US Airlines accidentally flies woman to Jamaica without passport
Florida (US), May 7: A Frontier flight accidentally flew a New Jersey-based woman without a passport to Jamaica instead of Jacksonville, the New York Post reported.
The incident reportedly occurred due to an unintended gate change by the woman.
Beverly Ellis-Hebard, a Gloucester County native, said she frequently flies from Philadelphia to her second home in Jacksonville.
She arrived at the gate for her November 6 flight, which said "PHL to JAX."
"I fly once every six weeks," she explained.
Ellis-Hebard asked a gate agent if she could go to the restroom, however, upon returning she found the flight was almost fully boarded and she was rushed onto the plane, New York Post reported.
Once on board, the flight crew informed Ellis-Hebard that the Jacksonville flight had a gate change and that their plane was en route to Jamaica.
Ellis-Hebard said, "I laughed and said 'I would love to be going there but I have a beach where I live.'"
"[The flight attendant] said, 'Look at me. This plane is going to Jamaica.' And I knew by the look on her face she wasn't joking," she added.
Ellis-Hebard was unable to exit the plane after landing because she lacked a passport, according to the New York Post. She remained on the jetway, which she considers to be US territory. The flight crew waited with her until her flight to Philadelphia took off hours later.
Speaking about the incident, a Frontier Airlines spokesperson said, "We sincerely regret that the customer was able to board the wrong flight and have extended our apologies," adding, "We have provided her with a refund and compensation as well as addressed the matter with airport personnel."
- ANI
