A Texas family is speaking out about their troubling experience with American Airlines after claiming they were kicked off of their flight because of their autistic son.
According to NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, Adam and Heather Halkuff and their five boys, all of which are under the age of 16, were recently scheduled to fly to Kansas City from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Because their two youngest sons have autism, the parents contacted American Airlines in advance to schedule a mock scenario at the airport allowing 5-year-old Milo and 2-year-old Ollie to practice going through security and boarding a plane.
"I first contacted American Airlines and I asked them if there was any programs or anything they can do for us because we'd be traveling with five boys, two that had autism," Adam Halkuff told NBC 5.
Despite the practice run September 24, the Halkuffs said Milo had a meltdown during boarding and that the American Airlines ticket agent was less than supportive.
"Right away she goes, 'He can't get on the flight...he's going to bother the other passengers and then he'll still be upset during the flight and we'll have to turn around and escort you off the plane,'" said Heather Halkuff.
The family said they offered to split up so that Adam could take Milo home and Heather could continue on with the older kids to Kansas City. However, the airline declined and brought the entire family back into the terminal, the Halkuffs say.
American has since contacted the family and issued a response to the incident.
"We are concerned to hear about this situation. Our team has reached out to the Halkuff family to gather more information about what transpired at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)," an American Airlines spokesperson said in a statement. "The American Airlines team is committed to providing a safe and pleasant travel experience for all of our customers."
"When it comes to autism, American is a strong advocate for children. Our team members work closely with various nonprofit groups to alleviate the stress these children and their families may experience while flying, including offering families the opportunity to take a test fight on the ground," the airline added. "This process-which includes role-playing and realistic airport interactions-helps children grow accustomed to the experience of flight."
It should be noted that American Airlines received the top score of 100 on the 2018 Disability Equality Index (DEI)-a joint initiative between the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)-this past July.
Delta Air Lines has also been working to improve the experience of flying for children with autism.
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