It could have simply been an observation in aerodynamics. Or the insult 42-year-old Adele Price took it, as when an Air France agent refused to allow her to board the plane with the explanation that "a head, one bottom and a torso cannot possibly fly on its own." Of course not. It would need wings - which is why Price, a Thalidomide baby born without limbs, had booked the flight in the first place.

Price had planned to travel from England to New York, arriving at the airport in the wheelchair she uses to get around. She cleared the luggage check without incident, but was then stopped from boarding.

The airline allowed Price on another flight, but only after she found someone to go along with her - at Price's expense. For the return trip, Price was forced to bring notes from four doctors saying she could fly alone. Price is suing Air France for unspecified damages. Describing Air France employees as "exceptionally rude and arrogant" she flew British Airways on the return trip.

» Scott Saxon