Jetstar Bans Disabled Child From Boarding With Stroller
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Two-year-old Theo Scott, who has has Down syndrome and suffers from a rare condition known as non-neurogenic neurogenic bladder, was traveling with his family Friday from Wellington to Auckland, New Zealand, The Dominion Post reports.
They had only carry-on baggage, as their excursion was a short one. This included an approximately 18 pound stroller that Trudi Scott, Theo's mother, said folded down to the size of a large umbrella. At the gate, the family was told the stroller could not be carried on because there was no room and it would have to be checked.
However, once on board, the family says they saw a flight attendant place a large bag containing a musical instrument under one of the plane's back seats. To add insult to injury, the Scotts' stroller wound up being damaged during the flight.
According to the paper, Jetstar has a policy on its A320 aircraft to not allow strollers in the cabin because of the number of people who arrived with them. Musical instruments can be accommodated by strapping them into extra seats, if these are purchased by a passenger.
On the family's return flight, Theo's stroller was again placed in the hold, despite the cabin being only half-full.
"It's almost like you're having to justify your son's disability to them," Scott told The Dominion Post. She added that she believed staff had treated her family terribly and seemed to have no sympathy.
A spokeswoman for Jetstar told the paper that the airline "sincerely apologized" to the Scott family. Jetstar sent them four $50 vouchers and will also cover the cost to repair or replace the stroller.
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"According to the paper, Jetstar has a policy on its A320 aircraft to not allow strollers in the cabin because of the number of people who arrived with them." For Chrissake you sensationalist idiots, it's the airliner's policy to not allow strollers on! It's not like the airline crew was like, "Oh, he's disabled, let's make those poor bastards suffer!" It's POLICY.
July 07 2011 at 12:22 AM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate down Replywow, and here i thought i had heard it all with the hatefulness!! really?? you have an issue with a stroller for a disabled child being folded and put away OUT OF THE WAY so that deboarding can be an easy transition for everyone involved... this INCLUDES those who bitch and moan about how long it takes for people to deboard because they have a meeting to get to 15 mins after landing.... if the crew can shove that cart up and down the aisle to satisfy your thirst for a mixed drink or even your damn pretzels, they can damn sure accomodate a stroller for a child with a disability.... you are so right, EQUAL treatment, that means that EVERY passenger should be treated with respect.... and frankly, if the airline thought they did nothing wrong, they would never had sent compensation... and there is a fact that you insensitive cry me a freakin river business travelers can depend on!
July 06 2011 at 8:40 PM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down ReplyAnother fine airline - Delta overcharges our troops for checked baggage that the military requires them to have with them.- probably makes the troops wonder what/why they are fighting for us and our way of life. TSA patting down elderly grannies with wet diapers. MEN (?) running around in women's undies allowed to fly US Air - we got 'em all!!!
July 06 2011 at 8:25 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyUm nidekker its AUSTRAILIA not Austria.... just thought that might make you feel better
July 06 2011 at 8:02 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyAustralia, not Austria you idiot nldekker. You are precisely how misinformation gets promolgated.
July 06 2011 at 7:59 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyStupid Austrians. From the country that gave us Hitler.
July 06 2011 at 7:51 PM Report abuse Permalink -6 rate up rate down ReplyAUSTRALIA!!!!! NOT AUSTRIA......
July 06 2011 at 7:58 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyAustralians, NOT Austrians. Two different countries, Bozo
July 06 2011 at 7:59 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyCut the mook a little slack. Obama is unfamiliar with the language of Austria. I'd bet neither "nidekker" nor our "commander in chief" could find Australia, much less Austria on a globe without help. . The latter couldn't find his ass with both hands.
July 06 2011 at 9:40 PM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate downtippy301 here is a dipshit. I sincerely apologize to the internet on his behalf.
July 07 2011 at 12:23 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate downAnd those of you who say bring the stroller on. I hope that you get to sit nearby and suffer. The space is limited already. I get tired of those of you who feel "intitled". Start thinking of others. Store you luggage below in storage area. I even wish that the airlines would adhere to the "allowable" size carry on. I fly now only when I have to. It's slower and more expensive, but I prefer driving so as not to deal with the number of selfish, self centered travelers out there today. Maybe some company will come up with an airline for "mature adults only"
July 06 2011 at 7:43 PM Report abuse Permalink -6 rate up rate down ReplyOMG HE IS DISABLED.... Cut the family some slack... What if it was your child? Or if it was you? God some people just SUCK!!!!!
July 06 2011 at 7:36 PM Report abuse Permalink +4 rate up rate down ReplySHOVE YOUR VOUCHERS & BUY THE KID A NEW STROLLER.
July 06 2011 at 7:21 PM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down ReplyI am wheechair dependent and they do not let me bring my chair onboard. What is the difference? If they want to buy an extra seat like musicians do, they are can do it. YOu don't get "special' treatment for being disabled, just EQUAL treatment.
July 06 2011 at 7:19 PM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down ReplyHot 5 Deals
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