I was told your wheelchair is out of order and I missed my flight: complaint by Patrizia Saccà, former Paralympic athlete left on the ground at the airport

Patrizia Saccà, former Paralympic athlete, has filed a complaint after being denied boarding on a Ryanair flight from Turin’s Caselle Airport due to issues with her electric wheelchair's battery specifications. The incident occurred on a morning when she had already completed online check-in and was carrying all necessary documentation. She arrived at the airport around 8:20 a.m., expecting to board her flight to Crotone at 9:50 a.m. However, upon reaching the check-in counter, she was informed that the information regarding her mobility aid, specifically its battery capacity, did not meet the required standards. The wheelchair, equipped with a lithium battery, had been documented as having a capacity of 300 watt-hours and a weight of 20 kilograms. According to international aviation regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), such devices must adhere to specific limits, including the 300 Wh threshold for battery capacity. Despite providing this documentation and seeking clarification from staff, Saccà claims she was unable to resolve the issue. At approximately 9:20 a.m., she received notification that the flight was closed, forcing her to search for alternative travel options. Saccà remained at the airport until evening, attempting to find another connection to Calabria. With the help of a ticketing office employee who understood her situation, she eventually secured a flight to Lamezia Terme. This allowed her to reach her destination, though not without considerable inconvenience. Her journey took a different course than planned, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals relying on mobility aids during air travel. Saccà, who competed in para-sports for 28 years and participated in two Paralympic Games, has traveled extensively by air. She estimates she has taken at least 1,000 flights over the course of her career. For her, the experience at Turin-Caselle was particularly difficult to understand. She noted that while the airport typically offers better support compared to others, the assistance she received depended heavily on whom she encountered. This is not the first time Saccà has faced difficulties related to her mobility equipment. In December 2024, she described a similar ordeal involving her wheelchair during a transfer with a stop in Munich. In both instances, she emphasized that she does not seek blame but rather seeks answers and solutions. Turin-Caselle Airport operator Sagat expressed regret over the incident and stated they are reviewing what happened. The company reiterated that passengers needing to transport mobility aids must still go through the check-in desk even if they have previously completed online procedures, emphasizing the importance of arriving early and bringing all required technical documentation.