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Southwest Passenger Undergoing Chemotherapy Claims The Airline’s Gate Agents Physically Attacked Him When He Tried Purchasing An Extra Seat Because He Didn’t ‘Look’ Disabled

Published

7 days ago

September 20, 2024

Southwest Passenger Undergoing Chemotherapy Claims The Airline’s Gate Agents Physically Attacked Him When He Tried Purchasing An Extra Seat Because He Didn’t ‘Look’ Disabled

A man undergoing chemotherapy treatment was physically assaulted by a Southwest gate agent after he tried to purchase a second seat for himself.

He was reportedly refused the accommodation because he didn’t appear to have a disability.

The man claimed that the gate agents physically attacked him when he tried booking a second seat for himself since he ‘didn’t look disabled.’

David Ford from Avon, Connecticut, recently filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines after an unpleasant experience at a Dallas airport.

According to Avon, who was battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy at the time, he was physically assaulted by a gate agent who refused to allow him an extra seat per Southwest’s extra-seat policy.

Tyler Olson | Shutterstock

The policy allows passengers who “encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat” to purchase an additional seat next to them to properly accommodate themselves and other passengers.

Southwest’s policy noted, “The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating request and helps us ensure we can accommodate all Customers on the flight. Most importantly, it ensures that all Customers onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating.”

“If you choose to purchase an extra seat, see a Customer Service Agent at the gate to obtain a Seat Reserved document for the additional seat purchased. You’ll place the Seat Reserved document on the adjoining seat.”

When Avon did just this before his flight in June 2024, he was allegedly humiliated and degraded by gate agents who claimed that he “didn’t look disabled” and refused to issue him a boarding pass for an additional seat.

Little did they know Avon was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments at the time and could have benefited from the extra room.

After Avon demanded to speak to a supervisor, another gate agent appeared to check the weigh-on scale before telling Avon, “You ain’t getting a second seat on my watch.”

As he grew increasingly vulnerable, Avon took out his cell phone and began recording the gate agents’ atrocious actions.

Southwest flight KevinKim | Shutterstock

However, a gate agent snatched the phone from him and refused to return it until local police arrived on the scene.

Eventually, a supervisor stepped in to issue Avon a boarding pass for the seat next to him.

The damage, however, was already done, and the incident left him shaken and humiliated.

According to the lawsuit, after all of the passengers were seated, one of the gate agents boarded the plane and demanded that Avon delete the footage of their interaction.

Avon is now suing the airline for numerous violations, including “unfair trading practices over the way it markets its extra seat policy, and infliction of emotional distress.”

Southwest has allegedly reached out to Avon issuing an apology and admitting that they had “failed to comply with regulations in your case.”

While the gate agents certainly need to review their policies regarding additional seats for passengers, there is a much bigger issue within this entire scenario: the assumption that some people don’t “look disabled.”

Not all disabilities are visible. They do not have a specific appearance.

You never know why someone may have parked in a handicapped spot without a wheelchair or crutches or why they requested certain seats while using public transportation. Frankly, it’s none of your business.

Megan Quinn is a writer at YourTango who covers entertainment and news, self, love, and relationships.

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Dallas, TX

Chi Omega Christmas Market gets a September start at Dallas Market Hall

Published

7 mins ago

September 26, 2024

Press Room

Chi Omega Christmas Market gets a September start at Dallas Market Hall

DALLAS — It’s not exactly curl-up-by-the-fireplace weather, but the Chi Omega Christmas Market is this weekend and in a new location: Dallas Market Hall.

“They’re like, ‘Wait, I’m not ready! I’m not ready for Christmas!’” said the 2024 Chi Omega Market co-chair Nancy Woodall with a laugh. “But the weather cooperated with us. It got a little bit cooler this morning.”

Inside Dallas Market Hall, the shopping is heating up as guests grab their red shopping bags and head down the colorful and well-stocked aisles.

“It’s Candy Land” exclaimed Josie Yanez with a delightful laugh. She’s experiencing the market for the first time with her daughter, Candace.

