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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Matt Payton

British Airways bans female passenger for life 'after mid-flight argument'

fashion stylist has been banned from flying with British Airways after a mid-flight argument over her getting up to "stretch her legs," 

Bridget Nhire from Uxbridge has said BA over-reacted after a minor argument on a flight from Heathrow to Dubai.

The 33-year-old said the dispute started after a fellow passenger complained she was getting up too many times to stretch her legs.

She told the Sunday People: "He was telling me to sit down and I said ‘I have the right to get up and walk around for my health’. That escalated into a minor argument

"Then the crew asked me to move to the front. They said ‘you are being aggressive, we feel you may have had a little too much to drink

"I had a drink but was not drunk. I had two glasses of wine with my meal. They strapped me to the seat and put me in plastic cuffs. I have bruises."

The incident took place on a British Airways flight from Heathrow to Dubai

Ms Nhire is seeking £350 compensation from BA after the airline allegedly refused to fly her home.

A BA spokeswoman stated they do not comment on individual cases but said: "Our customers and crew deserve to enjoy their flights, and not suffer disruption.

"We would never issue a lifetime ban without first carrying out a thorough investigation."

British Airways added lifetime bans can be appealed and refunds are issued for any future bookings with the airline at the time of the ban's introduction.

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