We’ve heard so many stories now of people being kicked off flights for no reason. It’s starting to get a bit out of hand.
This might be one of the most frustrating examples I’ve heard so far. A mom and her son were kicked off their flight recently because they have a rare genetic disease.
Now the mom is sharing her story online in the hopes that no one else will have to go through this horrible experience.
Jordan Flake is a mom of two and advocate for people with a rare skin condition called ichthyosis.
Jordan has this skin condition which is genetic and causes dry skin. There is no cure for ichthyosis, but many patients are able to manage this condition and lead a normal life.
Jordan’s 12-month-old son, Jackson, also has ichthyosis.
Since it is genetic, the chances of inheriting this condition is higher if one of your parents also has it.
Recently, Jordan and Jackson were traveling to meet up with her husband who had a four-day break before his deployment.
This would be the first time in two months that the family would be briefly reunited before another long separation.
Everything seemed to be going fine as Jordan and Jackson boarded the plane.
“I went to the ticket counter and checked my bags. I went through security. I walked up to the gate counter twice. We boarded our flight where everyone smiled and talked to Jackson,” said Jordan in a post for Love What Matters .
Just before they were set to take off, an airline employee approached Jordan and Jackson.
The employee asked Jordan for a doctor’s note that would clear her to fly because of her “rash”. When Jordan explained that she and Jackson had a genetic skin condition, the employee consulted the rest of the staff on board.
When the employee returned, he asked Jordan to de-plane with Jackson.
The crew wasn’t able to get their checked luggage, but did provide accommodations and booked them a new flight for the next day. It was still a devastating experience for Jordan.
“I have never been so humiliated in my life!” she said .
“Jackson and I were just discriminated against…big time!” she wrote.
“Just to clarify, my issue is with the crew. Not the airline employee. He was called by the crew to remove me from the plane. He was very helpful and mad about the situation. He tried advocating for me!”
When addressing the crew, Jordan explained why she was upset with them.
“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…’”
Yikes.
The whole situation caused a cascade of other issues for Jordan and her family.
“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,” she wrote
American Airlines has since released a statement addressing Jordan Flake, and the ordeal she experienced.
“Our goal at American Airlines is to create a welcoming environment for all of our customers. We sincerely apologize to Ms. Flake and her son for the experience they had last Thursday, and our team has begun an investigation into the matter,” they told TODAY .
Jordan shared her story through a Facebook post and on “Love What Matters”.
Since sharing her story, her post has recieved thousands of comments and shares. Many people wrote their support to Jordan and Jackson and condemed the airline’s actions.
People who have relatives with ichthyosis also commented with their support.
This situation is one that no parent wants to go through. It’s hard enough to fly alone with a young child, but to be delayed and stranded without your luggage sounds like a nightmare to me.
However, some people supported the airline’s decision.
Some people thought that the airline acted in the best interest of the other passengers since they couldn’t verify Jordan and Jackson’s condition.
I still feel that they could have handled this situation in a more respectful way.
Take a look at Jordan’s full post and story.
She’s hoping to prevent other family’s from going through this by sharing her story.
“In 2019, it’s time we stop discriminating. Ask questions, and listen,” she said .
