Outrageous reason Southwest Airline's gate agent attacked cancer patient
A Connecticut man undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment claims a Southwest Airlines gate agent attacked him and refused to follow the company's 'extra seat' policy.
David Ford filed a lawsuit against the airline, alleging a gate agent accused him of not being disabled and snatched his cellphone out of his hand when he recorded the altercation.
The man said he purchased an extra seat for his flight from Hartford to Baltimore, Maryland on June 12 because he is dealing with the side effects of cancer and has to frequently change positions and move around the cabin during flights.
Southwest's extra seat policy allows those who encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat to buy an additional ticket to use the space for themselves.
'The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating request and helps us ensure we can accommodate all Customers on the flight. Most importantly, it ensures that all Customers onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating,' the company policy said.
A Connecticut man undergoing chemotherapy alleged gate agents questioned his disability and physically attacked him
'If you choose to purchase an extra seat, see a Customer Service Agent at the gate to obtain a Seat Reserved document for the additional seat purchased.'
Ford said in the lawsuit when he attempted to check at the desk a gate agent said to him 'you don't look handicapped' and 'why do you think you are entitled to have a second seat?'
He claimed the gate agent refused to issue the extra ticket he had already purchased and demanded to know what his medical condition was.
Ford demanded to talk with the supervisor and began recording his interaction on his phone.
A second gate agent joined in and told Ford, 'you ain't getting an extra seat on my watch,' according to the lawsuit.
When the second agent noticed the man was recording, Ford claimed the person climbed over the luggage weighing station to intimidate him and said 'stop recording or he will call the police.'
Southwest's extra seat policy allows those who encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat to buy an additional ticket to use the space for themselves
While they were waiting for the police to arrive, the man said the agent 'physically ripped' the phone from his hand and demanded to know his password so the video could be deleted.
Eventually a supervisor arrived and issued Ford tickets for both seats he purchased and was able to board his flight.
However, Ford said once he was on the plane the second gate agent came on and sat next to him demanding he delete the video from his phone - which he refused to do.
Ford is suing Southwest Airlines in federal court demanding an amount to be determined at trial for compensatory damages, punitive damages and legal fees.
DailyMail.com contacted Southwest Airlines and Ford for comment on this story.