“Well, I just feel like you can get truly one-of-a-kind gifts for anybody on your shopping list: your best friend, your husband, your husband’s business partner, whoever,” says Candace Yanez.

Chi Omega Christmas Market shoppers said it’s not too early to start holiday shopping.

“I’m already ahead of just the Christmas holidays,” said Josie Yanez. “There are the [Thanksgiving] holidays… Halloween… you can find it all.”

Organizers say the September start means fewer conflicts for vendors, and the move to Market Hall gives them more space.

“We’re just not here for Christmas shopping. We’re here for everything,” said Woodall. “And then Dallas Market Hall has been a spectacular venue to host a show. It’s light, it’s bright, it’s large, and we have filled every square inch of this space.”

More than 200 vendors offering unique items ranging from clothes to toys to decor compete for spots in the long-running holiday market.

“It is tough to get a slot. We have tried probably for 10 years,” said Candace Williams, who owns The Toy Maven. “We are strong believers in supporting our community, and so it’s a thrill. We’re thrilled to be a part of the market this year. It’s a great opportunity for business.”

While the start date and location are new, the purpose remains unchanged: charity.

“We like to say we shop for a purpose,” said Woodall, “and whenever a shopper comes in and buys a ticket, they are helping us fund these great beneficiaries.”

Over the years, the Chi Omega Christmas Market has raised and donated more than $10 million to local charities. Debbie Lang and Karen Hunt are also 2024 market co-chairs.

Beneficiaries this year are Bonton Farms, the Stewpot, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Make-A-Wish, TITAS/Dance Unbound, Network of Community Ministries, Behind Every Door, Swan Strings, Together We Thrive, Family Compass, Young Women’s Preparatory Network, the Children’s Craniofacial Association, and Ascend Dallas.

“You’re hitting the jackpot coming to this Christmas market!” said Candace Yanez.

The Chi Omega Christmas Market is open until 9 p.m. on Thursday and opens at 9 a.m. Friday and runs through 5:00 p.m. on Saturday at Dallas Market Hall.

Robbie Owens

Robbie grew up in northeast Texas, in a tiny town where her family’s history spans six generations.

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Miami, FL

How to watch Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia Tech football: Time, TV channel, FREE live streams

Published

11 mins ago

September 26, 2024

Press Room

The 7th-ranked Miami Hurricanes put a top-10 ranking on the line as they open Atlantic Coast Conference play Friday night against Virginia Tech. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET with TV coverage on ESPN and streaming on-demand.

How to watch: Live streams of the Miami-Virginia Tech game are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), SlingTV (low intro rate) and DirecTV Stream (free trial).
For a limited time, FuboTV is offering $30 off the first month after the free trial period. With $30 offer, plans start at $49.99.

Virginia Tech Hokies (2-2) at #7 Miami Hurricanes (4-0)

NCAA football matchup at a glance

When: Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.

TV channel: ESPN

Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | SlingTV (low intro rate) | DirecTV Stream (free trial)

Miami is the big story in this one with a 4-0 record through four games that began with a 41-17 road thumping of Florida in its 2024 season opener. The Hurricanes haven’t slowed down since, outscoring their next three opponents 168-23, and now they get to play their conference opener at home.

Virginia Tech split its first four games with losses Vanderbilt and Rutgers and wins over Marshall and Old Dominion. The Hokies are 19.5-point underdogs to fall in the first of back-to-back ACC road games.

Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Live Streaming Options

FuboTV (free trial) – excellent viewer experience with huge library of live sports content; free trial lengths vary; monthly rate after free trial starts at $49.99 for duration of $30 first month discount.
SlingTV (low intro rate) – discounted first month is best if you’ve run out of free trials or you’re in the market for 1+ month of TV
DirecTV Stream (free trial) – not the same level of viewer experience as FuboTV, but the standard 7-day free trial is still the longest in streaming.

The Hurricanes and Hokies are set for a 7:30 p.m. ET start on ESPN. Live streams are available from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV (low intro rate).

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