‘Wicked’ star Marissa Bode says airline that denied her boarding wants to make things more accessible

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Marissa Bode reports that the airline which previously prevented her from boarding a flight due to her disability has contacted her.

The ‘Wicked’ actress shared a TikTok video on Sunday explaining that she’d been contacted by a director in the mobility department at Southern Airways, and wanted to address the situation before it received more media attention.

According to actress Alex Newell, who played Nessarose in the Wicked films, the airline’s director was deeply upset about the incident and offered a sincere apology. Newell was told the airline is investigating what happened, particularly because her manager had contacted them beforehand to ensure they could accommodate her needs before the trip was booked.

Bode said the airline is continuing to communicate with her to discuss ways to improve its service.

Bode explained in a phone call that he wasn’t seeking financial compensation. His main goal was to improve the flying experience for all disabled passengers, not just himself. He believes the airline is taking the necessary steps to address the issue and make things right.

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Marissa Bode, who made history as the first actress in a wheelchair to play Nessarose in ‘Wicked,’ said that jokes referencing her character’s disability were easy and uninspired.

On Thursday, Bode shared a TikTok video accusing Southern Airways of preventing her from taking a flight to a speaking event in Pennsylvania.

She explained that she wasn’t allowed on her flight because of her disability. “I really wish that wasn’t true,” she said, “but unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened.”

Bode couldn’t find her mobile boarding pass for her next flight, so she asked the gate agents for help. The agents noticed she was using a wheelchair and asked if she was able to stand.

In a video, Bode explained that he was told he wouldn’t be allowed to board his flight after he refused something. He recounted being told, ‘I’m sorry, but because of that, we have to deny your boarding.’

The actor said staff informed her that passengers needed to be able to climb stairs to get on the small plane. They also mentioned that the stairs can be difficult for some older travelers.

The Air Carrier Access Act prevents airlines from discriminating against passengers with disabilities. However, Southern Airways’ passenger contract states that customers need to be able to climb stairs to board their planes, and the airline isn’t obligated to provide boarding assistance like lifts, because their planes are small, carrying 28 or fewer passengers.

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Thanks to support from the Inevitable Foundation’s Visionary Fellowship, artists with disabilities, such as Bode and filmmaker Katherine Craft, are demonstrating how to make Hollywood more accessible.

As a lifelong moviegoer, I was really struck by what Bode said about airlines. It feels like a pretty clear form of discrimination when they hide behind the age or size of a plane as an excuse for why someone can’t access a flight, instead of just making the necessary accommodations. It’s not about the plane, it’s about not being willing to adapt, and that just doesn’t sit right with me.

In her video, Bode questioned why airlines consistently wait for disabled passengers to point out accessibility issues before making improvements. She emphasized that disabled people shouldn’t be an afterthought and asked why airlines don’t proactively update their planes knowing that disabled travelers exist.

Bode praised Southern Airways for how they responded after the incident. She encouraged all airlines to improve their accessibility practices, suggesting they not only consult with disabled passengers after problems occur, but also proactively include them in the design process to prevent issues from happening in the first place.

Bode expressed hope for improved conditions for people with disabilities, noting that Southern appears committed to making positive changes. He shared his gratitude for their willingness to listen and consider his input.

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2026-04-28 00:01