Our Turkish despair

Family denied return flight & stuck in resort

A FAMILY claim they are stranded in Turkey because Thomas Cook is refusing to let them fly home after a row over booze on their outbound flight.

Jamie Rees said the firm accused his wife of drinking duty-free alcohol on their trip from Bristol to Dalaman, Turkey, on June 22.

His wife says she did not have any booze. But the travel operator is refusing to let the couple board their return flight on July 6.

After arriving at their resort, Jamie – who travelled to Turkey with his wife, mother, and two chil- dren – said the firm told him that neither he nor his wife would be allowed to fly home with the airline.

He said his mum and children are allowed to make the trip, but he does not want them to go alone.

The family have no replacement flights booked. Jamie, of Knowle, Bristol, said: “We couldn’t believe it when we were told we wouldn’t be allowed to fly home.

“There is an easyjet flight on Saturday but I don’t know where we are all going to stay on Friday night.”

A Thomas Cook spokeswoman said: “The safety of our customers and crew is always our first priority.

“As a result of disruptive behaviour from two passengers on flight MT836 from Bristol to Dalaman on June 22, [they] have been denied boarding for their return flight.

“Decisions of this nature are not taken lightly,” she added.

STRANDED Jamie Rees and his wife cannot fly home