NZPA
Airline backs pilot over shoes
02 September 2004
By ANNA CLARIDGE and NZPA
Air New Zealand is standing by a pilot who refused to take off because two children on the flight did not have shoes on.
The flight, from Christchurch to Wellington on Monday afternoon, was delayed 45 minutes while cabin staff fumbled through luggage to find the children's shoes. More than 100 passengers were left fuming, some complaining to cabin staff about the delay.
The airline apologised yesterday but defended the pilot's decision saying children who flew without shoes risked possible injury.
The children were believed to be aged about two and four.
The captain eventually agreed to take off when the children put on the socks they had with them.
Passenger Terry Bach was furious at the delay, which meant he arrived late for a lecture at Tawa College that evening.
"There were a number of people who were incensed and went up and talked to cabin staff, I was sitting right behind the poor family ... it's very annoying when you're told the delay is for finding shoes."
Other airlines also have strict dress standards based on safety, with Qantas policy insisting all children over two years wear shoes in an aircraft.
Air New Zealand spokesman Glen Sowry said yesterday he was not aware of any complaints over the incident. Ultimately, the pilot was responsible for safety, he said.
"On this occasion, he made sure shoes would be worn."
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