Disability advocate removed from Virgin flight over wheelchair motor dispute

Disability advocate Shane Hryhorec claims he was humiliated after being removed from a Virgin Australia flight due to a dispute over storing his portable wheelchair motor. Hryhorec, who has C5 incomplete quadriplegia, had no issue boarding three previous Virgin flights with his wheelchair and service animal. On the problematic flight, he was instructed to store the motor under the seat in his row, but found no space due to the row's configuration.

The cabin crew suggested keeping the motor by his feet, but Hryhorec refused to place it next to his service dog for safety reasons. After consulting with staff, he was ultimately asked to leave the plane as there was no suitable alternative seating option. Virgin Australia stated they were reviewing the incident and would look into better identifying seating and stowage requirements in advance.