Spirit Airlines Employee Fired After 6-Year-Old Boy Gets on Wrong Flight
A Spirit Airlines employee has been fired after a 6-year-old boy was put on the wrong flight from Pennsylvania to Florida, leaving him nearly 200 miles from his grandma’s house.
The incident occurred when the boy, flying as an unaccompanied minor, was walked to the wrong gate and ended up landing at the Orlando airport instead of Fort Myers, where his grandmother was waiting to pick him up. The boy’s grandmother, Maria Ramos, was shocked to find out that her grandson had missed his flight when she arrived at the Fort Myers airport to pick him up.
Following an internal investigation, Spirit Airlines terminated the agent responsible for the mix-up. The company also stated that any individual whose actions contributed to the incorrect boarding will be held accountable for failing to follow proper procedures. Furthermore, Spirit Airlines has reiterated its procedures to its team and is in communication with the child’s family about the matter.
Despite Spirit Airlines offering to drive the boy to his grandmother from Orlando, she declined and drove the three hours to pick him up herself. Ramos stated that she simply wants accountability for the mistake. Interestingly, the boy’s checked bag did manage to arrive at the correct airport.
In a statement to FOX 35, Spirit Airlines apologized for the incident and assured that they take the safety and responsibility of transporting all their guests seriously. They also stated that they are conducting an internal investigation in response to the mix-up.
The family was eventually reunited, but this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following proper procedures when it comes to unaccompanied minors and passenger safety.