One woman decided to go to Spain for a wonderful vacation; it was just what she needed. This avid traveler knew what rules to follow while boarding the plane and never thought she could experience such a horrible flight. What could have happened to this poor woman? Was she able to work things out with the airline, or did she have to figure out another way to get home? Continue reading to find out!
Much Needed Vacation
Harriet Osborne was 31 years old and decided to go with friends to Spain, enjoying sunshine and plenty of time on the beach. With her chaotic lifestyle, it was time to relax, but her trip back home made it challenging.
Much Needed Vacation
Vacation Wardrobe
As a makeup artist, Harriet had to look great all the time. However, she often focused on comfortable and modest clothes that fit her lifestyle and helped her keep up with her children. While vacationing in Spain, she decided to go for short and light clothing to be comfier.
Vacation Wardrobe
Feeling Homesick
While Harriet had an amazing time in Spain, she got pangs of homesickness toward the end of her vacation. She was now ready to head back to England. With souvenirs packed for her friends and family at home, she was prepared to return.
Feeling Homesick
Fully Relaxed Now
Harriet chose a Spanish vacation to help her let go of the stress her everyday life brought. The goal was to recharge, and it was a success. Now, she was ready to tackle her normal responsibilities. Many British tourists head to Malaga, Spain, because it’s the “coast of the sun.”
Fully Relaxed Now
The Big Difference
Malaga was very different from England, Harriet’s home country. The sunshine and warmth were much better than the cold temperatures and grey skies she was used to seeing. While she missed her family, she didn’t want to go back to the English weather!
The Big Difference
One More Shopping Experience
As she neared the end of her vacation, Harriet decided to go shopping. The Avenida de Andalucia has high-end shops and fashion houses available. She never thought visiting one would lead to a disaster later, but it did!
One More Shopping Experience
Caught Her Eye
As her friends strolled around, Harriet saw something in the El Cortes Ingles display window. This sheer blouse had to be hers, even though the price tag said otherwise. She decided to try it on to see how it fit!
Caught Her Eye
Gave Into Temptation
Harriet tried on the blouse and found that it fit her perfectly. While she saw the price tag, Harriet felt she deserved the top. Working hard for her money meant she could splurge whenever she wanted, so she took out a credit card and bought the piece.
Gave Into Temptation
Second Thoughts
The women headed off to lunch, and Harriet felt some shopper’s remorse. Finally, it was time to pack. She felt guilty while she put the blouse in the suitcase and wondered if she should rush back to the shop and return it. Why had she bought it in the first place?!
Second Thoughts
Heading to the Airport
Harriet left the hotel, getting into a cab to go to the airport. Now, she had to accept the fact that she’s purchased the blouse. However, she didn’t realize she’d regret it that much. We’re sure she wished she could head back in time and not buy the shirt!
Heading to the Airport
No Judgment
Harriet believes that women can wear whatever they want without getting judged. She bought that sheer top with that in mind. Since she got used to non-restrictive clothes on the trip, she thought she could bring some of that back home with her, too!
No Judgment
Helping Her Feel Better
Harriet thought of something that might reduce her feelings of guilt about the impulse buy. She chose to wear the blouse on the plane home because it made her confident. That could help her be less shamed about spending so much money and could show off her tanned skin!
Helping Her Feel Better
Heading Home
Now that Harriet was at the airport, she checked her luggage in and headed for the gate. She’d already changed into her new blouse and felt attractive and confident. Maybe it hadn’t been the worst purchase after all!
Heading Home
Seemingly Normal
It was time to get on the airplane, and Harriet saw families grouped together. It made her miss her children even more! She followed the procedures, handed the ticket to the boarding attendant, and heard, “have a pleasant flight.” Now, she wanted to be home!
Seemingly Normal
Confusion Sets In
The flight attendant greeted everyone, but her facial expression shifted after seeing Harriet. She said that there was a problem, and Harriet was very confused. Did the hostess think she was someone else? While the flight attendant was rude, it had to be a mistake!
Confusion Sets In
Heated Discussion
Harriet noticed the flight attendants having a discussion in the back. What could they want with her? Overall, Harriet had many thoughts running through her brain, even though she had done nothing wrong. Now, they said she couldn’t board the airplane!
Heated Discussion
The Mistake
Harriet tried to stay composed while she cleared up the misunderstanding. She claimed they confused her with another person because she hadn’t broken the rules. However, one flight attendant shielded Harriet’s body, claiming that she had to wear a top to come on the plane!
The Mistake
Frustration
Harriet was now fed up with the flight attendant. No one else had said anything about the top, and it didn’t make any sense. She chose to stand up for herself, arguing with the air hostess, though neither woman gave in at all.
Frustration
Giving In
Harriet didn’t understand why people complained about her top and felt that the cabin staff were the ones with the issue. Now, she was annoyed because others were telling her what to wear. However, she got a sweater from her carry-on to get home to her kids.
