Disabled Veteran Amputee Claims That Airline Discriminated Against Him and Then Offered Him $100 to Settle

 

Brian Conwell is no ordinary veteran. While serving on active duty, he went out to get his soldiers lunch and was involved in a near fatal car accident that would require years of surgery, a deep depression, the loss of a leg and weight gain. 

He decided that life had more in store for him so he started going to the gym and "Big Country" was born. 

He entered athletic competitions, won 21 medals, and acquired several sponsors, including Doc's Roofing, Hollywood actor Sean Kanan, and SHIFT Magazine. He got a coach and a professional publicist and even shot a documentary about his life. 

On October 22nd, Brian was checking in to fly at a major American Airline and the counter agent allowed someone to rudely cut in front of Brian. The agent got distracted during talking to the person and entered Brian on the wrong flight. 

Brian's publicist, Dr. Rob Garcia, personally booked Brian's flight and paid a seat charge for additional legroom. The agent tried to move Brian to a seat without additional legroom. 

Brian is 6'6, 285 pounds and a competitive powerlifter. 

He told me in an interview that if he doesnt have that extra legroom which is mandated by the ADA and ACAA protecting disabled travelers, that it will dig his prosthetic leg into his hip causing immense pain. 

The counter agent looked at him and said, "If you don't like it, you can try another airline." 

Brian went to San Diego and was presented an award for veteran resilience and achievement by Blu Lapis Media and sponsored by VetComm, King Aminpour, Nick Devlin Coaching, Anchor Therapy Clinic, and Sycuan Casino. 

Brian with VetComm CEO Kate Monroe

When Brian's PR team heard about what had happened to him, they went to work. An article describing Brian's ordeal went viral. 

Brian's Viral Article

Brian was quick to point out that Spirit Airlines took very good care of him on the flight home, even offering him a first class seat for 35 dollars. Brian's PR team reached out to Spirit and the Sr Vice President immediately offered her assistance and to connect with the team (Spirit was NOT the airline treating Brian poorly, just the opposite.) 

When Brian's PR team attempted to contact American Airlines, a rep apologized and offered Brian $100 which was promptly rejected. Not $100 cash. A $100 flight voucher to fly with them again. 

Since this ordeal, Brian has had 10 media interview requests, 11,000 views on his article and a nationwide outpouring of support from veterans and disabled flyers. 

Brian received so much traffic that it crashed his website at www.sgtbc.com 

Brian's merch store is still open if you want to support his efforts. Big Country Merchandise

We reached out to American Airlines' Communication Officer and have yet to receive a response.