Hey all,
I've just got a quick question for you guys.
There has been loads in the press in the UK the past couple days about a BA flight from Milan - London that was delayed as a member of the qatari royal family and his entourage were booted off the flight by the captain. This stemmed from the fact that the sheikh was not happy that some of the female members of the party had to sit next to un-related males. The sheikh had not advised BA in advance of his special requirements, had not checked in/selected his seats online etc etc. I am guessing he was quite a 'junior' royal as VIPs/Royal etc are usually handled by BA Special Services as a matter of course.
He pretty much just turned up on the (full) flight and assumed that his needs would be sorted out. This would have involved moving other business class passengers many whom were travelling with loved ones etc also. Anyway, the crew asked several passengers (whom had pre-selected their seat) if they would move/split but could not find volunteers. The flight began to taxi and the royal family member, still not happy, walked up to the flight deck door, knocked on it and demanded to speak to the captain. At this, the captain taxiied back to the stand and offloaded the royal and his entire entourage.
I was just wondering how an arab/middle eastern carrier such as Emirates would have handled the situation?
BA Crew.