EasyJet Faces Backlash After Removing Disabled Passenger From Flight
By [Your Name], Staff Reporter
EasyJet, a prominent airline, has come under scrutiny after a 79-year-old disabled man, Barry Dobner, claimed he was removed from a flight due to his inability to walk to the toilet. The incident occurred on April 3, as Barry, accompanied by his wife Alison and their friend Sheila, was about to depart from Manchester to Athens for a holiday. The heartbreaking ordeal unfolded when cabin crew overheard a conversation Barry was having with his wife, sparking a series of events that led to their forced departure from the aircraft just minutes before take-off.
Barry, who has been wheelchair-bound since suffering a stroke 18 years ago, expressed his distress at the humiliating experience, stating, “The whole plane was standing up watching what was going on. You can imagine how that made me feel.” Despite having informed easyJet of his wheelchair requirements during the reservation process and being assisted onto the plane, Barry was questioned about a portable urinal bottle he had in his possession. Subsequently, a flight attendant inquired if Barry could walk to the toilet, to which his wife responded in the negative. This response led to the crew asking the entire party to disembark, leaving them to make alternative arrangements to return home.
Alison Dobner, aged 67, expressed her shock and disappointment at the treatment they received, noting, “To treat a disabled person like that was appalling, especially when they had all the information beforehand.” The Dobners had planned the trip as an early celebration for Barry’s 80th birthday, but the incident resulted in a loss of approximately £2,000, which included expenses for hotels and transportation in Athens. Subsequently, they lodged a complaint with easyJet, seeking reimbursement and an apology for the distress caused.
In response to the escalating situation, an easyJet spokesperson conveyed their regret over the incident, affirming that efforts were being made to rectify the situation by providing a full refund for the flight and offering denied boarding compensation to the affected passengers. The spokesperson reiterated the airline’s commitment to inclusivity, highlighting their annual assistance to over a million passengers with diverse needs and indicating a high satisfaction rate among customers who require special support. However, the Dobners’ traumatic experience sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in navigating air travel despite existing accessibility policies.
As Barry Dobner reflects on the emotional toll of the incident, he shares, “I’ve always been a happy-go-lucky chap, but this has knocked me back a bit. I feel like just an object, I’m not a person anymore.” His poignant statement underscores the importance of respectful and dignified treatment for all passengers, regardless of their physical abilities. The outcry following this distressing event serves as a poignant reminder of the need for continued vigilance and advocacy to uphold the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life, including air travel.