A Florida woman says a wheelchair assistance mix-up with United Airlines left her stranded alone on a jet bridge after arriving in Vancouver, Canada. She said she had checked with flight attendants before leaving the aircraft and was told they had requested a wheelchair through the gate agent. She later said she was left waiting alone after the plane had closed.
The woman, who posts on TikTok under the username Birdie (@birdiecda), shared videos about the experience, which drew several hundred thousand views and a wave of angry reactions toward the airline. She described the situation as frightening and said there was nowhere for her to sit while she waited for someone to assist her.
According to Birdie, the wheelchair was supposed to be included on her reservation. She said the flight attendants told her they had requested one from the gate agent, but she later learned there was apparently an issue with the request.
The Florida woman said it took about an hour from the time she left the plane until she received assistance. Of that time, she said she spent roughly 25 minutes alone on the jet bridge. She later confirmed that she had made it safely to Vancouver and thanked viewers for their concern.
Florida Woman’s Jet Bridge Ordeal Draws Outrage
She also encouraged other disabled travelers flying United to double-check that their wheelchair assistance is listed correctly throughout their reservation, even if they have already confirmed the request with airline staff. The comments were largely critical of the situation. “Mama you’re about to be rich (please sue for as much as you can),” one user wrote.
Several commenters told the Florida woman to file complaints with the airport, United and the Department of Transportation, while others suggested speaking with an attorney. Some commenters who identified themselves as flight attendants or airport employees questioned how she could have been left alone on the jet bridge.
Others said they would have called 911, while some focused on the broader problems wheelchair users face when traveling. One commenter shared that they had been disappointed by the treatment of their wheelchair-bound father at different airports and airlines.
Not everyone had a bad experience with United. One commenter said the airline had been “so very helpful from beginning to end” during an international trip, with a wheelchair provided at every point.
For Birdie, the trip eventually ended with her safely in Vancouver. The stressful part, she said, was getting off the plane.
