A 14-year-old Delta Air Lines passenger was denied boarding due to weather conditions. While the camp counselors were still boarded, the minor was told to take another flight the following day. This caused frustration among the passenger’s family and has generated thousands of reactions online after being posted 12 hours ago.
The minor was denied access to a three-hour and 15-minute flight between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). It has been a chaotic week for delays at Boston Logan International Airport, with the Federal Aviation Administration halting thousands of flights due to severe weather conditions. Delta did issue new warnings this week for several East Coast airports, including BOS, offering travelers flexible rebooking. However, in this case, the family is looking for more than just a rebooking option due to the inconvenience.
A 14-Year-Old Delta Passenger Traveling With A Camp Was Banned Due To Weather
Delta Air Lines has specific rules for minors. Under its “Unaccompanied Minor Program,” Delta’s rules depend on the passenger’s age. While passengers aged 15 to 17 can travel on nonstop and connecting flights, there are restrictions for travelers aged 14 and younger.
Delta Air Lines Unaccompanied Minor Rules And Age Limits
|
Age |
Travel Status |
|---|---|
|
4 Years and Younger |
May not travel alone (must be accompanied by a passenger at least 18 years old). |
|
5–7 Years |
May travel on some nonstop flights only. |
|
8–14 Years |
May travel on some nonstop and connecting flights. |
|
15–17 Years |
May travel on nonstop and connecting flights. |
In this particular situation, the traveler was allowed to take some nonstop and connecting flights and was with a camp. However, according to the minor’s parent, Delta did not allow it due to weather, even though the passenger was enrolled in the unaccompanied minor program, which costs an extra $150.
The parent wrote, “My son was on his way home from sleep away camp. Boston to ATL. We paid for the unaccompanied minor of course and his camp did everything right. Only for him to get to the airport and say they were enacting an embargo and not allowing unaccompanied minors on the flight due to the weather.”
The ban was that much more frustrating given that it took place at the last-minute, without any type of warning.
“WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED UNTIL HE AND THE CAMP CALLED US WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT THE AIRPORT. We were LIVID!! We get it, BUT TO NOT NOTIFY US AND JUST THINK IT’S OK TO LEAVE HIM UNTIL 24 HRS LATER IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.”
Although Delta guaranteed the next flight the following day, the parent took exception to their son being only 14 and left stranded for a day without a guardian, as the camp counselors had all boarded the flight.
In the end, the 14-year-old caught a flight 3.5 hours away at another major airport, and was picked up by their father. This was a frustrating experience for the family, who are now seeking compensation from Delta Air Lines.
The Delta Air Lines Customer Is Seeking Compensation From The Carrier
Delta Air Lines has not directly responded to this incident at this time. On its website, the carrier does confirm that it makes every effort to make a minor’s travel experience a positive one.
“When children travel alone on our flights, we take every step to ensure their safety, comfort, and a positive travel experience. Our Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) Program is a special service available for children ages 5–17 traveling alone or not in the same cabin with an adult at least 18 years old or their parent/legal guardian. Features include a trackable wristband, access to the Sky Zone lounge for kids, and a dedicated Delta escort to guide your child throughout their journey.”
The mother of the 14-year-old has confirmed she will be filing a complaint, and was seeking advice online as to what she should be entitled to as compensation.
“I’m calling tomorrow to file a formal complaint. What should I ask for? I WANT THE WHOLE PLANE (realistically I want like 50k points and compensation, but what is realistic because I have an irrational mama bear brain right now?!”
In conclusion to the post, the frustrated mother stated that Delta’s rule was “made up” and that only the Federal Aviation Administration enacts the embargo, but it allegedly rarely does. Thousands commented on the incident, including camp counselors and others who have faced similar circumstances in the past.
The Delta Air Lines Flight Ban Is Generating Mixed Reactions Online
Several camp counselors reacted to the incident and confirmed that this type of warning should have been given to the family prior to travel. One camp counselor from New England confirmed on Reddit that this type of situation is outlined in the camper handbook.
“I was a counselor at a very prominent New England summer camp over 15 years ago now and this was a situation that was specifically outlined in our camper handbook as we probably had 50 to 100 airport drop offs every session.” Another camp counselor wrote, “Camp counselor from a prominent west coast summer camp and same. I’m pretty sure the owner of the camp would have hunted us down.”
Others took issue with the summer camp counselors not staying at the airport with the children, as these types of situations are typical. However, in most cases, staff stay behind until every child makes the flight.
“So I don’t know what camp your kid goes to, but most summer camps in New England have staff that stay at the airport until every child has left for this exact situation. This happens more than you would think, and typically the camps know about it and are ready to deal with it. You probably should be talking to your child’s camp and asking why they didn’t take care of him for a night.”
TheTravel contacted Delta Air Lines regarding the incident on the flight between Boston and Atlanta. However, we did not receive a response before publication.
