Pilots praised for lending a hand

16 May 2013 09:38

The pilot and first officer unloaded luggage off the plane themselves during the baggage handlers' strike

The pilot and first officer unloaded luggage off the plane themselves during the baggage handlers' strike

A couple from Market Harborough in Leicestershire have paid tribute to a pilot and first officer for unloading their bags at an airport in the middle of a baggage handlers' strike.

Pensioners Hugh and Margaret Colbert claim the pair's action prevented their holiday in Tunisia from getting off to the worst possible start, the Leicester Mercury reported.

The flight from East Midlands landed at Enfidha airport on April 17, although an announcement over the PA system informed the passengers that a baggage handlers' strike meant they wouldn't be able to get their luggage.

However, much to the amazement of the 180 or so passengers on board, the captain and his first officer sprung into action, taking it upon themselves to get the luggage off the plane. If it wasn't for them, the holidaymakers could have been in for a long wait before they could get to their hotels. The story underlines the importance of seniors travel insurance for older travellers, which can help protect against many holiday mishaps.

Thomson Airways' Captain Ben Coker told the newspaper he and the first officer were "happy to unload the bags from our flight when the baggage handlers' strike meant our customers could have been in for a long wait before they could get to their hotels".

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