Woman with Down syndrome banned from flying alone as airline defends decision

American Airlines refused to allow a woman with Down syndrome to fly on her own after asking her a question.

Jennifer Jaspers, 52, was aiming to take her annual birthday solo trip to North Carolina to see her dad and cousins but things unexpectedly went awry.

After being dropped off at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 23, by her mum, she was asked a surprising question during check-in for American Airlines flight that completely flummoxed her.

Jaspers' mother, Cindy Garrett, told WOWT, that a member of staff asked her daughter "whether she could get herself out of a building by herself."

To which a flustered Jaspers replied: "I don't know."

After a supervisor became involved, Jennifer was denied a boarding pass and not permitted to travel without a safety assistant.

'I started crying'

Garrett and Jaspers (WOWT)

Garrett told the outlet that her daughter has flown dozens of times on her own and it has never been an issue before.

“I said there’s never been a problem. She has a phone in her purse all the time and she knows how to use it," she said.

Even if she has had to make flight transfers, plans are always in place so everything goes smoothly.

“To transfer airplanes, we have it set up that they walk her to the next gate,” Garrett added.

“I can fly by myself,” Jaspers said, adding: “I started crying at the airport."

Explaining why her daughter told the staff member she didn't know if could exit a building, Garrett said: "Because it threw her, she didn't know how to answer that."

According to WOWT, an American Airlines spokesperson defended the decision, saying that customers who are unable to follow safety instructions during a flight are required to travel with a safety assistant.

They said that staff followed procedures and determined a safety assistant was needed in Jennifer's case, which was offered at no additional cost.

However, Jaspers and Garrett chose not to travel - having their ticket refunded, the company claim - as Garrett said the offer did not allow her to fly first-class, where her daughter's ticket was for.

LADbible Group has approached American Airlines for comment.

Alternative travel plans are being made

Jennifer still has her bag packed (WOWT)

Garrett went on to reveal that Jaspers's father has spent two weeks arranging a round-trip from North Carolina to Omaha so he can serve as his daughter's travel assistant.

“So I can meet my new cousin,” Jaspers, who hasn't unpacked her bag after the denial, said.

The long journey has cost the father $1,800 but the family say they will ask American Airlines if the free travel offer for a safety assistance still applies.

“If they’re the ones that say she needs a second person, then at least half of it they should pay,” Garrett said.

An American Airlines statement said: “American is committed to providing a safe and positive travel experience for all customers.

"To support those who need special assistance, customers who are unable to follow safety instructions during their journey are required to travel with a safety assistant. Upon review, our team followed established procedures to determine that a safety assistant would be required to travel with the customer — and that option was offered at no cost.

"The customer chose not to travel, and the ticket was refunded. We appreciate our customers’ understanding as we work to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for everyone."