Chicken pox on a plane

[parmavioletmartini]

I kind of know I'm not being unreasonable but I am unbelievably shocked.

A friend is on holiday with her toddler and she has developed chicken pox. Diagnosed yesterday and they are still going to fly back on Saturday. I had assumed that there was no way an airline would let you fly.

Having had a mother who traveled back and forth from Spain between rounds of chemotherapy I find it appalling. When I mentioned this to her she said that's the risk you take when you travel!

I know it's intrinsically none of my business, but I feel she's potentially putting lives at risk. But AIBU to feel annoyed.

Oh, and we had to get a Dr to confirm too. After 5pm on a Saturday in a remote town. Airline was extremely helpful and grateful.

We had to get a Dr's letter in Majorca to allow our DS then 3 to fly back. It was touch and go and he only signed it the morning of the flight. Our insurance said if we weren't given it they would pay for one adult and the affected child to stay until he was given the all clear which seemed a reasonable solution. Very irresponsible to just try and hide the situation.

I hope your friend does the right thing.

This is what holiday insurance is for. Happened to us one Christmas and the insurance company were very good about it.

Yes, we had to jump through hoops if by that you mean getting a doctor's certificate stating that dd was unable to fly due to infection. (no, you don't need the airline to say anything, all you need is a doctor)
Yes, I basically had to sit the doctor down and tell them what to write. But why wouldn't you jump through a few hoops rather than risk another person's life?

I would also call the airline as there is a chance that the checking agents and then the cabin crew will not pick up on the child's illness if the spots are not too bad facially. As ex Cabin Crew myself this was something we were always really hot on and removed more than one family over the years, the woman's attitude is disgusting as Chicken Pox can be potentially fatal in those with compromised immune systems.

This happened to friends of mine two years ago. Also Spain and toddler DD. Everyone was helpful. The hotel organised new room, they got flights changed etc and had to wait 2/3 days until she was clear to fly. Total hassle for them of course and they had insurance but they didn't even think of trying to smuggle child home! Not great for child feeling poorly either. When they got home everyone teased them about having extra few days holiday.

Totally selfish. Hate that attitude - wish me luck, I'd more more likely to wish the other passengers good luck

This happened to my sister. Even though her child had a safe to fly cert from a local doctor the airport doctor had to check him as well before they'd let her board.

Hope they don't get let on. So selfish.

She's a danger to pregnant women, we don't allow anyone with chickenpox or shingles into our GP clinic.

As for one parent losing time at work due to childcare, surely that would be the same if they got home with a poxy child: you couldn't send her to any childcare so one parent would have to deal with it. That is why as a parent of young children you hold back some of your holiday allowance, because you know sooner or later they will succumb to something contagious.

Call the airline.

You're right cory but it is probably easier to wangle something at home isn't it, get a grandparent to come and help and maybe "work from home". So of course it's practically easier to try and get home, but that doesn't make it the right thing to do.

When my eldest was a year he got badly bitten by mosquitos on his face and legs when we were away. We got stopped at the check-in and asked if they were CP and they actually asked us to lift his shirt so we could show it wasn't on his body. I doubt she will get away with it.

Do you know the airline or airport? Call them. Use a fake name if necessary but warn them that she is attempting to travel with a child suspected having CP

My daughter had chicken pox in France last year and we stayed in the hotel room the whole time, but when we called the doctor he laughed and said there was no need and we should just carry on with our holiday, when we asked about getting home, he again laughed at us and said just carry on as usual so she may well get back with no problem. As it was she was scabbed over by the time our holiday was over but nobody gave us a second glance. So even though we tried to posphone our flight and took medical advice it was not taken as a serious issue there

And that's not to say I agree with that! As said we took precautions, but they were off our own backs not on the medical advise given .....

I don't know what airport she's flying from just the country.

I did consider calling but DH has told me I'm over invested and now I've told her what I think I should leave it to the airport and the airlines to enforce there rules.

Radio silence from her now. So they are either on the flight or have been turned away.

If you're over invested how do I look? I just trawled back pages to see if there was an update! Anything ? Hope she got turned away

We travelled with our DD to a European country and the the next morning she was covered in chicken pic, the flight was packed and never heard anymore about it. We did advise holiday rep, she said it happens all the time and not to worry

Surprised they're not using this to claim extra holiday time on their insurance! Silver linings...

Hopefully they don't get away with this.

If you know the country and the destination airport it wouldn't be too hard to narrow down the possible airlines. You could call the airlines rather than airport. They could then put a heads up out to their check in staff

We travelled with our DD to a European country and the the next morning she was covered in chicken pic, the flight was packed and never heard anymore about it.

I'm maybe missing something but why would you?

She made it back.

I honestly can't believe it.