A lady recently went viral on TikTok sharing her distressing experience after being faraway from a Delta flight from Los Angeles to Boston as a result of her food allergy.
In a tearful video, Ellie Brelis, 29, actor and playwright explained that she was returning home to see a physician to handle serious medical concerns.
Nevertheless, she claimed that when she alerted the flight crew to her shellfish allergy and where she kept her EpiPens — as she at all times does — to ensure her safety on the flight, she was forced to deplane.
“By some means it type of all just evolved really quickly to where there have been so many alternative people involved. And I used to be really embarrassed and didn’t understand the way it had gotten to be such a an ordeal because I’ve flown many, repeatedly in my life and I’ve at all times done the very same thing,” she told The Post.
Despite her efforts to advocate for herself, Brelis felt dismissed by the airline staff when she disclosed her allergy. She claims she was escorted off the plane, while her luggage continued to travel without her.
The TikTokker then turned the camera over to point out a plane taking off on the airport, claiming she was speculated to be on the flight.
Within the video, she shared her disbelief and frustration, through tears. “By some means I just got kicked off the plane for having an allergy” — a problem that falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“I don’t need to be this person, I don’t need to be crying, I just need to be on my flight home so I could see my doctor and determine why this is going on,” she said.
Brelis stressed that she carried several EpiPens on her person and has traveled on Delta flights for years at all times alerting staff to her allergy before and through boarding. She had never has a problem until her last trip.
“Am I the a–hole? Is that this my fault? Should I not have said I actually have an allergy?” she asked viewers.
She also expressed a way of helplessness. “I don’t understand how I’m speculated to be secure,” Brelis stated.
In a follow-up video, she revealed that she had been onboard the plane before being removed by the crew. After her removal, Delta officials informed her that they would wish to contact Medair, a medical consultation service, to find out if she was “fit to fly,” which added to her confusion.
After confirming that she had EpiPens on her she was approved to fly but rebooked onto a redeye flight. Bevause the flight was already full, she was given a seat with none guarantees for her safety.
She explained to The Post that she is usually seated within the back or in a piece where those nearby her are warned of her allergy and asked to not eat any type of shellfish throughout the trip.
“I’ve flown my whole life, I’ve at all times been fit to fly,” she said, questioning the airline’s handling of her situation.
Ultimately, Brelis canceled the Delta flight and flew home on a JetBlue flight with none issue.
Since posting the videos several day ago, Brelis said plenty of individuals have shared the struggles and confusion they’ve endured traveling while having allergies.
Delta’s website advises passengers with allergies to fill out a form or contact the Accessibility Services team before flying.
The airline emphasizes that while the team strives to accommodate passengers’ needs, they can not guarantee an allergen-free environment or prohibit other customers from carrying allergenic products onboard.
“I understand. I at all times have a risk after I fly,” she told The Post, “but flying is part of life and I believe we should always all have the flexibility to do it, whether or not we are able to eat shellfish or peanuts.”
