I think some of the comments here are a little harsh. I have a friend who has been in a custom wheelchair for nearly 50 years. He has as much right to a full life as anybody else. Why should he stop flying commercial. Because the wheelchair is an extension of his body, he does have a spare. His doesn't cost $30K and not everyone can afford a $30K spare. I think airlines could use extra care on something as important as a custom wheelchair. It is very obvious when a wheelchair is custom.