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Disabled man angry over 'rudeness' on airline
A disabled man is furious with an airline after he claims he suffered rudeness from cabin crew over his condition.
Edward Kemp, 60, of Denehurst Gardens, said his self-confidence has taken a bashing since his ordeal on the Thomson flight in May.
Mr Kemp, who cannot move his left leg after having the joint removed, said he 'broke down in tears' once arriving at Gatwick to meet his son and daughter-in-law following his trip back from Tenerife with his 66-year-old wife Beryl on May 23.
He said: "The holiday we had was great as we have been going to Tenerife for 13 years and stayed at the same hotel. But problems arose on the return flight.
"I told the head of the cabin crew that I was uncomfortable in my seat but she came across as uninterested, saying I should not fly with my disability and should stay in England.
"No one on the flight back approached me to see if I was OK.
"On arrival back in Gatwick the cabin crew informed other passengers who needed wheelchairs that they were arriving soon for them but I was not addressed.
"I asked the head of the cabin crew about my mobility scooter but she told me she was not even aware I had one on the plane.
"She must have noticed how I had to sit during the flight, as I boarded the plane with the aid of walking sticks.
"I was told to sit by the exit doors until my scooter arrived.
"My wife and I then spoke to other cabin crew, explaining we were not happy with the treatment. But one of the crew was not interested and came across very rude so I gave up."
Mr Kemp, who suffers from arthritis, has had a hip replacement, and takes strong painkillers daily, claimed he overheard a sarcastic comment from another crew member about him.
He said: "I broke down in tears when I arrived at Gatwick.
"Since our flight home I have been very depressed and stressed. I have always tried to carry on with my life despite my disability but Thomson has taken my confidence away from me."
Mr Kemp, who also has spinal problems, said he received a letter of apology from Thomson but said it was not sincere enough and wants his complaint investigated again.
A spokesman for Thomson said: "Customer satisfaction is Thomson Airways' primary concern and we are sorry to hear that Mr Kemp felt that both the service he received on his return flight from Tenerife and our initial apology fell short of his expectations.
"Mr Kemp is a valued customer and we are disappointed to learn that he found our staff unhelpful on this particular flight. An internal investigation is currently taking place into this matter.
"We would like to offer Mr Kemp a 100 voucher towards the cost of a future Thomson holiday as a gesture of goodwill for any distress caused."
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Weather for Haywards Heath
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
