10-21-2014, 06:58 PM | #1 |
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United-more Seg phobia! Advice?
I decided to contact the airlines to see how they are complying with the new rules allowing the disabled to fly with their lithium ion Segeas. I'd invite all of you who are rejoicing over these new rules to do the same. Let them know that it matters to us and that we expect them to comply.
I contacted United first and got three responses, two of them obviously official. The first was a copy of the federal legal statement. The second was the usual disability boiler plate but included two interesting paragraphs. "Yes, Lily United does understand about the use of a Segway as an assistive device. You can check this item at no cost to you. A wheelchair is probably the best way to navigate the airport due to the volume of people traversing. You can order a wheelchair: ... Your segway can be checked and returned to you after your flight. If this is not satisfying to you, you should call the disabilities desk at least 48 hours prior to departure for the proper clearances: " Great logic! Too crowded to use a Segway (as the security guards do) so you should use a wheel chair instead! In fairness, they have not made this an absolute rule but their expectation is obvious.... Quick question...am I right that airports themselves are ADA liable, not under transportation rules? Now the third response was the interesting one. I don't know what his role on this forum is but there was a sub note that another expert was preparing a response ... I'm going to quote both of his responses Fly by Night and Day UNITED AIRLINES • 12136 ANSWERS • 92% HELPFUL Never heard of such a thing. Really? I can't find anything on United's or the TSA site. I cannot imagine how a Segway, which takes a lot of skill to ride could be used by the disabled. And, an airport allowing people to zoom around does not sound safe. Some airports have peace officers who use them. But, they also carry weapons. If you can tell me where you heard this, I will be happy to look into it further. In the meanwhile, stick to a wheelchair. Best of luck to you, Lily! " Me: This rule was updated online just a couple days ago. http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx...5_110&am... Section 17 is the relevant one and yes, this is current as of October 17" At this point I also gave him my usual spiel on Segway advantages, use in crowds , advantages for disabllities etc. ( including Segs 4Vets). I got this response: ,Fly by Night and Day UNITED AIRLINES • 12136 ANSWERS • 92% HELPFUL Sounds fascinating. The majority of disabilities are unable to walk or stand for any length of time. While a Segway may be a great way to get around in general, it is not coming to an airport near you any time soon, as the police who use them are already under fire at several locations for being a safety hazard. At SFO, they use bicycles in the concourse and those are dangerous enough. " ........ I'd like to respond to him, but I sure could use some advice!
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10-21-2014, 07:21 PM | #2 |
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His responses are inappropriate. They are condescending, arrogant and ignorant. "Stick to a wheelchair"? Is he kidding???
If he's an employee of the airline, I would ask for the name and contact info of his supervisor. That is a person who should not be providing customer service. If he's just some random jerk on a board, I'd ignore him. |
10-21-2014, 07:26 PM | #3 |
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Lily,
First, teach a Pig to sing. Then teach that pig to express the virtues of the segway, we all know, to that guy. In other words, you are talking to a brick. He is stating his misinformed opinion as if fact.... I might start with agreeing with the fact that bicycles do not mix well with pedestrians. Go on to mention that every major government study rated segways higher, and more safe than alternatives. If this guy is in a position of authority, that is sad, but like all compromises, it is best to start with points you can agree on, even if small points. Good luck.
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Karl Ian Sagal To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. "Well done is better than well said." (Ben Franklin) Bene factum melior bene dictum Proud past President of SEG America and member of the First Premier Segway Enthusiasts Group and subsequent ones as well. |
10-22-2014, 09:00 AM | #4 |
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Update. Further conversation with two other persons has clarified issues. It has in fact been friendly and productive and I've directed one of the women to this forum. for more information on using a seg for her disability. You never know, do you?
Just FYI. The site I was directed to is not an official United site. It is manned by current and former United employees who are familiar wth company rules and policies. One thing more. I think we need to be a bit careful on interpreting this new set of rules. I'm not a lawyer! But it looks to me like, unlike the ADA, this does not require them to accept your lithium seg.... It just allows them to... How do you read it?
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10-24-2014, 01:57 AM | #5 |
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As I indicated in my post on the other fly with Segway thread, airlines will have to develop their own internal documentation to comply with very new regulations and communicate internally. That takes time. For some it will take longer, much longer. I'm trying to share good news for many of us, but it isn't an overnight switch to flip.
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Segrick |
10-24-2014, 02:00 AM | #6 |
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And that was a pretty crass response you got from the folks at United.
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10-27-2014, 07:52 PM | #7 | ||
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Quote:
It's been years since I've encountered an attitude like this. As for your link -- it seems broken. I wasn't able to google up anything clear. But I did find this news item about forthcoming changes, and also what may be the relevant entry in the Federal Register, but to sort out what it means is beyond my available time.... Quote:
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Bob Kerns: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. , To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Obviously, we can't have infinite voltage, or the universe would tear itself to shreds, and we wouldn't be discussing Segways. |
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10-27-2014, 07:58 PM | #8 |
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Ah, I found better info and links in this thread (including a link from you that works):
http://forums.segwaychat.org/showthread.php?t=33424
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Bob Kerns: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. , To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Obviously, we can't have infinite voltage, or the universe would tear itself to shreds, and we wouldn't be discussing Segways. |
10-27-2014, 08:37 PM | #9 |
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I just got a followup message...rant.... From that person at United and it was so bizarre that I'm going to ignore it. She obviously has her own problems.....
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10-27-2014, 08:40 PM | #10 | |
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Quote:
BTW. Happy birthday!
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