A New York-based actor and social media influencer, Ellie Brelis, has claimed that Delta Airlines removed her from a flight after she informed flight attendants about her nut allergy. The incident occurred on Monday, and Brelis documented her experience on TikTok, expressing confusion over the situation as she believed she had done nothing wrong.
Brelis, 29, had flown from Boston to Los Angeles the previous week, where she experienced a mild anaphylactic shock mid-flight. Seeking to prevent a similar incident on her return journey, she upgraded her seat and tried to notify the flight attendants about her condition before departure. Despite her efforts to communicate her allergy, Brelis found herself being escorted off the plane.
In her TikTok videos, Brelis described feeling embarrassed by how the situation was handled, questioning whether she should have disclosed her nut allergy. Delta Airlines has been contacted by The Independent for comment, as Brelis highlighted the importance of airlines being informed about passengers’ allergies in advance.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, food allergies are recognised as a disability, requiring airlines to make necessary accommodations for affected passengers. Delta Airlines arranged for Brelis to board a later flight to Boston but faced challenges in ensuring her safety due to the flight’s full capacity. This led to a delay of up to five hours at the airport, during which Brelis was unable to eat.
Brelis had aimed to make a 10 am doctor’s appointment in Boston to investigate the cause of her allergic reaction. However, the situation resulted in her missing her initially scheduled flight, as she watched her checked bag being loaded onto the plane without her, adding to her frustration and disappointment.
As the incident gains attention on social media, it sheds light on the complexities faced by individuals with allergies during air travel. Airlines like Delta are reminded of their legal obligations to accommodate passengers with disabilities, including those with food allergies, to ensure safe and comfortable travel experiences for all.