Did a British Family Really Wheel Their Dead Gran onto an EasyJet Flight?

A British family reportedly attempted to board an easyJet flight with their deceased grandmother, claiming she was simply unwell. Witnesses allege that the elderly woman, aged 89, was wheeled onto the plane in a wheelchair under false pretences. The flight from Malaga to Gatwick was forced to turn back just before take-off when cabin crew alerted by passengers discovered she had died. EasyJet has since denied these claims, stating that the woman was in possession of a fit-to-fly certificate and had not been declared dead prior to boarding.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The situation surrounding the easyJet flight has raised significant concerns among passengers and the public. Eyewitness accounts suggest that cabin crew were misled about the woman's health status prior to boarding. As the plane was preparing for take-off, crew members were alerted to the need for medical assistance, leading to the discovery that the woman had passed away. This incident has prompted discussions about airline policies regarding health checks and the responsibilities of both passengers and staff in ensuring safety during flights.

Key takeaways

A family allegedly attempted to board an easyJet flight with a deceased relative.
Witnesses reported that cabin crew were informed the woman was merely 'unwell'.
The flight was delayed for nearly 12 hours after it turned back to the terminal.
EasyJet insists the woman had a fit-to-fly certificate and was alive before boarding.
Passengers expressed outrage over the handling of the situation by both the family and the airline.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline outlines key events related to this incident, providing context for readers:

Friday, 6 October 2023 (UTC): Flight scheduled to depart Malaga at 11:15 am local time.
11:15 am: The flight was due to depart but was delayed.
10:47 pm: The flight finally departed Malaga, landing at Gatwick around midnight.
Post-incident: Civil Guard officials were called to the aircraft following the discovery of the deceased woman.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Eyewitness accounts have emerged detailing the family's actions and claims made to the airline staff. Passengers have shared their disbelief and anger on social media, highlighting flaws in communication between the family and easyJet representatives. This has ignited a debate regarding the protocols airlines must follow in such tragic situations.

What was already established

Prior to the incident, easyJet had outlined its policies regarding medical clearance for passengers. The airline requires a fit-to-fly certificate for those with existing health conditions, which the family reportedly possessed. However, the circumstances surrounding the passenger's death have raised questions about the adequacy of these measures.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This incident may lead to increased scrutiny of airline policies concerning passenger health and safety. Consumers could face more stringent health checks before boarding, potentially causing delays and impacting travel plans. The emotional toll on passengers witnessing such an event may also result in calls for better support systems during flights.

Businesses and jobs

The airline industry is already under pressure to maintain a safe travel environment. This incident could prompt easyJet and other airlines to review training for staff on handling medical emergencies and ensuring compliance with health regulations. Additionally, it may affect the reputation of easyJet and similar carriers, potentially influencing their business operations and customer trust.

Policy and regulation

Regulatory bodies in the UK may take a closer look at airline health protocols, especially regarding the provisions for elderly or unwell passengers. Upcoming consultations could focus on improving guidelines for medical assessments before boarding, which might affect how airlines operate in the future.

Numbers that matter

89 years: The age of the deceased passenger.
12 hours: The delay experienced by passengers due to the incident.
58,000 views: The number of views on social media posts discussing the incident.
1: The reported fit-to-fly certificate the family claimed the woman possessed.
10: The hours between the scheduled departure and the eventual take-off time.

Definitions and jargon buster

Fit-to-fly certificate: A medical document confirming that an individual is healthy enough to travel by air.
Cabin crew: The staff responsible for passenger safety and service on the aircraft.
Special assistance: Services provided for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility to facilitate their boarding and travel experience.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Passengers and airlines will likely continue to discuss the implications of this incident, with calls for improved communication protocols during boarding becoming more prevalent. EasyJet may also face customer backlash that could influence their public relations strategy.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Airlines might implement more rigorous training for staff regarding medical emergencies, particularly for elderly passengers. Regulatory changes could also be anticipated as authorities respond to public concerns over health and safety on flights.

Signals to watch

Announcement of any changes to easyJet's boarding policies.
Feedback from passengers regarding safety and health protocols.
Potential investigations or reports from aviation regulatory bodies.

Practical guidance

Do

Ensure that all passengers, especially those with health concerns, have the necessary medical documentation before travelling.
Communicate openly with airline staff about any health issues or concerns during boarding.
Remain aware of airline policies regarding passenger health and safety.

Don’t

Attempt to mislead airline staff about a passenger's health status.
Board a flight without proper medical clearance if necessary.
Ignore the importance of clear communication regarding health concerns with travel companions.

Checklist

Verify the fit-to-fly certificate before travel.
Inform airline staff of any medical assistance needed.
Check for updates on airline policies regarding health and safety.
Prepare for potential delays by arriving at the airport early.
Stay informed about any changes in flight regulations or safety protocols.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the reports surrounding this incident are troubling, they are based on eyewitness accounts that may vary in accuracy. EasyJet maintains that the passenger had the appropriate medical certification. The lack of clarity about the circumstances leading to the woman’s death raises questions about the reliability of the family’s statements and the airline's processes. Until further investigations are conducted, the full facts of the situation remain uncertain.

Bottom line

This incident highlights the complexities of air travel concerning health and safety, particularly for elderly passengers. The potential repercussions for easyJet and the scrutiny from regulatory bodies may prompt changes in how airlines handle medical situations in the future. Passengers should remain vigilant about health protocols to ensure safe travel experiences.

FAQs

What happened on the easyJet flight?

A family allegedly boarded an easyJet flight with their deceased grandmother, claiming she was unwell. The flight was turned back after cabin crew discovered she had passed away.

What did easyJet say about the incident?

EasyJet stated that the woman had a fit-to-fly certificate and was alive before boarding, denying claims made by passengers regarding her condition.

How did passengers react to the situation?

Passengers expressed outrage and disbelief on social media, questioning how the family was allowed to board the flight with a deceased relative.