3 days ago
Woman lashes Spirit Airlines for refusing to let her fly because she'd just had cosmetic surgery
A Spirit Airlines passenger filmed himself arguing with staff who denied her boarding because she'd just had cosmetic surgery - even though she had a doctor's note.
Shataria Banks traveled from Texas to Florida for the procedure - whose details she has refused to share for privacy reasons - but was unable to return home on Wednesday.
She captured video of her confrontation at the Spirit Airlines desk in the Miami airport.
After the agent told her she was not allowed to fly, Banks asked 'Do you all have that policy online before you book?'
The agent replied, 'We have procedure that I have to follow... it's about your safety.'
Banks continued to ask what policy was in place that allowed them to deny her despite having approval from her doctor.
'Well, we don't have it in writing—verbatim—from their spirit supervisor,' she told CBS Miami.
'It was just how I was treated on top of them just neglecting what my doctor said.
'Even though you all have my medical clearance, even though my doctor's— you all are still restricting me to fly.'
She did not specify what type of cosmetic surgery she had, but does appear to be walking around with a drainage bag around her waist.
'I am writing this letter to request a flight assistance certificate for my patient. After a thorough assessment, I confirm that my patient can travel by air,' Bank's doctor's note said.
Spirit Airlines told their agent complied with company policy.
'The safety and well-being of our Guests is our top priority. Our records show the agents followed our procedures and consulted with a designated on-call medical professional via our vendor MedLink to verify the Guest's fitness to travel,' the spokesperson said.
'The medical professional at MedLink was informed of the Guest's documentation and advised that the Guest was not fit to travel based on their condition at the time and in the interest of their safety. The Guest was ultimately issued a refund for the flight.'
Spirit staff likely worried that if Banks had suffered a surgery-related medical issue while in mid-air, they could be held liable.
Banks said she respects the need for safety but believes a clearer policy needs to be in place.
'I'm not saying that they can't deny their travelers and they're looking out for their safety, but have something in place, because everybody don't have money to waste for a new flight. I never want to fly with them, ever, ever,' she said.
