Brianna Solari, a nurse from Roseville, California, was subjected to a harrowing experience with Southwest Airlines after undergoing surgery to reduce tumors caused by her neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that leads to non-cancerous tumors growing across her body and nervous system.
As Solari boarded Southwest Flight 3471 at Hollywood Burbank Airport to head home, a crew member confronted her, inquiring about her medical condition. Despite her response that she had just had surgery, the crew member insisted on calling a doctor contracted with the airline, leading to Solari's removal from the flight.
Solari felt humiliated, embarrassed, and ashamed, emotions intensified by the visible tumors on her face and arms, which often drew comments from others. She was forced to miss her original flight and obtain a letter from her surgeon to fly, which she had to hand over to airport employees.
Although Solari eventually boarded a new flight to Sacramento, her experience left her with bitter feelings towards the airline. She criticized Southwest for not handling the situation professionally and for prying into her private medical information.
Southwest Airlines apologized and offered Solari a $500 flight voucher and a $45 meal voucher. However, Solari is considering legal action, alleging discrimination and violation of her medical privacy. She believes that simply stating she had surgery should have been sufficient, without the need for further inquiry.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Vaishnavi Dalvi/MSM)
