SAS Discrimination Encounter
Dec 7, 2024 | 1:04 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PDX
Programs: DL SkyMiles DM, SkyClub: Lifetime, Delta 2 Million Miler
Posts: 78
SAS Discrimination Encounter
I thought I’ll give the latest SkyTeam partner SAS a try! Wasn’t such a good experience!
On 12/06/2024 I traveled from Oslo to Copenhagen and on to San Francisco on an 11 hr flight SK935. Due to my Disability I usually book either Business or Premium Economy Class and check if the particular equipment has a bathroom for persons with disabilities. I was in Seat 22F (Premium Economy) an aisle seat less than 10ft away from the "Disabled" bathroom. My disability requires me to have extra space in the bathroom.
The SAS flight attendant told me I can not use this bathroom. She asked me what exactly my disability was, embarrassed I told her. She went to the purser and came back telling me I couldn't use the bathroom.
She told me to go to the back of the plane. I inquired if there is another bathroom for people with disabilities in the back of the plane. She replied "no" but it has to do!
I reminded her that she is discriminating against people with disabilities. But her decision was final.
I then told her that I would file a complaint with the DOT in charge of Air Travel. She replied: "Go ahead"
I have had life changing surgeries that make life and travel challenging. So I book my flights accordingly.
I just want travelers to realize that I have had similar encountered with other European Airlines. Employees are making up rules that are inconsistent with laws and are gravely discriminatory.
It’s not fun to have a deadly disease in the first place and I wouldn’t wish it on others.
On 12/06/2024 I traveled from Oslo to Copenhagen and on to San Francisco on an 11 hr flight SK935. Due to my Disability I usually book either Business or Premium Economy Class and check if the particular equipment has a bathroom for persons with disabilities. I was in Seat 22F (Premium Economy) an aisle seat less than 10ft away from the "Disabled" bathroom. My disability requires me to have extra space in the bathroom.
The SAS flight attendant told me I can not use this bathroom. She asked me what exactly my disability was, embarrassed I told her. She went to the purser and came back telling me I couldn't use the bathroom.
She told me to go to the back of the plane. I inquired if there is another bathroom for people with disabilities in the back of the plane. She replied "no" but it has to do!
I reminded her that she is discriminating against people with disabilities. But her decision was final.
I then told her that I would file a complaint with the DOT in charge of Air Travel. She replied: "Go ahead"
I have had life changing surgeries that make life and travel challenging. So I book my flights accordingly.
I just want travelers to realize that I have had similar encountered with other European Airlines. Employees are making up rules that are inconsistent with laws and are gravely discriminatory.
It’s not fun to have a deadly disease in the first place and I wouldn’t wish it on others.
Dec 7, 2024 | 4:05 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: LIT
Programs: AF-KLM Platinum / Marriott Platinum
Posts: 750
Yeah; in the air, the crew can act like dictators and nothing can be done about that; unfortunately. This is a shame though; but what can you do. Sorry to hear of your horrible experience with them.
Dec 8, 2024 | 2:55 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK GfL, BA GGL, TG *G, HH DIA, IHG Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 4,881
Sorry to sound blunt, but it sounds to me like you were attempting to use the business class lavatory in front of the Premium Economy cabin, which you were rightly denied. Not discrimination, but purely telling you to use the lavatory in the cabin you were travelling (in this case, Economy, as there is no dedicated Premium Economy lavatory).
Dec 8, 2024 | 3:38 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PDX
Programs: DL SkyMiles DM, SkyClub: Lifetime, Delta 2 Million Miler
Posts: 78
Sorry to sound blunt, but it sounds to me like you were attempting to use the business class lavatory in front of the Premium Economy cabin, which you were rightly denied. Not discrimination, but purely telling you to use the lavatory in the cabin you were travelling (in this case, Economy, as there is no dedicated Premium Economy lavatory).
§ 382.63 What are the requirements for accessible lavatories?
(1) The accessible lavatory must permit a qualified individual with a disability to enter, maneuver within as necessary to use all lavatory facilities…Last edited by renhelm; Dec 8, 2024 at 4:15 pm
Dec 8, 2024 | 8:37 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Posts: 17,990
Thank you for standing up for the rights of all people with disabilities. 
May your complaint bring results!
May your complaint bring results!
Dec 9, 2024 | 12:45 am
#6
Moderator, SkyTeam and Germany
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: FRA/STR/NUE
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Posts: 5,965
Hi renhelm, your posting this also in the SAS forum which is in contradiction with our rules here. Therefore I'm closing down this thread. Folks, please follow the thread at SAS: SAS Disability Discrimination - FlyerTalk Forums
ralfkrippner, forum moderator
ralfkrippner, forum moderator