Posted on: September 5, 2023, 01:30h. 

Last updated on: September 5, 2023, 01:30h.

Two women were forced off a flight at Harry Reid International Airport after protesting that their assigned seats on an Air Canada plane were covered in vomit. Recent reports indicate that they referred to the conditions as “disgusting.”

Both individuals notified a flight attendant of their refusal to sit on the soiled seats and used the stained seatbelts on the August 26 flight before it was scheduled to depart for Montreal.

Despite the passengers’ objections, the flight attendant informed them that no other seats were available on the plane, leaving them with no choice but to endure the dirty seats during the four-and-a-half-hour flight.

The two passengers were eventually escorted off the plane by security personnel, as reported by the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Susan Benson, a third passenger involved, posted on Facebook several days after the incident, stating that flight attendants initially attempted to clean the seats, but were unsuccessful.

“Initially, there was a foul smell, but we were unaware of the exact problem. Apparently, someone had vomited in that area on the previous flight. Air Canada tried to quickly clean it before boarding, but clearly, they were unable to thoroughly clean the area,” Benson wrote on August 29.

The flight attendants poured coffee grinds into the seat pouch and sprayed perfume to mask the smell. When the visibly upset passengers explained to the flight attendant that the seats and seatbelts were wet and still had visible vomit residue, the flight attendant was apologetic but explained that the flight was fully booked and there was no alternative,” Benson added.

Afterward, the flight attendant and a supervisor provided the passengers with blankets, wipes, and sick bags. The two passengers then reluctantly sat down on the covered seats.

Later, the pilot approached the passengers and gave them an ultimatum: either they would have to leave the plane and organize their own flights at their expense, or they would be escorted off the plane by security and placed on a no-fly list.

Benson revealed that the pilot claimed the passengers were “rude” to the flight attendant.

Not Rude

“They were certainly not!” Benson responded on Facebook. “They were upset and firm, but not rude!”

I have no idea if they were actually placed on the no-fly list or not,” Benson added in her post. “I cannot stop thinking about these two ladies. They did nothing wrong.”

“I am ashamed to be Canadian and ashamed of Air Canada,” Benson continued. “Shame on you, Air Canada! Shame on you!”

Airlines Apologize

Air Canada has since acknowledged that its “operating procedures were not followed correctly in this instance.”

The airline is currently reviewing the situation and has reached out to the two passengers to offer an apology, according to reports released on Tuesday.

The airline stated that the passengers “did not receive the standard of care to which they were entitled,” as reported by the Las Vegas Review Journal.

“We are maintaining communication with them regarding this matter,” added Air Canada in its statement.

It is unclear what compensation or resolution Air Canada will provide to the two passengers, or if legal action is being considered.

I hope they find a reputable lawyer and sue Air Canada for everything they’ve got,” Benson expressed.

Both women were flying to Vienna via Montreal.