Six boys from the Reykjavik Boxing Association, along with their coach, went to Italy to attend a sports camp. Everything was going well until it was time to return to Iceland.
Italy: No Seat for a 14-Year-Old on the Plane. He Was Supposed to Stay in Rome Alone
In mid-August, the teenagers and their coach had a reserved return flight to Keflavík. However, during check-in, it turned out that the flight was overbooked. The airline staff informed the 14-year-old that there was no seat available for him and that he would have to wait for the next flight, according to Ruv.is.
"I spoke to him and the airport staff on the phone. It was clear that the staff showed no understanding that my son is 14 years old and has no family in Italy. The staff did nothing to find a way to get him on board. They only offered him 250 euros in compensation and arranged accommodation in Rome for a week until the next flight to Iceland, as if that was normal for a 14-year-old child," the boy’s mother, Arna, told Ruv.is.
According to the mother, the boys’ coach offered to switch places with the boy and stay in Rome, but Wizz Air staff did not agree to the change. An Icelandic couple, who were also unable to board the plane, witnessed the situation and offered to take care of the boy until the next flight.
The boy’s mother agreed to this proposal, and the boy stayed with them while his friends and coach returned to Iceland. That same day, the boy's family found another flight for him, as Wizz Air had refused to help. The mother said she would contact the airline to resolve the matter.
What to Do When There Are No Seats Left on the Plane?
According to European regulations, every airline must inform passengers in advance if a flight is overbooked. The airline should then look for volunteers who are willing to give up their seats in exchange for compensation and assistance with accommodation. The airline should also help find an alternative flight.
"Buying a plane ticket does not guarantee that you will be admitted on board. It is common practice for airlines to sell more tickets than there are seats on the plane," reads the Europ.assistance.pl website.
