Overview
- Bode, who posted a TikTok Thursday, says Southern Airways gate agents asked “Can you stand?” and then refused to board her when she said no.
- She recounts being told the airline’s small planes board by stairs and that her 35‑pound wheelchair posed a problem.
- The actress says her manager had secured assurances before the trip that the airline would accommodate her needs.
- Southern Airways’ contract of carriage requires passengers to climb steps and says lifts are not required on sub‑28‑seat aircraft, even as the U.S. DOT explains the Air Carrier Access Act bans disability bias and requires boarding assistance.
- Bode says she had to drive about three to three and a half hours to reach her engagement, and outlets report the airline has not issued an immediate substantive response.