Marissa Bode has alleged she was denied boarding by an airline due to her disability, describing the incident as “upsetting” and “unfair,” and raising concerns about accessibility in air travel.
The Wicked star shared details of the experience in a video posted on April 23, recounting what she called an “awful” situation while attempting to catch a connecting flight to a speaking engagement in Pennsylvania. Bode, who uses a wheelchair, said the issue began when she requested assistance from airline staff at the departure gate.
According to Bode, staff asked whether she could stand independently. When she replied that she could not, she was told she would not be permitted to board the aircraft. She said airline personnel cited the presence of stairs and concerns about the weight of her wheelchair as reasons for the decision.
Bode added that her team had contacted the airline in advance to ensure appropriate assistance would be available, making the outcome particularly frustrating. She described the incident as “blatant segregation,” highlighting broader challenges faced by passengers with disabilities.
Unable to travel by air, the actress said she completed the journey by road, taking approximately three and a half hours to reach her destination. She noted that similar issues have occurred during previous trips.
The airline involved said it has launched an internal investigation into the matter, adding that it has been in contact with Bode and will review its policies and staff training procedures.
Advocates say the incident underscores the need for improved compliance with accessibility standards across the aviation industry.