Giving In
Embarrassed Enough to Move On
Harriet realized that the commotion attracted everyone’s attention. She was embarrassed and wanted to disappear. Despite her shame, she focused on how she was going home and could be done with this horrible experience.
Embarrassed Enough to Move On
Holding Back
As she calmed down, Harriet began to feel angry. Why were these flight attendants allowed to say what she could wear? There was no dress code! By now, she was raging and had to use self-control not to say something to the air hostess!
Holding Back
Not Over
No one else seemed to have an issue with her clothes, which made her even angrier. However, Harriet calmed herself down enough to see the flight attendants huddled and discussing something again. What could be wrong now?!
Not Over
Saga Continues
The flight attendant went to Harriet again, even though she’d put on a sweater. Suddenly, the cabin crew shouted at Harriet. They wanted her to get off the airplane. She couldn’t understand why because she paid for a ticket and complied with the request to cover the shirt!
Saga Continues
Escalation of the Situation
The exchange got more heated, and the cabin crew brought security personnel on board to physically remove Harriet. These flight attendants said that she was showing disruptive behavior, even though she had been quiet after putting on the sweater!
Escalation of the Situation
Pilots Involved
This was a nightmare, and then the pilot came out and spoke to the flight attendant. He shot mean looks at Harriet. Still, the police didn’t agree with their reasoning for removing the woman. However, she was already off the plane and now was told she couldn’t get a refund!
Pilots Involved
Trapped
Harriet was stuck sleeping at the terminal overnight and couldn’t get a hotel room or a second ticket. Once she finally got home, she spread the news of her treatment. She was now fielding calls for interviews. Harriet agreed because she felt it was unjust!
Trapped
Comments from Others
Most people defended Harriet, saying that she could wear what she wants, especially when others bring screaming brats onboard. Others asked why a sensible person would wear such revealing clothes. It was a mess!
Comments From Others
Tons of Attention
The story got a lot of attention, both supporting Harriet and the flight crew. Most people argued that people should wear what they want, but others didn’t think so. Regardless, most people felt that she was treated incorrectly. Still, the airlines said that she was behaving disruptively.
Tons of Attention
Unclear Rules
Most people wondered why she was removed from the plane after covering herself up with a sweater. A spokesperson for EasyJet said that the cabin crew is trained to assess the situation and act appropriately. They don’t tolerate threatening or abusive behavior.
Unclear Rules
Other Cases
Harriet’s story isn’t the only one. Many women get treated this way, such as Andrea. She was preparing for her flight, arriving at the Denver airport to go to Newark in January 2020. However, she had no idea what was in store for her.
Other Cases
Being Stopped
Andrea made it through security and reached the gate. However, after lining up with the other passengers, a male employee stopped her. He looked sterned, and she was confused because she hadn’t done anything wrong.
Being Stopped
Confused and Scared
Suddenly, the flight attendant said her shirt was low-cut and inappropriate for the flight. She was highly embarrassed and in a bad predicament. Could they make her change? Were they letting her on the airplane?
Confused and Scared
Speaking Out
Andrea decided not to stay silent about the treatment. She posted to her Facebook page that she was professional and employed many other young women. Therefore, she had to say something. She often travels to Puerto Rico to see her boyfriend and got special membership status from United Airlines because of her mileage.
Speaking Out
Her Outfit
Andrea said she wore that particular outfit frequently, even on flights, and had never gotten into trouble. It was a black top with a low-cut neckline and bralette underneath. Plus, she had a cardigan and scarf on. She paired it with sneakers and leggings.
Her Outfit
The Confusion
She didn’t understand why she was being pulled aside initially. There was more shuffling happening with other employees, too. Overall, Andrea thought it was unnecessary and unfair to embarrass customers and leave them in the dark. However, she finally got a reason.
The Confusion
The Airline Reports
The airline employee said that her top was the issue, but Andrea claimed that other employees had made different statements about her attire. It was all uncalled for and confusing. She wondered if the male attendant just wanted to look at her longer!
The Airline Reports
What Happened Next
After the shuffling and confusion, the airline let Andrea board the flight, despite her outfit issues. It also gave her a travel voucher for $100, which she turned down. Some employees offered to double that amount, but she was fed up!
What Happened Next
Her Reasoning
Andrea explained that she was embarrassed, humiliated, and confused. All eyes were on her, and $200 didn’t compare to what she had to endure. She wanted to get the word out so other females don’t have to deal with this or could choose a different airline!
Her Reasoning
Feeling Angry
Andrea said that during her actual flight, she had to get harassed by a person who thought her attire was too distracting. In fact, she believed he couldn’t do his job because she showed a little cleavage!
Feeling Angry
Demanding Change
She said that she was singled out for no reason except for her appearance. She wants others to take a stand, share her story, and ensure that other women don’t have to go through that humiliation.
Demanding Change