Full Breakdown
Jet2 Denies Boarding to Family After Daughter Falls Ill in Rhodes
8/17/2026, 10:25:43 PM
Flight Denial and Immediate Consequences
On 31 July, Hayley Waters and her husband Jason were waiting with their six-year-old daughter Addyson and three-year-old son Xander, plus five other holiday-makers, to board a Jet2 flight from Rhodes Airport to Leeds-Bradford. While in the departure lounge, staff observed Addyson vomit once. The airline informed the family that, under its “policy,” the child could not travel, and the passengers were barred from boarding the flight that eventually departed at 12:05 a.m. after a delay from the scheduled 11:15 p.m. time. The Waters family arranged alternative transport, securing an easyJet flight to Newcastle the following day. Hayley says the unplanned accommodation, transport and new tickets cost roughly £1,000.
Official Statements & Responses
Jet2 said its team in Rhodes followed established procedures aimed at preventing the spread of illness on board. The airline also confirmed it is in contact with the Waters family and has pledged a written response by 20 August.
Criticism & Opposition
Hayley Waters contends the airline provided no medical assessment or written explanation for the denial, describing the handling as lacking duty of care. She argues the decision was based solely on a single episode of vomiting, without inquiry into any underlying condition or the child’s overall health during the holiday.
Data & Statistics
Verbatim Quotes
- “The only explanation given was 'policy' because my daughter had been sick,” — Hayley
- “We have no written explanation for why we were denied boarding, no paperwork, no medical assessment, no duty of care, and we were left stranded abroad with two young children.” — Hayley
- “The safety and wellbeing of our customers is our absolute priority, and our teams have processes in place to help prevent the spread of illness onboard our aircraft.” — Jet2 spokesperson
