Southwest Airlines apologises to woman who claims employee made her 'prove' biracial son was hers
Southwest Airlines has apologised to a woman who claimed a member of staff stopped her from boarding because they did not believe her one-year-old biracial son was hers.
Lindsay Gottlieb claimed in a series of tweets that before a flight from Denver to Oakland, a desk agent asked her to "prove" that her son was hers "despite having his passport".
“She said because we have different last name," the woman's basketball coach from the University of California, Berkeley wrote.
"My guess is because he has a different skin colour."
@SouthwestAir I’m appalled that after approx 50 times flying with my 1 year old son, ticket counter personnel told me I had to “prove” that he was my son, despite having his passport. She said because we have different last name. My guess is because he has a different skin color.
— Lindsay Gottlieb (@CalCoachG) May 28, 2018
@SouthwestAir she 1st asked for proof with birth certificate. She then said it’s a “federal law” (not true) but asked me to prove I’m mother with Facebook post.What??Mother next to me said she’s never been asked for proof despite diff last name..not shockingly, not mixed face fam
— Lindsay Gottlieb (@CalCoachG) May 28, 2018
@SouthwestAir it was demeaning and insensitive, not to mention inefficient. Would have missed flight if it was not delayed. I would advise better training for employees to avoid this happening to others
— Lindsay Gottlieb (@CalCoachG) May 28, 2018
Ms Gottlieb was travelling with her fiance, Patrick Martin, the boy’s father, who is black.
Airlines are not required to match the last name of a child and guardian for domestic flights.
“We have reached out to Ms Gottlieb directly to address her concerns and will utilise the situation as a coaching opportunity for our Employee,” Southwest said in a statement. We apologise if our interaction made this family uncomfortable — that is never our intention.”
This family is on a holiday weekend adventure to support @Kenzie4bs at @usabasketball U18 trials. 💙💛🐻 pic.twitter.com/cbAcRdKyhJ
— Lindsay Gottlieb (@CalCoachG) May 26, 2018
Ms Gottlieb said the encounter was hurtful, but that she appreciated Southwest’s apology.
“I felt that in this situation it was my responsibility to say ‘Hey, this isn’t ok,”’ Ms Gottlieb said.
“I hope the coverage this has received can serve as a learning opportunity and that all families — regardless of how ‘traditional’ they may or may not look — are treated with dignity and respect.”
Ms Gottlieb, Mr Martin and their child were eventually allowed to board.
Associated Press
