Imagine jetting off for a dream holiday only to end up in the wrong country! That’s exactly what happened to Darren Rainey and his family when their Luton to Crete flight needed an emergency landing in Croatia due to an ill crew member. What should have been a quick fix turned into an overnight ordeal as the replacement crew couldn’t be arranged until the next day.
Stranded in Split airport, Darren and his family were initially assured that accommodation would be covered. But after a lengthy wait, they were told they’d have to fend for themselves. With no available hotels and lacking funds for two rooms, the Raineys spent a cold, uncomfortable night on the airport floor, all while struggling to find food.
Despite the turbulence, a kind airport worker handed out blankets to help make their night a bit better. Darren stayed awake, keeping an eye on airline updates while his family tried to catch some shut-eye.
The following day’s afternoon flight finally brought them to Crete, but precious holiday time and energy were already lost. Though easyJet offered a refund only for the missed night, the family’s holiday spirit took a hit before it even began.
A spokesperson later apologised for the disruption but stood firm on denying further compensation, citing the emergency nature of the incident. Darren lamented the toll it took on his family’s holiday, emphasising how their hard-earned break was overshadowed by stress and exhaustion.
Here’s hoping the Raineys can enjoy smoother skies and memorable travel experiences in the future! ✈️