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 Jetstar removes Kurt Fearnley's wheelchair 

Jetstar removes Kurt Fearnley's wheelchair

24 Nov, 2009 05:39 PM
JETSTAR has apologised to Paralympian Kurt Fearnley after he slammed the airline for forcing him check his personal wheelchair in with his luggage.

Mr Fearnley, who had just returned from crawling the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea said he chose to crawl through Brisbane Airport rather than use an unsuitable chair offered by airline staff.

He told The Herald this morning he hoped the incident would change company policy on dealing with the disabled.

"The one thing, I'm hoping is that they [Jetstar] come out of this and create an improved disability service," he said.

"This is not something that has only happened to me - but to others, others who did not turn around and say 'I'm not going to be treated like a child, I'm not going to take this.'

"They've already apologised, but now I just hope they work out a better policy."

The incident occurred as Mr Fearnley was returning from his trek along Kokoda.

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Yes they have rules and everyone has to uphold them. You must use their chairs. I feel sorry for Kurt very much so but because it is a cheaper airline you have to obey them especially luggage. Dont go over it if you think you are close to the limit post it. I went 2 over and it cost me. I agree that they need to sort something out but then it may cost even more time for security checks, and making sure nothing can fly off in an accident. They allow people with disabilities on first and they get them seated before anyone else boards. That chair goes back into the terminal I am pretty sure.
Posted by Yeah_Right, 24/11/2009 9:11:09 AM, on The Herald
Normal wheelchairs can't fit down the aisles and can't be stowed in the passenger cabin (similar to strollers / prams). People are offered alternative wheelchairs and prams so theirs can be stowed in cargo. If they let people use them until they board, they won't get their wheelchair / pram until the next flight so they will be without it at the destination. Which would they rather. As far as being embarrassed about being pushed, I would have thought it would be less embarrassing than dragging yourself through public toilets. After his Kakoda effort, which I thought was courageous, I know think he is a spoilt child.
Posted by wheelchairperth, 24/11/2009 9:21:21 AM, on The Herald
In one sense Kurt is grand standing on this as I assume he had to get a flight up to Brisbane and PNG and would have faced the same Jetstar policies. On the several times I have flown with a wheel chair bound friend, this was the case, they took his chair, put him in a crappy Jetstar one and then boarded from there. My friends chair does not actually fit down the isle, so there is no argument. On the other hand, why can they not give people a front row seat and let them use their own chairs, while in Asia 2 yrs ago, we were able to take our kids pram right up to the plane door, then they took it and threw it in the hold. Whilst I am not defending Jetstar, I do not believe this is the full story.
Posted by Queried, 24/11/2009 9:28:16 AM, on The Herald
This is absolutely disgraceful. Jetstar should be ashamed of themselves. Someone there should have used a bit of common sense.....something clearly lacking in this airline company...one word...jerks
Posted by Jono, 24/11/2009 10:12:53 AM, on The Herald
At no time was Fearnly forced to crawl. He was to be given a smaller more aircarft suitable wheelchair. he CHOSE to crawl. Airlines have weight issues and size issues, and they were simply implementing policy.
Posted by Harry Mudd, 24/11/2009 10:21:05 AM, on The Herald
what is the problem ?? he has just crawled through the bush in new guinea. why whinge so much about a little more.
Posted by catl, 24/11/2009 10:53:37 AM, on The Herald
way to go Kurt, i too have faced my Everest and triumphed. my husband Terry is a big fan.
Posted by Pat Mullins, 24/11/2009 11:02:58 AM, on The Herald
What airline did he use to get to PNG ?
Posted by Mick, 24/11/2009 11:11:39 AM, on The Herald
Make the Jetstar people responsible walk the KOKODA trail
Posted by sid butcher, 24/11/2009 11:12:25 AM, on The Herald
when you hear the full story i.e. he refused the offer of a purpose designed chair,and somebody to push him, I really wonder what goes on in Kurts mind. I had the greatest respect for this man of increadable tenacity and courage,but I think he needs to take a long hard look at himsrelf or perhaps a long rest.
Posted by grogadigger, 24/11/2009 11:15:59 AM, on The Herald
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Kurt Fearnley on the Kokoda Trail earlier this month.
Kurt Fearnley on the Kokoda Trail earlier this month.
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18 November, 2009
POLL
Q: Should Jetstar have allowed paralympian Kurt Fearnley to use his personal wheelchair at Brisbane Airport?

Yes
(63.1%)

No
(36.9%)

Total Votes: 195
Poll Date: 24 November, 2009

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