American Airlines is responding to claims that it was responsible for losing two children overnight at an airport last year. A lawsuit filed last month by Florida mother Amber Vencill reportedly alleges the carrier put her two unaccompanied sons in a “cold room akin to a jail cell” for the night.
Amid the ordeal, Vencill could not contact the minors because they did not have their cell phones. It was not until several hours had passed that the mother could speak to her sons, allegedly learning that they had nothing to eat or drink throughout the night.
According to ABC News, Vencill filed the lawsuit against the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline in New York on October 31 after the incident occurred in July 2022. Her sons, a 10-year-old and a 12-year-old, were traveling from Missouri to Syracuse, New York, to visit her partner’s family. Per American’s policy, Vencill reportedly paid $150 for the carrier’s unaccompanied minor service, which is required for children under age 14.
Among its many amenities, the service includes early boarding so that children can get settled and meet the flight attendants, and an airport escort to help them reach their gate. Additionally, kids-only lounges are available at the airline’s hub airports, according to American.
The carrier’s website states that if unaccompanied minors miss their connecting flight due to a delay or cancelation, arrangements would be made, including another flight, overnight accommodations, meals, and supervision.
The sons’ connecting flight at Charlotte International Airport (CLT) was reportedly delayed multiple times and then eventually canceled. According to ABC News, Vencill was notified of the cancelation and was informed that the minors would be placed on a flight the next day, while an airline employee told her partner that accommodations would be set up for the boys with “beds and their own bathroom.”
However, the lawsuit claims that the minors spent the night in a cold room for lost children, similar to a “jail cell.” Since Vencill’s sons did not have phones, the mother said she could not contact them at a number American had provided to be reached. After several hours, she finally spoke to her sons through a CLT employee.
In a series of comments to ABC News, Vencill said she thought the boys would have been accompanied at the airport.
“It’s a feeling no parent ever wants to feel. I have faith that during the transitions at the airports, they would be with a flight attendant since they had that service. I asked them if they had anything to eat or drink. And they were like, ‘No, mom.’”
The lawsuit says that a CLT employee not affiliated with American eventually gave the children food and drinks before they boarded their flight. American is responding to the ordeal, telling USA TODAY that they have been in contact with Vencill.
“The safety and comfort of our customers, including unaccompanied minors in our care, are our highest priorities and we’re committed to providing a positive experience to everyone who travels with us. We have been in touch with Ms. Vencill directly and we are reviewing the details of the lawsuit.”
As of Wednesday, Vencill has reportedly not heard from American, but her attorney, Elizabeth Eilender, said kids cannot be replaceable.
“There’s no margin for error with children,” Eilender told USA TODAY. “You can replace luggage or golf clubs but you can’t replace the kids.”
Simple Flying
