A father expressed anger at easyJet for allegedly abandoning his family in the wrong country, forcing them to sleep on the uncomfortable and cold airport floor. Darren Rainey, a 41-year-old from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, departed from Luton Airport to Crete on August 13. However, their flight had to make an emergency landing in Croatia, leading to an unexpected overnight delay.
Rainey claimed that easyJet left them stranded at Split Airport after failing to arrange overnight accommodation. Uncertainty loomed as passengers awaited information on their replacement flight schedule. Frustrated, Rainey and his family had to spend the night at the airport, with him staying vigilant while his loved ones rested.
Despite Rainey’s complaints, easyJet initially refused compensation due to the emergency landing. It was only after media involvement that the airline offered a refund for their night in Croatia. Rainey criticized the lack of communication during the ordeal and the inconvenience of having to find their own lodging in a shut-down airport.
The family’s replacement flight to Crete departed Croatia on August 14, resulting in nearly a day lost from their holiday. Rainey expressed disappointment with easyJet’s handling of the situation, mentioning the negative impact it had on the start of their vacation.
Following his wife’s complaint, easyJet declined to provide a refund or compensation, citing the emergency landing as the reason. Rainey expressed frustration over the airline’s response, emphasizing that hardworking individuals like his family deserve better treatment.
An easyJet holidays spokesperson acknowledged the incident, explaining that the diversion to Split was due to a crew member’s medical emergency. Despite efforts to arrange overnight accommodation, limited availability during the busy season posed challenges. The airline assured Mr. Rainey of a refund for the disrupted night and offered a gesture of goodwill to address the family’s disappointing experience.
