The Wain family had booked a dream holiday to The Maldives but their plans were ruined when their daughter Grace was stopped from getting on the flight.
Grace’s father Paul spoke to the Daily Record and said that his daughter was refused entry to the Ethiad Airways plane because “she was too pale”.
According to the publication, airline staff insisted on written confirmation from a doctor before the 14-year-old was given permission to fly.
Paul said: “I told them, ‘We live in Scotland’.
“She is a redhead and she has a pale complexion. That’s just the way she is”.
Paul pictured with his daughter Grace and son Murray
He explained that the issue started at the check-in desk: “Grace was a
bit tired and hot and
bothered. She was cuddling into her mum in the line.
“One of the Etihad check-in girls then made the decision that she wasn’t fit to fly based on the fact she was pale in colour and was leaning against her mum”.
Grace was eventually allowed on the plane once the family obtained a letter from their GP but things went from bad to worse on arrival to the Maldives.
Two of their four suitcases went missing leaving Paul and his wife Sheena without clothes for three days of their trip.
The letter sent by the family’s GP which was emailed just in time
They received their possessions on Thursday and the airline has since released 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”.
Images via Paul B Wain
