Description: Wheelchair-Bound Woman Kicked Out Of VIRGIN ATLANTIC Lounge Over Service Dog... SANTA CLARITA (CBSLA.com)A Santa Clarita woman in a wheelchair said she was kicked out of an airline lounge because of her service dog. Micaela Bensko was in tears crumpled in pain when she said she was denied access to the Virgin Atlantic lounge at JFK International Airport in New York because she had a service dog. In 2011 Benskos spine was severely injured in an accident leaving her in a wheelchair. Service dog Blue Bell helps pull her. She cannot sit for more than 30 minutes That is why she said she paid for the Virgin Atlantic lounge so she could lie down before her flight. But alounge employee said no and Benskocaught it on video which showed the employee saying:With Virgin Atlantic policy with any service animal you have to have some sort of paperwork. But according to the Americans with Disabilities Act no documentation is needed and disabled people with service dogs can go anywhere the public is allowed to go. Bensko said the lounge was practically empty at the time but was still refused entry. Im in too much pain. Im sorry I cant wait any longer. You guys are unbelievable Bensko said in the mobile phone video she recorded. The employee called a manager. But Bensko saidafter 20 minutes she had no choice but to lie down on the concrete floor at her terminal. This was death by a thousand cuts. I couldnt take it anymore she told CBS2s Andrea Fujii. The mother of four said she did not want compensation from the airline; she just wanted to be a spokesperson for all who are disabled. Bring humanity back to traveling. Thats what Im interested in Bensko said. As soon as we were made aware of this incident we sent an urgent reminder to our Clubhouse teams to clarify the policy around support dogs and will be investigating further to improve the way the situation was handled. It is never our intention to disappoint our customers and were keen to speak directly with the customer to understand what improvements we can make to ensure this doesnt happen again and to offer our heartfelt apologies according to a statement released by Virgin Atlantic.
By Frankie Cordeira Jr.
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By Frankie Cordeira Jr.
Pinned to Domestic and Global News on Pinterest
Found on: http://ift.tt/2psa4aQ