Southwest Airlines: Passenger made to prove biracial child is hers. Source: CBS News
A passenger has hit out at an airline after being asked an "appalling" question.
Lindsay Gottlieb claims that a Southwest Airlines employee at Denver Airport, in the US, demanded she prove she was the mother to her biracial son, one-year-old Jordan.
The basketball coach says she was travelling on flight1808 from Denver to Oakland when the incident occurred.
Gottlieb said she was particularly outraged by the experience after flying with her son more than 50 times in the last year. Photo / Twitter
The shocked flyer took to Twitter to share her fury, saying she was baffled as it was the first time she'd ever been asked such a question — despite travelling with her son regularly as part of her work.
She wrote in a series of tweets: "I'm appalled that after approximately 50 times flying with my one-year old son, ticket counter personnel told me I had to "prove" that he was my son, despite having his passport.
"She said because we have different last name. My guess is because he has a different skin colour."
@SouthwestAir I’m appalled that after approx 50 times flying with my 1 year old son, ticket counter personnel told me I had to “prove” that he was my son, despite having his passport. She said because we have different last name. My guess is because he has a different skin color.
Gottlieb alleges the employee asked for her son's birth certificate, before demanding she prove she's a mother "with a Facebook post".
"It was demeaning and insensitive, not to mention inefficient. Would have missed flight if it was not delayed. I would advise better training for employees to avoid this happening to others."
Lindsay Gottlieb was left shocked. Photo / Facebook
When asked by a fellow Twitter user if she was OK, she responded: "It was wild, but, I fear, much more common for people that don't look like me."
There has been a mixed response to Gottlieb's tweets, with people pointing out that the airline needs to be on guard against human trafficking and the kidnapping of children.
Others sympathised, saying the same thing has happened to them.
This has happened to me multiple times when flying with my son - not a mixed race family by the way. This is about ensuring children are safe!! I was happy to see the extra security checks!
Southwest Airlines apologised for the incident and told local network KPIX 5 that it is looking into it.
"We're looking into this specific interaction, and we have engaged with the customer directly to address her concerns," a Southwest Airlines spokesperson said.
"Our employees are well regarded for their hospitality and we always strive for the best experience for anyone who entrusts us with their travel."
