Woman and Child With Skin Disorder Kicked Off Airline in El Paso
A woman has taken to social media to express her frustration after being kicked off an American Airlines flight due to her and her child’s genetic skin disorder.
Airlines just can’t seem to get it right. Last week Jordan Flake and her son boarded an American Airlines flight from El Paso bound for South Carolina when she was asked by the crew about her rash. Both Flake and her son suffer from a rare skin disorder and was asked to get off the plane due to her skin condition because she did not have a doctor’s note that indicated that she could fly or for that matter be in contact with other people. Flake and her son suffer from Ichthyosis, which is a genetic skin disorder that affects people of all races, ages, and gender and is not contagious.
American Airlines has since apologized offering Flake and her son an upgraded flight along with a refund and said it would also launch an investigation into the case.
Below is what Jordan Flake initially posted on her Facebook page:
"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!"
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