroom.
Stearn said: “Having to crawl across the floor in front of my wife is the most humiliating thing that I can think of.
“They’re taking my legs — and not only that, my dignity. I haven’t been the same since.”
He was offered a wheelchair at the airport but Stearn was forced to ask how a “one-armed guy” was going to use it – his wife Jan had recently undergone treatment for cancer, and was too weak to push him.
Stearn was later offered a $800 (£457) travel certificate by the airline.
The retiree is now taking the case to the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Despite having to sell one of his prized cars to pay for the legal fees, he said the changes in the laws are more important than compensation.
A United spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “We are looking into the allegations, and because of the pending litigation, we are unable to provide further comment.
“That said, the experience described falls far short of our own high standard of caring for our customers.
“We are proud of the many steps we have taken over the past few years to exhibit more care for our customers and we are proud to operate an airline that doesn’t just include people with disabilities but welcomes them as customers.”
A spokesperson for CATSA told Sun Online Travel: “This matter is currently before the Federal Court of Canada. As such, I won’t be able to comment further at this time.”
Earlier this year, an e-cigarette which uses lithium batteries burst into flames in an overhead locker.
Flight crew were forced to put the fire out as passengers were boarding.
