Actually, if you read the T&Cs on the contract, you really are expected to use the full ride, and the airline is allowed to impose a penalty like this. But it's at the airline's discretion, and I think not even the bean counters expect gate agents to enforce it in the most draconian fashion against unaccompanied minors.
This is why they are going to the press with this, because they can't win the lawsuit. And the Press is the best place to expose behavior that's legal, but shitty.
I'd bet they reacted like they did specifically because the person is a minor - a minor who is in the care of the airline and who they're responsible for until they reach the intended destination. If the final flight arrived without the minor on it without it being intended, they would most certainly have some level of liability for the minor's whereabouts.
An interesting point, I went back to the article and the kid is only described as a "teenager", but one who would need their own photo ID to get past TSA. That would probably put the kid to be at least old enough to have a learner's permit.
Most airlines will let a 16 or 17 year old travel domestically on their own, as long a they have ID. While they are technically minors, the airline will not give them any special treatment, and expect them to make their own way on their connection.
I’d forgotten that most Americans don’t have passports. But I’m certain many under 16s fly across the US unaccompanied every year - shared custody agreements must make it conditional in at least a few thousand cases. Is there’s not a standard photo ID card available in the US aside from a passport or drivers license?
That’s a really good point and makes a lot of sense. Tbf if I were putting my child on a flight unaccompanied, I wouldn’t want to risk them having to deal with the extra stress of not having the correct ticket though. It’s one thing to take the risk yourself when no one is walking you through the airport, but surely the parents knew the kid wouldn’t be able to to go awol mid journey?
We’re they registers as an unaccompanied minor? I’ve flown solo as a minor without being an UM past the age of like
14
I flew for summer programs pretty much every year of high school and was only an UM once
Airline T&C are not just any old contract, but they are called the "Contract of Carriage" for the airline and have protections at the Federal level. Anything's legal standing can be challenged, of course, but airlines do have special protections in this case.
There's no way the family could possibly sue over this and win.
I agree it’s total bullshit, but there actually is a contract of carriage involved that skiplagging violates, so airlines are within their rights to cancel an itinerary if they catch such a violation. With that said, fuck BS airline policies and fares.
They're actually enforcing that now? I've Skiplagged for years with no issue. Fuck these airlines.
It's not illegal, it's just against most airlines' policies because hurts them financially.
The airlines can get fucked. Just another failed industry that the US government has to prop up because "tOo BiG tO fAiL"
The stat people that punch in numbers find it to be more profitable to offer layover trips cheaper than direct trips.
It costs more to have a plane from Pittsburgh and a second plane from New York fly to London, both less than 100% full of passengers. It costs less to have one plane fly from Pittsburgh to New York, where it will become 100% full on its journey to London.
Therefore, your layover ticket is “wasted” on you when you consider the alternative: you buying a direct ticket while also letting another stranger purchase (and fully use) that layover ticket.
so how does the kid get home?
Seems like the solution to this is to go to the gate for your next flight and tell them you're not going. Family emergency, you're feeling sick, suddenly afraid to fly, or no need to even give a reason.
It is shitty to just ghost them for the reasons mentioned here. Just like ghosting is always shitty.
thanks for using Leebra!
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How is that any of the airlines business?? Kid bought a ticket. He has no obligation to use the full ride. I hope he/his family sues and I hope they win.
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