Airlines

A blind couple and their baby were stopped from boarding two separate flights after an airline tried to make them pay for an escort

A blind couple and their baby were denied boarding on two different planes, forcing them to wait a full week before returning from their vacation in Greece

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A blind couple and their baby were denied boarding on two different planes, forcing them to wait a full week before returning from their vacation in Greece. On December 2, Eythor Kamban Thrastarson and Emilia Pykarinou, who were flying with their one-year-old daughter, were supposed to take a Scandinavian Airlines flight from Athens, Greece to Iceland.

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According to reports from broadcaster RUV and the Iceland Review, when they arrived at their gate, employees wouldn’t allow them board unless they paid for an escort. This would have involved buying another seat on the plane, so they refused.

The pair was once more denied boarding for the same reason two days later, according to RUV. On December 9, a week later than expected and after three attempts, the family finally made it home. They said they were only allowed to board after another Icelandic passenger promised to act as their escort.

Thrastarson stated in an interview with RUV that Scandinavian Airlines permits children as young as five to fly unescorted on its flights and that his family should not be treated any differently.

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He thinks the airline may have been concerned because of the presence of his 1-year-old daughter. According to Iceland Review, Thrastarson stated that he and his partner would not have purchased the ticket if they did not felt safe caring for their child on board.

The pair stated that they intend to take legal action against Scandinavian Airlines. They received assistance from the Icelandic Association of the Visually Impaired and the Icelandic Consulate in Greece.

Scandinavian Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Related Topics:SAS Scandinavian airlines

Airlines

A Costly Mistake: Passenger Pays for Fuel After Disruptive Flight

A Western Australian man has learned a costly lesson after his unruly behavior on a flight resulted in the aircraft having to turn back. The passenger was ordered to pay over $5,000 in fuel costs, along with a significant fine, for causing the plane to divert.

The incident occurred in September 2023 when the man, who was not publicly named, became disruptive on a flight from Perth to Sydney. Due to his behavior, the pilot was forced to turn the plane around and return to Perth, which required dumping fuel to land safely.

The passenger pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behavior and non-compliance with safety instructions. As a result, he was ordered to pay $8,630 to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel and was also fined $6,055. This combined penalty of over $11,000 is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.

While this is not a typical punishment, other cases of in-flight misconduct have resulted in hefty fines. One passenger in the United States was fined over $40,000 for a series of offenses, including bringing their own alcohol on board, being intoxicated, attempting to smoke marijuana, and sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

The Australian Federal Police emphasized that disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated. They warned that individuals who cause disturbances can face significant financial penalties and legal consequences. The case of the Western Australian passenger serves as a clear message that obeying airline staff and adhering to safety regulations is essential for a smooth and safe flight.