Popular TV presenter Palmer was kicked off a Turkish Airlines flight for making arrogant demands.
Photo: Twitter
Georgie Palmer, a freelance BBC weather presenter, was removed from a SunExpress flight from London Gatwick to Dalaman, Turkey on May 21 after she pleaded with passengers not to eat peanuts as her children have severe allergies. Palmer, 49, was on a family trip when the incident occurred.
The BBC reported that Palmer, her husband Nick Solom, 48, and their two daughters Rosie and Annie, aged 12 and 14, were on the flight together. Palmer was concerned about Rosie’s peanut allergy and asked the flight attendant to tell the passenger next to her not to eat peanuts for the duration of the trip. When the flight attendant refused, Palmer told the passenger next to her directly.
Sun Express’s Answer
SunExpress was aware of Palmer’s issues but made it clear that this type of notice was not their policy, the BBC reported. The airline stated that it “cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment” and typically avoids such warnings. SunExpress added that Palmer’s “persistent behaviour” and allegedly “aggressive” behaviour led the pilot to decide not to let the family remain on board.
In a social media post, Palmer expressed her frustration and disappointment, lamenting the lack of empathy from the flight attendants. She denied that the family had behaved in an aggressive manner and disputed SunExpress’s claims. Palmer also highlighted the need for more precise airline regulations regarding allergies and traveler safety.
According to the BBC, Palmer and her family were removed from the plane and had to arrange other transportation. They were due to board an easyJet flight the following day to get to their location, but the flight attendant repeatedly warned them not to eat peanuts on board. The family had to pay an extra £5,000 for the unexpected changes, including a new flight, airport accommodation and other costs.
SunExpress responded to the incident by stressing that passengers must notify airlines 48 hours in advance if they have any health issues that require special attention. The airline said it had not received any information from Palmer’s family. Additionally, SunExpress said it was looking into ways to communicate health warnings at the time of booking to make them clearer, the BBC reported.
George Palmer’s Public Appeal
Palmer likened restaurant efforts to accommodate diners with dietary restrictions to calls by the airline industry to enact stricter regulations to protect passengers with allergies. He advised that airlines should be open and honest about their allergy rules so travelers can make wise choices when making their travel arrangements.
