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No one helped pregnant mum and toddler stranded in Sydney airport at 4am

A mother, four months pregnant and travelling with a two-year-old toddler, found herself distraught and helpless at Sydney International Airport when she missed her flight and airport staff refused to help her.

Not only that, they also told her off for having overweight baggage, says the expectant mother's aunt, who was in Singapore when she received the woman's call for help.

STOMPer Mariam says that no one bothered to help her pregnant niece out even though she was distressed, having to look after her restless toddler and handle her own luggage.

One of the containers she had checked-in was also broken yet no one came forward to offer assistance.

In an email, the upset Mariam says:

“On October 29, my four-month pregnant niece and her two-year-old child were on QF 320 from Singapore to Sydney Australia, where they were to get a connecting domestic flight to Canberra.

“Before her flight, I advised her to get special assistance but she expressed her doubts of getting proper assistance back there.

“Sadly, true to her fears, she was in an agonising and most unacceptable situation upon arrival at Sydney airport.

“Being a typical Singaporean, she had bought some ready-to-cook gravy. The Styrofoam box holding them broke. Fortunately, the gravy packages was still intact.

“The airport staff were not helpful at all. They even chided her and told her that her box was overweight (it was 21kg when weighed at Singapore airport).

“To add to her anxiety, they refused to help her even though she had already missed her connecting flight.

 “Desperate and anxious, she called me at 4:40am Singapore time. I was so distressed as she was crying uncontrollably on the phone.

“Her two-year-old son was without milk and started to get restless. Desperate, I called the Singapore police for assistance.

“At around 8:30am, she called to say that she finally got assistance and was waiting to board her flight to Canberra.

“Fortunately, after a long wait, four customs officers happened to walk by. Thankfully, there are still some humans in Australia. These four kind souls packed her stuff and even helped her push her trolley to the domestic airport.

“I would like to find out who they are. Their kind act deserves to be commended.

“My niece had to see her obstetrician, as a result of the ordeal she had to endure.

“I do not wish to fly to Australia through Sydney nor fly with British airways or Qantas.

“This is not the first time we’ve encountered such cold treatment from Sydney airport staff. I am appalled at services provided at Sydney airport.

“Isn't the airline responsible for handling the baggage? What are the rights of the passengers? The airport staff should at least perform their duty.

“Is the fear for liability so great, that they would not even assist a person in desperate need? I hope the relevant authorities will look into this matter, and view this incident seriously.”

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35 comments
TwistOfFate said   on 4 Dec, 2009   Report as offensive  
Qantas arh ? That time I go sydney, then connecting flight to Brisbane, Gold Coast, it was like around the morning, about 1 hour to landing. They walk past me and I said I want coffee.. *****.. They say no coffee, when I saw they got 2 big jugs of it on their tray. -.-
missydeblue said   on 2 Dec, 2009   Report as offensive  
lets see one day man get the chance to get pregnant what will they do in our shoes. want to insult must becareful that all those insult will fall onto yourself. tsk tsk u guys are like lil children for posting nasty comment. she maybe have important issue over there so need to fly overseas. so if u dont know those answer freaking shut it thanks. these people should be punish for their rotten mouth. or rotten hand or finger. be prepared to receive your punishment =]
BennySiow said   on 28 Nov, 2009   Report as offensive  
Sounds like a script fit for a drama!
orange1611 said   on 26 Nov, 2009   Report as offensive  
dear zaigal87. u asked, "what is she doing there anyway?" right.. here's the deal. u don't know the answer so why that terrrible comment as if u know. for all ladies whom are yet to get pregnant and all you insensitive, egoistic men pls be careful when you comment on pregnant women because your loved ones (sisters, friends, wives etc) might be in future face an unpleasant experience due to your bad judgements on others.read... KARMA. pregnant women are responsible of taking care themselves AND their unborn babies (in some cases twins or more). It is a huge responsibility. Every pregnancies is different without the exclusion of physical pains and hormonal changes. Before judging these women, think of our mothers who had of course carried us in their wombs. BE SENSITIVE!

zaigal87 said   on 17 Nov, 2009   Report as offensive  
don't know how to handle yourselves, yaya want to travel overseas. stay at home take care of your kids la. what is she doing there anyway?
sMiLeYzZ said   on 15 Nov, 2009   Report as offensive  
cmon ppl.. b a lil compassionate wil ya? she's a pregnant lady.. n i assume she muz b young 2.. pregnant ladies feel hungry often, haf cravings n dun 4get she's carryin a lil toddler 2.. n da issue here is nt abt da gravy.. itz abt service at da end of da day. she pays 4 da trip n expects at least sum gd service but wat does she get at da end of da day? trauma.. n 4 da aunt.. i guess she cudn tink properly at dat time n did wat her heart told her to do.. call da police.. watz da big issue abt dat? wait til it happens 2 u or ya own.. den u guyz wil feel da pinch.. 4 those who gave negative commentz, they r dey 1s who r typical sporeans.. dun tink b4 da shoot their mouth.. shit for brainz..
wherewillyoube said   on 14 Nov, 2009   Report as offensive  
There's a reason why Changi Airport is voted as one of the best while Sydney's is always out of the nomination list :P
crossair said   on 13 Nov, 2009   Report as offensive  
If it is a young lady who is not pregnant I am sure those defending this "pregnant lady" would not be so kind. Just because someone is pregnant it absolves them of blame and is protected from others criticism? This is more like "typical singaporean pregnant lady thinks the world revolves around her".