A man recounts being left in Turkey following an allergic reaction during his UK departure flight. Dan Bowes, 32, embarked on a Jet2 flight from Newcastle to Dalaman Airport on July 9 with his friend Clair. Despite never experiencing allergies before, aside from recent hayfever, he took an anti-histamine as his throat began to swell mid-flight.
Dan’s situation escalated, prompting him to seek assistance as he struggled to breathe. He commends the flight crew for their prompt help, providing oxygen and medical support upon landing. However, his troubles began when he was informed at his Marmaris hotel on July 11 that he needed a fit to fly certificate and a doctor’s medical form to return home.
This unexpected requirement incurred significant costs, with Dan feeling healthy and unwilling to accept the doctor’s diagnosis of a throat infection. After much back and forth, he managed to obtain the fit to fly certificate but faced another hurdle during check-out on July 17. The Jet2 representative stated he lacked the complete medical form, preventing him from flying that day.
Despite swift efforts to rectify the form issue, including continuous calls to customer service, Dan was informed only minutes before boarding that he couldn’t fly. This resulted in a distressing ordeal where he was escorted out of the airport and left stranded. With the help of a local acquaintance, emergency accommodation was secured for the night.
After multiple setbacks, including payment issues for a new flight, Dan finally returned home on July 19. Dissatisfied with Jet2’s handling of the situation, he submitted a complaint, expressing dismay over the post-flight events and the lack of a clear explanation for his allergic reaction.
Jet2 defended its actions, emphasizing the necessity of the medical information form for travel. A spokesperson clarified that standard procedures were followed, ensuring customer safety remained paramount. Once Dan submitted the required form, he was permitted to travel the next day, closing the chapter on his turbulent holiday experience.