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A passenger was removed from an American Airlines flight between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) last Saturday over an altercation around her child’s stroller. The woman alleges that a flight attendant assaulted her before she was removed from the flight.
@AmericanAir @British_Airways I was removed off the AA142 flight departing JFK AT 9:30 am on the 2nd for bringing my babies stroller . The attendant assaulted me and racially attacked me . Born British citizen , and this is how i am treated . No compassion towards women .
— neyma siddiqi (@siddiqui_neyma) September 7, 2023
The incident occurred on American Airlines flight AA142 on September 2nd. The passenger boarded with her sleeping infant, carry-on bag, and collapsible stroller. Another passenger assisted carry the stroller, but a flight attendant intervened as it was being stored and said that it needed to be gate checked. The woman told the flight attendant that it could easily fit in the overhead bin.
The flight attendant allegedly persisted, raised his voice, and grabbed her arm. Other crew members joined in the argument and the argument continued. The woman reportedly began to cry and other flight attendants joined the melee. In the end, the passenger, her baby, and apparently her mother and sister were all removed from the flight. A witness to the incident wrote her account here.
We want all of our customers to feel welcome each and every time they fly with us. A specialist will be following up with you.
— americanair (@AmericanAir) September 7, 2023
American responded to the woman’s posts on Twitter/X with a generic reply.
Anthony’s Take: Right now, this is more of a she said, he said story. The fact that the passenger has a witness account seems to help corroborate her story. I’m sure that there is more to the story than what has been reported.
(H/T: View from the Wing.)
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3 comments
Strollers get left and collected again at the bottom of the jet bridge. Everyone knows that is the rule.
Yes, it a he said she said, but based on her admission that she brought the stroller in the cabin and then put up resistance when the FA’s enforced the rule, the case doesn’t look good for the complainant.
How about not arguing with the FA/Crew. You’re not flying private. Stop the negotiating/complaining/crying & the I know better attitude.
All that comes after is on you for your entitled attitude & non-compliance with the crew instructions, including you Mums hospital visit.
You would have been at your destination if you complied with the crew instructions.
Most Asian and some middle eastern airlines do allow passengers to bring small strollers onto the plane. The approved dimensions are clearly defined and communicated. AA and nearly all western airlines require gate check regardless of dimension. A tiny bit of situational and cultural awareness, which is almost always lacking among AA FAs, would likely have been helpful. As stated above, does seem there is more to the story and the mother is not necessarily on the side of angels. But her assumption that a stroller can be brought on was not unreasonable.