Forced to abandon vision-impaired Mother
 

I purchased two full-priced round trip tickets in first class in order to escort my vision-impaired, wheelchair-bound mother to her destination. After being told that they accidently "overbooked" first-class seating, I was bumped from first class and forced to abandon my vision-impaired, wheelchair-bound mother.

No compensation was given except for a "meal voucher" which I exchanged for a turkey sandwich which had an expiration date of the previous day.

Not only did I experience pain & suffering, but my mother was unable to rest or eat during the flight due to the stress of the situation and being separated from me, her caregiver.

I would like a full refund of my ticket due to the inconvenience and stress we experienced.

A meal voucher for an out of date turkey sandwich is not adquate compensation for being bumped from First Class to Economy. I would have refused to be bumped and insisted on being placed on the next available flight with your mother. You were travelling as her companion to support her as a result of her disability. The airline had no right to separate you and I would write to the DOT and complain about their actions. They should either have downgraded you both and paid both compensation for the difference between your economy tickets and first class, or chosen someone else. You can complain to the DOT, that this was a breach of the Air Carriers Act obligations towards people with a disability. You can do this via the quick link at the top of the page.

Thank you for your advice!