Toddler's family fights Virgin over inconsistent disability rules
Virgin Australia staff demanded medical clearance for a toddler's feeding tube. But the tube does not actually need clearance under Australian rules.
Willow is a 20-month-old with Down syndrome. Her parents are Dee and Kayne.
They have flown about 60 times. They often face airline inconsistencies around her medical equipment.
On a recent Virgin Australia flight from Mackay to Brisbane, staff held the family for more than an hour. They demanded medical clearance for Willow's nasogastric feeding tube.
She needs the tube for food and medication. Just three days earlier, Willow had flown the same route on Virgin without any clearance request.
A Current Affair confirmed that nasogastric tubes need no medical clearance on any major Australian airline. The parents' social media post about the experience attracted nearly 1,000 comments from others frustrated with airline policies.
Virgin has since apologised and refunded the flight. But the family wants clear, consistent procedures going forward.
- 20 months
- Willow's age
- About 60
- Flights completed
- More than 1 hour
- Hold-up time
- Nearly 1,000
- Social media comments
Why it mattersFamilies with children who have medical needs deserve clear, consistent rules from airlines. They should not face different demands at every counter.
AustraliaThis highlights inconsistency in how Australian airlines handle accessibility and medical requirements for passengers with disabilities.
Corroborated by9now.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
