A British tourist in Iceland was arrested after trying to board a flight home because he was wearing too many clothes, according to airport officials.
Ryan Carney Williams, known on his Twitter account as Ryan Hawaii, was barred entry to the terminal after he tried to get around luggage rules by wearing it. Williams was wearing eight pairs of pants and 10 shirts.
The reason they gave was that Williams was rude and when asked to leave the flight desk, he refused, reported the Iceland Monitor. Security was then called to get him to leave.
“I asked POLITELY if I could wear all the clothes in my case and still board,” Williams wrote on Twitter. “The BA staff told me ‘Yes’ after a bit of a back and forth and me refusing to leave the desk because I weren’t given a valid reason to leave.”
The tourist told the outlet that police officers arrived at the scene and used pepper spray while holding him on the ground.
Williams made it initially through security but the events unfolded after he arrived at the British Airways flight desk.
Williams posted on Twitter that he believed what took place happened due to “racial profiling.”
Disappointing. pic.twitter.com/7f8UFi9jb4
— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 10, 2018
After his first ejection from the airport, he booked a new flight with EasyJet the next day.
However, an airport official told him at the EasyJet gate that he wouldn’t be allowed to fly due to what happened the day prior.
“The captain and the ground crew were concerned about reports from the previous day so we provided a refund and he traveled with another airline,” an EasyJet spokesman told the Mirror.
Williams was eventually able to make it home on a Norwegian Airlines flight but is focused on directing attention on British Airways and EasyJet, threatening a lawsuit against the latter.
@British_Airways hi being held at Iceland Keflavik airport because I had no baggage put all the clothes on and they still won't let me on. Racial profiling? Or….. pic.twitter.com/NKgpe1cPFP
— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 10, 2018
A spokesman for British Airways told the Daily Mirror that no pepper spray was used, contrary to Williams’ claim.
“We do understand that our customers’ plans can change so they can choose to pay a fee at the airport if they need an extra bag,” the spokesman added. “Our hand baggage only fares from Iceland are as low as £47 each way, and are designed for customers who are traveling without any hold baggage.”
Spoke to @easyjet via dm and this was there response, can't believe this is real life right now… pic.twitter.com/h8EqkEwTpH
— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 13, 2018
“We explained our policy to our customer, and arranged an alternative flight to London,” the spokesman said.
Williams has been in contact with British Airways, who are refunding him, according to Iceland Monitor. EasyJet has also refunded him.
“Arrived to airport in Iceland with no luggage on my booking. My sister-in-law booked my flight because I was FLAT broke from being homeless in Iceland. WHOLE other story,” Williams wrote.
I moved. Continued to film and explain that I was well within my rights. Yes it was comical what I did but I am an Artist/Designer so all my luggage is my livelihood. Worth somewhere £2,000-3,000.
Police were called. I spoke to 2 v polite officers explained my story.
— Ryan Hawaii (@RYAN_HAWAII) January 16, 2018
Some Twitter users responded to his story with sympathy.
Hope you’re all good bro. Sorry you’ve had to deal with this. Respect respect respect ??
— MIKE G (@MIKEV_G) January 11, 2018
Others, however, didn’t agree with his take on events, nor take kindly to his saying that it was due to racism.
Or… stupidity
Listen, it's a cute try to wear the extra clothes. But if it doesn't work, then give it up and pay the overweight fee.. the world isn't here to support your sorry shtick— DoctorMike (@DoctorMike15) January 16, 2018
People gave their lives to fight real issues of racism. You should be ashamed of yourself for making such fake BS claims.
— Ben A (@iminfrontofyou) January 16, 2018
From NTD.tv
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