Last week, an 85-year-old woman found herself stranded at Orlando International Airport (MCO) – the main airport for travelers to the Walt Disney World Resort – due to reported negligence by staff of the airline.
Credit: Disney
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Patty Bough’s family shared with Orlando FOX 35 news that Frontier Airlines employees were supposed to drive the elderly traveler to her doorstep, but no one ever came to pick her up. Stuck in the MCO for more than 14 hours, Bough eventually suffered a panic attack that almost sent her to the hospital.
According to FOX 35’s report on the unfortunate situation:
Patty said she was supposed to board her Frontier flight at 8:30 a.m. She said her granddaughter couldn’t get through security because she didn’t have a boarding pass.
“I just became a total nightmare,” said Susie Mages, Patty’s daughter. “Now she’s sitting at the airport from 8.30am this morning until 10.30am tonight. Then she lands at an airport two hours away from me. We won’t get in until 1am”
Credit: Orlando International Airport (MCO)
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Border workers reportedly told Bough’s family to contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to obtain a “pass” so his family could escort him to the airport terminal; however, according to the TSA, only airlines can give passes to travelers.
A spokesperson told the Central Florida FOX affiliate: “Airlines are responsible for ensuring passengers with special needs are given the proper respect and assistance to get to the plane. “
Credit: Orlando International Airport
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The news station went on to note that Frontier issued a response to their request, saying: ‘Unfortunately our service provider has not received a request for wheelchair assistance for Ms Bough. Requests must be made in advance. We regret that this has caused a disruption in travel.
However, Bough’s family disputes this, even presenting a receipt proving wheelchair assistance was requested on his boarding pass.
Credit: Frontier Airlines
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Magi said of his mother:
“She’s so weak and fragile right now but I just thought I had all my ducks in a row. I can’t imagine how it all happened like that. Even for someone to say here, let’s take your mom on another flight.
At this time, it is unknown whether the family will take legal action against Frontier Airlines.
How do you feel about this traveler being stranded at the MCO?
If you plan to visit Central Florida anytime soon, visit the Disney World official website to plan your next magical vacation at Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios – and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district OR the Disneyland official website to plan your trip to the two Disneyland Resort theme parks – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park – and the Downtown Disney District!
