Wicked Star Marissa Bode Slams Southern Airways After Being Denied Boarding

"Blatant Segregation": Marissa Bode Calls Out Southern Airways Over Flight Refusal

Marissa Bode, the breakout star of the upcoming Wicked film, is putting Southern Airways on blast. In a raw and frustrating TikTok shared on Thursday, April 23, the 25-year-old actress detailed a recent travel nightmare where she was allegedly barred from boarding a flight simply because she is a wheelchair user.

Image source: ig/marissa_edob

Bode was traveling to Pennsylvania for a speaking engagement when her journey hit a standstill. While her initial flight went smoothly, her experience with the connecting carrier, Southern Airways, turned into what she describes as a case of "blatant segregation."

A Shocking Reason for Denied Boarding

The incident began when Bode approached the gate to ask for help locating her boarding pass. According to the actress, the gate agents didn't start with a "hello," but rather a pointed question: "Can you stand?"

‘Wicked’ star Marissa Bode claims she was denied boarding flight over her wheelchair: ‘Do f—ing better’ The 25-year-old, who has been confined to a wheelchair since her involvement in a car crash at the age of 11, took to TikTok on Thursday, claiming, “I… https://t.co/iJsBe3yma6 pic.twitter.com/Cr1EJfsanJ

— UnfilteredAmerica (@NahBabyNahNah) April 25, 2026

When Bode replied that she couldn't, she says the agents immediately told her they would have to deny her boarding. Their reasoning? The airline claimed all their planes utilize stairs for boarding, making it impossible for her to enter.

"Wild. Never heard of that before," Bode told her followers. "I said, 'You're telling me none of the people who have flown on your plane before are disabled?'"

Conflicting Stories and Weight Concerns

The situation grew even more baffling when staff reportedly complained about the weight of her 35 lb. wheelchair and her luggage. Bode was quick to point out the irony, noting she only had a small duffle bag and that most passengers’ checked suitcases weigh significantly more than her lightweight chair.

Image source: ig/marissa_edob

Perhaps the most frustrating part of the ordeal is that this wasn't an oversight. Bode’s manager had contacted Southern Airways well in advance to ensure her wheelchair and accessibility needs could be accommodated. The airline had reportedly "fully assured" the team that there would be no issues.

A Pattern of Travel Struggles

Unfortunately, this isn't Bode's first brush with airline incompetence. She has previously spoken up about industry-wide issues, including a past incident where an airline nearly sent her wheelchair to San Francisco—a city where she doesn't even live.

By sharing her story, Bode is highlighting a systemic problem in the travel industry where accessibility is often treated as an optional luxury rather than a legal requirement. As of now, Southern Airways has not publicly responded to the allegations.