Parents In Tears: Parents Kicked Off Flight Over Crying Baby, Left Without Support

A couple travelling with their baby were removed from an Allegiant Air flight after crew raised concerns about the infant’s condition during boarding.

Sydney and Kyle Tash from the United States Of America were preparing to return from Punta Gorda, Florida, to Indianapolis when their baby, Ellie, began crying shortly after they had taken their seats.

According to the parents, airline staff approached them and requested to see their boarding passes before asking detailed questions about their child, including her name and birthdate.

Crew Cites Health Concerns as Reason for Removal

The mother said staff later raised concerns that the baby appeared unwell.

“They called her an unidentified infant over the walkie [talkie]. Then they told us a flight attendant reported us for a baby being feverish [because her face was red from crying] … said medical professionals wouldn’t clear her to fly and that we were going to have to get off,” she said.

She added that no one physically assessed the baby. “Nobody would come and see her. Nobody on the flight was required to have a temperature checked. Nobody would even come and take her temperature. They said well she looks red and it looks like a rash.”

The family said they were told to leave the aircraft or risk being removed by police, despite not arguing with staff.

Family Rebooked Without Compensation

The couple were placed on a flight the following day, but claimed they were not provided with accommodation, transport or compensation.

They also said their luggage remained on the original flight.

However, they reported no issues boarding the rescheduled flight.

“They [the airline] even tried to make it better, putting us in priority boarding and extra leg room, which we didn’t care about,” the mother said.

Airline Defends Decision Amid Viral Backlash

In response to the incident, Allegiant Air said its crew acted in line with safety protocols.

“Our crews are responsible for making real-time decisions that prioritise the safety and well-being of all passengers on board. If a crew member has concerns about a passenger’s ability to travel, especially when an infant or potential medical issue is involved, they may pause boarding to consult our medical information service provider, MedLink.”

The airline added that MedLink advised against the infant continuing the journey based on the information available at the time.

The incident gained widespread attention after a TikTok video posted by the mother attracted millions of views and thousands of comments.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Joburg Man Drowns During Friends’ Outing In Gonubie

Some users supported the airline’s actions.

“I can promise you, we hear babies cry on our aircraft every day. Crying babies do not bother us. If the flight attendant and Gate Agent requested med link to assess the baby and follow their guidance, it was out of care and concern of this child not for any other reason,” one commenter wrote.

Others questioned the decision. “So the airline is now giving out healthcare advice,” another user commented.

“As a healthcare provider, I would have asked to see who assessed my child. Because assessing a minor without consent is against medical ethics!” another added.