Women Claim They Were Kicked Off from Flight, Due to their Body Size

Two women, Angel Harding and her friend, have raised concerns after being asked to leave a flight operated by Air New Zealand due to their size. The incident occurred on flight NZ 5002 from Hawke’s Bay Airport (NPE) in Napier on March 15, 2024.

According to Angela Harding, they were already seated when a flight attendant aggressively attempted to push down the armrest next to them. Harding described feeling sudden pain in her arm and witnessing the flight attendant’s aggressive behavior. Allegedly, the flight attendant insisted that the seats had to be in proper positions before the flight could proceed.

Harding expressed her belief that they were removed from the flight because of their size, despite the airline stating it was due to inconvenience. She emphasized feeling hurt, humiliated, and traumatized by the experience, asserting discrimination based on their build.

Air New Zealand responded by stating that if a customer requires extra room and space is available, staff will endeavor to accommodate them on the aircraft. However, the airline strongly recommends that customers contact them before their flight to ensure a comfortable journey.

An Air New Zealand spokesperson apologized for the inconsistent experience and affirmed the airline’s commitment to treating all customers with respect and dignity. They expressed intentions to address the concerns raised by Harding and her companion.

Currently, New Zealand lacks specific laws mandating plus-sized passengers to purchase additional seats, leaving it to the discretion of the airlines. Air New Zealand reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and comfortable journey for all passengers while acknowledging the need for improved consistency in customer experiences.

Harding and her friend plan to seek compensation from the airline for the humiliation and trauma they allegedly endured, urging for awareness and prevention of similar incidents in the future.