Wicked star Marissa Bode calls out Southern Airways after being denied boarding at the gate for being disabled

Wicked star Marissa Bode has shared that she was denied boarding on a Southern Airways flight, which she described as blatant segregation. The 25-year-old actress posted a TikTok video detailing the incident, which happened while she was traveling to Pennsylvania for a speaking engagement.

According to People, Bode said she had already completed a flight with another airline before connecting to Southern Airways. When she arrived at the gate and asked the staff for help finding her boarding pass, the situation quickly escalated. Staff asked if she could stand, and when she confirmed she could not, she was told she would not be allowed to board.

Staff members told Bode that all planes in their fleet require passengers to use stairs to board. She questioned how the airline handles other disabled passengers who need assistance. She also alleged that staff raised concerns about the weight of her 35-lb. wheelchair, which was especially frustrating because her manager had already contacted the airline about her specific needs before the trip, and the airline had reportedly assured them that accommodations would be in place.

Bode’s wheelchair denial forced her to drive hours to her destination, and she says disabled travelers deserve far better

Because she was denied boarding, Bode had to find alternative transportation and ended up driving three and a half hours to reach her destination. She spoke about how travel issues like this happen to her regularly, saying, “It is always something when I’m flying. It is very rare that I’m flying and there isn’t a problem with my chair or I’m not talked down to.” 

Bode is no stranger to difficult moments in the public eye, and neither are her Wicked co-stars. Ariana Grande recently faced a chaotic press tour experience that also made headlines. She also described the emotional weight of the experience and said her firm reaction during the incident was misread by those around her. 

She said, “It’s so much more than bad communication. It’s so much more than a mistake. These are our lives. This is our entire existence you’re talking about. My wheelchair is my freedom.” At the end of her video, Bode directly called out the airline, saying, “You should be ashamed of yourself,” and demanded that the industry do better overall. 

She said, “And airlines as a whole, once again, do f—ing better.” Stories of public figures being treated poorly and still waiting for accountability are not uncommon. Pamela Anderson recently spoke about a tense Hollywood awards show moment and said she is still waiting for an apology.

In response, a Southern Airways spokesperson said the experience was upsetting and that it does not reflect the standard they hold themselves to. The airline said it is currently investigating the incident and will take appropriate action, including possible improvements to staff training and internal processes. The airline also said it has reached out to Bode to offer support.

While the Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination against passengers based on disability and requires airlines to assist with boarding and deplaning, Southern Airways pointed to specific provisions in its Contract of Carriage. 

The airline noted that its smaller aircraft, which carry up to 28 passengers, are not required under section 382.97 of the Act to provide mechanical lift devices. Their policy states that passengers must be able to use stairs to board, though portable ramps may be available at some locations, with no guarantee of accessibility.