EasyJet appeals wheelchair fine

LOW-COST airline easyJet is to appeal against a €5,000 fine and €9,000 damages and legal expenses imposed by a Paris court for putting a wheelchair-bound passenger off a plane.

Marie-Patricia Hoarau was forced to disembark from the Paris-Nice plane as she was not accompanied. She had managed to board without a problem and had also made the outward journey from Nice the previous night without a problem.

Cabin crew on the Paris-Nice flight had asked if she would be able to get to the emergency exit unaided if there was a problem: and she answered No.

Several passengers - including an easyJet pilot also travelling as a passenger - offered to help but the crew were instructed by easyJet management, who had been alerted by the plane commander, to refuse as the accompanying person should be recorded before check-in.

Ms Hoarau said she felt "humiliated and rejected" after being put off the plane.

The tribunal correctionnel de Paris said easyJet management's decision in the 2010 incident was discriminatory and had "no objective or reasonable justification".

The company was fined €5,000 and ordered to pay €5,000 damages to Ms Hoarau and one euro in damages plus €4,000 legal fees to the Association des Paralysés de France which had helped her.

EasyJet says passenger safety is a priority. It was acting in accordance with European and British rules and will appeal.