Originally Posted by
airmotive
Honestly, I could see the airline being just as likely to deny carriage than upgrade.
If you feel you're not able to sit in the seat you purchased, the airline may simply agree with you, and return your money. So, while it doesn't hurt to ask....be mindful of how you present your condition to the airline.
Question in that case - as there is no other realistic option for travel, cannot the passenger then bring up ADA in that case? They can sit in a normal chair, it is the airlines compromises in this case to allow for more passengers on the plane that makes him unable to fly. So... it would seem to me that since we have eliminated alternative travel options, you can't deny a person access if you use public funds (i.e. airport, air traffic control)?