A Connecticut man undergoing chemotherapy for cancer says he was assaulted by a Southwest Airlines gate agent who refused to follow the company’s “extra seating” policy.
David Ford filed a lawsuit against the airline, alleging that a gate agent accused him of not being disabled and snatched his cell phone out of his hand as he recorded the altercation.
The man said he bought an extra seat for his flight from Hartford to Baltimore, Maryland, on June 12 because he is dealing with side effects from cancer and has to frequently change positions and move around the cabin during flights.
Southwest’s extra seating policy allows those who encroach on any portion of the neighboring seat to purchase an additional ticket to use the space for themselves.
“Purchasing additional seats serves as notification of a special seat request and helps us ensure that we can accommodate all customers on the flight. Most importantly, it ensures that all customers on board have access to safe and comfortable seating,” said the Company Policy saying.
A Connecticut man undergoing chemotherapy alleged that officers questioned his disability and physically attacked him
‘If you decide to purchase an additional seat, please see a customer service agent at the gate to obtain a reserved seating document for the additional seat purchased.’
Ford said in the lawsuit that when he tried to check in at the counter, a gate agent told him, “You don’t look disabled,” and “Why do you think you’re entitled to a second seat?”
He said the gate agent refused to issue him the additional ticket he had already purchased and demanded to know what his medical condition was.
Ford demanded to speak to the supervisor and began recording their interaction on his phone.
A second gate agent joined in and told Ford, “You will not get an extra seat under my supervision,” according to the lawsuit.
When the second officer realized the man was recording, Ford said the person climbed onto the baggage weighing station to intimidate him, saying, “Stop recording or he’ll call the police.”
Southwest’s extra seating policy allows those who encroach on any portion of the neighboring seat to purchase an additional ticket to use the space for themselves.
While waiting for police to arrive, the man said the officer “physically ripped” the phone out of his hand and demanded to know his password so he could delete the video.
A supervisor eventually arrived and issued Ford tickets for both seats which he purchased and was able to board his flight.
However, Ford said that once she was on the plane, the second gate agent came over and sat next to her and demanded that she delete the video from her phone, which she refused to do.
Ford is suing Southwest Airlines in federal court, demanding that compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees be determined at trial.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Southwest Airlines and Ford for comment on this story.
