101-year-old woman repeatedly mistaken for infant by American Airlines
A 101-year-old woman named Patricia has been repeatedly mistaken for an infant by the booking system of American Airlines due to a computational error. The system incorrectly interpreted her birth year as 2022 instead of 1922, leading to several instances of confusion, as per BBC. On one occasion, Patricia was left without her reserved wheelchair at the terminal because airport staff were expecting an infant.
Airline staff thought Patricia was a little child
The airline's check-in staff and cabin crew were consistently taken aback, expecting Patricia to be carried on board as an infant. Patricia told the BBC, "It's funny they thought I was a little child when I'm really an old lady." She explained that her daughter made the online reservation, and the airport's computer system misread her birth date as 2022 instead of 1922.
This isn't the first time such a mix-up has occurred
This isn't the first time such a mix-up has occurred. Patricia revealed that "the same thing happened last year and they were also expecting a child and not me." The problem began when she turned 100 and has persisted since then. Despite being booked as an adult passenger, the airline's system continues to misread her birth year, causing confusion.
Patricia hopes the airline will address this issue promptly
Patricia expressed her hope that the airline would promptly address the issue, emphasizing the inconvenience caused to her daughter, who had to transport all their luggage and belongings almost a mile from one gate to another. On one occasion, due to this confusion, Patricia and her daughter had to remain on board while others disembarked because no wheelchair had been arranged for her.
Solo flying to family support, amidst vision decline
Despite initial challenges, Patricia highlighted that flight crews and airport staff have consistently shown understanding and helpfulness once informed of her situation. Patricia, who annually flies from Chicago to Marquette, Michigan, to visit family, managed the trip solo until she was 97. Now, with declining vision, she relies on family members to travel with her. Nonetheless, despite these hurdles, she is reportedly looking forward to her next flight in the autumn, when she will be 102 years old.
