A video is making it’s way around the internet showing a woman being forcibly removed from a Southwest Airlines flight after refusing to deplane when asked.
The woman claimed to be life-threateningly allergic to dogs, and asked to have an allergy shot administered as there were two dogs in the cabin of the plane (one of which was an emotional-support animal.) Staff explained to the woman that the shot could not be given on board, and she would have to deplane to receive it, but she refused to leave her seat.
According to Bill Dumas, the man who recorded the video on the phone, she seemed calm and then suddenly became obstinate, refusing to cooperate with staff and officers. She can be seen struggling against the officers attempting to remove her in the video while screaming “I’m walking!”
Southwest Airlines released a statement after the incident saying, “Our policy states that a Customer (without a medical certificate) may be denied boarding if they report a life-threatening allergic reaction and cannot travel safely with an animal onboard… Our Flight Crew made repeated attempts to explain the situation to the Customer, however, she refused to deplane and law enforcement became involved.”
Although it may be hard to believe given the number of videos of similar scenes on the internet lately – there are totally peaceful, dignified ways to leave a flight when asked.
Southwest offered to put her on a later flight but the woman refused to accept the offer. Several people have expressed disdain for the woman’s attitude, but Southwest has decided to take the highroad, and will be reaching out to her to discuss her concerns.
H/T: abc7.com / CBS
Featured Photo: CBS North Carolina / YouTube
