Passenger Booted Off Of Flight For Using The Bathroom Too Much
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 19: WestJet airlines Boeing 737-8CT arrives at Los Angeles International Airport on October 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
A WestJet passenger claimed that she was removed from a flight for excessively using of the bathroom.
"Just got kicked off a @WestJet flight from Mexico because I had an upset stomach and was going to the washroom too much before takeoff. No promise of a hotel or rebooked flight. I had meds and was on the mend. Some customer service. If you're sick before a flight, hold it in..." Joanna Chiu wrote on her Twitter, now known as X.
Just got kicked off a @WestJet flight from Mexico because I had an upset stomach and was going to the washroom too much before takeoff. No promise of a hotel or rebooked flight. I had meds and was on the mend. Some customer service.
— Joanna Chiu (@joannachiu) February 10, 2024
If you’re sick before a flight, hold it in…
"In my rush to get off plane alone, I left my money with travel companions and @westjet supervisor refused to pay for my taxi to a hotel 20 min away," she continued in the thread. "He called a guard over to intimidate me but when I burst into tears the guard assessed rightly that WestJet dude was the a**hole."
Chiu recounted her attempt to record a conversation in the baggage area with the WestJet supervisor, who reportedly informed her that unless she removed the video, she wouldn't be allowed on a flight the next day.
In response, she opted to share a photo instead.
We were in the baggage area and I started filming the exchange. This @WestJet supervisor said that unless I deleted the video I wouldn’t be able to get on a flight tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/7WooDRieoJ
— Joanna Chiu (@joannachiu) February 10, 2024
She said she ended up leaving without a booking reference for her next flight "because I was legitimately worried about getting arrested," but said she was DM'd her booking number afterwards.
Chiu, who is reportedly now back home, shared this advice for future travelers: "Check whether your destination is known for stomach bugs. If you're asked to deplane, take the time to gather wallet, passport, medications."
Commenters engaged in the discussion, with one asking: "How many times does going to the washroom get you the boot?"
Chiu responded: "If you go to the washroom before a flight, and the flight attendant asks if you are sick, say you just have a small bladder."
A self-identified former flight attendant expressed her support for the airline's decision, saying, "They made the right call," to remove her from the plane.
