Saturday, March 28, 2009

Airlines charges British man excess baggage fees for his spare prosthetic legs

From The News in Australia:

A low-cost airline has told a disabled man he must pay excess baggage fees for his spare prosthetic legs.

British double amputee Mick Skee alleges Jet2 told him to pay an extra $10 ($23) on the flight to and from the Spanish island of Majorca.

"It is ridiculous. In my opinion, the prosthetic legs are a disability aid. A wheelchair is classed as that and can be transported free of charge," Mr Skee told Britain's Daily Mail.

The 47-year-old amputee, who lost both his legs after contracting meningococcal septicaemia, says he contacted the budget airline to request transportation of the prosthetic limbs, but the airline refused to assist.

The spare prosthetic legs have been specially made and fitted with training shoes for Mr Skee to take on the holiday next May.

The father-of-four from Gateshead, England, said he intends to write to Jet2 and his local MP to complain.

"This is something that could affect other people in the same situation and it is an issue that needs to be dealt with," said Mr Skee.

A spokesman for Jet2 advised Mr Skee to make a formal complaint to its customer services department and said it would endeavour to provide a response within 21 days.