The phone call from a stranger went like this. “Susan, did you see the Jan. 17, TV 7&4 story about seniors and people in wheelchairs left stranded at our Cherry Capital Airport? It happened during our storm. It’s terrible. Can you do something?”
I’d missed the original broadcast and found it on my computer. It was updated.
My first thoughts were not about the story. Instead, I thought, “This is a great town. People care about each other. They get involved. And, disability issues seem to be receiving more news coverage than in the past.”
Briefly, here’s what happened. A couple’s flight out of Traverse City was canceled. They saw a friend at the airport. The friend said she’d been stranded at the airport overnight without food. The couple had their own challenges in getting home, which they finally overcame. Nonetheless, they thought the situation for their friend and others, could have been handled better.
My next step was to call Kevin Klein, Cherry Capital Airport director. Kevin told me that most of the passengers whose flights were canceled either returned to where they’d been staying or went to area hotels. Some passengers were rebooked or given refunds. Avflight, the ground service company at the airport, gave passengers free shuttle rides and found them hotel rooms for as little as $29 a night. I knew about the discounted hotel rooms, because I’d spoken with a hotel during that time. Free pizza, soda and water was brought in for those choosing to stay in the Fireplace Room at the airport. Passengers slept on overstuffed couches or chairs and security patrolled the area throughout the night. Airport staff learned that an airport wheelchair may have been used as a cart for belongings.
Before I called Kevin, I reviewed the Grand Traverse County Homeland Emergency Plan. I remembered that during the 9/11 crisis, airports received help for stranded passengers from many sources, including the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Those resources didn’t necessarily fit in this situation. Kevin Klein expressed concern for the stranded passengers. I heard pride in his voice when he told me that shortly after the airport opened, Cherry Capital received a prestigious award from AARP and how as part of the upcoming airport expansion, there would be an interior pet relief area and a sensory room. Sensory rooms help passengers who are neurodivergent, as well as fearful flyers.
I’ve done a lot flying, domestic and international. Sometimes, I’ve flown by myself. I understand why passengers may not want to leave the airport, prefering to be right there, when they can finally fly.
Air travel can be inconsistent: I’ve had my wheelchair damaged or not put on the airplane at all. My body has been injured by ill-trained staff using old straight-back chairs. Restrooms are basically inaccessible. Those traveling with us, receive no discounts for their assistance. Trains and buses do give such discounts.
I care a great deal about transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is looking at improving public transportation, including the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights. I’m also following efforts by the Paralyzed Veterans of America called “Just Plane Wrong.”