Summary
- American Airlines is facing a lawsuit alleging that two unaccompanied minors were left alone in an airport overnight without food or drink.
- The mother of the youngsters was unable to contact them because they didn’t have their cell phones.
- American claims that the protection and luxury of their customers, including unaccompanied minors, are their “highest priorities.”
American Airlines is responding to claims that it was accountable for losing two children overnight at an airport last yr. A lawsuit filed last month by Florida mother Amber Vencill reportedly alleges the carrier put her two unaccompanied sons in a for the night.
Amid the ordeal, Vencill couldn’t contact the minors because they didn’t have their cell phones. It was not until several hours had passed that the mother could speak to her sons, allegedly learning that that they had nothing to eat or drink throughout the night.
Details on the situation
Based on ABC News, Vencill filed the lawsuit against the Fort Price, Texas-based airline in Recent York on October 31 after the incident occurred in July 2022. Her sons, a 10-year-old and a 12-year-old, were traveling from Missouri to Syracuse, Recent York, to go to her partner’s family. Per American’s policy, Vencill reportedly paid $150 for the carrier’s unaccompanied minor service, which is required for youngsters under age 14.
Amongst its many amenities, the service includes early boarding in order that children can get settled and meet the flight attendants and an airport to assist them reach their gate for flight directions. Moreover, kids-only lounges can be found on the airline’s hub airports, in line with American.
Photo: American Airlines
The carrier’s website says If unaccompanied minors miss their connecting flight because of a delay or cancelation, arrangements can be made, including one other flight, overnight accommodations, meals, and supervision.
The sons’ connecting flight at Charlotte International Airport (CLT) was reportedly delayed multiple times after which eventually canceled. Based on ABC News, Vencill was notified of the cancelation and was informed that the minors can be placed on a flight the subsequent day, while an airline worker told her partner that accommodations can be arrange for the boys with
Nonetheless, the lawsuit claims that the minors spent the night in a chilly room for lost children, just like a Since Vencill’s sons didn’t have phones, the mother said she couldn’t contact them at a number American had provided to be reached. After several hours, she finally spoke to her sons through a CLT worker.
Nothing to eat or drink
In a series of comments to ABC News, Vencill said she thought the boys would have been accompanied on the airport.
“It’s a sense no parent ever desires to feel. I even have faith that through the transitions on the airports, they’d be with a flight attendant since that they had that service. I asked them in the event that they had anything to eat or drink. They usually were like, ‘No, mom.'”
“Our highest priorities”
The lawsuit says that a CLT worker not affiliated with American eventually gave the youngsters food and drinks before they boarded their flight. American is responding to the ordeal, telling USA TODAY that they’ve been in touch with Vencill.
“The protection and luxury of our customers, including unaccompanied minors in our care, are our highest priorities and we’re committed to providing a positive experience to everyone who travels with us. Now we have been in contact with Ms. Vencill directly and we’re reviewing the small print of the lawsuit.”
Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock
As of Wednesday, Vencill has reportedly not heard from American, but her attorney, Elizabeth Eilender, said kids can’t be replaceable.
Eilender told USA TODAY.