A woman named Ellie Brelis recently shared her experience of being removed from a Delta flight to Boston due to her severe shellfish allergy. Brelis, who travels frequently for work and holds a Delta Rewards credit card, always informs the flight crew about her life-threatening allergy before boarding the flight. She carries multiple EpiPens with her for emergencies.
On this particular flight from Los Angeles to Boston, Brelis notified the flight attendants about her allergy as usual. However, things took a turn when they mentioned that shellfish was being served in first class and they were unable to accommodate her allergy. Despite not flying first class, a Delta medical representative intervened and decided to remove Brelis from the flight, leaving her luggage behind.
Feeling frustrated and scared about not being able to make it home to see her doctor on time, Brelis took to TikTok to share her story. Her video gained significant attention, with many other passengers sharing similar experiences. She eventually booked a seat on a JetBlue flight to get to Boston promptly, as the alternative Delta flight also served shellfish.
While Delta advises passengers with allergies to fill out a form or contact the accessibility services team before flying, Brelis claimed she had already taken these steps. Despite her efforts, she was still removed from the flight. The lack of communication and understanding from Delta has left Brelis questioning what future travel will look like for her.
As of now, Delta has not responded to requests for comment on the situation. Brelis’s ordeal sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with severe allergies when traveling and highlights the importance of airlines being more accommodating and responsive to such concerns. It also raises awareness about the need for clearer protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, regardless of their medical conditions.