Elderly Indian couple triumphs over British Airways in visa debacle

The couple, unaware of the revocation of their B2 visa, faced 58 hours of distress and confusion, prompting them to seek compensation from the airline

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

In a compelling legal victory, 72-year-old Hasmukh Mehta and his wife successfully sued British Airways after being abruptly sent back to India from London Heathrow Airport, halfway through their journey to Atlanta, USA. The couple, unaware of the revocation of their B2 visa, faced 58 hours of distress and confusion, prompting them to seek compensation from the airline.

The Mehtas, who had visited their son in the United States multiple times with a valid B2 visa, were denied boarding for the connecting flight due to the visa’s revocation. The airline’s failure to verify their visa status before allowing them to board in Mumbai led to a legal battle at the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (CDRC) in Navsari.

This landmark decision serves as a reminder to travelers to be vigilant about their visa status and raises questions about airlines’ responsibility in ensuring passengers meet entry requirements

The couple demanded compensation for the Mumbai-Atlanta airfare, Delhi-Surat flight, baggage allowance, and mental distress totaling Rs 50 lakh. British Airways’ defense argued that the Mehtas were aware of their visa status and should seek compensation from the US Department of Homeland Security. However, the CDRC ruled in favor of the elderly couple, emphasizing the airline’s negligence in verifying visa status before departure.

This landmark decision serves as a reminder to travelers to be vigilant about their visa status and raises questions about airlines’ responsibility in ensuring passengers meet entry requirements.

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