Airline faces backlash for handling of passenger’s illness during travel

Joanna Chiu’s ordeal with WestJet, where she was removed from a flight from Mexico after falling ill, has sparked a debate on social media. Chiu accused the airline of mishandling the situation, leaving her feeling traumatized.

Chiu took to Twitter to express her frustration, stating that she was kicked off the flight because she had an upset stomach and needed to use the washroom frequently before takeoff. She claimed that despite being unwell, the airline offered no promise of a hotel or rebooked flight.

Upon being escorted off the plane, Chiu encountered further issues when she realized she had left her money onboard. Despite her need for assistance, she alleged that the airline refused to pay for her taxi to a hotel. The situation escalated when a supervisor called a guard over, leading Chiu to feel intimidated.

Chiu’s experience resonated with many on social media, with some expressing sympathy for her situation, while others defended the airline’s decision, citing the importance of passenger and crew safety.

In response to the incident, WestJet issued an apology to Chiu, acknowledging the discomfort she experienced. The airline emphasized its commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of all passengers and crew members, stating that difficult decisions are made in the name of safety when a passenger is deemed unfit to travel due to illness.