A UK teenager was left in tears after she was refused from boarding her flight to the Maldives.
The reason?
Airline staff suspected she was unwell due to her naturally pale complexion teamed with her red hair.
As Grace Wain, 14, and her family tried to board their flight to the Maldives, the teen was forced to undergo a check-up from paramedics.
Despite being given the all clear, Etihad staff still refused her on the flight. The family were forced to resort to obtaining a letter from their GP with just minutes to spare before take off.
Grace’s dad, Paul, told the Daily Record: “I told them, ‘We live in Scotland.
“She is a redhead and she has a pale complexion. That’s just the way she is.” “
To add insult to injury, once the family reached their destination they discovered that two of their suitcases hadn’t managed to make the flight.
Paul and his wife Sheena, 44 were forced to wear their travelling clothes since the idyllic Maldives resort only has one shop, which sells souvenirs.
A spokeswoman for Etihad said in a statement: “Staff were concerned about the wellbeing of a young passenger ahead of a lengthy flight.
“The team called for a medic who examined the child and requested a ‘fit to fly’ letter from a doctor, allowing the family to board. Our team on the ground continued to provide support ahead of the flight.
“Unfortunately, when the family arrived, some of their baggage was missing.
“The airline apologised and took all measures to find and deliver the baggage to the Wain family as soon as possible.
Compensation in line with standard guidelines will be provided.”
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