Mom files lawsuit against American Airlines, saying kids were left in cold room
A Florida woman is suing American Airlines after she said she couldn't track down her sons, who were traveling alone, for hours.
Amber Vencill said last summer her two sons, 10 and 12, were traveling from Missouri to New York with a layover in North Carolina.
The family was using the airline's unaccompanied minor service, which costs around $150 each way, but their connecting flight to Charlotte got canceled after multiple delays.
Vencill said the airline emailed her to let her know her children would be on a flight the next day.
The boys did not have their own phones, and the mom claims she was not able to get in touch with them using the number the airline gave her.
She also claimed her children were put in a cold room overnight that resembled a jail cell.
After several hours, Vencill was able to reach her sons through an airport employee, who gave the kids water and sandwiches.
Vencill said American Airlines offered her a $150 refund, but she's suing to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to other children.
American Airlines released a statement regarding the incident, saying:
"The safety and comfort of our customers, including unaccompanied minors in our care, are our highest priorities. We have been in touch with Ms. Vencill directly, and we are reviewing the details of the lawsuit."
According to The Washington Post, the lawsuit was filed in New York in Oct. 31.
The unaccompanied minor service is advertised to include:
- Early boarding
- Kids-only lounges in hub cities for flight connections
- Complimentary kids snacks and activities
- An airport escort to help your child to the gate for flight connections
- Escorting the child to the authorized adult picking them up when they land
The service is required for children 14 and younger who are traveling alone.
