It is very hard to articulate my nightmare experience I had just two days ago. For one it seems almost unbelievable and two I am still emotionally in shock.
To sum up my young kids and I were almost kicked off a flight because of my sons PEANUT ALLERGY.
I have written a letter to the airline but feel it almost too emotional. If you could please help me out in tweeking and making it flow better. I would greatly appreciate it.
I have changed some names and such as I would like to wait to see how it is resolved before I scream it from the roof tops!
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this to make you aware of my horrific flight experience.
My name is
I was on flight #. I was traveling alone with my two young children (age2) and (age 5). My youngest son has a peanut allergy.
I know from speaking with flight attendants on previous flights that your airline chooses to continue to serve peanuts despite knowing the dangers it presents. That is their right however as with all handicaps and serious medical conditions I do hold the airline responsible to do their part to make the flight safe.
I tried to do my part to make everyone aware of my son’s allergy. I made a call before my vacation began, I also told the agent at the baggage counter. I then also told the front gate agent. I was told the attendants would be made aware. I stressed cleaning as that seems to be the main issue.
After boarding the plane and stowing my personal bags under the seat. I noticed peanuts everywhere. Not fragments as I realize they are hard to get up, but whole peanuts. It appeared that there were bags that had been dropped and never been cleaned up by the previous flight.
I quickly made an attendant aware of the situation. The attendant asked me what I expected her to do. I was quickly made to feel I was causing a huge inconvenience. So the attendant asked me “Is that what you want me to do. Stop boarding the plane, delaying everyone to have it cleaned.” I said yes or we can risk him having a serious reaction mid air and having to land and really make everyone late. She said fine that she would take care of it.
About five minutes later two men came back to talk with me. The one gentleman was very understanding and assured me he would do his best to resolve the situation. I was asked to disembark the plane while they cleaned.
We left the plane and waited on the ramp. Another man came around the corner. John Doe the flight supervisor, abruptly told me that they can not guarantee a peanut free flight. He came off very coarse and rude. I told him I was aware of that however I do feel Delta does hold some accountability in keeping the plane at least clean before boarding. I told him I made at least three people aware before boarding and (was brushed off.)
Obviously I was a little upset because of the way I was treated by the flight attendant and embarrassed because a delay was caused. My voice was raised but certainly not yelling. The man (JOHN Doe) told me to lower my voice and stop yelling. He told me to stop treating him like a child. I had only said about three sentences so I was completely confused. The man continued to berate me. Asking me why I could not talk to him like a normal human being. I told him that I would just rather not talk and wait for the plane to be cleaned. I knew that there was no talking to him and to just wait. He then informed me if I could not talk to him I would need to get off the flight. I asked if he was the Pilot and he said no, but he was the one that could kick me off the plane. I was extremely puzzled as I was not pursuing a fight with him I just did not want to talk to him. He was not used to this. I was emotional and trying to keep my composure. I asked him to please leave me alone and then began to cry. He then directed me up the tunnel and told me I was not getting on this flight. I again apologized and pleaded with him to allow me to fly and that I would get my self together.
PLEASE understand I was not attacking him I just began to cry because he continued to belitte me. He said fine we will just wait for the plane to be cleaned.
I stood against the wall and waited. John Doe was not happy with this and continued to make comments. I knew that this was a losing battle for me and that I needed to keep my mouth shut so I could get on that plane. John Doe continued to make comments. I was not sure why he expected me to be quiet but he himself did not know how. His comments included “What is wrong with your generation? You expect everything to be handed to you? None of you know how to carry on a conversation” I was completely perplexed by this. This man was no more than 2-5 years older than I.
He continued on to humiliate me with saying “Look at you over there against the wall with your hands behind your back acting like a child”. “Learn to talk like a grown up.” I continued my silence because I knew if I said anything I would not get on that plane. I just wanted to get home.
I again said please leave me alone. That only enraged him even more. He continued. “Look at you and your a mom. What a horrible mother!” he continued “I feel sorry for these kids, they have no hope” he stated in a fake sadness. My mouth stood agape and he realized he crossed the line. I was in disbelief that this just happened. He then headed up the ramp.
I remained quiet because I knew I needed to get on that plane. I felt as if I lived in a communist society where people were berated and not allowed to defend themselves. If they did they would be exiled.
The worst part was that he was alone with me. I stood in disbelief that this was happening all the while knowing that it was his word against mine. I knew I had no choice but to be quiet. Not once did I attack him or say one derogatory statement to him. No one should ever have to be subjected to verbal abuse as I was by your employee John Doe!
As I write this letter I still remain in shock that employees of a company that serves the public could behave in this manner. I realize the airlines deal with irrational and angry customers daily. I was not one of those. The situation would have never happened had the plane been cleaned properly. Having an employee who escalates situations for his personal satisfaction instead of acting like a professional is no doubt only going to continue to create problem.
I find it shocking that my requests for a peanut caution were ignored and that I was made to feel belittled for looking out for my sons health and well being. This should have never happened!
... and then sued Delta for emotional distress! 
