Turkish Airlines Rejected My Baby’s ID Documents and Forced Us Into a 24-Hour Bus Ride

I had a flight with Turkish Airlines (THY) on July 19, 2024, but faced a shocking and deeply upsetting experience. On the way to the airport, I either lost my wallet or it was stolen. Inside were several documents, including my 18-month-old baby’s ID. Fortunately, my spouse and I still had our IDs with us.

We immediately went to the police and obtained official documents verifying our child’s identity. We also printed all necessary ID copies via E-Devlet (Turkey’s e-government system). However, the THY checkpoint supervisor flatly refused to accept any of these documents—despite the insistence of police officers and staff.

Shockingly, we were told that my spouse and I could board the plane if we left our baby behind. How is that even a suggestion? In the end, my spouse had to fly alone, and I was forced to take a 24-hour bus trip with a toddler, even though we had provided everything we possibly could.

This level of insensitivity and inflexibility from THY is unacceptable. I expected far better from a national airline. We were completely mistreated and demand an apology and explanation for this inhumane treatment.