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EasyJet Removes Unaccompanied 15-Year-Old Because Flight Is Overbooked

EasyJet Removes Unaccompanied 15-Year-Old Because Flight Is Overbooked

The airline is now investigating.

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

EasyJet has launched an investigation after a 15-year-old was taken off an overbooked flight and left on his own.

Casper Read, who was travelling alone to Toulouse, France, from Gatwick Airport, was asked to leave the plane shortly after boarding when another passenger claimed that Read was sitting in his seat.

His mum Stephanie Portal had helped her son through the check in and told him to text her once he was safely on the plane, which he did, before he was removed.

Credit: PA

He then had to send a second text explaining the situation to his mum who had to make a hasty trip back to the airport where she asked staff to help her find her son.

After persuading staff that he needed to fly that day, Read was eventually able to take a seat on the final Toulouse flight, but Portal told the Guardian, all four flights for that day were showing on the system as over overbooked.

She told the paper: "They left him alone in departures. Luckily, I had still not got on board my train to London and could come back and find him. If I had not been there I don't know what would have happened - he'd have had no money for the train back or anything."

She told the BBC the airline's system needs a re-think.

Credit: PA

"The whole system needs an overhaul and the attitude of the attendants was irresponsible," she said. "Children should never be pulled off a flight and the people who are should be given priority on the next one.

"Airlines cannot gamble on the probability of people not turning up."

A spokesperson from EasyJet told the Guardian it was now investigating the incident.

Credit: PA

They said: "EasyJet is sorry that Casper Read's flight from London Gatwick to Toulouse was overbooked. We are investigating why he was able to board the aircraft as he should have been informed at the gate.

"EasyJet has a procedure to protect unaccompanied minors but unfortunately this was not followed on this occasion and so this will also be investigated."

Sources: BBC; Guardian

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Airport, Easyjet