Gogglebox star Simon Minty has recalled a “dehumanising” incident where a pilot announced that his mobility scooter was causing a flight delay
The Channel 4 star, who has dwarfism, said he was compelled to share the challenges he’s faced while flying after watching documentary Fight to Fly, presented by former Loose Women star Sophie Morgan.
Morgan, who was paralyzed as a teenager, highlighted the challenges facing disabled customers on flights.
After watching the investigation, which saw fellow disability campaigners going undercover to document their experiences, Minty explained how he often has to repeat information, despite filling out forms ahead of time.
Taking to X on Tuesday, he wrote: “Turn up at check-in and they have nothing. I’m an alien! I repeat the battery type and weight at least five times each flight. Record was 12 people. Why?"
Minty added that his scooter has been damaged three times, an experience he described as "beyond devastating" and tear-inducing.
The disability consultant then went on to recall a particularly “dehumanising” incident where a pilot announced that his scooter was causing a flight delay, despite having provided all necessary information weeks in advance.
“I can walk on and off from the plane door yet the dehumanising treatment, not being listened to, loss of dignity, I’ve experienced many times,” he wrote. “More anxious flying than most things I do.
“Why? Despite the grief, I’ll keep doing it.”
Yep. Captain does PA announcement blaming me and my scooter for the delay in taking off. Truth? I send them all info weeks before, all agreed.
— Simon Minty (@simonminty) July 22, 2024
At check in, they know nothing so it takes ages so plane is late.
Their systems, not me.
Why? #SophieMorgan #FightToFly
Minty stated that more passengers with reduced mobility need to be included in meetings where decisions are made – something which he does not believe is currently happening enough.
The TV star, who joined Gogglebox in 2021 alongside his sister Jane, added: “Old but valid phrase, ‘nothing about us without us’.”
Minty is no stranger to campaigning for better visibility for people with mobility issues.
His company, Minty, works with organisations to “assist clients to deliver strategic and innovative programmes that improve the recruitment, retention, and promotion of disabled staff and deliver better services to disabled customers”.
