A British mother and daughter were removed from their Jet2 flight from Lanzarote to the UK after concerns were raised about the teenager’s Type 1 diabetes.
Lee Kelly, 58, and her 17-year-old daughter Tessy Kelly-Hester, from Newcastle, had just finished a week-long holiday when they were unexpectedly told to leave the aircraft.
What Happened On Board
- Tessy, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes four and a half years ago, checked her blood sugar after boarding the 8:50 p.m. flight.
- Her reading was 3.6 mmol/L, slightly below the target range of 4–7 mmol/L before meals.
- Concerned, Lee requested a sick bag in case her daughter became unwell.
Lee explained:
“Tessy’s levels can dip when she’s stressed, so it’s a normal thing before flying. I can manage her condition perfectly well.”
However, staff consulted with MedAire medical experts and, after about half an hour, decided Tessy was not fit to fly.
Jet2’s Decision
- Crew informed the pair that no one on board was trained to assist a diabetic passenger.
- Despite Tessy’s levels rising to 6.7 mmol/L after eating, they were told the decision was final.
- Their luggage was removed, and they were instructed to obtain a fit-to-fly certificate before traveling again.
Lee recalled:
“It felt like they were singling Tessy out for something she can’t help. We were suddenly stranded in Lanzarote—it was unfair.”
Extra Costs and Emotional Impact
- Forced to stay overnight, Lee paid £250 for a last-minute hotel and £380 for new flights home with another airline.
- Tessy described the ordeal as deeply upsetting:
“I felt isolated and burst into tears. The stress made me never want to fly again.”
📢 Jet2’s Response
A Jet2 spokesperson defended the decision, stating:
“Our crew followed standard procedures and sought advice from qualified medical experts at MedAire, who advised Miss Kelly-Hester should not fly on medical grounds. Health and safety will always be our top priority.”
The airline emphasized the importance of travel insurance and encouraged passengers to contact them directly if issues arise.
Lee confirmed she did have insurance but said she has no plans to contact Jet2 about the matter.
