I Face Discrimination by FlixBus Driver Who Refused My Family Without Baby Seat
I purchased FlixBus tickets for myself, my spouse, and my son, who was born on April 14, 2022, for a trip from Amsterdam to Bruges. When booking online, I saw that the website mentioned a baby car seat requirement but also stated there was some flexibility regarding it. Based on that, I completed my booking and traveled to Bruges without any issues.
However, when I booked another trip from Bruges to Paris, the situation was completely different. The young French driver refused to let us board the bus, insisting that we couldn’t travel without a baby seat. I explained that I had already traveled from Amsterdam under the same conditions and that the website clearly indicated some flexibility on this rule. Still, he completely dismissed us and acted as though he didn’t care. My wife, who is pregnant and wears a headscarf, and I were humiliated in Bruges, standing there with our luggage, while he mockingly said, “If you pay me €1,500, I’ll take you — otherwise, I’ll get fined.”
Other Turkish passengers on the same bus witnessed the entire situation but couldn’t intervene. We were forced to collect our luggage and take a train instead, paying €226 for new tickets. I am requesting compensation for this loss — not for the ₺4,600 I paid to FlixBus, but for the additional €226 I was forced to spend due to this discriminatory and unethical behavior.
The driver’s actions were not only unprofessional but also highly discriminatory and racist. I am demanding that the company take appropriate action against him and provide an official written explanation. As a Turkish citizen, I will pursue this issue legally if necessary. I’ve learned that Bursa courts handle similar complaints, and I am prepared to take legal action through an attorney if this matter is not resolved.
