Last week an American Airlines kicked a mother and her one-year-old son off a flight after the crew noticed they both had a mysterious “rash.”
Turns out that “rash” was an absolutely non-contagious rare genetic skin condition, the mother was humiliated, and the whole thing went down on Rare Disease Day.
The Airliners later apologised for causing inconvenience to both the mom and her son.
The Washington post reported that the incident occured with Jordan Flake who was on her way to South Carolina after spending time with her husband in Texas before his military deployment.
Flake and her son, Jackson, both have ichthyosis, a genetic skin condition that causes noticeably dry, thick, and scaly skin. No one cared about their skin when they boarded the flight, but the crew flagged it shortly before takeoff.
Flake posted on her facebook –
“Today is #rarediseaseday !
While I’d like to share something positive, Jackson and I were just discriminated against…big time!
**just to clarify, my issue is with the crew. Not the airline employee. He was called by the crew to remove me from the plane. He was very helpful and mad about the situation. He tried advocating for me!**
We boarded our American Airlines flight where everyone smiled and talked to Jackson. Before take off a man (employee called on flight to handle the situation) came up to my row and asked the 2 men sitting next to me to get up. He then quietly asked me about “my rash” and if I had a letter from a doctor stating it was ok for me to fly. I explained to him that it was called Ichthyosis and it was a genetic skin condition. He walked up to the front to talk to the crew. He apparently also googled it during that time. He came back and said he apologized but we wouldn’t be able to fly and we had to get off the plane. He helped me get my bags and Jackson. He talked to the pilot as we were getting off. The pilot seemed ok with it, but the flight attendant rudely said (without even acknowledging me) “well she doesn’t have a letter from a doctor, so…”
They also weren’t able to retrieve my checked luggage. The man helped me off the plane, got me a hotel and a new flight with a different airline. I had to make unexpected childcare arrangements for my daughter at home and I am having to get a ride to the store to get our lotions and some clothes for tomorrow. I have never been so humiliated in my life! I have emailed them and am waiting for a reply. Happy Rare Disease Day! Quit being ignorant and take the time to listen to people! I shouldn’t have to explain myself.
Since I’m not able to tag the airline, feel free to share!“