When Arthur Lanigan O'Keeffe posted the following message on Facebook and Twitter, he probably didn't expect it to get quite as big a response as it did. Although, having said that, the 'PLEASE SHARE THIS SO THEY DONT GET AWAY WITH THIS!' ending to the message would suggest that he's certainly achieved his aims.
An awful lot of people have been made aware of what happened to the Irish Modern Pentathlete on Saturday after he was removed from an Aer Lingus Regional flight on the way to competition as a result of having his fencing equipment in his luggage.
****IMPORTANT****Today I got publicly embarrassed by being kicked off a plane while traveling to a competition that I...
Posted by Arthur Lanigan O'Keeffe on Saturday, March 26, 2016
That Facebook post was widely shared and although, Lanigan O'Keeffe received plenty of support, there was a hefty amount of criticism levied at the 24 year old via social media.
In response to that criticism, Lanigan O'Keefe followed up his original post explaining exactly what happened.
Just to clarify something to everyone my fencing equipment WAS CHECKED IN AND WAS NOT IN MY HAND LUGGAGE. The only...
Posted by Arthur Lanigan O'Keeffe on Sunday, March 27, 2016
The Aer Lingus Regional plane in question offered easier access to the cabin than a regular commercial flight and it would seem that was crucial in the ultimate decision that the épée could not be carried on board. Lanigan O'Keefe stated his wish to see an apology from Aer Lingus as well as a refund for the cost of his trip.
Aer Lingus Regional, which is operated by Stobart Air has since released the following statement.
We regret the inconvenience caused to the passenger.
However, as set out in the baggage information and guidelines on aerlingus.com, sports weapons cannot be carried on Aer Lingus Regional flights and any such equipment needs to be declared in advance of travel.
The passenger was offered alternative travel options and a full refund.
