Passenger Denied Boarding Despite Tickets: Increase in Summer Season Signals

A mother and baby were not allowed to board a low-cost airline despite having tickets and being checked in. The reason, according to the mother, is the duplication of tickets. According to the European Consumer Center, with the onset of the summer season, such signals will increase.

Shejan Fakhri and her baby travel all night from Dobrich to Sofia to board a plane to Malta, where she lives and works. However, the plane takes off without them.

“I was one of the first waiting here, at the gate, but I wasn’t allowed in and I wasn’t the only one. They just closed the door and that was it. I don’t know who to turn to. I don’t know what to do,” commented Fakhri to BNT.

Vesco Eshkenazi complained about our compatriots who boarded a plane without a ticket

Shejan has no relatives in the capital, Dobrich is over 500 km away, and there is no other direct flight to Malta that day.

“There is a possibility that I will lose my job, I came here because my grandfather had a stroke, and I guess this is the last time I see him, I have to go home. I have a child who is taking graduation, I can’t go home to him,” he added she.

Attempts to get assistance from the company were unsuccessful.

“They didn’t have any attitude, they just closed their doors and said it was over,” the mother said.

The airline’s position has been sought – what is the reason for these people not being put on board and not being assisted. So far no answer. The same rules apply to low-cost airlines as to other airlines. In a situation where there are no seats for all passengers who have purchased tickets, the carrier has the obligation to pay compensation. However, the passenger must file a complaint.

“They have the right to food and drinks while waiting for the next flight, possibly an overnight stay if it is necessary to wait for the next day, as well as two free calls, including financial compensation,” commented Sonia Spasova, director of European Consumer center (EPC).

Spasova added that if after a month has passed since filing a complaint and the trader is registered in another country from the EU, Iceland, Norway or the United Kingdom, and if after the expiration of this period there is no response or assistance, victims can contact the EPC for assistance.

Shejan is already traveling back to Dobrich, as there are no tickets for Malta in the coming days. She is determined to seek her rights.