A British woman was thrown off a flight after she told cabin crew she had a nut allergy. The trainee teacher was boarding a flight in Buenos Aires and, as she usually does, told staff that she has a severe allergy.
Meleri Williams, 20, was then ordered to leave the Aerolíneas Argentinas aircraft by staff. Usually, airlines will decide not to give out nuts and warn anyone who has brought any on board not to open them.
The student, who studies at Cardiff University, was due to start volunteering at a primary school. The school was 1,150 miles away and she was then forced to make the journey by bus, which took her 26 hours.
She said: "My allergy is very severe and could lead to anaphylactic shock where my airways could close up and I could potentially die.
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"I do carry an Epipen, but did not want to put myself in a position where there was a high risk and I could suffer from an allergic reaction mid flight.
"Thankfully when we did eventually arrive at Esquel, we did receive a tremendous welcome there and also in Trevelin where we were staying.
"Everyone we met expressed great sympathy at my experience with the flight and, I have to say, disgust at the way I was treated and embarrassment that an Argentinian airline had acted in this way."
She also thinks that the airline needs to review their policy for dealing with sufferers of nut allergies.
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Meleri did point out that she hasn't ever had any problems before, and her concerns have always been treated with consideration by other airlines.
She said: "Everything had been very easy until this incident. We flew from Gatwick to Buenos Aires with Norwegian Airlines and they were very attentive and helpful."
Meleri claims she is yet to receive any response from the airline to her complaint.
UK charity Anaphylaxis Campaign say all airlines have different policies in place for keeping passengers with an allergy safe.
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A spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the alleged incident on the Aerolíneas Argentinas flight.
"We understand that flying with a food allergy can be stressful and cause much anxiety in those with a severe allergy, as such, we are continuously working with the airline industry to raise awareness of the key issues affecting those at risk of severe allergies whilst travelling and how airlines should best manage these.
"The Department for Transport has published a consultation on the future of aviation, which proposed the introduction of a passenger charter, a clear set of standards for how airports and airlines treat consumers.
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"Furthermore, the Anaphylaxis Campaign have been involved in meetings with the Aviation Minister, the Civil Aviation Authority, Airlines UK and other key parties to see improved clarity and consistency in how the aviation sector deals with allergies."
Earlier this year easyJet banned the sale of nuts on their flights.
LADbible has contacted Aerolíneas Argentinas for comment.
Topics: travel