A couple from the United States was travelling with their teenage daughter who has autism when they were told to get off the plane by the pilot. The pilot claimed that he felt 'uncomfortable' with the autistic girl travelling in the plane.
According to Donna Beegle, she and her husband were on a plane with their 15-year old daughter, Juliette Forbes from Houston to Portland. They were on board United Airlines when the pilot opted for an emergency landing at Salt Lake City to have the family escorted out of the plane, reports TOI.
The family from Oregon was distraught about the incident. Juliette Forbes refused the food her family bought for her. Donna then asked the flight stewardess if they have hot food. However, the only hot food available was for first class passengers and she told Mrs. Beegle that she couldn't make an exception even if they have to pay for it.
Mrs. Beegle then explained to the flight attendant that if her daughter does not get a got meal, she might have a meltdown and may scratch someone. Juliette is very picky when it comes to food but when she has something to eat, she would remain calm and sit down.
After around 30 minutes, the pilot announced that they are making an emergency landing in Salt City because he said, " A passenger at the back of the plane had behavior issues." Moments later, they were escorted out of the plane with police officers and paramedics awaiting them outside, reports Mail Online.
Mrs. Beegle asked the passengers if they are uncomfortable with her daughter in the plane and all of them said that she is behaving well on the flight. She said that their treatment was prompted by the 'fear of autism'.
She had filed a lawsuit against the pilot and the airline company with the Federal Aviation Authority.
"I get the ignorance but it has to change," she added.
