Walk the mile as another passenger...
Pamela,
I always feel badly for anyone who is denied boarding. This is especially true when it’s a minor. And for the record I am no fan of Spirit Airlines. I never fly them despite being based out of my home airport, Fort Lauderdale.
You sound like a loving and caring grandmother. Logically you see this from your grandchildren’s point of view. However, I invite you to put yourself in the shoes of the other 120+ passengers. Your grandchildren were five minutes late--probably for a very good reason. But a good reason or good intentions does not regain five minutes. It’s still five minutes lost. I don’t think it would be fair to make over so many people five minutes late to their final destination as well. Every flight is given a tight takeoff window. A slight delay from gate pushback can cause the flight to miss the window. Now you’re talking about forcing people to be stranded in a connecting city overnight. These are real people. You mentioned that your grandchildren have a difficult home life. There were other people on that flight in similar situations. Some people flying to see dying relatives, sick children, funerals, weddings, and even young and ambitious men and women engaging in their first business venture. That five minutes can mean making it to point B or not.
Don’t get me wrong—your complaint is valid. There is never an excuse if the gate agent was unsympathetic. But there is also never an excuse to risk losing a takeoff window for a single passenger or party. I’m sorry to hear about this mishap. I sincerely hope that this never happens to you or your family again. Best of luck and safe travels.
Matt
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