A mother’s distressing experience with United Airlines has gained significant attention after she shared her ordeal on TikTok. Melissa Sotomayor, traveling with her disabled son, faced a troubling situation while flying home from Tampa, Florida, to New Jersey.
In her viral TikTok video, which has over a million views, Sotomayor explained that her son relies on a ventilator and a portable oxygen concentrator due to his medical condition. She described the moment when a flight attendant approached her before takeoff, insisting that she disconnect her son from his life-sustaining equipment. Despite her explanations and medical documentation, the crew remained adamant, stating that her son’s equipment posed a danger.
Sotomayor recounted that after the initial confrontation, she was approached by multiple crew members, including the captain, who reiterated the same demand. She felt increasingly frustrated as the staff insisted that her son could manage without the ventilator until the plane reached cruising altitude. This led to a tense standoff, with the crew warning her that she might have to change seats if she did not comply.
As the plane was delayed on the tarmac for about an hour, other passengers began to voice their support for Sotomayor, calling the airline’s treatment of her “harassment.” Despite the growing concern from fellow travelers, no apology was offered by the airline staff.
Once the flight was cleared for takeoff, Sotomayor expressed her distress over the humiliation she felt during the ordeal. After the flight, she escalated the matter to United Airlines’ corporate level, but they stood firm, citing adherence to FAA guidelines.
The response to her TikTok video has been overwhelming, with many viewers expressing outrage at the airline’s actions. Comments ranged from suggestions to boycott United Airlines to advice about seeking legal counsel for potential violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Sotomayor’s experience highlights the challenges faced by families with special needs when traveling. The incident raises important questions about airline policies regarding medical equipment and the treatment of passengers with disabilities.