Woman’s airline humiliation on Rare Disease Day

A woman travelling with her infant son found herself ordered off a flight before takeoff because of a skin condition – and on Rare Disease Day.

Rare Disease Day is less known than, say, Christmas Day, Mother’s Day or Anzac Day  – but it’s officially recognised and it falls on 28 February.

Writing on Facebook, mother Jordan Flake says she boarded an American Airlines flight with her young son Jackson.

All was well. “Everyone smiled and talked to Jackson.”

Before takeoff, however, an airline staffer approached and asked the two people seated next to Flake if they could stand so he could have a word with her.

“He then quietly asked me about ‘my rash’ and if I had a letter from a doctor stating it was ok for me to fly.

“I explained to him that it was called Ichthyosis and it was a genetic skin condition.”

Ichthyosis is a family of rare genetic skin disorders characterised by dry, thickened, scaly skin.

As Flake relates, the American Airlines employee then walked to the front of the plane to confer with crew.

“He apparently also Googled it [Ichthyosis] during that time,” Flake wrote.

“He came back and said he apologised but we wouldn’t be able to fly, and we had to get off the plane.

“He helped me get my bags and Jackson. He talked to the pilot as we were getting off. The pilot seemed ok with it, but the flight attendant rudely said (without even acknowledging me) ‘well she doesn’t have a letter from a doctor, so…’

“They also weren’t able to retrieve my checked luggage.”

Flake continues: “The man helped me off the plane, got me a hotel and a new flight with a different airline. I had to make unexpected childcare arrangements for my daughter at home and I am having to get a ride to the store to get our lotions and some clothes for tomorrow.

Jordan Flake and Jackson. Facebook

“I have never been so humiliated in my life! I have emailed them and am waiting for a reply. Happy Rare Disease Day! Quit being ignorant and take the time to listen to people! I shouldn’t have to explain myself.”

Flake’s Facebook post is here.

Reader’s response has been mixed, with most people sympathising but one or two saying the airline’s reaction was one of concern.

“Consider it was you who wasn’t sure whether some person’s condition was a dangerous disease which could harm you and every other person on the flight,” one respondent posted.

“You and your beautiful boy are gorgeous but try and understand that the people on AA were probably really concerned for the safety of everyone on the flight including you.”

And so it goes on.

Written by Peter Needham