Mom Says She Was Removed From Allegiant Flight Over Baby's 'Crying'

The airline says they were following protocol, but the family claims no medical check was done before the decision.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:25pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping gradients and towering architectural forms that evoke the grand scale and romance of air travel, without depicting any specific people or places.The removal of a family from an Allegiant flight over concerns about their infant's health raises questions about airline protocols and passenger dignity.Punta Gorda Today

An Indiana couple was removed from an Allegiant flight from Punta Gorda, Florida, to Indianapolis after a flight attendant reported their baby daughter appeared feverish. The parents say the baby was just red-faced from crying, not ill, and they were not allowed to speak to a medical professional before being escorted off the plane in front of other passengers.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between airlines and passengers, especially regarding policies around young children and medical concerns. It raises questions about how airlines handle potential health issues and whether proper protocols are being followed to ensure the safety and dignity of all travelers.

The details

According to the couple, their baby daughter Ellie cried for a few minutes after they sat down, then settled down wrapped in a blanket. A flight attendant then asked for their boarding passes again, and soon after informed them that Ellie had been reported as appearing feverish, with a rash. The parents say Ellie does not have a rash and her red face was simply from crying, not illness. They claim they were not allowed to speak to a medical professional before being told they had to deplane, with the threat of police intervention if they refused.

  • The incident occurred on a flight from Punta Gorda, Florida, to Indianapolis on April 3, 2026.

The players

Sydney Tash

The mother of the infant who was removed from the Allegiant flight. She is a registered nurse.

Kyle Tash

The father of the infant who was removed from the Allegiant flight.

Ellie

The infant daughter of Sydney and Kyle Tash who was at the center of the incident.

Allegiant

The airline that removed the Tash family from the flight.

MedLink

The specialized aviation medical support system that Allegiant consulted regarding the infant's condition.

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What they’re saying

“This is our baby that got us taken off of our flight. Because they said she was feverish. Because her face was red from crying and she's pale, like her dad. Thanks, Allegiant.”

— Sydney Tash, Mother

“They kicked this young couple and their baby off because the baby was hot and in a diaper so he'd be more comfortable. This power-tripping Allegiant lady accused the baby of having a fever and kicked them off the airplane!!!”

— Jessica Brennan, Passenger

“Our crews are responsible for making real-time decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all passengers on board. If a crew member has concerns about a passenger's ability to travel, especially when an infant or potential medical issue is involved, they may pause boarding to consult our medical information service provider, MedLink.”

— Allegiant Spokesperson

“It was super embarrassing to be walked from the second to last row of a plane back to the front to get off and to be threatened that the police would come. Everyone where we were sitting was enraged that they were making us get off. I was surrounded by mothers and children in the back of the plane.”

— Sydney Tash, Mother

“Allegiant does not make medical diagnoses, and flight attendants are not medical professionals. MedLink connects flight crews directly to aviation-trained emergency medicine physicians with extensive experience managing in-flight medical events. In this instance, our crew consulted MedLink after observing symptoms that raised concern, which is standard procedure and consistent with industry practice across many airlines when a passenger health issue arises. Based on the information available, MedLink advised that it was not in the child's best interest to continue travel.”

— Allegiant Spokesperson

What’s next

The Tash family is seeking an apology and compensation from Allegiant over the incident. They say they will never fly with the airline again.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for airlines to have clear, transparent, and compassionate protocols when dealing with potential passenger health issues, especially involving young children. It also underscores the importance of airlines properly consulting with medical professionals and communicating effectively with passengers to avoid unnecessary distress and embarrassment.