A family, including two young children, faced spending two nights in an airport after easyJet cancelled not one, but two of their flights home. Lowri Gallagher, 30, from Ferndale in Rhondda, was on holiday with her partner, Shane Stevenson, and their two children aged two and one in Menorca. Scheduled to fly home at 11.20pm on Wednesday, August 14, they were informed at 8pm that their flight was cancelled via the app.
Despite seeking help from airport staff and being rebooked on a flight the next day at 2.30pm, finding accommodation proved challenging, with prices soaring to over £1,500 a night. As more flights were cancelled, including those from other airlines, speculation arose about possible reasons such as airport staff strikes or stormy weather.
With amenities in short supply and no clear communication from easyJet, the family endured discomfort and uncertainty. They faced inflated prices at the airport for basic necessities like food and drinks, and struggled to find accommodation at a reasonable cost. Despite their ordeal, easyJet only offered a £200 voucher as compensation.
With no satisfactory response from the airline even after the second flight cancellation, the family resorted to queuing for alternative flights back to the UK. They eventually secured a flight to Leeds, albeit at a significant cost, and finally made it back home after a prolonged and challenging journey.
Lowri expressed disappointment and frustration with easyJet’s lack of assistance and care during the ordeal. She highlighted the distressing experience of being stranded in a foreign airport with young children without adequate support. Despite facing multiple setbacks and inconveniences, the family’s resilience and determination saw them through the unexpected ordeal.
Through the difficulties faced, the family’s story underscores the importance of effective communication, empathy, and support from airlines during unexpected disruptions to passengers’ travel plans. Such experiences serve as a reminder of the need for improved customer care and assistance in unforeseen circumstances.