An airline has reportedly gave a Paralympian a shocking ultimatum: to leave her wheelchair behind or not fly at all. 

Australian swimmer Karni Liddell says she was due to fly to Proserpine yesterday for a domestic and family violence workshop but ran into trouble with Jetstar.

Airline staff allegedly insisted her wheelchair could not be taken onboard without providing a clear reason.

“This is not rare or unique,” she told Spencer Howson, filling in for Neil Breen.

“I think I’ve been ticked off or rejected by Qantas or Jetstar at least 10 times in the last couple of years.”

 

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Liddell says the treatment of disabled people by airlines is often “inhumane”, especially when stuck with an aisle chair.

“I’ve been actually left in various terminals and gates over the years for up to an hour, waiting.

“It is the most inhumane thing you can ever experience, being completely stranded in an airport on your own, you can’t go to the toilet or get to your own wheelchair.”

Press PLAY below to hear the changes Karni Liddell says should be made 

Image: Karni Liddell / Instagram