Disabled woman sues American Airlines after having to crawl on a plane

A handicapped passenger is suing American Airlines after having to crawl onto a plane.Theresa Purcell is a wheelchair-bound hip hop artist. She told KHON2 News that she flies frequently and makes requests for ramps in advance of arrival at the airports.

She had done the same for a flight out of San Diego but at the time of boarding, she was told there wasn't enough time to put a ramp for her even though she saw one next to the plane.

Purcell remarked, "I crawled up onto the steps. I crawled into the plane. There was no other way for me to get on the plane so I crawled up to the plane."

American Airlines admitted that the company violated the Air Carrier Access Act and apologized in a statement which reads in part, "On behalf of US Airways and American Airlines, please accept our apologies for the difficulties Ms. Purcell experienced with her request for level entry boarding."

However, the airline has refused to issue any compensation for the incident.

Purcell filed the lawsuit on Friday for $75,000. She says she felt humiliated and doesn't want to see a repeat of the incident.

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