Spirit Airlines finishes investigation into 6-year-old child flying to the wrong airport: Who was fired

By TravelWiseJan 3, 2024 09:15 AMNews
Share:
Spirit Airlines finishes investigation into 6-year-old child flying to the wrong airport: Who was fired
Spirit Airlines dismissed an employee. Source: Pixabay

An employee of Spirit Airlines has been fired after an incident in which a 6-year-old child took the wrong flight. Due to confusion, the little passenger, who flew from Philadelphia to Fort Myers, ended up in the wrong place where his grandmother was waiting for him.

The child was found in Orlando, where he had no relatives. After an investigation, the company managed to find out at what stage the problem occurred, CNN writes.

"To better understand what happened, we immediately launched a thorough internal investigation and discovered that a gate agent at Philadelphia (PHL) escorted the child to the wrong plane. This agent is no longer with Spirit Airlines," the company said.

Spirit Airlines finishes investigation into 6-year-old child flying to the wrong airport: Who was fired
Spirit Airlines finishes investigation. Source: Spirit Airlines

The passengers were also assured that anyone whose actions led to the wrong boarding would be held accountable.

The carrier also apologized to the family of the injured passenger, who were worried about the lost boy.

Employees were spoken to to remind them of the company's rules. The passenger's family continues to be contacted.

Earlier, the boy's grandmother told reporters that the company did not explain to her why the child flew to another airport. He was picked up from Orlando by his relatives, who immediately went to pick up the boy. He was under the supervision of the company's employees that evening.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Tower of London beside the River Thames

Tower of London Plans £70m Visitor Upgrade

Jul 21, 2026 22:02 PM
Passenger looking through a European train window

Europe by Train: Which Rail Pass Do You Need?

Jul 21, 2026 21:59 PM

Low Danube Levels Disrupt Summer River Cruises

Jul 21, 2026 21:46 PM

Loganair Targets 2029 for Electric Flights

Jul 21, 2026 21:33 PM
Officials beside a China Eastern Airbus A350

Shanghai Becomes Dublin’s Longest Non-Stop

Jul 21, 2026 21:27 PM
Lighthouse on the rocky Santander coastline

Stansted Names Five Alternatives to Europe’s Summer Hotspots

Jul 20, 2026 23:54 PM
Colourful Amalfi Coast buildings beneath steep cliffs

Amalfi Coast Coach Ban Puts Ravello Trips in Doubt

Jul 20, 2026 23:41 PM
Cefalù beach with striped umbrellas and historic seaside town in Italy

Europe’s Beach Rules Could Cost You This Summer

Jul 20, 2026 23:38 PM
Frankfurt skyline across the River Mai

Vienna and Frankfurt Get Easier from Cluj

Jul 20, 2026 03:05 AM

Charleston Turns an Old Hyatt into a New City Stay

Jul 20, 2026 00:12 AM

EasyJet Strike Puts Italy Flights at Risk

Jul 20, 2026 00:09 AM
Cable car above a Portuguese town and coastline

Portugal Could Get a £10m Adventure Park

Jul 19, 2026 23:56 PM
British passport on a white background

New UK Passport Rule Leaves Teen Stranded in Rome

Jul 19, 2026 23:43 PM
Golfer taking a tee shot with a city skyline behind

Luxury Cruises Now Come With Golf Days

Jul 19, 2026 23:37 PM
Tomorrowland travellers arrive on a Brussels Airlines Party Flight

Tomorrowland Flights Turn the Journey Into the Festival

Jul 19, 2026 20:24 PM

EES Border Checks Could Be Easier for Disabled Travellers

Jul 19, 2026 20:11 PM

What Not to Wear on a Flight This Summer

Jul 18, 2026 21:38 PM
Senegal coastline with palm trees and traditional boats

Senegal Is Back on Bratislava’s Holiday Map

Jul 18, 2026 21:25 PM
Cologne skyline with Hohenzollern Bridge at sunset

London Could Get a Four-Hour Train to Cologne

Jul 17, 2026 21:42 PM
Panoramic view of Naples and the Bay of Naples

A €19.99 Flight Will Link Naples and Trieste

Jul 17, 2026 00:09 AM
Passenger using a smartphone during a flight

Some Korean Air A350 Flights to Lose In-Flight Wi-Fi During System Upgrade

Jul 16, 2026 23:06 PM
Small dog sitting inside a travel pet carrier

IATA Sets Out New Standards for Flying With Pets in the Cabin

Jul 15, 2026 20:33 PM

The new Eurowings service will connect Prague and Rovaniemi with weekly winter flights, expanding direct access to Finnish Lapland

Jul 14, 2026 22:37 PM

Cruise Holidays Face Calls for a €15 Port Tax

Jul 13, 2026 21:54 PM
Converted Great Western Railway carriage interior

Retired Railway Carriages Become a Countryside Stay Near Ely

Jul 13, 2026 21:41 PM
Passport control sign at an EU border checkpoint

Europe’s €20 Travel Permit Faces Another Delay

Jul 13, 2026 21:38 PM