Airline Passenger Booted from 2 Flights for Wearing All of his Clothes to Avoid Checked Bag Fee
The latest battle over baggage fees is putting the Basic Economy outrage to shame.
Williams reportedly piled on much of his wardrobe in order to cut down on the bag’s weight — a tactic he claims the airline originally agreed to. But after bundling up in multiple coats and tying sweaters around his neck, he was still refused entry onto the flight.
@British_Airways hi being held at Iceland Keflavik airport because I had no baggage put all the clothes on and they still won't let me on. Racial profiling? Or..... pic.twitter.com/NKgpe1cPFP
— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 10, 2018
The "safety concerns" were unjust. I wasn't intoxicated or threatening in any way.
Was only refused because of despute the previous day over not having checked luggage and wearing all my clothes at once (which the airline said if I did so I could board)
Then still refused me on— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 13, 2018
Disappointing. pic.twitter.com/7f8UFi9jb4
— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 10, 2018
According to the Iceland Monitor, the authorities were called, and reportedly used pepper spray on Williams before eventually arresting him. Williams’ troubles were far from over though. The next day, he was once again turned away from a second flight, this time on easyJet.
And AGAIN! Refused from 2 flights in 2 days for no valid reason :) @easyJet @British_Airways thanks guys wonderful service pic.twitter.com/Ivoc0WZvXl
— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 11, 2018
Spoke to @easyjet via dm and this was there response, can't believe this is real life right now... pic.twitter.com/h8EqkEwTpH
— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 13, 2018
EasyJet just refunded me so can't of been that concerned ??????????? https://t.co/iUsEJZmKC5
— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 14, 2018
EasyJet originally claimed they would not refund Williams his money, but a later tweet shows the airline did end up returning his fare. According to the Washington Post, Williams ended making it back home to England on a third airline, but continued to share insight into his travel nightmare after landing.
To everyone reporting on my airport experience in Iceland.
PLEASE STOP SAYING I was EVADING excess baggage fees....I couldn't AFFORD the fee (£90) as a result of being left homeless in Iceland for over a week.
Paints a VERY different picture.
Thankful that anyone cares tho.— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 16, 2018
“To everyone reporting on my airport experience in Iceland. PLEASE STOP SAYING I was EVADING excess baggage fees…I couldn’t AFFORD the fee (£90) as a result of being left homeless in Iceland for over a week,” he said. “Paints a VERY different picture.”
In a statement to the Post, British Airways reiterated their policies: “We give our customers a wide range of fares to choose from to meet their needs,” an airline spokesperson said. “We explained our policy to our customer, and offered him an alternative flight to London.