Family Grounded by British Airways Over Toddler’s Insect Bites Despite Doctor’s OK

A family’s travel plans were grounded when British Airways barred them from boarding over minor insect bites on their toddler’s leg, despite medical clearance. Jonathan Arthur, 34, and Xun Sun, 35, were set to fly from Shanghai to London for a family wedding when staff spotted small bites on their 1-year-old son, Joseph. The couple’s request for allergy medication sparked suspicion, leading to a cascade of overzealous precautions.

After disclosing Joseph’s mild peanut allergy, the family followed airport medical advice to apply ointment, which cleared the bites in minutes. An online doctor confirmed the bites were harmless and recommended antihistamines for swelling. Yet, airline staff, citing a remote medical advice line, insisted the bites stemmed from the allergy and demanded a "fit to fly" letter. The Arthurs, humiliated and escorted from the gate, rebooked with another airline that waved them through without issue.

"It felt like we were criminals," Jonathan told WTFNewsRoom. The bites, no larger than a centimeter, vanished quickly, leaving no trace of distress. British Airways defended their stance, emphasizing passenger safety and reliance on specialist advice. The family is now seeking a refund, frustrated by what they call a dehumanizing ordeal. "We paid for a flight, not a interrogation," Jonathan quipped.

This incident raises questions about airline protocols overriding common sense. When does caution cross into absurdity, stranding families over fleeting rashes?