Airline Forces Family To Sit On The Floor During Their Flight

TUI Airlines Netherlands Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner landing in the mist in Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport

A British family returning home from a trip to the Spanish island of Menorca were forced to sit on the floor of the plane because the seats they were assigned did not exist. Ian Taylor, his wife Paula, and their ten-year-old daughter Brooke were excited that they had gotten three seats together on the flight but could not find  41 D, E, and F when they boarded the plane.

The flight attendants offered Brooke the last spare seat on the plane, while Ian and Paula were told they could sit in the jump seats normally reserved for the crew. 

Once the flight took off, the Taylor's were forced to move from their seats and sit on the floor so the flight crew could access food and drinks. 

The Taylor's handled the situation well and did not cause a scene but were not happy about the incident.

"It's hard and it's uncomfortable and it's just filthy," Paula told BBC's Rip Off Britain. "It's just not an experience I ever want to repeat."

When they landed, Paula complained about what happened but was brushed off and offered just £30 in compensation. TUI airlines eventually refunded the family and explained that the issue was the result of a "last minute aircraft change."

"Unfortunately a last minute aircraft change meant that the seats the family was originally assigned were unavailable as the alternative aircraft had a different seating configuration. We're also sorry for the way the situation was initially handled and we’ll be investigating this. We will also be contacting the customers directly to apologise and will be offering a full refund."

The Civil Aviation Authority has said it is investigating TUI Airlines for allowing the family to fly without physical seats. 

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content