Airline reportedly instructed mother to remove son from ventilator prior to flight takeoff, video surfaces online.
Title: A Mother's Tough Fight with United Airlines Over Her Son's Medical Equipment
In a viral TikTok video with over 1.3 million views, Melissa Sotomayor shared her fiery encounter with United Airlines' crew. The mother of a medically complex two-year-old, Noah, claimed that the flight personnel asked her to remove her son from his breathing machine and portable oxygen concentrator - equipment essential for his survival - before takeoff.
"The way you treated my son when we were attempting to fly home from Tampa to Newark was absolutely ridiculous," Melissa asserted in her video. She added that Noah relies heavily on a breathing tube, ventilator, and other devices to stay alive.
Despite initially flying United Airlines to Tampa without any problems, along with doctors' clearances and other necessary documentation, Melissa recounted an confrontation with a flight attendant. He allegedly demanded that she remove her son from the equipment, insisting it needed to be secure for takeoff. However, Melissa explained that she couldn't remove the equipment as it was essential for her son's life.
The captain later reiterated the same concerns, allegedly asserting that Noah shouldn't be flying, citing potential dangers. But, Melissa stood her ground, telling him that her son was medically cleared and had fought for his life throughout. She also stated that the equipment was FAA-approved and had been assigned seats by United's accessibility department.
Ultimately, the family was allowed to continue on the flight, which arrived in Newark nearly an hour behind schedule. United Airlines issued a short apology for any frustration caused, but Melissa felt the apology lacked sincerity. She also claimed that the airline refused to offer any compensation.
However, United Airlines, in a later conversation with CNN, stated that they connected with Melissa to address her concerns and reiterated their apology. As of now, they haven't responded to the question about potential compensation. Melissa is currently seeking legal advice to pursue her case further.
United Airlines generally allows passengers with special needs to use medical equipment on their flights, provided certain procedures are followed to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. These procedures include notifying the airline at least 48 hours in advance, gathering necessary medical documentation, ensuring equipment complies with FAA regulations, and clear communication with airline staff.
A recent controversy involving a passenger's medically complex child highlights the challenges that such passengers may face during flights. The incident indicates a need for clearer communication and adherence to established protocols for medical equipment use. United Airlines has acknowledged the need for improvement in these areas.
- Melissa Sotomayor, in her viral TikTok video, recounted a ridiculous confrontation with a United Airlines flight attendant over her son's medical equipment, which included a ventilator, during a flight from Tampa to Newark.
- After Melissa's son, Noah, was flown with United Airlines to Tampa without any issues, the family faced a dispute with the airline's crew over the use of Noah's ventilator and other essential equipment for takeoff.
- Despite United Airlines issuing an apology for the incident, Melissa, who was seeking legal advice to pursue her case further, felt the apology was not sincere and that the airline refused to offer any compensation.
