The Time Has Come, the Walrus Said, to Talk of Many Things: Wheelchair Securement Spaces on Commercial Airlines

Authors

  • Michael P. Peck Adjunct Assistant Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v10i3.821

Keywords:

Aisle chair, Commercial aircraft, Dignity, One-passenger/One-fare, Orteig Prize, Restraint system, S-1 airline seat, Wheelchair

Abstract

Air travel poses special problems for people who use wheelchairs either periodically or consistently (wheelchair users). The wheelchair is, to some extent, an extension of the wheelchair user’s bodily autonomy. Personal dignity would be enhanced, and injury and discomfort would be reduced, if a traveling wheelchair user were allowed to remain in his or her own wheelchair for the duration of the flight. Although no law or regulation currently requires that option, groundwork has been laid in both case law and statutes that could lead to such a result. To be sure, safety and cost are paramount issues and must be adequately addressed. Some technological concerns have already been resolved and others are the subject of promising developments. Lobbyist groups are actively campaigning and, as a result, some airlines have shown interest in the proposal. The goal of in-cabin use of personal wheelchairs is achievable, but the process is likely to be incremental. During this period of COVID-19 pandemic-related disruption in the airline industry, both mainline and regional carriers should benefit from the Schumpeterian notion of creative destruction resulting in technical and business innovations. The catalyst needed to move the research and development process along at a faster pace might be a contest with some sort of reward such as has been used to foster other aeronautical innovations.

Author Biography

Michael P. Peck, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Michael P. Peck is a retired partner in the New York office of Sidley Austin LLP. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he teaches courses in aviation law and is the Chair of the Aviation Finance Subcommittee of the Association of the Bar of The City of New York. Mr. Peck received an L.L.M. from the Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University, has J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. degree from Duke University and a B.A. degree from Washington & Lee University. He holds a commercial pilot’s certificate with instrument rating and is a certified flight instructor, instrument instructor and advanced ground instructor.

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Published

2021-12-08

How to Cite

Peck, M. P. (2021). The Time Has Come, the Walrus Said, to Talk of Many Things: Wheelchair Securement Spaces on Commercial Airlines. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 10(3), 177–195. https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v10i3.821

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 3 (2021)

Section

Articles

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